Book Description:
1940. As Soviet forces storm Lithuania, Zofia and her brother Jacek must flee to survive.
A lifeline appears when Japanese Consul Sugihara offers them visas on one condition: they must deliver a parcel to Tokyo. Inside lies intelligence on Nazi atrocities, evidence so explosive that Nazi and Soviet agents will stop at nothing to possess it.
Pursued across Siberia on the Trans-Siberian Express, Zofia faces danger at every turn, racing to expose the truth as Japan edges closer to allying with the Nazis. With the fate of countless lives hanging in the balance, can she complete her mission before time runs out?
Review
Last Train to Freedom is a gripping and emotionally resonant historical novel that shines a spotlight on one of the lesser-known escape routes of WWII. Set in 1940 Lithuania, the story follows teenage Zofia and her younger brother Jacek as they flee Soviet occupation, only to find themselves caught in a dangerous web of espionage, betrayal, and survival.
When Japanese consul Chiune Sugihara offers the siblings transit visas on one condition—that they deliver a mysterious parcel to Tokyo—they are plunged into a perilous mission across Siberia aboard the Trans-Siberian Express. What they carry could change the course of history: evidence of Nazi atrocities so explosive that both Nazi and Soviet agents are determined to stop them.
Deborah Swift is masterful at weaving together fact and fiction, and her research shines through on every page. The bleak beauty of the Russian landscape, the claustrophobic tension aboard the train, and the constant threat of discovery create an atmosphere that’s both vivid and suspenseful. This is a journey that pulses with danger, heartache, and moments of humanity amid chaos.
Zofia is a compelling protagonist—brave yet vulnerable, resourceful yet reliant on the help of others. She is not a flawless heroine, which makes her all the more real. The supporting characters, especially Masha, are drawn with nuance and sensitivity, avoiding cliché and offering a rich tapestry of wartime experiences.
What elevates this novel is its historical grounding. Sugihara was a real diplomat who defied his government to save thousands of Jewish refugees, and Swift brings his heroism to light with empathy and clarity. The story doesn’t shy away from the moral complexities of the time, highlighting how survival often came at an impossible cost.
For readers who enjoy fast-paced historical fiction rooted in truth, Last Train to Freedom is an unforgettable ride—thrilling, heart-wrenching, and ultimately hopeful. It’s one of Deborah Swift’s finest works to date, and a timely reminder of courage in the darkest of times. I can highly recommend this book to readers of historical fiction.
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Link to book is mybook.to/TransSiberian
Available in eBook/paperback & audio versions.
