The Red Ribbon

The Red Ribbon by Lucy Adlington is a poignant and gripping novel set against the harrowing backdrop of a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust. The story follows fourteen-year-old Ella, who is sent to the Upper Tailoring Studio, a sewing workshop within the camp, just three weeks after being detained. There, Ella meets a group of women who have been forced into labor, creating couture dresses for the wives of Nazi overseers and female SS officers. The stakes are high, as a single mistake in stitching could lead to death. Amidst this brutal environment, Ella forms a deep bond with Rose, a fellow seamstress. Together, they navigate the challenges of survival, drawing strength from their friendship and their shared hope, symbolized by a red ribbon. The novel shines a light on the resilience, courage, and enduring spirit of these women, exploring themes of survival, friendship, and the power of hope in the darkest of times.