Title: The Ruins in Which We Bleed
Author: Steve N. Lee
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult
Book Length: Novel
Format Read: ePub
Year Published: June 12, 2025
Date Started: May 31, 2025
Date finished: June 5, 2025
This story follows a sixteen-year-old girl named Helena as she and her family fight to survive in war-torn Poland. Helena is an intelligent and thoughtful young girl who cares deeply for her family and friends and does whatever she can to survive and stay hidden from the SS soldiers. When the war moves closer to her family’s hiding place, they had to flee. The struggle between staying in their home and moving to another hidden place was too dangerous, but it was something they had to consider. Helena was also an animal lover who took in a cat and befriended a rat. They became companions that helped her through the hardships of war.
This was a sad but lovely story about a girl who was full of love for her family and animals. I enjoyed learning that even during those difficult times, Helena still found it in her heart to care for animals. I also liked how brave Helena was. She stood up for what she believed and cared so much for her family.
Who should read this book: If you enjoy war stories with animals, this one is excellent.
From My Corner of the Universe 
Thank you for sharing my book with your readers, Leigh. I’m pleased you enjoyed Helena’s story so much, and that you appreciated that love for family was at its core. When I discovered the story, I couldn’t believe no one had ever told it properly, so thank you for helping me share her tale with the world – she deserves to be remembered!
LikeLiked by 1 person