Hi, I’m Martha Hall Kelly, author of the instant New York Times bestseller Lilac Girls, which has been published in over 50 countries. The novel is based on the true story of 72 Polish women who were imprisoned and experimented on at Ravensbruck concentration camp and how Caroline Ferriday, an American philanthropist, brought them to the U.S. for rehabilitation and the trip of a lifetime.
I believe understanding history is connected to living a better life.
My new novel, The Martha’s Vineyard Beach & Book Club, is inspired by my own family’s connection to the island. The story follows the Smith sisters—nineteen-year-old aspiring writer Cadence and sixteen-year-old war-obsessed Briar—who are faced with the impossible task of holding their failing family farm together during World War II as the U.S. Army arrives on Martha’s Vineyard. It will be released on May 27, 2025.
The Joys of Hidden History is a newsletter for readers who love books “inspired by true events.”
Subscribe for free and I’ll send you:
True stories from the real women who inspired me to write Lilac Girls
Lessons in resiliency I’ve learned from studying those who endured hard times
A colorful guide to Martha’s Vineyard, from the locals’ perspective
Fascinating gems of World War II history that I’ve uncovered during my research
Updates on The Martha’s Vineyard Beach & Book Club, including fun giveaways and tour dates
