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 high-risk activities such as 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, ultimately making a daring escape during a death march. Strauss's research-driven narrative serves as a moving tribute to the power of humanity and friendship in dark times, with the interview available at https://www.enchantedself.com/enchanted-self-returns/.

Holstein also announced that the ebook version of 'Women's Freedom: Unfinished Love Stories' will be available at no charge on September 22, 2025, at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Barbara-Becker-Holstein/author/B001JXEZ8U?. This work reflects on the dramatic transformation of women's roles from the 1960s to the present, capturing the emotional and psychological struggles of three college women during a pivotal era for women's rights. Their stories reveal timeless desires for autonomy, love, and self-expression, resonating with collective experiences across decades.

Holstein's approach integrates Positive Psychology into engaging media, aiming to inspire and empower. Her broader mission includes addressing modern challenges through initiatives like The Selfie Showcase, which allows young people to voice concerns via selfie videos, with more information at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com. This emphasis on historical and contemporary narratives underscores the ongoing fight for gender equality and the importance of preserving and sharing women's stories to inspire future generations.