Author Barbara Becker Holstein Interviews Gwen Strauss on WWII Resistance, Announces Free Ebook Release

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein recently interviewed New York Times bestselling author Gwen Strauss about her historical fiction novel, 'The Nine: The True Story of a Band of Women Who Survived the Worst of Nazi Germany.' The Wall Street Journal praised the book as "[A] narrative of unfathomable courage," detailing the true story of Strauss's great aunt Hélène Podliasky, who led nine female resistance fighters in escaping a German forced labor camp and journeying across WWII front lines back to Paris.

These women, all under thirty when they joined the resistance, engaged in dangerous activities including smuggling arms through Europe, harboring parachuting agents, coordinating communications, and hiding Jewish children. After arrest by French police, interrogation and torture by the Gestapo, and deportation to Germany, they formed a close-knit group that ultimately made a daring escape during a death march in the war's final days. Strauss's research-driven narrative serves as a moving tribute to the power of humanity and friendship in darkest times, with the interview available at Dr. Holstein's website.

Concurrently, Holstein announced that the ebook version of 'Women's Freedom: Unfinished Love Stories' will be available at no charge on September 22, 2025, accessible via Amazon. The novel revisits the 1960s, following three college women during a pivotal era for women's rights, capturing their awakening, identity struggles, and pursuit of purpose. Holstein's work underscores that while cultural landscapes evolve, core desires for autonomy, love, and self-expression remain timeless, mirroring collective experiences of women across decades.

This news matters as it amplifies critical historical and contemporary narratives of women's resilience and freedom. Strauss's account of WWII resistance fighters highlights often-overlooked female contributions to history, emphasizing courage and solidarity under oppression. Holstein's free ebook release makes these themes accessible, fostering reflection on progress and ongoing challenges in gender equality. For readers, it offers inspiration from past struggles and insights into persistent societal issues, while for the publishing and educational industries, it demonstrates the power of stories to drive social awareness and change.