A powerful, atmospheric World War II novel about courage, desire, and survival in a city at war — where the women left behind must find their own way to live and resist.
 
In City of Women, David R. Gillham delivers a gripping, emotionally charged portrait of life under Nazi rule — seen through the eyes of the women who stayed behind.
 
It’s 1943 in Berlin, and the once-vibrant city has become a world of women — wives, mothers, and widows left to manage while their men fight on the front. Sigrid Schröder, a seemingly ordinary housewife, lives with her difficult mother-in-law and hides a dangerous secret: she’s in love with a Jewish man in hiding. As she’s drawn into an underground network helping others escape the Gestapo, Sigrid must choose between safety and conscience in a world where doing the right thing can cost everything.
 
Set against the bleak backdrop of wartime Berlin, this stunning debut explores moral complexity, forbidden love, and the quiet acts of defiance that define true bravery. Through Sigrid’s transformation from passive observer to active resister, Gillham reveals the strength and courage found in the unlikeliest places.
 
Rich in historical detail and human truth, City of Women captures both the terror and tenderness of ordinary lives caught in extraordinary times. It’s an unforgettable story of redemption, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A fresh, female-centered perspective on WWII.
Gripping mix of historical detail, suspense, and emotion.
Blends moral complexity with powerful character development.
A story of courage and humanity amid unimaginable danger.
Perfect for fans of The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See.
 
🌟 Perfect For
Readers of historical and literary fiction.
Fans of WWII-era novels with strong female protagonists.
Book clubs exploring morality, resistance, and survival.
Anyone who enjoys character-driven stories set in dark times.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed City of Women, you might also like:
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah — two sisters’ resistance in occupied France.
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck — resilience and aftermath in postwar Germany.
The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure — moral conflict and bravery during the Nazi occupation.