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 described the book as "[A] narrative of unfathomable courage." Strauss's work follows the true story of her great aunt Hélène Podliasky, who led eight other female resistance fighters as they escaped a German forced labor camp and undertook a ten-day journey across World War II front lines from Germany back to Paris.
The nine women, all under thirty when they joined the resistance, engaged in dangerous activities including smuggling arms through Europe, harboring parachuting agents, coordinating communications between regional sectors, trekking escape routes to Spain, and hiding Jewish children in scattered apartments. After arrest by French police and interrogation and torture by the Gestapo, they endured French prisons and deportation to Germany. The group formed through meetings in prison, in transit, and at Ravensbrück concentration camp, becoming a close-knit unit by the time they were enslaved at the Leipzig labor camp. During the war's final days, while on a forced death march, the nine women seized an opportunity and executed a daring escape.
Strauss's narrative, drawing on extensive research, serves as a tribute to humanity and friendship during extreme adversity. The interview with Strauss is available at Dr. Holstein's website.
Concurrently, Dr. Holstein announced that the ebook version of 'Women's Freedom: Unfinished Love Stories' will be available at no charge on September 22, 2025, at Amazon. This novel transports readers to the 1960s, following three college women during a pivotal era for women's rights. Through their experiences of awakening, identity struggles, and purpose-seeking, Holstein captures the emotional landscape that defined a generation, illustrating how desires for autonomy, love, and self-expression remain timeless despite cultural evolution.
Holstein's work connects to broader historical context, noting that from 1960 onward, women's societal roles transformed dramatically. Early 1960s norms often confined women to domestic spaces, but feminist movements of subsequent decades challenged these limitations, enabling advances in education, workforce participation, and leadership. Holstein's stories serve as reminders of both progress made and ongoing challenges in women's freedom.
As a positive psychologist, Dr. Holstein incorporates psychological concepts into various media formats to engage and inspire audiences. Her projects include bestselling books, self-esteem workbooks for girls, award-winning films, podcasts, stage plays, articles, and TED-style talks. Her recent workbook 'Secrets' achieved bestseller status in teen depression categories, while her book 'Conflict and a Bit of Magic' helps children build self-esteem through journal narratives.
Dr. Holstein's innovative projects include The Selfie Showcase, emerging from The Selfie Project, which enables young people aged 13 to 18 to create selfie videos expressing concerns about important subjects, including pandemic-related issues. This initiative addresses anxiety and stress by providing meaningful engagement opportunities. More information about The Selfie Showcase is available at the project website, where videos can be uploaded.
These literary and psychological initiatives collectively preserve vital historical narratives while addressing contemporary challenges in women's development and youth mental health, demonstrating how stories of past resilience can inform present understanding and future progress.
