Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, author of 'Women's Freedom: Unfinished Love Stories,' 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 interview is available at Dr. Holstein's website at https://www.enchantedself.com/enchanted-self-returns/. Additionally, Dr. Holstein announced that the ebook version of 'Women's Freedom: Unfinished Love Stories' will be available for free on September 22, 2025 at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Barbara-Becker-Holstein/author/B001JXEZ8U?.
'The Nine,' praised by The Wall Street Journal as "[A] narrative of unfathomable courage," follows the true story of Strauss's great aunt Hélène Podliasky, who led a band of nine female resistance fighters. These women, all under thirty, smuggled arms, harbored agents, coordinated communications, trekked escape routes, and hid Jewish children. Arrested by French police, interrogated and tortured by the Gestapo, they endured French prisons and deportation to Germany. Forming a close-knit group at Ravensbrück and a labor camp in Leipzig, they escaped during a death march in the war's final days. The narrative highlights their courage and friendship in the darkest times.
Dr. Holstein's 'Women's Freedom: Unfinished Love Stories' turns back the clock to the 1960s, introducing three young college women at a pivotal moment in women's rights history. Through their experiences of awakening, identity struggles, and pursuit of purpose, Holstein captures the emotional landscape of a generation. The novel reflects on the dramatic transformation of women's roles from 1960 to today, from domestic confinement to leadership positions, while acknowledging that the fight for autonomy is unfinished. The free ebook download offers readers a chance to engage with these timeless themes.
Dr. Holstein, an internationally known Positive Psychologist, wraps positive psychology concepts in engaging media, including award-winning books, workbooks, films, podcasts, and stage plays. Her work helps children and parents develop decision-making skills, recognize talents, and build courage. Her latest workbook, 'Secrets,' achieved bestseller status in the 'Teen & Young Adult Nonfiction on Depression' category. She also created The Selfie Showcase, allowing young people aged 13 to 18 to voice opinions on important subjects via selfie videos, available at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com.
