A powerful novel of survival, resilience and enduring love, based on an incredible true Holocaust story.
Poland, 1942: seventeen-year-old Maya Schulze is struggling to survive in a brutal Nazi labour camp. But despite days filled with hunger, fear and despair, she is able to find courage and beauty in dancing – it is only then that she feels free.
One day a camp guard watches Maya perform, and both their destinies are changed for ever. Jan falls in love with Maya and promises to protect her; Maya lives for their stolen moments together, when her heart can dance again. Jan ultimately plots Maya’s escape and promises to find her when the war is over, but fate cruelly intervenes.
Fifty years on, having received news that changes everything for her, Maya tells her story to journalist Kate Young. As their friendship grows, they piece together the clues to find Jan before it’s too late.
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
As often seems to be the case with dual-timeline novels, I found the historical timeline more interesting than the more recent timeline. Maya’s Dance was a compelling story that certainly drew me in. While it didn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life in a prison camp, it also showed the kinder moments and the people who risked so much to help the prisoners. I would definitely recommend this book – just make sure you have some tissues handy. Helen, VIC, 5 Stars
Despite the darkness of the Holocaust, Maya’s passion for dance offers moments of light and hope. Through her resilience and the bonds she forms, the novel explores themes of friendship and the human spirit in the face of adversity. Overall, it’s a powerful and poignant read that leaves a lasting impact. Stalla, VIC, 5 Stars
This book, based on a true Holocaust story, is heartbreaking. All that Maya endured in the labour camp was enough to break most people, however she somehow managed to find her strength and choose life, over and over again. The innocence of the love that Maya and Jan shared was beautiful, in a time where innocence was lost. The risks that Jan takes to protect Maya and plan her escape from Sawin are incredible, and representative of the risks that so many took during WWII to try and save Jewish friends, neighbours and even strangers from Hitler’s genocide. I found Maya’s grace and resilience amazing and her ability to find the joy in life inspirational. Lucie, the real person who Maya is based upon, must have been an incredible woman. I also loved the relationship between Maya and Kate, what began as a project, ultimately gave them both the family they craved. Maya’s Dance is a sad and beautiful story told by Helen Signy with care and grace. Thank you to Better Reading for the advance copy. Natalie, NSW, 5 Stars
Maya’s Dance offers a refreshing perspective on a somber chapter of history. While many stories about the Holocaust grip our hearts with their darkness, this novel adds a touch of light to the familiar narrative. The tale of Maya’s passion for dance draws readers deep into her emotional journey. It’s poignant to see how amidst such despair, the beauty of dance is discovered and cherished. And then there’s the unexpected love story between Maya and her saviour, Jan, a guard in the camp. His selfless devotion ultimately leads to Maya’s escape. Transitioning to Maya’s life in Australia, the narrative unfolds in dual timelines, providing insight into her experiences in what feels like two different worlds. Overall, Maya’s Dance captivates with its unique blend of history, passion, and love, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar narrative. Luisa, QLD, 5 Stars
A heart-wrenching story that easily melds between the past and present. Maya’s story of hardship and loss in a Nazi labour camp is shared with a journalist which results in a beautiful friendship. A wonderful read. Janice, WA, 5 Stars
I haven’t been deeply into a book for months. I felt the storyline around WW2 & the timeline of the book was a start to get me back into reading. It worked. I loved the story & became absorbed in the characters. The harsh reality of the Nazi labour camps, the preservation of history, the thrill of research & all the emotions of sharing ones story across generations – Helen Signy has written a great novel. I felt the whole range of emotions & the story is still lingering in my memory after I closed the book. Step into the past & may it never be repeated. Monica, SA, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved the book, the way Helen writes and describes things feels like you were living in the camp with Maya. The hope of finding love is so strong in this book that it is what gives Maya the strength to live. Mind over matter is portrayed so strongly in the book. Loved it!!! beware you might shed a tear here and there. Jen, NSW, 5 Stars
Maya’s Dance by Helen Signy is a portrayal of a holocaust victim, told in ‘parallel’ times – 1940s Poland and 1990’s Australia. Based on the true story of Lucie Pollak-Langford, Signy uses descriptive, evocative language to depict Maya as a teenager thrust into the squalor of a Polish concentration camp with her Jewish family. In 1995 journalist Kate, recently emigrated from England, is searching for ‘that’ story to launch her career, when she meets Maria Schulze-Johnson (Maya), and their literary ‘dance’ begins. There are many holocaust stories, but this one was different, and despite taking me a while to get into, I thoroughly enjoyed Signy’s characterisation. Going back and forth in time was well done, and easily navigated, clearly describing the horrors and degradation the Jews were subjected to. Whilst I was skeptical of the ease with which Maya was able to sneak away, it didn’t detract from the poignancy of growing into womanhood in such horrendous circumstances. The relationship built between Maya and Kate gave the story another dimension and left me grabbing for the tissues. A well-researched, clear insight into the indescribable cruelty humans can inflict on one another. Jann, QLD, 5 Stars
Based on true events, a story of resilience, love and the strength of Holocaust survivor Maya. Beautifully written through the ages, as journalist Kate interviews Maya, they forge an enduring friendship. I highly recommend this. Luciana, WA, 5 Stars
Maya’s Dance by Helen Signy was a really emotional read for me. A fictional novel, but inspired and based on true facts about a young teenage girl and family experiencing the horrific effects of the Holocaust. It’s a story about survival in a Polish concentration camp through hunger, loss, fear and an unexpected love. Maya and her family are living in Czechoslovakia when they are suddenly forced into a Polish labour camp. There they endure the horror, the struggles and losses from the treatment of the Nazis. One particular day, a concert is held, and Maya, a passionate ballet dancer, performs a dance which captures the eyes of a Polish guard. Maya’s life is forever changed. An enduring love, secret kisses and an escape for survival eventuates. The author captured Maya’s story so well that I couldn’t put it down. I also loved the friendship that blooms between Maya and Kate, the journalist. It’s so unexpected but really shows the meaning of friendship and kindness. By the end I was exhausted by my emotions. Highly recommend. Julie ,VIC, 5 Stars
Maya’s Dance is an intricately woven story about the power of love and its ability to stand the test of time. From Poland to Sydney and spanning over half a century, Signy takes us on a journey through Maya’s memories of her life before, during and after her time spent in a Nazi labour camp. Maya’s memories have been portrayed in a way that is brutal yet delicately woven with human compassion that connects us with the pain, suffering, resilience and love that was experienced. Signy has respectfully and honourably based her story on a true Holocaust survivor and I feel she has done herself proud. She has handled an incredibly brutal time in history in a way that not only honours the souls of those that were lost during this time but also showcases the resilience and reverence shown by those that survived. This is one of the best Holocaust survivors portrayals I have read in a while and I feel it was the dual timeline structure that allowed me to relate to Maya as a young woman as well as relate to Maya as an older woman through the eyes of Kate. Kate’s character brings another element of human kindness to the storyline. Signy has written an incredible piece of work and I feel Maya’s Dance could be converted into an amazing piece of cinematography. Mel, NSW, 5 Stars
An enjoyable read about resilience, survival and love. It pulled at my heartstrings and needed a box of tissues. Corrine, WA, 5 Stars
This is a heart-wrenching story about the Holocaust. Kate, a feature journalist, meets Maya at a Holocaust rally. She quickly develops a friendship with Maya. Through the years that follow much of Maya’s story is told. Hardships, fear, love and kindness. Whilst in the work camp Maya meets Jan, a Polish guard. He befriends her and helps her with food and to learn the Polish language so she can ultimately escape the camp and hopefully reunite with Jan once the war is over. The events of the camp shape Maya’s life and all through her life she holds on to the hope of one day being reunited with Jan. Unfortunately she starts to develop dementia but Kate’s help, and a chance meeting at the Holocaust Museum with one of the inmates in the camp, she finally learns the fate of Jan. A story that pulls at your heartstrings and makes you realise how incredibly pointless persecution and war is. Lisa, SA, 5 Stars
Totally engrossing, extremely unsettling but also very heartwarming, Helen Signy’s first fiction novel, based on the true story of holocaust survivor Lucie Pollak-Hanford is a must-read. I have read quite a few books about WW2, which I always find harrowing, showing mankind at their utmost cruelest. Whilst this also contained those elements, it also tells a story of love and humanity. Polish-born Maya is a true survivor, going from a life of privilege and beauty to being imprisoned, at 16, in a brutal Nazi labour camp. She captures the heart of a prison guard,Jan, who plots her escape, promising to seek her out once the war ends. 50 years on, Maya has an opportune meeting with journalist Kate Young. Kate decides to write Maya’s story, agreeing to investigate what became of Jan. As their relationship blossoms we not only discover the fate of Jan, but see Kates’s life also evolve. I wholeheartedly recommend this book! Sue, VIC, 5 Stars
This book doesn’t just tell Maya’s amazing story of surviving the holocaust. You will find yourself along side her, on a very harrowing journey. The depiction of conditions she endured will wrench your heart. Maya’s will to survive is astounding. Linley, WA, 5 Stars
Maya’s Dance is an incredible story of Maya’s resilience surviving the brutal Nazi labour camp in 1942 as a sixteen year old girl. Losing loved ones along the way, she chose to survive and with the help of Jan, a camp guard, she lives to tell her story. Based on a true Holocaust story this book opens one’s eyes to the horrific events that have taken place in the past. Reading this book was an incredibly emotional experience, with not only the devastation of the time but the love and friendship. I highly recommend this book as it was beautifully written and touching. Just have a box of tissues handy. Renee, QLD, 5 Stars
Maya’s Dance by Helen Signy Thanks to @betterreading for an Advance Reader Copy. Although the book is fiction, it is based on true facts, and much of the reading can be very confronting. I have read considerably about experiences in the European prisoner of war camps during World War Two. It never gets any easier, the sense of horror is real and the atrocities, tortures and murders that occurred are terrifying. Those are my feelings as a reader, so it is incomprehensible to understand how it was for those that were living through those times. Reading Maya’s Dance and learning what Maya, her family and friends endured is humbling. The story is told in such a beautiful way, and there are so many delightful parts that had my heart soaring. The author has the skill to intersperse appropriate humour here and there, and that often caused me to smile. The story itself is quite unbelievable and at the same time wonderful and filled with hope. The extraordinary strength that Maya found to keep going through shocking circumstances is palpable by the reader. Despite the often sad contents, it is a fabulous story that needs sharing and reading by many. Definite read the authors note too, it wraps things up, I just read the note again and it feels like a warm hug. Enjoy – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Toni S, QLD, 5 Stars
A story that showcased such tragedy, horror, loss and sadness and highlighted the courage of one woman who was never willing to give up. Maya’s character showed true strength and courage in the worst of conditions and the power of love really did win in the end. Jody, QLD, 5 Stars
Thanks to Better Reading Preview and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy of this book to review. Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres, particularly stories centered around World War II and the experiences of Jewish individuals. This story draws inspiration from the real-life experience of a prisoner at a work camp in Poland. Set against the backdrop of the 1940s wartime and 1990s Australia, the narrative unfolds through alternating perspectives. It follows the journey of a young Jewish girl navigating life in a work camp, where she captures the attention of a compassionate Polish guard. Alongside this, we learn the story of Kate and the impact that Maya has on her life. At its core, this is a tale of love and resilience amidst profound loss. It encapsulates the unwavering determination to persevere despite the harshest of circumstances. While I found the story immensely engaging, I couldn’t shake a sense of disappointment upon learning Jan’s ultimate fate. Additionally, I noted a disparity between the cover’s portrayal of Maya dancing and the story’s focus. While dancing may serve as a metaphor for Maya’s steadfast spirit amidst turmoil, it doesn’t seem to be central to the plot as suggested by the cover blurb and image. Michael, NSW, 5 Stars
Maya’s dance by Helen Signy is a fictitious story based on the true experiences of a woman who survived a Nazi concentration camp. Signy creates an engaging story of a young journalist, Kate, who is struggling with loneliness and grief after a relationship break up, when she takes on a project to interview elderly Maya and write about her daring survival story, helped by the courageous camp engineer who fell in love with her. The book recounts Maya’s past life and Kate’s present-day challenges, as the two women become close friends. Whilst there are harrowing incidents (as would be expected) that I found upsetting to read, there is still positivity and hope in the story. The engineer’s struggles to be courageous and humane are heartening, as is Maya’s resilience and her support from friends and family in the camp. I also enjoyed the romance of the love story, the mystery of what eventually became of the camp engineer and the suspense of perilous incidents. I found Maya and Kate to be admirable and authentic characters and I felt concern for their difficulties. Maya’s dance is a thoroughly interesting and engaging read. Barbara, NSW, 5 Stars
A remarkable story about Maya Schulze who was a very young Jewish girl. Maya, her mother and stepfather along with many other people were taken from their homes and transported to a labour camp during the war. The people were made to dig trenches. They were barely fed and worked everyday even in the cold and wet weather. One day a concert was arranged at the camp and Maya was selected to dance. After the concert, she met one of the camp guards, Jan. He introduced himself to Maya. They had an instant connection. Jan arranged to meet Maya whenever she could escape from working in the trenches. He managed to smuggle extra rations. As the war continued, the inmates were getting weaker and weaker. Those who were unable to work no longer where taken away. Jan falls in love with Maya and promises to protect and help her escape. He promises to find her when the war is over. Fifty years later, Maya tells her story to a journalist. Kate becomes a friend to Maya. Together they try to piece the clues together to find Jan. A powerful story of survival, resilience and love. Denise, VIC, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this book.The detailed writing enabled me to feel that I was a part of it through all of the happy and sad times. I did love how it was written between the past and present times and the characters interactions were very well detailed, really easy to follow. As a nurse working in aged care I looked after a polish lady who had lived through the war and as she got older was diagnosed with dementia. She would often call out for her sister and they were separated throughout the war and she had not seen her since – very sad. I really loved the amount of detail that was provided throughout the novel and found it very difficult to put the book down. Well done on a great read. Tammy, VIC, 5 Stars
What an amazing book. It was challenging, poignant but also uplifting. It dealt with man’s inhumanity to man but also showed the power of the human spirit. I don’t know how Maya dealt with all that she had to when in captivity in Poland and still came out the other side of it with such a beautiful nature and such a will for life. I loved the way the author showed Kate (the journalist writing Maya’s story) as someone ready to give up on life at the beginning but was transformed by her relationship with Maya. This book should be on the year 12 English reading list! In reading this book I was challenged, uplifted, was very angry and also shed a few tears. Thankyou to the author for a beautifully written story. The memory of “Maya’s Dance” will stay with me for a long time. Rhonda, VIC 5, Stars
What an incredible story about a teenage girl and her story of hardship and struggle at the hands of the brutal and cruel Nazis. Based on a true story, it is told wonderfully through the eyes of Maya and a journalist who has her own story to tell. Reliving Maya’s everyday existence it is impossible not to feel the courage, heartbreak, resilience and abject hardship and horror of her experiences. A story that demonstrates that true love really does conquer all. Justine, NSW, 5 Stars
This is such an unforgettable read from the first page,so heartfelt and mesmerising to page turn. Maya’s journey from teen to adult is so enduring from hunger, pain, love and loss you can’t help but feel when you navigate this read. From dark times and the in between mays strength and courage will stay with me, a great engaging momentous read. Julie, NSW, 5 Stars
Maya’s Dance Helen Signy. Thank you to #betterreading and @Simon and Schuster for this Arc copy. This is a beautiful tender touching story of Maya and Kates’s friendship. Kate a journalist who meets Maya when she is searching for a story to write for her newspaper. Maya is an elderly lady living in Sydney. Maya was a Holocaust survivor. This a fiction novel but author was inspired by the story of a real Holocaust survivor. Maya had a good life in Prague until the war came when she was only 15. She and her family being Jews were taken to Poland and put in a camp at Sawin. They were put to work digging drains and as you can imagine life was cruel and hard. The author has treated this sorry by relating Kates’s story, Maya’s story and Jan who was a Polish solider in the camp watching over the prisoners . He and Maya connected and he did all he could to help her survive. Later on he helped her escape. I found this book written with such empathy and beauty if one could get that from the situation Maya was in. It is thoughtful, challenging, and a must-read book . It just seems kinder and gentler as Maya and Kates’s stories emerge from what we know was a very cruel and horrid time. I really enjoyed Maya’s Dance and recommend it highly. Lyndsay, QLD, 5 Stars
A story about maya experience growing up in the Holocaust It made me feel angry and sad and cry on how humans can be so cruel an inspirational book about choosing to live regardless the hardship great book. Helen, NSW, 5 Stars
One of the most touching and emotional stories I have ever read. I am not drawn to tears reading a book, but Maya’s Dance, based on a true story captures something of what life for Jews in a concentration camp during WW2 was like. Told through the eyes of Kate, a journalist and Maya who she interviews, it is a book that stirs anger, compassion and a dislike for Hitler and the Nazi regime. War is horrible and this book reinforces that attitude. This book should be made into a film. It is so good. Cheryl, VIC, 5 Stars
Maya Schulze is 16 (1943) when her life changes forever. Her family lose their home and business and are sent to Sawin, a German labour camp. She stays with her mother, but us separated from her step father and grandmother. They are sent to work for 12 hours a day, digging trenches. Rations are sparse and they battle sarvation as well as the gruelling work. Maya had always studied dance and as a way to escape the reality of the camp keeps dancing. A Polish guard, Jan Novak notices Maya and her dancing and they develop feelings for each other that continue to strengthen as time goes on. He also realises no one ever leaves the camp alive so helps her to escape. In 1995 Maya attends a holocaust survivors meeting. Here she meets Kate Young who she enlists to help her find Jan before it’s too late. Fiona, NSW, 4 Stars
Maya’s Dance is a book by Helen Signy that tells the story of Maya, a young Polish girl who is living in a labour camp during the Holocaust. Maya dreams of becoming a professional dancer and faces various challenges along the way. The book explores themes of determination, perseverance, and the importance of following one’s passion. It also highlights the support Maya receives from her family and friends. With beautiful illustrations and a relatable protagonist, Maya’s Dance is a heartwarming tale and I really enjoyed the dual storytelling. Laura, WA, 4 Stars
This is a holocaust story based on true people and events. As fiction it is told from a more modern point of view in the 1990s as a journalist named Kate discovers how now elderly Maya survived. She listens as Maya recalls at age 17 in the 1940s being sent to a brutal camp. Although very sad in parts the book was also inspiring as Maya refused to give up. Her love of dance helped to bring some happiness and hope to herself and others. The book described the worst of people and the kindness of others who risk their lives to help. One being a guard named Jan who Maya and Kate set out to find. Even though I had tears in my eyes reading Maya’s Dance it is an interesting and inspiring story that I would highly recommend. Rachel, VIC, 4 Stars
Sent to Jewish forced labour camp in Sawin, Poland, teenager Maya Schulze was confronted by harsh conditions, starvation, fear, and death. While dancing in a camp concert, she caught the eye of a member of the Polish Guard. Jan Novak was studying to be an engineer before the war and had been assigned to the camp to help oversee the construction of drainage channels which would render swampy land usable for farming. Maya and Jan forge an illicit relationship, stealing moments together. However, they know that, along with all the other prisoners, Maya’s days are numbered, so Jan devises a plan for her to escape the camp, promising to find her when the war is over. This well-researched and engaging fictional story, based on the life of Lucie Pollak-Langford, has easy-to-follow dual timelines: Europe during the years of WWII, and Sydney in 1995 as Maya recalls her wartime experiences to journalist Kate Young. This structure helps the reader connect with Maya, both as a teenager, becoming a young woman, and as an older woman, whose experiences have shaped her outlook on life, and whose memories are threatened by the onset of dementia. I have read some very heavy, explicit accounts of the concentration camps. This book is not one of those. Helen Signy has struck a balance between fact and fiction, truth and readability that makes this narrative accessible to ages 13+. Kylie, VIC, 4 Stars
A work of fiction inspired by a true story. In 1995 in Sydney at a 50th aniversary memorial for the Holocaust, Kate, a journalist, meets 70 year old Maya, a Holocaust survivor. Maya agrees to tell Kate her story. She begins the story in 1932 as a 7 year old dancing in the family living room in Prague. During many visits over the following weeks Maya relates the details of her family’s deportation to Sobibor Camp in Poland and the horrendous conditions they had to endure there. Maya’s only spark of hope was Jan, a Polish guard who was sympathetic to the Jews and a secret anti-Nazi. Despite the harsh camp life Maya and Jan managed to steal time alone and eventually Jan was able to move Maya to a safe house in a nearby town, obtain false papers for her and arrange for her to leave Poland. Unfortunately, their plans to meet up later in Germany didn’t eventuate and Maya migrated to Australia. Now, nearing the end of her life, Maya wants to find Jan. With Kate’s help they follow many leads and despite reaching lots of dead ends, they finally learn Jan’s fate. Elva, QLD, 4 Stars
What a beautiful, poignant novel. When I began this novel, I was really interested by the premise and focus on the journalist looking into Maya’s life. Setting this novel in Sydney in the 1990’s sets up a historical novel with a 1990s modern day twist, that gives it a new voice. The journalism aspect was a wonderful storyline – as a standalone and complementary to Maya. This also enrichened the story and without it, the book would’ve been beautiful, but would not have had the richness that makes it such an elegant read. Throughout the book (both timelines) Signy creates a sense of dread while evoking a sense of enjoyment for where the characters are heading across both timelines. This is a testament to their storytelling. This book made me cry – mainly sad tears, but also happy tears. When you read this book you will feel it and it will stay with you. If you don’t feel anything reading this book, you have missed out on a wonderful (but emotional) experience. This is a book about trauma that is well-considered and written beautifully and delicately. This is a must-read – particularly if you read and enjoyed The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Kathleen, ACT, 4 Stars
Maya Schulze is Jewish, living a good life with her mother, stepfather and grandmother in Brno, Czechoslovakia. When she is 13 years old (1943) her parent’s business and grandmother’s apartment is taken over by the Germans and they are sent to a work camp in Swain, Poland to dig drains in muddy ditches. Overseen by Polish soldiers, Maya and her family live in constant despair and fear. Due to only receiving two small meals a day she is always hungry and personal hygiene is minimal. When the prisoners are allowed to put on a performance to keep morale high Maya dances, this is when she feels beauty, courage and free. Jan Novak, one of the Polish guards, is mesmerised by Maya’s dance and soon he develops feelings for her. With stolen moments Jan’s feelings strengthen and he decides to do all he can to keep Maya safe. When Jan realises that the camp is designed so that no one survives he puts plans in place for Maya’s escape. Fast forward to 1995 Kate Young, is a young journalist, and as part of an assignment, she attends a Holocaust survivor’s meeting where she meets elderly Maya. A beautiful friendship develops and Maya enlists Kate’s help to find Jan before her dementia makes it too late. This is one of the most well-written, engaging and in-depth researched Holocaust stories I have read. I loved that the story is fiction that is based on the life of Lucy Pollack-Langford, who was in a labour camp during the holocaust. The two timelines that Helen Signy uses works well and makes the story very easy to follow. Through Maya’s story Helen has opened my eyes to the brutal hard lives that the Jewish people had to endure in these camps but at the same time shows how strength and resilience can make you survive the unimaginable. This is a story of war, love, hardship, survival, friendship and resilience. Do not write it off as just another book based on World War 2 as it is a uniquely beautiful story that I throughly enjoyed reading. Ally, TAS, 4 Stars
I actually really enjoyed this novel in the end, given that I didn’t enjoy the introduction at all. The writing of Kate in the beginning felt like it was written by a completely different author and felt quite unsophisticated. If I wasn’t tasked with giving a review, I wouldn’t have continued on. The writing of Maya, however, blessedly stands in contrast. A very emotive novel, to be expected given the topic, but dealt with in a way that wasn’t brutally descriptive despite the reality of the circumstances of the time. Many tears shed in the end. Eva, WA, 4 Stars
“Do not have regrets. Nothing is ever completely bad, there are always positives and new possibilities.” Maya’s Dance is an extremely powerful story that follows the incredible escape of Maya Schulze from a Nazi labour camp in Poland during WWII. The book was inspired by the real-life experience of Lucie Pollack-Langford. The story alternates between two timelines with Maya meeting journalist, Kate Young, at a Holocaust memorial service in 1995 Sydney. Through a series of interviews, Kate learns more about Maya’s experience in wartime Europe, and attempts to help Maya locate the Polish guard who assisted her to escape the labour camp. Over the course of the story, Kate and Maya’s relationship develops into a strong friendship, highlighting how you never know who will come you’re your life or what impact they will have on your own. I found hope to be a strong theme throughout the book and I really enjoyed the characters and pace of the book. I would highly recommend as I think it is an important story that needed to be told. Kaylie, NSW, 4 Stars
This in not normally the type of story I’d enjoy, but Maya’s Dance is a gripping tale of survival. Set in Poland during WW2, and 50 years on in Australia, where the older Maya remembers her story. In 1942 17 year old Maya Schulze has been taken with her mum to a brutal Nazi labour camp. Through dance she finds courage and freedom. One day Maya performs in a little concert organised by other prisoners, and is watched by a young Polish prison guard. He falls in love with Maya and promises to protect her. Fate intervenes. Older Maya tells her story to journalist Kate, and they piece together the clues of what happened to Jan. Or do they? Nell, NSW, 4 Stars
A beautiful story about a courageous young woman who survives all that is thrown at her during the turbulent time of World War 2. The development of the modern day journalist who hears Maya’s story is a beautiful journey as well. How often we choose to shut ourselves off to possibility due to fear when really what could we lose by trying new things! Fran, NSW, 4 Stars
Captivating read. I enjoy reading WW2 fiction & a lot are of course based on true stories. Harrowing at times, this this was a bit more gentle in covering atrocities, not quite so graphic as some. A lot of people can’t manage to read the brutal stories but this is a good one for those with interest & not to many details. It took a little to get into but then I was hooked. Mandy, TAS, 4 Stars
Sydney, 1995. Kate Young, a journalist, covers a Holocaust memorial service. She meets Maya Schulze, a Jewish survivor. And, in their conversations, Kate learns about Maya’s survival in Sawin, a Nazi labour camp. Maya was the only member of her family to survive: her mother, grandmother, and stepfather all died. Kate and Maya become friends and Maya enlists Kate’s help to find Jan Nowak. Jan was a member of the Polish guard at Sawin. The pair fall in love, and Jan tries to protect Maya. He helped Maya escape, and promised to find her when the war was over. Ms Signy’s blend of fact and fiction has resulted in a powerful novel or love, resilience, and survival. Maya had learned to dance before the war, and while a labour camp seems an unlikely place for dance, opportunities to perform provided an occasional escape from the brutal reality of life at Sawin. The story shifts between past and present, between Kat and Maya. Kate, dealing with some issues of her own, resolves to find out what happened to Jan. Maya, increasingly struggling with dementia as she grows older, seeks some answers from the past. A bittersweet story, with a satisfying ending. Jennifer, ACT, 4 Stars
In this story, journalist Kate discovers a deeply moving story of Maya (based on lived experience of Lucie Pollak-Langford) who survived a Polish labour camp in WWII with the help of Polish engineer Jan, and his family. Maya’s Dance is a beautiful, sympathetic story that is told by weaving together a true experience with a contemporary finding-oneself story. It brings home the point that we are all human, and all deserve to be treated that way. From a modern perspective we might ask ourselves how could these villagers allow labour and death camps on their very doorsteps – but the reality, told by Jan’s experience, is that the regime did not tolerate resistance and the punishment was always death and loss. Maya’s Dance reminds us that fear, rationing, and control of information were all contributors to the horror, just as much as individual acts of brutality. But, we are looking at this from a modern perspective and the story leaves me feeling that we could all do more to deeply connect with the older generations around us. What other stories would we uncover if we take the time to listen to our neighbours and to pay attention to their lives? Diane, NSW, 4 Stars
This story grabbed my heart and squeezed so tightly, spinning back and forth through time, unveiling hope and love on every page. It’s not the saddest Holocaust account, as it admits there would be so many worse, but it’s the saddest love story and you can’t help but feel it’s heartbreak. Kylie, NSW, 4 Stars
I was somewhat concerned that the story of a romance in a Nazi labour camp during WW2 might seem like a trivialising of the Holocaust. The cover picture on the novel did not ease my concerns. However this true story adapted to novel form is a tribute to the human spirit. It does not resile from reminding us of the cruel suffering of the Jewish people during this period. The key character, Maya, survives her ordeal both through the strength of character and the bravery of those prepared to be loving and kind in the face of evil. The story continues some 50 years later in Sydney when a young journalist, Kate, writing a story on Holocaust survivors, interviews Maya. The lives of the two women become entwined to the benefit of both. A well-researched, engaging, and moving story. Susan, VIC. 4 Stars
Maya’s Dance, inspired by the true account of Lucie Pollack-Langford, is a heart-wrenching story of love, loss, courage, and survival in wartime Poland. The story continues in the mid to late 90s Sydney, where Maya’s story is recounted and a search for the past begins. Amanda, VIC, 3 Stars
Enjoyable, easy-to-read story. Mandy, VIC, 3 Stars
Helen Signy has written a moving and thought-provoking account of love in the face of evil. It’s a war tale with a unique perspective, and I found it difficult at first to reconcile the feelings and actions of the protagonist with the setting of the story. But, once I reminded myself that it is based on real events, I found it easier to navigate. The story is one of trauma, hope and courage, and explores the significance of how we can change the course of one another’s lives in both the very worst and very best ways. Hannah, SA. 2 Stars
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