In The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy, set during World War II, two Jewish children are abandoned in a Polish forest by their fleeing parents to save them from the Nazis. Renamed Hansel and Gretel, they find shelter with an elderly woman named Magda, who cares for them amid the Nazi occupation. As they navigate survival, they encounter both atrocities and acts of kindness, ultimately finding their father as the war ends. This narrative includes trauma, including violence and sexual assault.

The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy transforms the classic fairy tale into a poignant WWII narrative. Critics praise its rich storytelling and emotional depth, though some find the depictions of violence distressing. Balancing historical horror with moments of hope, the novel captivates but may challenge sensitive readers.

Readers who enjoy reimagined fairy tales set against historical backdrops, particularly with strong themes of survival and resilience, would appreciate The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy. Fans of works like Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief and Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See would find it compelling.

Dark / Mysterious / Suspenseful / Melancholic / Bittersweet

**Gretel Cegielski**  
A smart and serious 11-year-old girl living in hiding, who often makes decisions for her and her younger brother, Hansel. She enjoys the natural world despite the harsh circumstances they face.  

**Hansel Cegielski**  
Gretel’s 7-year-old brother, characterized by his impulsive nature and playful demeanor. He uses an assumed identity and makes efforts to conceal his Judaism while growing into a role that requires more responsibility.  

**Magda, "The Witch"**  
An elderly woman living alone in the forest, suspected of witchcraft due to her gypsy ancestry. She is a warm, generous figure who becomes a nurturing presence for Hansel and Gretel.  

**The Mechanik**  
An educated Jewish engineer who is practical and skilled, often using his mechanical abilities to navigate and survive various oppressive situations. He represents a secular intellectual approach within the narrative, providing insight into resistance activities.  

**The Stepmother**  
A resilient and self-disciplined woman with a strong nature, who acts pragmatically out of love for Hansel and Gretel. She is forced to make difficult decisions, motivated by the desire to safeguard her family.  

**Nelka**  
Magda’s great-niece, known for her sunny disposition and positivity, which uplift those around her. Despite personal losses, she strives to maintain hope and support her family.  

**Telek**  
An outdoorsman connected to the partisan resistance, who is intrinsically linked to nature. He is characterized by his gentle spirit yet is driven to take drastic actions for the safety of village children during the war.  

**Major Frankel**  
A career soldier stationed in the village, whose dissatisfaction with his post leads him to drink and perform begrudging subversive acts against more radical Nazi officials.  

**The Oberführer**  
An SS officer and the novel’s main antagonist, who arrives in Piaski to implement cruel policies. His obsession with racial purity is a primary driver of his oppressive actions.

Louise Murphy

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Chapters 1-5

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Chapters 6-10

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Chapters 11-15

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Chapters 16-20

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Chapters 21-25

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Chapters 26-30

The True Story of Hansel and Gretel Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-35

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