Finding Ida- Blog Tour

 

Author: Marya Burgess 

Publisher: The Book Guild 

Publishing Date: 28th November 2025 

Many thanks to ZooLoos BT and the publishing team for my digital copy and a spot on the tour

Blurb 

1930s Warsaw. Two privileged Ida — glamorous and self-assured — and Luiza, the spirited tomboy striving to fulfil the ambitions their German-born father once held for the son he never had.

At just seventeen, Luiza's world is upended when her Polish homeland is occupied. Caught between two identities — raised speaking both German and Polish — she must now decide where her true allegiance lies. 

Meanwhile, Ida, newly married and expecting her first child, is living under Soviet occupation in the eastern part of Poland. When she vanishes, taking her baby with her, Luiza begins a search that will span decades.

In a cruel irony, the war that destroys Ida brings Luiza both adventure and love. But her life becomes driven by survivor’s guilt — a need to live not only for herself, but for the sister she lost.

My Thoughts 

This was an intense and gripping family saga that completely pulled me in and delivered several unexpected turns. From the very beginning, the story builds a rich emotional landscape, and I found myself fully invested in the characters and their journeys.

We follow two sisters, Ida and Luiza, who are both shaped by the same roots yet grow in such distinctly different directions. Ida comes across as composed, disciplined, and academically driven—someone who has spent years learning, grounding herself in study, and building confidence through knowledge. Luiza, on the other hand, is vibrant, spirited, and far more exploratory. Her world is shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to push past boundaries in her own way. Their contrasting personalities make their bond even more compelling, showing how closeness can exist even when two people walk very different paths.

The author does a remarkable job portraying both emotional attachment and emotional distance. The writing feels tangible, almost textured, making it easy to connect with what each character is carrying—whether it’s fear, longing, pride, resentment, or love. There are moments that strike deeply because of how carefully and authentically they’re written.

The book explores a wide range of themes, all woven together in a way that feels natural rather than overwhelming. Identity, belonging, forgiveness, sisterhood, survival, loss, faith, and the complexities of love all play major roles in shaping the characters’ choices and relationships. At its core, the story is also about confronting past wounds and the difficult, often painful path toward forgiveness—not just of others, but of oneself.

It’s a beautifully layered novel, rich with emotion and nuance, and one that leaves a lingering impact long after the final page. I would highly recommend this book, and I can easily imagine it being adapted for the screen—it has that immersive, atmospheric quality that would translate incredibly well.