What an amazing book. Loved it from beginning to end
You felt like you were actually a character in the book. It also pulls at your heartstrings

I have never been more appreciative of an arc than I was of this one! The German Midwife tells the story of Anke, a German midwife who is sent to a labor camp in the midst of WWII for offering her assistance to Jewish women. After helping many women give birth in the camp (just to have the newborns immediately killed by the Nazis), they transfer her to the house of Hitler's mistress to help with the birth of the Führer's child.

This novel follows the conflicts Anke faces between her loyalty to the profession of midwifery and to her hatred of the SS and the Reich. the book is so packed with emotion and heartfelt prose, it is impossible to get through it without at least tearing up several times.

I can't wait to see what Robotham comes out with next!

This story can be read under the title of The German Midwife or A Woman of War. It is the fictional story of Anke, a midwife, who delivers babies in the concentration camp. Once her abilities are revealed, she becomes the midwife to Ava Braun. The historical “what-ifs” of a relationship that produces a child between real life, Ava Braun and Hitler. The fictional story is nicely interspersed with factual details from that historical time period.

I am an avid reader of World War II novels in which the premise is based upon strong female characters. I could not, however, fully immerse myself in this novel. I thought the writing was good but found the characters not fully examined. In reading the beginning involving a birth at a camp and the emotions experienced by the mother, I had high hopes for a satisfying read. I was surprised that it quickly jumped to Anke becoming the midwife for Eva Braun. Other sections dragged and were detailed to light boredom.

I believe that this book has great potential. It would help to tighten up some of the story and show the reader why we should care who Eva’s midwife is. I believe the author has good skills and instincts but the story may need some more polishing before publication.


I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinions or ratings of this book.

Young German midwife Anke Hoff is apprehended in the streets of Berlin, separated from her parents and siblings, and taken to a work camp because of her family's anti-Reich sympathies. At the work camp, she uses her skills to deliver babies--many of whom die only hours later from drowning or exposure to the elements--and give dignity to the grieving mothers. In a strange twist of events, the German authorities later remove her from the camp to the idyllic setting of the Berghof in the Bavarian Alps. Her mission: to deliver the baby of Eva Braun, Hitler's mistress. Her reward: a stay on retribution against her family.

At the Berghof, Anke makes friends with Christa, a maid whom she enlists to help with the upcoming birth, and with an SS Officer named Dieter who seems to conceal a heart full of kindness beneath his Nazi uniform. As Eva's pregnancy progresses, the resistance makes overtures to Anke and she is forced to face a difficult decision--does every baby deserve to live, no matter who its parents are?

This book is a work of alternate history, considering the scenario of "what if Hitler fathered a child?" I enjoyed the premise of this novel but struggled to connect with the main character. Anke's flashbacks to the concentration camp were probably the most riveting parts of the story, and the conflicts she experienced at the Berghof seemed very "low stakes" compared with what she had already been through. The pacing itself was slow--Anke mentions several times that there is nothing for her to do at the Berghof while she waits for the birth, and the reader feels the same way. Of all the secondary characters, Dieter was the most interesting to me, but his character felt underdeveloped. Perhaps some of the copious paragraphs spent on childbirth descriptions (and the ongoing battle between midwives and medical doctors) could have been cut to add more to Dieter's part of the story.  I did appreciate the strong message woven throughout the novel that every child, regardless of any disabilities, deserves to live a full life. 

Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Alternate history: using real events and people and adding a smattering of ‘what if’ to explore other options – much like the ‘what if I went left on that day rather than right – what would happen? And here, adding to that concept with multiple flashback memories to the 1920’s, the story during World War II, and ending with the fall of the Berlin Wall, we get Anke’s story. A midwife in Berlin, determined to serve both the mother and baby, no matter their ‘station’ with the Reich, Anke was simply doing what she felt was right. And that put her straight into the hands of the SS, internment in a ‘work camp’ as a ‘political dissident’ – no yellow but a red star for her and her fellow outspoken women – ‘pests’. Through gripping and often harrowing tales of camp life and survival, Anke has come into the notice of the hierarchies in the Reich, and has been chosen to serve as midwife to Eva Braun.

Though still a prisoner, Anke is offered a small house, food and clothes, some freedom of movement and the friendship of an SS officer tasked with the ‘management’ of the Berghof, and most importantly, her camaraderie with Braun. Determined to do (as always) the best for mother and child, despite some serious moral questions she constantly finds demanding her attention and thought, Anke is single-minded in helping Eva through the birth – despite the obvious pitfalls and landmines.

While I’ve read other titles that manage to occupy the moral contradictions of those brought into service of a Reich that has taken much from them, and few who are wholly complicit or committed to the ‘ultimate plan’ of the Nazis and Hitler, few have managed to dive into the complexity of emotions and self-doubts that arise – pitting one’s will to survive against the repeated and often senseless atrocities that are occurring all around. From Anke’s early introduction and our recognition that she sees only mother and child in the labour room, her own questions about her own soul, her questions about choices and the ‘need’ for them, and her worries (not unfounded) that her life is more in danger with her improved circumstances than before, the entirety of the choices and the fact that the line between good and evil – and acts committed as those of a ‘lesser evil’ and the worry that regaining pieces of the humanity that is so degraded by what are, at the moment, simple choices for survival become a visceral punch to the gut for readers. Unless you are in the moment, you really haven’t any idea what you’d do – and that realization that facing horrible and often inhumane circumstances, where freedom of choice is a hope on the horizon so far away – Anke manages to maintain the best of intentions, even when actions are questionable. A stunning debut that is both gripping, prosaic and wholly engaging, more so for the frank honesty of the narrative voice in Anke, and the potential of this fictional story as plausible, if not entirely possible.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aeL/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Just when I think I've read every possible historical fiction angle on the WWII era, that there can't possibly be another tale to tell, a new one comes along and knocks my socks off.
Labeled a traitor, young Anke has been placed in one of Nazi Germany's camps. She uses her skills as a midwife to help women around her, providing what comfort she can. But when word of her skill reaches higher up, she finds herself being placed in a most unlikely situation. Her services are needed to serve the cause and the Fuhrer himself. You see, there's a baby on the way. And this baby is very important to the Nazi future.
Of course she doesn't want to do it, but her survival instincts kick in not only for herself but for her family back in the camps. And at the heart of it all, she's a midwife. So this is what she does.
This book...is so many things. It's historical and a love story and a story of friendship and hope and so much more. If you're a fan of the genre, don't pass this one up!

3.5 stars

I love WWII-era stories, so I was interested in checking this out, especially as the premise is a bit different than what I’ve read in the past: What is Hitler fathered a child during WWII?

Robotham crafted an emotional read as it follows Anke, a midwife, and shows some of the horrors mothers faced in the concentration camps, yet the reader is able to see some bright spots, as well. Fact combined with fiction in this “what if” story. Characters are well developed and believable.

This is the author’s debut, and I look forward to reading more from Robotham in the future.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

The German Midwife by Mandy Robotham was a very well written book with a plot that was quite believable. Once I began reading it I found it hard to put down. I enjoyed reading it and did not want it to end. It alternated between the present and past. Seems like many authors write like this lately. Mandy Robotham's idea for this book was so unique that I almost believed it. Mixing fact with fiction was a good combination and made The German Midwife into a "what if" kind of a story.

Anke Hoff was a young woman working as a midwife in Berlin, Germany during World War II when the story began. She often found herself in the Jewish quarter helping young Jewish women deliver their babies. During one of these times, the place where Anke was helping a young Jewish woman deliver her baby was raided by SS officers. Anke was taken as a political prisoner. She later learned that her parents, brother and sister were also taken as political prisoners and sent off to work camps. Anke was sent to Ravensbruck. She began working as a sewer until it was discovered that she was a trained midwife. Anke was forced to work in that capacity from then on. She did not discriminate over who she helped. She felt the need to help any woman in childbirth despite their religion or nationality. It was the innocent babies that mattered to her most. Anke was intent on doing her job well and surviving. Then one day the commandant asked for her to come to his office. This unusual request could only have negative consequences or so Anke thought. The proposition that was presented to her was one that sent shivers down Anke's body. It was something that she feared and wanted no part of but could not say no to. She had no choice but to do as she was ordered to do. Anke found herself conflicted over how she felt. She was commissioned to be the midwife for Eva Braun, Hitler's mistress and soon to be mother of his child. In exchange for her services, she was told that her family would remain safe and unharmed. Her desire to help all women in need during childbirth and the innocent babies won out over her hate for the Nazis and what they were doing.

The German Midwife was a brilliant novel that was well researched. The characters were well developed and believable. This is Mandy Robotham's first novel. I hope she writes many more since I am now a fan. I highly recommend this book.

My thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for providing me with the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for this review which is completely my own.

The German Midwife falls in the vein as many books I've read over the years - World War II-era historical fiction. What is completely different about this book is the perspective which is told from Anke's point of view. She's a German midwife whose profession has put herself and her family members in a difficult position given that Berlin is currently at war. Anke has a job to do; deliver any woman's baby regardless of their beliefs and what may result of the birth. However, when she is asked to be the midwife for one particular woman's baby, a battle both inside her mind and outside of her control are brewing and her moral and ethical stances are put to the test.

This book tugged on my heartstrings from the first chapter. The reality of pregnancy and birth during WWII just guts you. There were so many layers to the characters, feeling that inner turmoil they faced with every decision they made. Everyone is just trying their best, much like we do each and every day in our own lives. We would do anything for the ones we love, as you will see the mothers, midwives, and even some unexpected people do in The German Midwife. It's got a touch of romance, a lot of tense ethical moments, and a mother's determination - all things that make this an outstanding book.

For some individuals, however, this book may be a trigger. If infancy-loss or anything along those lines is a trigger for you, this likely is not the book for you.

A copy of this book was provided to me thanks to Netgalley and Avon. I have voluntarily read/reviewed this book and all opinions expressed are my own.

I was hesitant to read this book, wondering if I would be able to deliver Adolf Hitler's baby into the world. But the book was so much more. It was about survival, love, and above all else family. The author wrote a convincing story that was able to convey a feeling of love even though there was tough choices ahead.
I thought it was a great book, the stories all woven together, a good thinking book.
A good book!

I love historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. Set in Germany, 1944, Anke Hoff is a midwife in a concentration camp during WW2 sent to care for Eva Braun, Hitler’s mistress, who is pregnant with his baby. Obviously a work of fiction, the book poses some interesting ‘what if’ scenarios and ethical conundrums. Anke has lived the horrors of the Nazi regime yet feels a duty of care for the innocent unborn baby.

This is Mandy Robotham’s debut novel, it was well written, interesting and emotional. I highly recommend the book to lovers of historical fiction, I loved it! I would love to read more of Mandy Robotham’s books, this one was thoroughly enjoyable!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you to #netgalley and #avonbooksuk for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!
Anke is a German. Her and her family are not loyal to the Reich. She is also a very experienced midwife. She helps Germans and Jews alike. A mother having a baby is exactly that. She gives any woman the best care possible. She is pulled from a prisoner's camp and taken to help Eva Braun, who is Hitler's mistress. It has been kept a great secret, but Eva is pregnant with Adolph's child. She is to be given the best care possible. This baby is to be the example to the perfect raise. An Aryan through and through. After all everyone knows that Hitler is totally against deformaties of any kind. While Anke is helping Eva, her family is safe. She will do the best that she can, no matter the consequences.
A first rate historical romance. The characters are strong and convincing. The storyline in sensational.

I've been in a WW2 kick for the past week, We Must Be Brave leaving me disappointed but this one was really good. Gave me vibes of Nightingale and my mind is blanking at another book but this gave me a different aspect of WW2 then I've usually read.

You can find d summaries of the book I many places, so when I review books, I prefer to tell you about my overall opinion, rather than give you a summary .

I’ve been intrigued with WWII historical fiction lately, and this book did not disappoimt. The story itself was very unique and interesting. While there was the expected romance (based on the title), there was also an inexpected romance. I love the characters. I loved the twists and turns I’m the story. I loved the strength and moral character of the people in the book. I wish the book was longer because I wanted to know them longer.

I highly recommend this book.

This book was an amazing read. The author's writing was so stellar that it was easy to imagine the turmoil Anke was feeling as she had to decide between her loyalty to her family and her loyalty to her Country. As a midwife, you wouldn't expect to have to make such an emotional decision, but the author made this story so believable that it read like non-fiction vs the novel that it is.

This was a moving book about Anke, a young German midwife during WWII. When Anke is sent to a labor camp for decidedly anti-Hitler sentiments, she becomes a midwife for all expectant mothers also interred. Word of her skills reaches important officers in the Reich, and she acquires a most famous patient. I am thankful to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader of this well-written historical novel.

I was very curious how an author could write a book about one of the most well known mistresses in history and weave the fictional story into a story that is well known and controversial. . The author did a great job of merging the two. I enjoyed the story that gave you a glimpse into Eva’s personality even if most of it was fictional. The element of conflict also added to the richness of this story. Anke was definitely faced with many moral dilemmas throughout her young life as a midwife. I also enjoyed the authors knowlege and depth of midwifery. She went into great detail in some of the births that helped you understand the practice and Anke. The epilogue was much appreciated since the story had a natural abrupt end.

Nicely done historical fiction. Anke, a midwife, finds herself on the edge of knife, when she's pulled from Ravensbruck to care for Eva Braun. Robotham has done her best to humanize various Nazis and this occasionally made my skin crawl. Some of this is unrealistic but at the same time I found myself carried along by the story. It's well written and Anke is a sympathetic character you will root for. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Another favourite read this year!
This was such an interesting read! Once I started I could not put it down. A fabulous and sometimes heart wrenching read of life in the Nazi camp's for midwife's and their patients.

What if Hitler fathered a child during World War 2?
Anke Hoff was put in the most impossible situation. Take care of one of HItler's inner circle or suffer the consequences.....
The story went seamlessly back and forth between her current position as midwife for the Fuhrer to time spent at Ravensbruck and her childhood. What a strong and courageous woman Anke was to time and time again help other women through the birth of a baby only to have it taken away moments after. I cannot even begin to imagine the suffering those women would have went through!
I very much enjoyed the characters Anke came to know along the way and felt those relationships really enhanced Anke's journey.
I have all the love for this first novel by Robotham and hope it will not be her last!