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The Girl from Berlin
They sat together on the roof, watching Berlin burn, as traces of smoke and cloud floated through the air. “I just want to be free,” Rosa said quietly, “Even if only for a few minutes. It might be the last chance I have.”
Berlin, 1936: From her beautiful new home a young woman named Liesel Scholz barely notices the changes to the city around her. Her life is one of privilege and safety thanks to her father’s job working for the new government.
But soon a chance encounter with Rosa, the daughter of their Jewish housekeeper, leaves Liesel in no doubt that something isn’t right. That this government’s rules are not fair and that others aren’t as safe as she is. When Rosa begs Liesel to help—pressing her grandfather’s gold pocket watch into Liesel’s hand—Liesel recklessly agrees.
She will help hide Rosa and her family—in the dusty, unused rooms at the top of their house—even if it means putting everyone she loves in danger. Even if it means risking her own life.
Frankfurt, 1946: An idealistic American captain, Sam Houghton, arrives in Germany to interrogate prominent Nazis on trial and to help rebuild a battered country. He hires an enigmatic and damaged woman named Anna as his interpreter. But, as sparks fly between them, the question of what happened to Anna in the war raises its head.
Because Anna has secrets—ones that link her to the Nazi party, the darkest days in Europe’s history, and the story of one gold pocket watch and two young women who became friends even when they were told it was impossible…
A compelling and haunting story about courage, love and betrayal set in war-torn Berlin. Fans of The Alice Network, All the Light We Cannot See and The Nightingale will be not be able to put this down.
Berlin, 1936: From her beautiful new home a young woman named Liesel Scholz barely notices the changes to the city around her. Her life is one of privilege and safety thanks to her father’s job working for the new government.
But soon a chance encounter with Rosa, the daughter of their Jewish housekeeper, leaves Liesel in no doubt that something isn’t right. That this government’s rules are not fair and that others aren’t as safe as she is. When Rosa begs Liesel to help—pressing her grandfather’s gold pocket watch into Liesel’s hand—Liesel recklessly agrees.
She will help hide Rosa and her family—in the dusty, unused rooms at the top of their house—even if it means putting everyone she loves in danger. Even if it means risking her own life.
Frankfurt, 1946: An idealistic American captain, Sam Houghton, arrives in Germany to interrogate prominent Nazis on trial and to help rebuild a battered country. He hires an enigmatic and damaged woman named Anna as his interpreter. But, as sparks fly between them, the question of what happened to Anna in the war raises its head.
Because Anna has secrets—ones that link her to the Nazi party, the darkest days in Europe’s history, and the story of one gold pocket watch and two young women who became friends even when they were told it was impossible…
A compelling and haunting story about courage, love and betrayal set in war-torn Berlin. Fans of The Alice Network, All the Light We Cannot See and The Nightingale will be not be able to put this down.
447 pages, ebook
First published February 25, 2021
About the author
Kate Hewitt
752 books1,455 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
February 22, 2021
Liesel Scholz, her younger brother Freidrik and parents Ilsa and Otto lived a relatively sheltered life in 1936 Berlin, while the rumblings of discontent stirred outside, and Hitler demanded more and more from his people. Ilsa would go to cocktail parties with Otto as he worked his way up in the regime. When Liesel began to accompany her father instead of Ilsa, she hated it. The schmoozing with Goring, the kowtowing to Hitler – but she knew not to create problems; her father told her often enough. And as she watched her beloved Vati change, she despaired for their future.
1946 in Frankfurt – 6 months after the end of the war – Captain Sam Houghton arrived with the rest of the American army as they set about finding Nazis and taking them to trial in Nuremburg for crimes of war. Sam hired a young German woman to interpret for him; to decipher the papers they’d obtained. Her name was Anna Vogel and she was a quiet, calm and slightly aloof woman who intrigued Sam. A hard worker, he didn’t have any complaints – but he knew something wasn’t quite right with her. She had secrets, but would he ever learn what they were?
As Liesel, Ilsa and Friedy hid Jews in their attic while Otto was away, they knew the dangers they faced. But needing to help meant that was secondary, even as they feared what could happen. When their old housekeeper, Gerda and her daughter Rosa arrived for protection, they were also hidden in the attic. The Jews were being rounded up, taken away to be resettled – but Gerda and Rosa were in fear for their lives…
The Girl From Berlin is another excellent historical novel from the pen of Kate Hewitt. Detailed, well researched, heart breaking – it’s WWII from the perspective of a young German girl living in Berlin, who hated Hitler and everything he stood for and whose love for her father would struggle to remain over the war years. A wonderful novel which I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
1946 in Frankfurt – 6 months after the end of the war – Captain Sam Houghton arrived with the rest of the American army as they set about finding Nazis and taking them to trial in Nuremburg for crimes of war. Sam hired a young German woman to interpret for him; to decipher the papers they’d obtained. Her name was Anna Vogel and she was a quiet, calm and slightly aloof woman who intrigued Sam. A hard worker, he didn’t have any complaints – but he knew something wasn’t quite right with her. She had secrets, but would he ever learn what they were?
As Liesel, Ilsa and Friedy hid Jews in their attic while Otto was away, they knew the dangers they faced. But needing to help meant that was secondary, even as they feared what could happen. When their old housekeeper, Gerda and her daughter Rosa arrived for protection, they were also hidden in the attic. The Jews were being rounded up, taken away to be resettled – but Gerda and Rosa were in fear for their lives…
The Girl From Berlin is another excellent historical novel from the pen of Kate Hewitt. Detailed, well researched, heart breaking – it’s WWII from the perspective of a young German girl living in Berlin, who hated Hitler and everything he stood for and whose love for her father would struggle to remain over the war years. A wonderful novel which I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2021
3.5 stars
Not the most engrossing WWII book I’ve ever read but still an interesting story.
The Girl From Berlin tells the story of Liesel, who is the daughter of a German scientist that helps discover Buna rubber and the pesticide Zyklon B, both of which are used for the German side in the Second World War. The story is told mainly from Liesel’s point of view, but it includes how the other members of her family felt about the war from right before it started to just as it ended. You could see each of their views shift as time went on and they were presented with different situations.
The novel had a slow but steady start. The author spent time setting the scene and helping the reader understand how the family’s opinion changed. The story also had a dual timeline that became gradually linked together. The second timeline was told from Sam’s perspective. He is an American analyst who was sent to Germany right after the war to locate war criminals, specifically scientists, that could be useful against the Soviets. Sam meets Anna, his German secretary, and starts to develop feelings for. He is suspicious about her past and longs to find out what she is hiding.
This novel showcased the gray area on which side you were on as a German in WWII. Liesel’s father started off just wanting to provide for his family and advance his career, but then his ego took over and he became more greedy regardless of the cost to others. Liesel can see his goals and loyalty changing. She is conflicted with what she knows to be right and loving her father. The father-daughter conflict was a central piece of the story, and at times the plot seemed dominated by it. Liesel and her mother realize that they must stand up against evil and do anything they can to help others, even if it is just small acts of defiance.
Another aspect of the book was Liesel and Rosa’s relationship. Rosa is the daughter of Gerda who is the maid at Liesel’s house. Rosa is a Jewish child who is terrified for her and her family’s safety and future. The book briefly described what it must have been like to be Jewish during this time, with the cruelty, injustice, and inhumanity they experienced.
Overall, the book delved into the complexities of being German during the war, from not agreeing with the leadership but also wanting to stay safe and protect your family. The novel offered many different perspectives on the war. I thought that the story was told in a unique way, even though it was slower paced. The characters were developed nicely throughout, and you got a sense of the intricate relationships between them. The Girl From Berlin isn’t my absolute favorite WWII novel, but I still think that it is worth reading if you are interested in this time period.
Not the most engrossing WWII book I’ve ever read but still an interesting story.
The Girl From Berlin tells the story of Liesel, who is the daughter of a German scientist that helps discover Buna rubber and the pesticide Zyklon B, both of which are used for the German side in the Second World War. The story is told mainly from Liesel’s point of view, but it includes how the other members of her family felt about the war from right before it started to just as it ended. You could see each of their views shift as time went on and they were presented with different situations.
The novel had a slow but steady start. The author spent time setting the scene and helping the reader understand how the family’s opinion changed. The story also had a dual timeline that became gradually linked together. The second timeline was told from Sam’s perspective. He is an American analyst who was sent to Germany right after the war to locate war criminals, specifically scientists, that could be useful against the Soviets. Sam meets Anna, his German secretary, and starts to develop feelings for. He is suspicious about her past and longs to find out what she is hiding.
This novel showcased the gray area on which side you were on as a German in WWII. Liesel’s father started off just wanting to provide for his family and advance his career, but then his ego took over and he became more greedy regardless of the cost to others. Liesel can see his goals and loyalty changing. She is conflicted with what she knows to be right and loving her father. The father-daughter conflict was a central piece of the story, and at times the plot seemed dominated by it. Liesel and her mother realize that they must stand up against evil and do anything they can to help others, even if it is just small acts of defiance.
Another aspect of the book was Liesel and Rosa’s relationship. Rosa is the daughter of Gerda who is the maid at Liesel’s house. Rosa is a Jewish child who is terrified for her and her family’s safety and future. The book briefly described what it must have been like to be Jewish during this time, with the cruelty, injustice, and inhumanity they experienced.
Overall, the book delved into the complexities of being German during the war, from not agreeing with the leadership but also wanting to stay safe and protect your family. The novel offered many different perspectives on the war. I thought that the story was told in a unique way, even though it was slower paced. The characters were developed nicely throughout, and you got a sense of the intricate relationships between them. The Girl From Berlin isn’t my absolute favorite WWII novel, but I still think that it is worth reading if you are interested in this time period.
February 7, 2021
4.5 stars
Liesel Scholz, a young German girl living in Berlin with her family, is unaccustomed to want and need. Her father is well connected in the soon to be Nazi government and Liesel is about to realize that her simple aversion to the Nazis is about to become one of hatred and contempt. The family is well to do and has a housekeeper and her daughter Rosa, who Liesel tries to befriend. However, Rosa seems standoffish and as Liesel learns more about these two people, she finds out they are Jewish. As the winds of war spread, Liesel witnesses the might of the German military, the hobnobbing with the elite of the Nazi Party, and the treatment of the Jews. She recognizes the Party for what it is and feels for Rosa as her father eventually terminates the employment of his Jewish staff.
Meanwhile in the streets of Berlin, Liesel witnesses the inhuman treatment of the Jews from the beatings, the rounding up of the Jews, and the eventual sights of Auschwitz. She is appalled and learns too, that her mother is repelled by the Nazis. Both realize that they can help especially when poor Rosa comes to them for help. Secretly, they decide to hide Jewish people in their home as it becomes a transport on the secret journey these people take to escape the relocation and camps. Her father, becomes more entrenched in the goings on of the Party, and it is Liesel and her mother who play a very dangerous and life-threatening game. Eventually, Liesel's crippled brother becomes involved as he too, formerly a fervent child follower of the Party, looks upon the Party with disgust and revulsion. For a time, this ploy works, but their father let into their doings alerts the SS when Liesel hides Rosa and her mother. At this point Liesel has nothing but hostility for a father she once adored as the two Hews are led away.
When the war comes to its conclusion a young American captain Sam Houghton, is set to interrogate well placed Nazis especially those involved as chemists. He hires a very quiet secretive German girl to help him with the job he has been assigned and he finds himself attracted to her. He feels there is something about the enigmatic Anna, and as he comes to know her, the attraction turns stronger. But there are secrets that Anna hides and as the story continues to its fine conclusion, Sam learns of the way in which the war has treated and left Anna.
This story was a skillful look into how some German citizens viewed the war. It is a story that focuses on the brutality of the Nazis while also highlighting the courage and strength of those who never fell under the spell the Nazis seemed to weave for so many German citizens. This was an enjoyable story, though the characters were totally fictitious, the events portrayed have been documented by history. This was a time that will unequivocally live-in infamy.
Thank you to Kate Hewitt, Bookouture, and NetGalley for a copy of this intriguing story due to be published February 25, 2021.
Liesel Scholz, a young German girl living in Berlin with her family, is unaccustomed to want and need. Her father is well connected in the soon to be Nazi government and Liesel is about to realize that her simple aversion to the Nazis is about to become one of hatred and contempt. The family is well to do and has a housekeeper and her daughter Rosa, who Liesel tries to befriend. However, Rosa seems standoffish and as Liesel learns more about these two people, she finds out they are Jewish. As the winds of war spread, Liesel witnesses the might of the German military, the hobnobbing with the elite of the Nazi Party, and the treatment of the Jews. She recognizes the Party for what it is and feels for Rosa as her father eventually terminates the employment of his Jewish staff.
Meanwhile in the streets of Berlin, Liesel witnesses the inhuman treatment of the Jews from the beatings, the rounding up of the Jews, and the eventual sights of Auschwitz. She is appalled and learns too, that her mother is repelled by the Nazis. Both realize that they can help especially when poor Rosa comes to them for help. Secretly, they decide to hide Jewish people in their home as it becomes a transport on the secret journey these people take to escape the relocation and camps. Her father, becomes more entrenched in the goings on of the Party, and it is Liesel and her mother who play a very dangerous and life-threatening game. Eventually, Liesel's crippled brother becomes involved as he too, formerly a fervent child follower of the Party, looks upon the Party with disgust and revulsion. For a time, this ploy works, but their father let into their doings alerts the SS when Liesel hides Rosa and her mother. At this point Liesel has nothing but hostility for a father she once adored as the two Hews are led away.
When the war comes to its conclusion a young American captain Sam Houghton, is set to interrogate well placed Nazis especially those involved as chemists. He hires a very quiet secretive German girl to help him with the job he has been assigned and he finds himself attracted to her. He feels there is something about the enigmatic Anna, and as he comes to know her, the attraction turns stronger. But there are secrets that Anna hides and as the story continues to its fine conclusion, Sam learns of the way in which the war has treated and left Anna.
This story was a skillful look into how some German citizens viewed the war. It is a story that focuses on the brutality of the Nazis while also highlighting the courage and strength of those who never fell under the spell the Nazis seemed to weave for so many German citizens. This was an enjoyable story, though the characters were totally fictitious, the events portrayed have been documented by history. This was a time that will unequivocally live-in infamy.
Thank you to Kate Hewitt, Bookouture, and NetGalley for a copy of this intriguing story due to be published February 25, 2021.
May 9, 2022
aaa podoba mi się, mega mnie wciągnęła, ale końcówka zbyt kolorowa!!! książce daje 4/5 gwiazdek - dawno nie czytałam tej tematyki, super bylo wrocic
April 5, 2021
We start at 5 stars:
The good:
+1 star for the superHDRed cover that I fell in love with.
+1 star: for the take on how locals were gradually sucked into all the Nazi BS.
Q:
She realized that although she had laughed at the absurdities taught in her textbook or shouted by Hitler and his cronies, she hadn’t translated them into steel-toed boots into stomachs. (c)
Q:
Every week, she was asked, and even encouraged, to report on any “unpatriotic activities” committed by her parents or her neighbors. Asked so unobtrusively, and mixed in with the lessons on cookery and childcare, the gymnastics training and the coat drives and collections for Winter Relief, it was easy to simply dismiss it as one more seemingly innocuous aspect of the organization. (c)
+1 star: for the storytelling touch and the emotional part and the character dev. Showing how entire families were destroyed by the Nazi scourge is a very good touch. I loved Anna's stance on everything & against her Father.
+1 star: for reflecting the ethically tricky take on Nazi criminals that a lot of countries took.
The bad:
-1 star: well, I do get that we were on about how regular people went on about their lives under the Nazi rule. What I don't get is all the Nazi normalization we see here.
- 5 stars: where is the Soviet Army? Why are we getting showed only random pieces of that history? After reading books such as this one, kids start believing that it was the US or maybe UK or maybe France that did away with Hitler which wasn't the case. Not at all. I don't like skewed historical perseptions.
+-1 star: The Cossack ref was miles off, culturewise. Not taking stars off but that's a bit like saying that typists died in Gestapo while the damage obviously was much more widespread. For starters, there are 2 types of Cossacks with different history and background and everything and distinguishing them in concentration camps doesn't really make sense.
+-1 star: The Soviet soldiers are added into the mix only as an afterthought. And only as serial rapists or some such stuff. I'm not taking or adding any stars for this but... the thing is that the reality is a harsh mistress: There were plenty of Soviet soldiers who did no such things... There were also those who were court-martialled for rapes or plundering or whatever.
Yes, the Soviet soldiiers actually could be court-martialled for death or robbery (and were! War's Unwomanly Face). Imagine that most of those very soldiers by that moment lost their homes, friends, family members or whole families back home... They have all seen much too much of death: death on the front lines, death in families, death in hospitals, death in concentration camps... Death and destruction and depravity or what else could the organised extermination of Jews, Slavs, Gypsies, etc.. be? All the medical experimentation on camp prisoners? All the inhuman things Gestapo did? (Arc de Triomphe). Such horrors are not exactly beneficial to a human psyche or conductive to making people law-abiding and considerate of others. A human being takes only so much damage before you've got PTSD, all kinds of psychological problems, self-medication with alcohol, erraric behaviour, mayhem, escalation into crimes of all kinds...
Key takeouts/ideas to ponder:
- What exactly makes us enlightened humans?
Just to what extent can we consider ourselves enlightened?
What is under all that veneer of civilization?
Can we be sure there aren't any surprises hidden deep in our nature?
- What do people who have lost everything in a dreadful war have to lose?
How does the fabric of sociery hold us from overstepping boundaries?
What happens when the world gets dislocated?
- The best thing to prevent rapes of peaceful population might be not to start any new world wars, it seems. And, while we're at it, to vote carefully, so as not to get sucked into any vortexes of senseless depravity (that can and will backfire) and warmongeringnot-exactly-ethics.
- Darn. Why couldn't Hitler just become a fucking painter and leave politics alone?
Q:
He knew well enough that Germany hadn’t been liberated or even defeated; the country had been annihilated. The US Army’s brief was to completely destroy ‘Nazi policy and Prussian militarism.’ The British, French, and Soviets who had, along with the US, carved up the country like a Christmas turkey, had a similar MO. (c)
Germany had not been annihilated. In comparison, the USSR got it a lot worse.
Just how many German towns and villages had been leveled and burned with all the locals shot or buried or burned alived? Zero. Even Dresden (bombed by who? spoiler: not the USSR but rather the British-American forces) had plenty of survivors. And such cases were not unique on the territories of the modern day Russia and Belarus.
Some editing mishaps. I was intrigued how Louis Lochner became Louisa within the space of several pages...
Q:
He stuck out a hand, which she shook hesitantly. “Louis Lochner. Did you come here today for a purpose?” ...
... she told them what Louisa Lochner had said about Germany’s chances then. (c)
The good:
+1 star for the superHDRed cover that I fell in love with.
+1 star: for the take on how locals were gradually sucked into all the Nazi BS.
Q:
She realized that although she had laughed at the absurdities taught in her textbook or shouted by Hitler and his cronies, she hadn’t translated them into steel-toed boots into stomachs. (c)
Q:
Every week, she was asked, and even encouraged, to report on any “unpatriotic activities” committed by her parents or her neighbors. Asked so unobtrusively, and mixed in with the lessons on cookery and childcare, the gymnastics training and the coat drives and collections for Winter Relief, it was easy to simply dismiss it as one more seemingly innocuous aspect of the organization. (c)
+1 star: for the storytelling touch and the emotional part and the character dev. Showing how entire families were destroyed by the Nazi scourge is a very good touch. I loved Anna's stance on everything & against her Father.
+1 star: for reflecting the ethically tricky take on Nazi criminals that a lot of countries took.
The bad:
-1 star: well, I do get that we were on about how regular people went on about their lives under the Nazi rule. What I don't get is all the Nazi normalization we see here.
- 5 stars: where is the Soviet Army? Why are we getting showed only random pieces of that history? After reading books such as this one, kids start believing that it was the US or maybe UK or maybe France that did away with Hitler which wasn't the case. Not at all. I don't like skewed historical perseptions.
+-1 star: The Cossack ref was miles off, culturewise. Not taking stars off but that's a bit like saying that typists died in Gestapo while the damage obviously was much more widespread. For starters, there are 2 types of Cossacks with different history and background and everything and distinguishing them in concentration camps doesn't really make sense.
+-1 star: The Soviet soldiers are added into the mix only as an afterthought. And only as serial rapists or some such stuff. I'm not taking or adding any stars for this but... the thing is that the reality is a harsh mistress: There were plenty of Soviet soldiers who did no such things... There were also those who were court-martialled for rapes or plundering or whatever.
Yes, the Soviet soldiiers actually could be court-martialled for death or robbery (and were! War's Unwomanly Face). Imagine that most of those very soldiers by that moment lost their homes, friends, family members or whole families back home... They have all seen much too much of death: death on the front lines, death in families, death in hospitals, death in concentration camps... Death and destruction and depravity or what else could the organised extermination of Jews, Slavs, Gypsies, etc.. be? All the medical experimentation on camp prisoners? All the inhuman things Gestapo did? (Arc de Triomphe). Such horrors are not exactly beneficial to a human psyche or conductive to making people law-abiding and considerate of others. A human being takes only so much damage before you've got PTSD, all kinds of psychological problems, self-medication with alcohol, erraric behaviour, mayhem, escalation into crimes of all kinds...
Key takeouts/ideas to ponder:
- What exactly makes us enlightened humans?
Just to what extent can we consider ourselves enlightened?
What is under all that veneer of civilization?
Can we be sure there aren't any surprises hidden deep in our nature?
- What do people who have lost everything in a dreadful war have to lose?
How does the fabric of sociery hold us from overstepping boundaries?
What happens when the world gets dislocated?
- The best thing to prevent rapes of peaceful population might be not to start any new world wars, it seems. And, while we're at it, to vote carefully, so as not to get sucked into any vortexes of senseless depravity (that can and will backfire) and warmongering
Q:
He knew well enough that Germany hadn’t been liberated or even defeated; the country had been annihilated. The US Army’s brief was to completely destroy ‘Nazi policy and Prussian militarism.’ The British, French, and Soviets who had, along with the US, carved up the country like a Christmas turkey, had a similar MO. (c)
Germany had not been annihilated. In comparison, the USSR got it a lot worse.
Just how many German towns and villages had been leveled and burned with all the locals shot or buried or burned alived? Zero. Even Dresden (bombed by who? spoiler: not the USSR but rather the British-American forces) had plenty of survivors. And such cases were not unique on the territories of the modern day Russia and Belarus.
Some editing mishaps. I was intrigued how Louis Lochner became Louisa within the space of several pages...
Q:
He stuck out a hand, which she shook hesitantly. “Louis Lochner. Did you come here today for a purpose?” ...
... she told them what Louisa Lochner had said about Germany’s chances then. (c)
March 8, 2021
Oh what a beautiful and heart-rending novel! There is so much World War II fiction out right now and this one absolutely stands apart as a must-read. The character development–where should I begin–it’s a master class. The sharp awakening of the sheltered young Liesl is so well done, and you will cheer on her determination to protect the innocent, even from her own father. The relationship between Anna and Sam is touching and bittersweet as Anna fights off demons from her past and Sam tries to help her live again. Ambition and its possible pitfalls is examined in detail through the life of Leisl’s father. The purest bravery and innocence abound in the lovely character of Friedy. A lifelong friendship between Rosa and Leisl is born out of great peril. Kate Hewitt has penned a novel that will capture your heart and keep you thinking, long after you are done. This is highly recommended for all, because it’s a story that will touch every heart.
February 15, 2021
There are some books that just capture you from the get-go and keep your attention till the very last page, leaving you wanting more. This was such a book for me. For those of us who weren’t born during the time of the Second World War, it can be hard to really grasp what it would have been like to live and grow up in Germany in the 30’s and 40’s. It can be hard to understand how so many people stood by and let the Nazi’s gain such a foothold that they could commit countless atrocities. Author Kate Hewitt helps us to understand a little better how it crept into the German Society, split families, and caused the Shoah or “suffering” that I am remembering on this day as I write.
The story is told in dual timeline. It begins in 1936 at the time of the Olympics in Germany and progresses throughout the years of the war. The second timeline is not your typical one set in modern day but takes place in 1946, the year after the war had ended. The story is still set in Germany, where German citizens are clearly suffering, and members of the Allied countries are trying to track down and bring to justice those who were truly Nazi’s. I found both timelines equally compelling. How do the guilty become guilty? Was it a choice they made or was it forced upon them? There is lots of food for thought here.
The story begins as fourteen-year-old Liesel Scholz and her father Otto are preparing to head out to watch the opening ceremonies of the 1936 Olympics. They have spots in the VIP section. Liesel doesn’t really have any understanding of the political climate or exactly what her father does to justify their VIP spot. Her mother seems to want to keep her a child while she longs to grow up. Her 6-year-old brother will stay home with mother Ilse because he is sickly and has a deformed foot. Their family appears to be dysfunctional in some respects. Ilse spends a great deal of time hidden in her room - sleeping or playing music – especially music that is frowned upon by Nazi authorities. Their staff consists of a housekeeper who is Jewish. At times she brings her daughter Rosa to work with her. Liesel believes that her classmates who have joined then Bund Deutscher Madel are ridiculous and has no desire to be a part of them, but as the story progresses finds that her father insists that she must join – if only for appearances sake. This family could represent almost any German family of the time. After rough years, life seems to be looking up for them, but there is a price to pay and as time goes by Liesel notices that is it the Jewish people who seem to have to pay the most.
Over the years of the story Liesel’s eyes are opened as she watches her father get more involved with the Nazi hierarchy, her mother dive deeper into despair and her brother face challenges that she never could have imagined. She longs to make a stand, but what will that do to her and her family. When her housekeeper’s daughter needs her help to survive, can Liesel be of assistance?
It’s 1946, and Sam Houghton is newly arrived in Germany having spent his war years at a desk at home. Now, with his background in chemistry he has been sent to assess Germans who might be useful to America because of their knowledge. He has an air of innocence about him compared to soldiers who have been there longer and who have seen things that he doesn’t even want to imagine. Much to his surprise, his life seems grandiose compared to those who are natives who struggle to find just enough to eat. He is encouraged to hire a local woman to assist him in his work and is drawn to a young woman named Anna who can translate for him but appears to have secrets and perhaps ties to Nazi’s who were active during the war.
As a reader, I moved back and forth between the timelines and was deeply saddened to see how this one family was changed by war and their exposure to Nazism. They all had choices to make. What was each person’s capacity for evil? Why is it that some people in spite of it all were inherently good? Ultimately, I felt some words from Liesel really summed up the choices that she had to make over time.
“Mutti said the same,” she continued, ‘’but in a different way. She always said if I was going to make a stand, I had to make it count.’ Don’t waste your life on a pointless gesture,’ she said. But do you know what I have realized? There is no ‘making it count’ There are no pointless gestures. There will never be a moment when you weigh your life on the scales, when anything will seem worthwhile to lose it. You can always put it off, convince yourself that you can make it count later, for something more important. No.” She straightened her shoulders. “There is only acting according to your conscience, whatever happens, whatever the cost. That is what I finally learned.”
I loved watching Liesel’s character mature and grow. I could imagine myself in her shoes. This would be a wonderful book for a Book Club to discuss. There is much that could be applied to the choices we face in life today. I would highly recommend this book to others both as a historic story and as a moral lesson for all.
Many thanks to #NetGalley, #Bookouture and author Kate Hewitt for allowing me to read an advance reader’s copy of this novel. The opinions expressed above are my own unbiased ones.
The story is told in dual timeline. It begins in 1936 at the time of the Olympics in Germany and progresses throughout the years of the war. The second timeline is not your typical one set in modern day but takes place in 1946, the year after the war had ended. The story is still set in Germany, where German citizens are clearly suffering, and members of the Allied countries are trying to track down and bring to justice those who were truly Nazi’s. I found both timelines equally compelling. How do the guilty become guilty? Was it a choice they made or was it forced upon them? There is lots of food for thought here.
The story begins as fourteen-year-old Liesel Scholz and her father Otto are preparing to head out to watch the opening ceremonies of the 1936 Olympics. They have spots in the VIP section. Liesel doesn’t really have any understanding of the political climate or exactly what her father does to justify their VIP spot. Her mother seems to want to keep her a child while she longs to grow up. Her 6-year-old brother will stay home with mother Ilse because he is sickly and has a deformed foot. Their family appears to be dysfunctional in some respects. Ilse spends a great deal of time hidden in her room - sleeping or playing music – especially music that is frowned upon by Nazi authorities. Their staff consists of a housekeeper who is Jewish. At times she brings her daughter Rosa to work with her. Liesel believes that her classmates who have joined then Bund Deutscher Madel are ridiculous and has no desire to be a part of them, but as the story progresses finds that her father insists that she must join – if only for appearances sake. This family could represent almost any German family of the time. After rough years, life seems to be looking up for them, but there is a price to pay and as time goes by Liesel notices that is it the Jewish people who seem to have to pay the most.
Over the years of the story Liesel’s eyes are opened as she watches her father get more involved with the Nazi hierarchy, her mother dive deeper into despair and her brother face challenges that she never could have imagined. She longs to make a stand, but what will that do to her and her family. When her housekeeper’s daughter needs her help to survive, can Liesel be of assistance?
It’s 1946, and Sam Houghton is newly arrived in Germany having spent his war years at a desk at home. Now, with his background in chemistry he has been sent to assess Germans who might be useful to America because of their knowledge. He has an air of innocence about him compared to soldiers who have been there longer and who have seen things that he doesn’t even want to imagine. Much to his surprise, his life seems grandiose compared to those who are natives who struggle to find just enough to eat. He is encouraged to hire a local woman to assist him in his work and is drawn to a young woman named Anna who can translate for him but appears to have secrets and perhaps ties to Nazi’s who were active during the war.
As a reader, I moved back and forth between the timelines and was deeply saddened to see how this one family was changed by war and their exposure to Nazism. They all had choices to make. What was each person’s capacity for evil? Why is it that some people in spite of it all were inherently good? Ultimately, I felt some words from Liesel really summed up the choices that she had to make over time.
“Mutti said the same,” she continued, ‘’but in a different way. She always said if I was going to make a stand, I had to make it count.’ Don’t waste your life on a pointless gesture,’ she said. But do you know what I have realized? There is no ‘making it count’ There are no pointless gestures. There will never be a moment when you weigh your life on the scales, when anything will seem worthwhile to lose it. You can always put it off, convince yourself that you can make it count later, for something more important. No.” She straightened her shoulders. “There is only acting according to your conscience, whatever happens, whatever the cost. That is what I finally learned.”
I loved watching Liesel’s character mature and grow. I could imagine myself in her shoes. This would be a wonderful book for a Book Club to discuss. There is much that could be applied to the choices we face in life today. I would highly recommend this book to others both as a historic story and as a moral lesson for all.
Many thanks to #NetGalley, #Bookouture and author Kate Hewitt for allowing me to read an advance reader’s copy of this novel. The opinions expressed above are my own unbiased ones.
January 29, 2021
What would you have done as an average citizen in Nazi Germany? Would you have confronted evil or collaborated to protect your life?
That’s the question asked by THE GIRL IN BERLIN, which makes it such a gripping and heartbreaking hf read.
We first see the country through the eyes of young Leisel Scholz, who lives a sheltered life in 1936, with her chemist father, who has ties to high Nazi officials. She’s not aware at first of the distressing changes in the city until she meets Rosa, daughter of the Scholz’s Jewish housekeeper, who opens her eyes to the growing hatred and violence against Jews. Soon she feels she MUST help Rosa and her family, no matter the cost.
We’re re-introduced to Berlin in post-war 1946, a broken city when American Captain Sam Houghton arrives to try prominent Nazis and assist in the rebuilding. His assistant, Anna, has secrets unknown to him related to the Nazi Party — and to two young girls who became friends when the world shattered. I promise, this one will break and reshape your heart!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 25 Feb 2021
#TheGirlfromBerlin #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
That’s the question asked by THE GIRL IN BERLIN, which makes it such a gripping and heartbreaking hf read.
We first see the country through the eyes of young Leisel Scholz, who lives a sheltered life in 1936, with her chemist father, who has ties to high Nazi officials. She’s not aware at first of the distressing changes in the city until she meets Rosa, daughter of the Scholz’s Jewish housekeeper, who opens her eyes to the growing hatred and violence against Jews. Soon she feels she MUST help Rosa and her family, no matter the cost.
We’re re-introduced to Berlin in post-war 1946, a broken city when American Captain Sam Houghton arrives to try prominent Nazis and assist in the rebuilding. His assistant, Anna, has secrets unknown to him related to the Nazi Party — and to two young girls who became friends when the world shattered. I promise, this one will break and reshape your heart!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 25 Feb 2021
#TheGirlfromBerlin #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
February 10, 2021
We Can Dare to be Brave
A heartbreaking story of one young girl coming of age in one of the most turbulent times in history. How one young mind is bombarded by propaganda from not only outside forces but also her own father. She never believes in Hitler or his views, but she feels compelled to obey her father first from love, then from fear. What would any young person due when faced with obedience to her father or the loss of his love. To protect a mother and a younger brother what would a young person do? Choices had to be made and often those choices caused pain for others as well as for the young girl Liesel.
When Liesel was fourteen the Nazi’s began to make their mark on Germany. It gradually became worse and at seventeen her father was having Liesel attend parties with him at the homes of high ranking Nazi’s such as Goring. Pictures taken at these parties later came back to haunt Liesel.
Liesel saw her father turn from a loving father that made fun of the Nazi’s to a hardcore Nazi even calling the Gestapo on the former Jewish maid and her daughter that Liesel hid in the attic causing Liesel to hate her father.
The book deals with the horrors of WWII under the rule of the Nazi’s, but it also deals with the German people and especially Liesel and her family. The two young people Fredrick and Liesel and how the propaganda changed each of them. The fear of being denounced by a Maid or a neighbor just for speaking a word against Hitler or a disagreement with his policies.
The story is also about an American named Sam that is working with the government of America to find scientists, especially chemists that could help them and to prosecute war criminals.
This story is about one family and how all the members were affected before, during, and after WWII. The ending is very different and unexpected, but it is a good ending for the story. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Kate Hewitt, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.
A heartbreaking story of one young girl coming of age in one of the most turbulent times in history. How one young mind is bombarded by propaganda from not only outside forces but also her own father. She never believes in Hitler or his views, but she feels compelled to obey her father first from love, then from fear. What would any young person due when faced with obedience to her father or the loss of his love. To protect a mother and a younger brother what would a young person do? Choices had to be made and often those choices caused pain for others as well as for the young girl Liesel.
When Liesel was fourteen the Nazi’s began to make their mark on Germany. It gradually became worse and at seventeen her father was having Liesel attend parties with him at the homes of high ranking Nazi’s such as Goring. Pictures taken at these parties later came back to haunt Liesel.
Liesel saw her father turn from a loving father that made fun of the Nazi’s to a hardcore Nazi even calling the Gestapo on the former Jewish maid and her daughter that Liesel hid in the attic causing Liesel to hate her father.
The book deals with the horrors of WWII under the rule of the Nazi’s, but it also deals with the German people and especially Liesel and her family. The two young people Fredrick and Liesel and how the propaganda changed each of them. The fear of being denounced by a Maid or a neighbor just for speaking a word against Hitler or a disagreement with his policies.
The story is also about an American named Sam that is working with the government of America to find scientists, especially chemists that could help them and to prosecute war criminals.
This story is about one family and how all the members were affected before, during, and after WWII. The ending is very different and unexpected, but it is a good ending for the story. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Kate Hewitt, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.
February 17, 2021
The Girl From Berlin is an excellent read! It kept me on the edge of my seat from cover to cover.
The story follows Liesl Scholz, a young German girl as she grows up in Berlin as the Nazis rise to power. Her father is a chemist and rubs elbows with some of the biggest names in the party. Liesl has always felt that something wasn’t right with the regime and as war looms, her understanding of what’s truly happening both frightens her and yet compels her to do what she can to help. Her fathers standing within the party forces her to act the part despite it tearing her up inside. To top it all off, her father whom she once idolized has changed and puts himself before his family which eventually causes it to crumble.
We also meet Sam Houghton, an American soldier brought to a post war Berlin to look for scientists who played a part in the war but would be willing to aid the Americans in their battle with the Russians. Sam’s secretary, Anna is a mystery to him but she is devoted to helping him find these scientists. Unbeknownst to Sam...Anna is both not who he thinks she is and has her own personal agenda.
This story is riveting and heartbreaking. It’s a very different perspective of WWII than I’ve read before. Liesl is such a strong and brave character who became wise beyond her years well before she should have.
My only Issue with this book is the title. It’s very vague and I know there are other stories with the same title. I believe that there was actually a different title at one point. But all in all, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you NetGalley and Kate Hewitt for early access to this wonderful story!
The story follows Liesl Scholz, a young German girl as she grows up in Berlin as the Nazis rise to power. Her father is a chemist and rubs elbows with some of the biggest names in the party. Liesl has always felt that something wasn’t right with the regime and as war looms, her understanding of what’s truly happening both frightens her and yet compels her to do what she can to help. Her fathers standing within the party forces her to act the part despite it tearing her up inside. To top it all off, her father whom she once idolized has changed and puts himself before his family which eventually causes it to crumble.
We also meet Sam Houghton, an American soldier brought to a post war Berlin to look for scientists who played a part in the war but would be willing to aid the Americans in their battle with the Russians. Sam’s secretary, Anna is a mystery to him but she is devoted to helping him find these scientists. Unbeknownst to Sam...Anna is both not who he thinks she is and has her own personal agenda.
This story is riveting and heartbreaking. It’s a very different perspective of WWII than I’ve read before. Liesl is such a strong and brave character who became wise beyond her years well before she should have.
My only Issue with this book is the title. It’s very vague and I know there are other stories with the same title. I believe that there was actually a different title at one point. But all in all, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you NetGalley and Kate Hewitt for early access to this wonderful story!
February 22, 2021
With each book I read that is set during or around the world war, regardless of it being non fiction or fiction, I keep thinking that nothing else could shock or horrify me more than what I have previously read. This book whilst being fiction, was so powerful. The emotions it stirred up in me were like none that I had ever felt before.
It was really interesting to have the main protagonist not being from Jewish descent. To see things from a different angle. Sadly for Liesel, whilst she didn't have to endure the horrors of being a prisoner inside the camps, she has to deal with with a whole load of issues of her own. My heart went out to this young woman who wanted to make a stand at the injustice of what was going on around her. She is in a horrible position because of her father's work but even then, their family is still not untouchable.
The Girl from Berlin is a truly powerful and mesmerizing read that shattered my heart more than a few times. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time to come. The horrors of what Liesel had to face, I feel like it is ingrained in my mind. I love this author's writing and how she captivates her readers, regardless of what genre she writes in. I've read lots of her books and have to say I think this might just be her best one yet. An absolute must read for fans of historical fiction.
It was really interesting to have the main protagonist not being from Jewish descent. To see things from a different angle. Sadly for Liesel, whilst she didn't have to endure the horrors of being a prisoner inside the camps, she has to deal with with a whole load of issues of her own. My heart went out to this young woman who wanted to make a stand at the injustice of what was going on around her. She is in a horrible position because of her father's work but even then, their family is still not untouchable.
The Girl from Berlin is a truly powerful and mesmerizing read that shattered my heart more than a few times. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time to come. The horrors of what Liesel had to face, I feel like it is ingrained in my mind. I love this author's writing and how she captivates her readers, regardless of what genre she writes in. I've read lots of her books and have to say I think this might just be her best one yet. An absolute must read for fans of historical fiction.
May 28, 2022
Pięknie opowiedziana historia; emocjonalna, smutna, prawdziwa.
Wojna niszczy ludzkie marzenia i beztroskę, zabiera poczucie bezpieczeństwa, rodzi ludzkie demony. Tu autorka pokazuje nam wojnę od strony "wroga", jest wiarygodne, boleśnie, dramatycznie.
Powieść rozgrywa się w dwóch liniach czasowych.
Pierwsza zaczyna się w Berlinie w 1936 roku.
Poznajemy młodziutką dziewczynę Liesel Scholz i jej rodzinę; kochanego ojca, chemika z IG Farben, piękną lecz chłodną matkę i młodszego brata, słabowitego i chorowitego.
Wydaje się, że przed młodą niemiecką dziewczyną świat stoi otworem. Jej rodzina ma wysoką pozycję społeczną, a kariera ojca nabiera rozpędu.
Ale idą mroczne dni. Narodowy socjalizm ogarnia swoimi mackami całe społeczeństwo zniewalając ludzką duszę, zakorzeniając pogardę dla drugiego człowieka.
Nazistowska edukacja zatruwa umysły nawet najmłodszych obywateli Niemiec.
To miliony otępiałych, zmanipulowanych ludzi, jednak kryją się wśród nich, ci co dostrzegają obłudę, nienawiść i indoktrynację.
Liesel jest rozdarta pomiędzy miłością dla rodziny, a niezgodą na zło, okrucieństwo i niesprawiedliwość. Bohaterką targają emocje, chęć działania miesza się z bezsilnością, rezygnacją i zwątpieniem. Strach o rodzinę paraliżuje, choć silne jest poczucie, że nie tak powinno być, że to, co się dzieje niepowinno się dziać. Ale jak pisał Goethe, najwybitniejszy przedstawiciel literatury niemieckiej, w którym zaczytywali się Liesel i jej ojciec: "Myślenie jest łatwe. Działanie jest trudne".
Jaką drogę obierze bohaterka, jaką jej rodzina?
Jednocześnie wydarzenia z Berlina przeplatają się z tymi z powojennego Frankfurtu.
Kapitan kontrwywiadu CIC, Sam Houghton zostaje wysłany do Niemiec, aby weryfikować kwestionariusze byłych członków organizacji faszystowskich.
Do pomocy zostaje przyznana mu niemiecką sekretarka Anna Vogel - smutna dziewczyna z tajemnicą.
Sam bierze udział w Operacji Paperclip, zorganizowanej przez amerykańskie służby specjalne. Operacja miała na celu
zlokalizowanie i przerzucanie do Stanów Zjednoczonych czołowych niemieckich naukowców, w szczególności fizyków, chemików i inżynierów. Większość z nich była członkami NSDAP lub SS.
Odbywało się to bez wiedzy amerykańskiego Departamentu Stanu.
Przeraża to, że z jednej strony w Norymberdze toczyły się procesy przeciwko zbrodniarzom wojennym, z drugiej amerykanie werbowali nazistowskich naukowców do własnych celów, pozwalając uniknąć im konsekwencji.
Machina wojenna musi się kręcić...
"Być może dlatego jest tyle wojen. Ludzie są po prostu zbyt słabi, by kochać."
Zakończenie trochę rozwiało opary smutku unoszące się nad tą historią - chyba tego oczekiwałam, bo przecież nadzieja umiera ostatnia 💗
Autorka precyzyjnie przedstawiła tło historyczne wplatając w nie dramatyczne losy swoich bohaterów.
Czuć, że włożyła w tę powieść ogrom pracy i serca.
Wspaniała lektura. Czytajcie, naprawdę warto poznać tę historię💥.
Wojna niszczy ludzkie marzenia i beztroskę, zabiera poczucie bezpieczeństwa, rodzi ludzkie demony. Tu autorka pokazuje nam wojnę od strony "wroga", jest wiarygodne, boleśnie, dramatycznie.
Powieść rozgrywa się w dwóch liniach czasowych.
Pierwsza zaczyna się w Berlinie w 1936 roku.
Poznajemy młodziutką dziewczynę Liesel Scholz i jej rodzinę; kochanego ojca, chemika z IG Farben, piękną lecz chłodną matkę i młodszego brata, słabowitego i chorowitego.
Wydaje się, że przed młodą niemiecką dziewczyną świat stoi otworem. Jej rodzina ma wysoką pozycję społeczną, a kariera ojca nabiera rozpędu.
Ale idą mroczne dni. Narodowy socjalizm ogarnia swoimi mackami całe społeczeństwo zniewalając ludzką duszę, zakorzeniając pogardę dla drugiego człowieka.
Nazistowska edukacja zatruwa umysły nawet najmłodszych obywateli Niemiec.
To miliony otępiałych, zmanipulowanych ludzi, jednak kryją się wśród nich, ci co dostrzegają obłudę, nienawiść i indoktrynację.
Liesel jest rozdarta pomiędzy miłością dla rodziny, a niezgodą na zło, okrucieństwo i niesprawiedliwość. Bohaterką targają emocje, chęć działania miesza się z bezsilnością, rezygnacją i zwątpieniem. Strach o rodzinę paraliżuje, choć silne jest poczucie, że nie tak powinno być, że to, co się dzieje niepowinno się dziać. Ale jak pisał Goethe, najwybitniejszy przedstawiciel literatury niemieckiej, w którym zaczytywali się Liesel i jej ojciec: "Myślenie jest łatwe. Działanie jest trudne".
Jaką drogę obierze bohaterka, jaką jej rodzina?
Jednocześnie wydarzenia z Berlina przeplatają się z tymi z powojennego Frankfurtu.
Kapitan kontrwywiadu CIC, Sam Houghton zostaje wysłany do Niemiec, aby weryfikować kwestionariusze byłych członków organizacji faszystowskich.
Do pomocy zostaje przyznana mu niemiecką sekretarka Anna Vogel - smutna dziewczyna z tajemnicą.
Sam bierze udział w Operacji Paperclip, zorganizowanej przez amerykańskie służby specjalne. Operacja miała na celu
zlokalizowanie i przerzucanie do Stanów Zjednoczonych czołowych niemieckich naukowców, w szczególności fizyków, chemików i inżynierów. Większość z nich była członkami NSDAP lub SS.
Odbywało się to bez wiedzy amerykańskiego Departamentu Stanu.
Przeraża to, że z jednej strony w Norymberdze toczyły się procesy przeciwko zbrodniarzom wojennym, z drugiej amerykanie werbowali nazistowskich naukowców do własnych celów, pozwalając uniknąć im konsekwencji.
Machina wojenna musi się kręcić...
"Być może dlatego jest tyle wojen. Ludzie są po prostu zbyt słabi, by kochać."
Zakończenie trochę rozwiało opary smutku unoszące się nad tą historią - chyba tego oczekiwałam, bo przecież nadzieja umiera ostatnia 💗
Autorka precyzyjnie przedstawiła tło historyczne wplatając w nie dramatyczne losy swoich bohaterów.
Czuć, że włożyła w tę powieść ogrom pracy i serca.
Wspaniała lektura. Czytajcie, naprawdę warto poznać tę historię💥.
February 14, 2021
There are a lot of WWII fiction books currently available and the best books are the ones that approach the war from a different angle. This book certainly did with its look at a German girl before and after the war.
This novel is told from two points of view: Liesel from 1936 - 1946 and Sam Houghton in 1946.
The novel begins in Berlin in 1936. Liesel, her younger brother and her parents live in a large home. Her father is a chemist who is working very closely with the Nazi party on several projects. In the beginning, Liesel is so proud of her father and his importance in his world. He knows many people in the Nazi hierarchy not only professionally but personally and attends many of their parties. She lives a life of privilege and rarely thinks about what's going on in the world outside her door. When she sees a Jewish man get beaten on the streets, she begins to have questions about Hitler and what was going on in Germany. The higher her father goes in his professional life. the more Liesel doubts what she's being told. When she makes some decisions that will threaten her family, she realizes that despite the danger, she must do something to end the cruelty in her country.
In 1946, Sam Houghton who spent the war at a desk job in the US is sent to Germany to help the Army find war criminals. His job is to look for chemists who were part of the Nazi party to find out if they knew anything that could be shared with the US government. He has a new secretary, Anna, a beautiful woman who is hiding something. As their relationship deepens, he needs to find out what she's hiding and why. Will it end their romance when he finds out that she was aligned with the Nazi party during the war?
This is a well researched novel about love and war, about doing the right thing despite the danger and about following your conscience even if it will get you in danger. I thought that the character of Leisel was very well written and I understood her change in attitude as she learned about what was going on in her country and her need to help. It made me think about what I would do and if I could be as brave as she was This is a fantastic novel about the German people before and during the war and the way they were viewed by the world after the war. If you enjoy WWII fiction, you don't want to miss this one.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
This novel is told from two points of view: Liesel from 1936 - 1946 and Sam Houghton in 1946.
The novel begins in Berlin in 1936. Liesel, her younger brother and her parents live in a large home. Her father is a chemist who is working very closely with the Nazi party on several projects. In the beginning, Liesel is so proud of her father and his importance in his world. He knows many people in the Nazi hierarchy not only professionally but personally and attends many of their parties. She lives a life of privilege and rarely thinks about what's going on in the world outside her door. When she sees a Jewish man get beaten on the streets, she begins to have questions about Hitler and what was going on in Germany. The higher her father goes in his professional life. the more Liesel doubts what she's being told. When she makes some decisions that will threaten her family, she realizes that despite the danger, she must do something to end the cruelty in her country.
In 1946, Sam Houghton who spent the war at a desk job in the US is sent to Germany to help the Army find war criminals. His job is to look for chemists who were part of the Nazi party to find out if they knew anything that could be shared with the US government. He has a new secretary, Anna, a beautiful woman who is hiding something. As their relationship deepens, he needs to find out what she's hiding and why. Will it end their romance when he finds out that she was aligned with the Nazi party during the war?
This is a well researched novel about love and war, about doing the right thing despite the danger and about following your conscience even if it will get you in danger. I thought that the character of Leisel was very well written and I understood her change in attitude as she learned about what was going on in her country and her need to help. It made me think about what I would do and if I could be as brave as she was This is a fantastic novel about the German people before and during the war and the way they were viewed by the world after the war. If you enjoy WWII fiction, you don't want to miss this one.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
February 20, 2021
This is the reason why I love historical fiction reads... they are based on true stories, many well documented, that are immersive, gripping and completely heart-wrenching, that tells the story of courageous men and women that overcome harrowing evil, hardships and struggle for family, friendship, love and humanity. This story and the writing by Kate Hewitt did just that, and oh how much did I love this one.
There are many stories set during the second world war. This one is quite unique in that this dual time line story tells first of how a young woman whose father is a chemist and is connected with the Nazi Party experiences the war and how Jewish people are being treated, and what she does about it and the choices she makes. The second time line is set a year after the war ends between an American Captain Sam and his translator Anna and how he is drawn to her secrets and story during the war.
I enjoyed reading the point of view as seen trough the eyes of a very well to do and sheltered young lady whose father is very well connected and involved in the Nazi government. Liesel Scholz grows up very quickly as she witnesses the brutality and harrowing treatment against the Jews and decides to help, house and protect their Jewish housekeeper and her daughter Rosa until they can escape the relocation camps.
The characters were very well developed and the sweeping tale of courage from these women I am drawn to for inspiration. This was quite the thought provoking read and I really enjoyed this one a lot.
Thank you @bookouture for the ecopy. All opinions are my own.
There are many stories set during the second world war. This one is quite unique in that this dual time line story tells first of how a young woman whose father is a chemist and is connected with the Nazi Party experiences the war and how Jewish people are being treated, and what she does about it and the choices she makes. The second time line is set a year after the war ends between an American Captain Sam and his translator Anna and how he is drawn to her secrets and story during the war.
I enjoyed reading the point of view as seen trough the eyes of a very well to do and sheltered young lady whose father is very well connected and involved in the Nazi government. Liesel Scholz grows up very quickly as she witnesses the brutality and harrowing treatment against the Jews and decides to help, house and protect their Jewish housekeeper and her daughter Rosa until they can escape the relocation camps.
The characters were very well developed and the sweeping tale of courage from these women I am drawn to for inspiration. This was quite the thought provoking read and I really enjoyed this one a lot.
Thank you @bookouture for the ecopy. All opinions are my own.
January 17, 2021
2.5 stars
This WWII story started well, enthralling, dual timelines, which I like, and a 14 yo main character who doesn’t know how she really feels about the situation in Nazi Germany in 1936. But then the pacing slowed down. The story jumped from 1936 to 1937 and into the next years without anything really happening. Just endlessly telling Liesel’s feelings about what happened in Germany, I knew what she thought and was only waiting for Rosa to beg Liesel for help, and I became restless and impatient. Well, the begging finally happened in 1941 at 65% of the story; until then, Rosa was just a side character.
I liked the 1945/1946 timeline more, but those chapters were in the minority. And from the start, it was clear who Anna was; I expected that to be a mystery longer.
It’s challenging to write something new about WWII, and that’s why, when I read stories like this, I need to feel emotions, like having a lump in my throat, goosebumps, watery eyes, whatever. I only felt my chest tighten a little when Friedy, Liesel’s little brother, was taken away and at the end of the story when Liesel searched for him. He was the only person I cared for in this story because he was so passionate and smart. Furthermore, this story felt like a light, and tolerable summer read. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t dislike the story; it just felt a little meh because the plot was rather weak, and it wasn’t a character-driven story either.
Overall it’s a 2.5 star rating for me, and I’ll round it up to 3 because I’m the first one rating it, and I don’t want to scare people off. It’s my opinion, and other readers might think differently. This book could do well after release because I believe a group of readers will really enjoy this story.
I received an arc from Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This WWII story started well, enthralling, dual timelines, which I like, and a 14 yo main character who doesn’t know how she really feels about the situation in Nazi Germany in 1936. But then the pacing slowed down. The story jumped from 1936 to 1937 and into the next years without anything really happening. Just endlessly telling Liesel’s feelings about what happened in Germany, I knew what she thought and was only waiting for Rosa to beg Liesel for help, and I became restless and impatient. Well, the begging finally happened in 1941 at 65% of the story; until then, Rosa was just a side character.
I liked the 1945/1946 timeline more, but those chapters were in the minority. And from the start, it was clear who Anna was; I expected that to be a mystery longer.
It’s challenging to write something new about WWII, and that’s why, when I read stories like this, I need to feel emotions, like having a lump in my throat, goosebumps, watery eyes, whatever. I only felt my chest tighten a little when Friedy, Liesel’s little brother, was taken away and at the end of the story when Liesel searched for him. He was the only person I cared for in this story because he was so passionate and smart. Furthermore, this story felt like a light, and tolerable summer read. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t dislike the story; it just felt a little meh because the plot was rather weak, and it wasn’t a character-driven story either.
Overall it’s a 2.5 star rating for me, and I’ll round it up to 3 because I’m the first one rating it, and I don’t want to scare people off. It’s my opinion, and other readers might think differently. This book could do well after release because I believe a group of readers will really enjoy this story.
I received an arc from Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2021
I love it when I read a book that I really enjoy, but even more so when the book forces me to question what I would have done faced with the same dilemma’s. The Girl From Berlin is a bold, compelling story that follows one German family through the war, and the choices they made, something that isn’t always black and white, there are many shades in-between. Liesel is a young German Girl, living in Berlin in 1936, her life is one of privilege thanks to her father’s job working for the new nazi government. But WW2 brings change for Liesel she doesn’t agree with her father’s nazi views, and this is her story about the choices she made, and the family she sacrificed along the way.
As the story begins Liesel appears complicit to what is going on around her, she’s doesn’t question her father’s job or his beliefs. But times are changing and as she notices the atrocities taking place including the persecution of Jews, her perspective changes, as does her view of her adored father who she believes ‘sold his soul to the devil’. Told across two timelines, the second set in 1945 focuses on Captain Sam Houghton who has been sent to Germany to find and interrogate German scientist. I found Sam’s side of the story compelling as it looks at German citizens after the war, there was those who were innocent, those who remained on the fringes but kept quiet and then are those that played a major part in war crimes, shame, guilt, or fear hung over them like an albatross and rightly so in some cases!
I thought the author chose a unique approach to writing a WW2 book, concentrating on a German family who deal with conflict as they either agree whole-heartedly or oppose the Nazi’s ideology. Can you imagine having to hide your opinion from your family for fear of reprisals? But that was exactly what Liesel had to do, my heart went out to her for making the right choice and opposing the nazi’s beliefs, I felt she was extremely courageous as it would have been easier for her to follow the masses, but she also makes a stand against the Nazi’s, that puts her life in danger.
It was heartbreaking to see Liesel once close family fracture; she has conflicting emotions; she loves her father but not the person he has become.. The pages of the book are filled with anguish, anger, conflict, guilt, mistrust and heartbreak which made for an emotive read. Kate Hewitt has written a book that’s heart wrenching, thought provoking, with engaging characters. The Girl From Berlin would make the perfect book club read as there are so many issues to discuss and debate. Highly recommended to those who enjoy historical fiction or those looking for a fresh perspective on WW2 events.
As the story begins Liesel appears complicit to what is going on around her, she’s doesn’t question her father’s job or his beliefs. But times are changing and as she notices the atrocities taking place including the persecution of Jews, her perspective changes, as does her view of her adored father who she believes ‘sold his soul to the devil’. Told across two timelines, the second set in 1945 focuses on Captain Sam Houghton who has been sent to Germany to find and interrogate German scientist. I found Sam’s side of the story compelling as it looks at German citizens after the war, there was those who were innocent, those who remained on the fringes but kept quiet and then are those that played a major part in war crimes, shame, guilt, or fear hung over them like an albatross and rightly so in some cases!
I thought the author chose a unique approach to writing a WW2 book, concentrating on a German family who deal with conflict as they either agree whole-heartedly or oppose the Nazi’s ideology. Can you imagine having to hide your opinion from your family for fear of reprisals? But that was exactly what Liesel had to do, my heart went out to her for making the right choice and opposing the nazi’s beliefs, I felt she was extremely courageous as it would have been easier for her to follow the masses, but she also makes a stand against the Nazi’s, that puts her life in danger.
It was heartbreaking to see Liesel once close family fracture; she has conflicting emotions; she loves her father but not the person he has become.. The pages of the book are filled with anguish, anger, conflict, guilt, mistrust and heartbreak which made for an emotive read. Kate Hewitt has written a book that’s heart wrenching, thought provoking, with engaging characters. The Girl From Berlin would make the perfect book club read as there are so many issues to discuss and debate. Highly recommended to those who enjoy historical fiction or those looking for a fresh perspective on WW2 events.
February 6, 2021
The Girl from Berlin by Kate Hewitt is a powerful, emotional tale about one family in 1936 Berlin. The main character fourteen-year-old Liesel Scholz lives with her father Otto who is a chemist, her mother Ilse and her little Friedy who is six.
She is remarkably close to her father they go to the Olympics and is forced to attend parties held by high-ranking officers in the Nazi Party during the war. Her father is very heavily involved with them. She doesn’t feel the same way her father. Especially when she sees an old man get beaten up from SS officers and her ex- housekeepers and daughter who are both Jews tells of the atrocities that happened to them. But she does as she is asked, as her father says people who sympathize with the Jews are taken away and be shot.
Then the story goes forward in to 1945 where we meet American Captain Sam Houghton who has come to Frankfurt to seek Scientists that helped in the war. At first, he must search though a lot of paperwork which, is to much on his own and is not fluent in German so he hires a Secretary Anna Vogel. A quiet and expressionless woman. But as they get to know one another her coldness softens.
Thank you Bookoutre for a copy of the girl from Berlin I have read several books of this nature, but this seemed different to others. This will stick in my mind for a long time. The story is mainly told by Liesel a German girl who grows up in Berlin. She is torn between doing right for Germany and helping the Jews. Even putting her own life in danger to do the right thing. This is a great page turner and told me things that I wasn’t aware that happened in WW2. This is the first book from the author I have read and now I can’t wait to discover the other books that she has written.
She is remarkably close to her father they go to the Olympics and is forced to attend parties held by high-ranking officers in the Nazi Party during the war. Her father is very heavily involved with them. She doesn’t feel the same way her father. Especially when she sees an old man get beaten up from SS officers and her ex- housekeepers and daughter who are both Jews tells of the atrocities that happened to them. But she does as she is asked, as her father says people who sympathize with the Jews are taken away and be shot.
Then the story goes forward in to 1945 where we meet American Captain Sam Houghton who has come to Frankfurt to seek Scientists that helped in the war. At first, he must search though a lot of paperwork which, is to much on his own and is not fluent in German so he hires a Secretary Anna Vogel. A quiet and expressionless woman. But as they get to know one another her coldness softens.
Thank you Bookoutre for a copy of the girl from Berlin I have read several books of this nature, but this seemed different to others. This will stick in my mind for a long time. The story is mainly told by Liesel a German girl who grows up in Berlin. She is torn between doing right for Germany and helping the Jews. Even putting her own life in danger to do the right thing. This is a great page turner and told me things that I wasn’t aware that happened in WW2. This is the first book from the author I have read and now I can’t wait to discover the other books that she has written.
February 24, 2021
I have read many stories about WWII, but this one was different from any that I have read. the story is told in two timelines, during the war and in 1946 when the Amercians are now in Germany tracking down Nazis and helping with the reconstruction of the country.
Liesel Scholz is a young German girl living in Berlin with her well to do family. Her father is a chemist who is being praised for his work on fabricated rubber. The family is moving to Berlin where he is being promoted. As the Nazis rise to power, he becomes involved with some high ranking officers, going to parties and events. Liesel is not happy with the changes in Germany under the Nazis, but accompanies her father to these events when her mother refuses. She eventually does what she can to help some of the Jewish people trying to escape. In 1946. Sam Houghton arrives in Germany to help find Nazis, specifically scientists and interrogate them. He hires a young woman, Anna, as his secretary and interpreter. He knows Anna is not being truthful, but he is not sure what secrets she is hiding.
Kate Hewitt wrote a story to highlight something that I had not read about before. How did the ordinary German people feel about what was happening? How did they get drawn into the craziness of the Nazi platform? The two timelines were knit together in an excellent way that made the story flow seamlessly. The more we learn about Liesel, the more my heart broke. She did not share their beliefs or want to be part of what they were doing, but as a young teenager, what was she to do? This book focuses on the evil of the Nazis while also highlighting the courage and strength of those who never fell under their spell. It helps us to understand a little better how it crept into the German Society, destroyed friendships and divided families. This historical fiction story was well researched with events that occurred being including in a realistic way. The main characters were relatable, and well developed. I found it easy to figure out how the two timelines fit together, but my interest did not wain at all. As Anna and Sam got to know each other better, there was an attraction, but Sam was honorable and never crossed the line. This was an easy story to become engrossed in and I definitely recommend it to those who are looking to read an historical fiction story set in WWII with a different type of plot. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
Liesel Scholz is a young German girl living in Berlin with her well to do family. Her father is a chemist who is being praised for his work on fabricated rubber. The family is moving to Berlin where he is being promoted. As the Nazis rise to power, he becomes involved with some high ranking officers, going to parties and events. Liesel is not happy with the changes in Germany under the Nazis, but accompanies her father to these events when her mother refuses. She eventually does what she can to help some of the Jewish people trying to escape. In 1946. Sam Houghton arrives in Germany to help find Nazis, specifically scientists and interrogate them. He hires a young woman, Anna, as his secretary and interpreter. He knows Anna is not being truthful, but he is not sure what secrets she is hiding.
Kate Hewitt wrote a story to highlight something that I had not read about before. How did the ordinary German people feel about what was happening? How did they get drawn into the craziness of the Nazi platform? The two timelines were knit together in an excellent way that made the story flow seamlessly. The more we learn about Liesel, the more my heart broke. She did not share their beliefs or want to be part of what they were doing, but as a young teenager, what was she to do? This book focuses on the evil of the Nazis while also highlighting the courage and strength of those who never fell under their spell. It helps us to understand a little better how it crept into the German Society, destroyed friendships and divided families. This historical fiction story was well researched with events that occurred being including in a realistic way. The main characters were relatable, and well developed. I found it easy to figure out how the two timelines fit together, but my interest did not wain at all. As Anna and Sam got to know each other better, there was an attraction, but Sam was honorable and never crossed the line. This was an easy story to become engrossed in and I definitely recommend it to those who are looking to read an historical fiction story set in WWII with a different type of plot. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
September 8, 2021
There is a reason so many fiction novels are written about Nazi Germany and WW2. It’s a period of time that we in the current day feel compelled to figure out, How did such evil happen and can this happen again? How could it have been prevented? Can we prevent future evil? This author presented these questions in a readable way, although in more of a Young Adult fiction format.
I appreciated the peek into how ordinary Germans slowly bought in to Nazi propaganda until they were trapped, and the questions about when and how to take a stand against evil. Do we wait until our actions can really make a difference before we take a risk or do we risk everything to stand up against evil every single day? The book wove every element from every WW2 book I’ve ever read into a single character’s life, so that she hid Jews in her attic, hobnobbed with Hermann Goering, broke in and toured a Nazi death camp, encountered Soviet post war rapists, and investigated Nazis during the Nuremberg trials. Then it was topped off with a love story like a cherry on top. Realistic? Maybe not so much. The book was at its best when depicting the main character’s decaying esteem for her Nazi father, despite her love for him. It suffered when it became a mishmash of every WW2 storyline, and as a consequence treated them a bit too lightly.
I appreciated the peek into how ordinary Germans slowly bought in to Nazi propaganda until they were trapped, and the questions about when and how to take a stand against evil. Do we wait until our actions can really make a difference before we take a risk or do we risk everything to stand up against evil every single day? The book wove every element from every WW2 book I’ve ever read into a single character’s life, so that she hid Jews in her attic, hobnobbed with Hermann Goering, broke in and toured a Nazi death camp, encountered Soviet post war rapists, and investigated Nazis during the Nuremberg trials. Then it was topped off with a love story like a cherry on top. Realistic? Maybe not so much. The book was at its best when depicting the main character’s decaying esteem for her Nazi father, despite her love for him. It suffered when it became a mishmash of every WW2 storyline, and as a consequence treated them a bit too lightly.
March 19, 2023
Cudowna, wzruszająca, dająca do myślenia, wciągająca od pierwszej strony.
Pomimo mojego początkowego przerażenia kontekstem historycznym, okazała się naprawdę dobrze napisana. Wydarzenia fikcyjne ładnie wplatały się w otoczkę opisu nazistowskich Niemiec i czytelnik nawet nieświadomie zagłębia się w cząstkę życia ówczesnych osób i dowiaduje się, z czym muszą mierzyć się zarówno Żydzi, jak i rodowici Niemcy niepochwalający rządów Hitlera. Świetnie poprowadzony wątek trudnej relacji rodzinnej i rozdarcia pomiędzy bezwarunkową miłością, a zdrowym rozsądkiem i buntem przeciwko niesprawiedliwości i okrucieństwom.
Nie jest to na pewno skarbnica wiedzy o II wojnie światowej, ale na pewno może zachęcić do dalszego zgłębiania tego tematu.
No i ten wątek miłosny potraktowany z niesamowitą delikatnością i wyczuciem, zepchnięty trochę na drugi plan, ale w dobrym tego słowa znaczeniu.
Książka, którą na pewno będę żyła przez najbliższe dni i którą będę wciskała do przeczytania komu się tylko da.
11/10♥️
Pomimo mojego początkowego przerażenia kontekstem historycznym, okazała się naprawdę dobrze napisana. Wydarzenia fikcyjne ładnie wplatały się w otoczkę opisu nazistowskich Niemiec i czytelnik nawet nieświadomie zagłębia się w cząstkę życia ówczesnych osób i dowiaduje się, z czym muszą mierzyć się zarówno Żydzi, jak i rodowici Niemcy niepochwalający rządów Hitlera. Świetnie poprowadzony wątek trudnej relacji rodzinnej i rozdarcia pomiędzy bezwarunkową miłością, a zdrowym rozsądkiem i buntem przeciwko niesprawiedliwości i okrucieństwom.
Nie jest to na pewno skarbnica wiedzy o II wojnie światowej, ale na pewno może zachęcić do dalszego zgłębiania tego tematu.
No i ten wątek miłosny potraktowany z niesamowitą delikatnością i wyczuciem, zepchnięty trochę na drugi plan, ale w dobrym tego słowa znaczeniu.
Książka, którą na pewno będę żyła przez najbliższe dni i którą będę wciskała do przeczytania komu się tylko da.
11/10♥️
January 21, 2021
‘The Girl From Berlin,’ by Kate Hewitt, is a compelling and haunting story about courage, love and betrayal. This dual timeline historical fiction begins in Berlin in 1936 and Frankfurt in 1946.
Writing a novel set in WW2 is challenging for authors as so much has already been written during this time in history. In my opinion, in order to stand out from the countless others, authors must appeal to readers’ empathy and emotion and/or create a character-driven plot.
Initially, I couldn’t see how the author was able to achieve either. I struggled for 2/3 of this novel to connect with the protagonist, Liesel Scholz. I kept waiting for her to quit waffling and find her inner strength to stand up for what she knew was right.
Fortunately, the author held the plot cards close and all was revealed in the end making this an emotionally charged and fantastic read. This must have been such a difficult time in history to see those you love making terrible decisions yet knowing that the ultimate choice to survive superseded any rational choice. Looking back, I now understand the lethargy Liesel’s mother exhibited and the nonchalant attitude of Liesel’s father. How ignorant my initial response! Please don’t make the same mistake I did. Finish the book. Make an informed response. The author wrote to show the plight of the ordinary Germans during the second world war and how extraordinary and difficult it must have been to stand against such a powerful and evil regime. Only a skilled author can do what Hewitt has done; shown NOT told. Patience is key in this novel. Don’t give up. The best part is the final third where all is revealed.
I appreciated the author’s masterful integration of facts as she informed readers of Operation Overcast, Operation Paperclip, as well as revealing the role IG Farben had in the Nazi camps and the atrocities at Schloss Hartheim.
This book raises many issues suitable for book club discussions. Please put this on your radar come February; it's to be published February 25, 2021.
Thank you to Kate Hewitt, Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Writing a novel set in WW2 is challenging for authors as so much has already been written during this time in history. In my opinion, in order to stand out from the countless others, authors must appeal to readers’ empathy and emotion and/or create a character-driven plot.
Initially, I couldn’t see how the author was able to achieve either. I struggled for 2/3 of this novel to connect with the protagonist, Liesel Scholz. I kept waiting for her to quit waffling and find her inner strength to stand up for what she knew was right.
Fortunately, the author held the plot cards close and all was revealed in the end making this an emotionally charged and fantastic read. This must have been such a difficult time in history to see those you love making terrible decisions yet knowing that the ultimate choice to survive superseded any rational choice. Looking back, I now understand the lethargy Liesel’s mother exhibited and the nonchalant attitude of Liesel’s father. How ignorant my initial response! Please don’t make the same mistake I did. Finish the book. Make an informed response. The author wrote to show the plight of the ordinary Germans during the second world war and how extraordinary and difficult it must have been to stand against such a powerful and evil regime. Only a skilled author can do what Hewitt has done; shown NOT told. Patience is key in this novel. Don’t give up. The best part is the final third where all is revealed.
I appreciated the author’s masterful integration of facts as she informed readers of Operation Overcast, Operation Paperclip, as well as revealing the role IG Farben had in the Nazi camps and the atrocities at Schloss Hartheim.
This book raises many issues suitable for book club discussions. Please put this on your radar come February; it's to be published February 25, 2021.
Thank you to Kate Hewitt, Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2021
It's no secret that I love historical fiction and I read it constantly. I especially read novels about world war 2. This novel was a different take on the war and told from the viewpoint of a German girl named Liesel. This novel tells the story of a German family that's father works as a chemist for the Nazi party. He and a Jewish chemist developed Buna rubber that is important to the Nazi regime. Liesel isn't sure why until later on.
It's hard to give a review of this powerful story without giving away some of the great things that happened. I suggest you pick it up though, because it's much different than any other war novel you will read. It will also stay with you for a long, long time. I'm no stranger to this authors work, and I always love her novels, but I'm pretty sure this is a new favorite.
It's hard to give a review of this powerful story without giving away some of the great things that happened. I suggest you pick it up though, because it's much different than any other war novel you will read. It will also stay with you for a long, long time. I'm no stranger to this authors work, and I always love her novels, but I'm pretty sure this is a new favorite.
April 2, 2023
4.5. Yet another twist on the Nazi saga. Not very realistic, but who cares? Entertaining if not entirely preposterous.
May 24, 2023
Bardzo wciągająca pozycja. Przyjemnie przeplatają się dwa wątki. Mogę ją śmiało polecić.
April 6, 2021
This story is simultaneously gripping and heartbreaking, and I was drawn in early on by Liesel's bold and fearless demeanor. I appreciated that this story was told from a new angle - a German girl and her family take center stage. The author's ability to make me feel sympathy toward this family shows incredible skill, yet I was left feeling unsteady as I read it because I wanted to dislike Liesel's family's decisions and I, like Liesel, wanted justice to win.
The biggest disappointment to me was the ending. It felt rushed and while I always love a "happy ending", it felt unrealistic. I'm not sure what the author's intent was while reading this book, and the ending left me with additional questions. For such a complicated story, the ending was wrapped in too nice of a bow.
I liked the multiple points of view, although it was fairly obvious early on how Liesel and Sam's lives would become connected. I wanted more from both of the characters in the end - it felt like they didn't learn too much from their past and there was suddenly a new future ahead that was very bright and cheery, a stark contrast to much of the novel.
I would recommend this book if you like WW2 historical fiction novels, although I caution that the rather trite treatment of the true events unfolding during the Holocaust left me feeling slighted and unsure how to respond to the novel - perhaps this could lead to important discussions with friends/bookclubs.
Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The biggest disappointment to me was the ending. It felt rushed and while I always love a "happy ending", it felt unrealistic. I'm not sure what the author's intent was while reading this book, and the ending left me with additional questions. For such a complicated story, the ending was wrapped in too nice of a bow.
I liked the multiple points of view, although it was fairly obvious early on how Liesel and Sam's lives would become connected. I wanted more from both of the characters in the end - it felt like they didn't learn too much from their past and there was suddenly a new future ahead that was very bright and cheery, a stark contrast to much of the novel.
I would recommend this book if you like WW2 historical fiction novels, although I caution that the rather trite treatment of the true events unfolding during the Holocaust left me feeling slighted and unsure how to respond to the novel - perhaps this could lead to important discussions with friends/bookclubs.
Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2022
Liczyłam na wiele… uwielbiam książki w tematyce historycznej, wojennej.
Męczyłam się czytając to, dla mnie cokolwiek treściwego zaczęło się dziać ok. 300-350 strony na 500. Książka porusza bardzo ważne tematy związane z czasami nazistowskich Niemiec, niemniej większość z nich jest co najwyżej wspomniana, wszystko jest opisane pobieżnie w dość „grubej” książce. Taki misz-masz. Trudno się wczytać przez zmiany czasu. Zakończenie turbo cukierkowe.
Ogólna ocena to 1,5/5 gwiazdek.
Męczyłam się czytając to, dla mnie cokolwiek treściwego zaczęło się dziać ok. 300-350 strony na 500. Książka porusza bardzo ważne tematy związane z czasami nazistowskich Niemiec, niemniej większość z nich jest co najwyżej wspomniana, wszystko jest opisane pobieżnie w dość „grubej” książce. Taki misz-masz. Trudno się wczytać przez zmiany czasu. Zakończenie turbo cukierkowe.
Ogólna ocena to 1,5/5 gwiazdek.
March 7, 2021
I did enjoy reading the book....but I'm left with a question? Which is why did Liesel tell her father that Gerda and Rosa were in the attic, especially when her father was working for the Nazis. Also I was left a little disappointed with the ending. It felt rushed and maybe didn't need a HEA.
May 19, 2022
4,5- bardzo dobra książka
February 28, 2021
There are so many wonderful things that I can say about The Girl From Berlin by Kate Hewitt. This story is absolutely brilliant, emotional, and heartbreaking. Yet, it shows such strength, compassion and determination during one of the worst periods of history. Hewitt has completely outdone herself with this story. I never thought Hewitt would ever be able to beat my love for one of her previous novels, A Mother’s Goodbye, but I was 100% wrong. I know this is only the beginning half of the year, but I am pretty certain that The Girl From Berlin, not only being a five star read, will be my TOP read of 2021.
The story starts in Berlin 1936, when Liesel Sholtz is only fourteen years old. She lives a life of privilege, she is not overly close to her mother, but she holds her father in high esteem. She is a daddy’s girl. But, when recent events come to light, Liesel is struggling with her beliefs and what is being taught through the country. Hatred of Jewish people is running rampant in Germany and while Liesel wants to believe differently, she often wonders why she sits back and follows or perhaps is she nothing more than a coward deep down inside. When the family’s Jewish housekeeper, Gerda and her young daughter Rosa are fired from the Sholtz household and later come back desperately needing help, will Liesel do the right thing?
In 1946, Captain Sam Houghton arrived in Frankfurt at the end of the war. He is a chemist tasked with ferreting out the Nazis so they could be brought to trial while also helping in the rebuilding of a badly damaged country. In need of an interpreter, he hires Anna as his secretary. But, who is Anna really? Sam knows she is lying about something, but yet still finds himself sympathetic towards her and feels a pull towards her at the same time.
There are so many brilliant quotes in this story and one in particular I seem to keep going back to. Here is the quote:
“None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free” ― Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
I think this is really a central quote to the premise of this entire story and as you read along it makes you question what it truly means to be free in both thoughts and actions especially during this particular time period and of course many other trying times as well throughout history. It really is something to think about. I really hate the phrase “Do better,” and I think it is just thrown around a lot unnecessarily recently, but at times it can be applicable and in a way, the phrase also symbolizes Liesel and her strength and courage to try to do what is right.
The Girl From Berlin is an intricately weaved story and everyone should be reading this book. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this needs to be on your TBR. This book also should be in book clubs and/or book boxes as we need more stories like this. This book also needs to be talked about and discussed for many many different reasons. I can’t praise this story highly enough and quite frankly it is worth 1 million shining stars.
The story starts in Berlin 1936, when Liesel Sholtz is only fourteen years old. She lives a life of privilege, she is not overly close to her mother, but she holds her father in high esteem. She is a daddy’s girl. But, when recent events come to light, Liesel is struggling with her beliefs and what is being taught through the country. Hatred of Jewish people is running rampant in Germany and while Liesel wants to believe differently, she often wonders why she sits back and follows or perhaps is she nothing more than a coward deep down inside. When the family’s Jewish housekeeper, Gerda and her young daughter Rosa are fired from the Sholtz household and later come back desperately needing help, will Liesel do the right thing?
In 1946, Captain Sam Houghton arrived in Frankfurt at the end of the war. He is a chemist tasked with ferreting out the Nazis so they could be brought to trial while also helping in the rebuilding of a badly damaged country. In need of an interpreter, he hires Anna as his secretary. But, who is Anna really? Sam knows she is lying about something, but yet still finds himself sympathetic towards her and feels a pull towards her at the same time.
There are so many brilliant quotes in this story and one in particular I seem to keep going back to. Here is the quote:
“None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free” ― Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
I think this is really a central quote to the premise of this entire story and as you read along it makes you question what it truly means to be free in both thoughts and actions especially during this particular time period and of course many other trying times as well throughout history. It really is something to think about. I really hate the phrase “Do better,” and I think it is just thrown around a lot unnecessarily recently, but at times it can be applicable and in a way, the phrase also symbolizes Liesel and her strength and courage to try to do what is right.
The Girl From Berlin is an intricately weaved story and everyone should be reading this book. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this needs to be on your TBR. This book also should be in book clubs and/or book boxes as we need more stories like this. This book also needs to be talked about and discussed for many many different reasons. I can’t praise this story highly enough and quite frankly it is worth 1 million shining stars.
January 26, 2021
THE GIRL FROM BERLIN
BY KATE HEWITT
Liesel is a young girl growing up in Berlin who at the beginning of the novel has a close relationship with her father named Otto. They attend the Olympics together at the beginning of this story. As Liesel starts to grow a little older she notices an old man get attacked by a couple of Nazi's as she is walking home one night and it really upsets her. She notices that her housekeeper and cook Gerda and her daughter Rosa are also Jewish like the poor man she saw get provoked and beaten for no reason and it really starts to bother her. She is German and she thinks that the way her younger brother's textbooks that show exaggerated pictures of the Jewish people are wrong and vulgar. Liesel tries to befriend Rosa but Rosa seems to not want to be friendly back. Ilse, Liesel's mother seems to stay more in her bedroom and doesn't want to go to the big parties that the SS Officer's in Hitler's high ranking circles that Otto is getting invited to more and more often,
Otto starts asking his daughter Liesel to accompany him to these high ranking official's homes and she doesn't want anything to do with them just like her mother but her father pressures her and she relents. Meanwhile her little brother Friedy is excited to join the Hitler youth group but since his difficult birth left him with a foot that drags he will never be able to compete in the sprints and can't finish a day and a half hike so he gets disillusioned with the youth group. Their father is a chemist that runs a factory inventing synthetic rubber so he rises in the Nazi party because the rubber is useful to manufacturing boats, airplanes and other useful things that are useful to the war. The older that Liesel gets she can't understand why her loving father wants to surround himself with the likes of Himmler, Goebbels and Hitler.
In a dual timeline in 1945 and 1946 Captain Houghton is serving after the war in Frankfort and his job is to find scientists that took part during the war that would be useful to America who is now looking at a new enemy, the Soviet Union. Since Captain Houghton is from America he needs to hire a secretary that speaks German to help him translate the mountains of paperwork that he has to sift through so he hires a demure Anna Vogel.
I found myself not being able to turn the pages fast enough in the beginning. The story is mostly told by Liesel's point of view for the majority of the time. I loved this story and how the two converging timelines collide together. I loved Liesel's life long sensitivity to the Jewish people and her sensitive nature was to helping them all she could. Who is Anna and why is she telling her boss so many things that he remembers her telling him something completely different. I enjoyed this multifaceted tale but as with all Holocaust stories this was very hard to read at times. I highly recommend this to lovers of World War II stories and Liesel and her mother and her younger brother are highly compassionate German people who tried to help those less fortunate throughout the entire story.
Publication Date: February 25, 2021
Thank you to Net Galley, Kate Hewitt and Bookouture for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#TheGirlFromBerlin #KateHewitt #Bookouture #NetGalley
BY KATE HEWITT
Liesel is a young girl growing up in Berlin who at the beginning of the novel has a close relationship with her father named Otto. They attend the Olympics together at the beginning of this story. As Liesel starts to grow a little older she notices an old man get attacked by a couple of Nazi's as she is walking home one night and it really upsets her. She notices that her housekeeper and cook Gerda and her daughter Rosa are also Jewish like the poor man she saw get provoked and beaten for no reason and it really starts to bother her. She is German and she thinks that the way her younger brother's textbooks that show exaggerated pictures of the Jewish people are wrong and vulgar. Liesel tries to befriend Rosa but Rosa seems to not want to be friendly back. Ilse, Liesel's mother seems to stay more in her bedroom and doesn't want to go to the big parties that the SS Officer's in Hitler's high ranking circles that Otto is getting invited to more and more often,
Otto starts asking his daughter Liesel to accompany him to these high ranking official's homes and she doesn't want anything to do with them just like her mother but her father pressures her and she relents. Meanwhile her little brother Friedy is excited to join the Hitler youth group but since his difficult birth left him with a foot that drags he will never be able to compete in the sprints and can't finish a day and a half hike so he gets disillusioned with the youth group. Their father is a chemist that runs a factory inventing synthetic rubber so he rises in the Nazi party because the rubber is useful to manufacturing boats, airplanes and other useful things that are useful to the war. The older that Liesel gets she can't understand why her loving father wants to surround himself with the likes of Himmler, Goebbels and Hitler.
In a dual timeline in 1945 and 1946 Captain Houghton is serving after the war in Frankfort and his job is to find scientists that took part during the war that would be useful to America who is now looking at a new enemy, the Soviet Union. Since Captain Houghton is from America he needs to hire a secretary that speaks German to help him translate the mountains of paperwork that he has to sift through so he hires a demure Anna Vogel.
I found myself not being able to turn the pages fast enough in the beginning. The story is mostly told by Liesel's point of view for the majority of the time. I loved this story and how the two converging timelines collide together. I loved Liesel's life long sensitivity to the Jewish people and her sensitive nature was to helping them all she could. Who is Anna and why is she telling her boss so many things that he remembers her telling him something completely different. I enjoyed this multifaceted tale but as with all Holocaust stories this was very hard to read at times. I highly recommend this to lovers of World War II stories and Liesel and her mother and her younger brother are highly compassionate German people who tried to help those less fortunate throughout the entire story.
Publication Date: February 25, 2021
Thank you to Net Galley, Kate Hewitt and Bookouture for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#TheGirlFromBerlin #KateHewitt #Bookouture #NetGalley
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