The Nine by Gwen Strauss is an intriguing, at times heart wrenching historical fiction story of nine courageous strong women who escaped from a German labor camp. The author is to be commended for her meticulous crafting of these nine women who fought and put their lives on the line to escape the horrors of a Nazi labor camp. I am a lover of historical fiction and this novel is outstanding. As I read the First Impression, tears came to my eyes as I was in awe of the courage, strength and determination of these women.