I am a huge fan of historical fiction, especially novels set in World War 2 so I was immediately drawn to the cover of this novel.

Ella Strauss is a teenager in Nazi Germany who is drawn into the German Resistance by her friend Claudia.

The author has done her research on this novel and it shows. Much of it is set in Nuremberg and Munich during the war years where I don’t think I have ever been in a novel. Certainly from reading this it would appear that the Munich experience of WW2 was very different than the Berlin experience.

The Girl I Left Behind in the title is intimated during the novel as being Claudia who is imprisoned for her work in the Resistance, and who Ella has to “leave behind” when she is sent to safety in Munich. However, when I came to the end, I was left thinking that it was Ella who is left behind. The naïve shop girl who becomes fearless member of the Resistance, imprisoned for her beliefs and who ultimately leaves her past behind.

Needless to say I am hoping there will be a follow up as I for one would like to find out what happens to Ella.

💕Thanks to Netgalley UK and Aria Fiction for an advance copy of this novel. This is a debut novel from Andie Newton and it is absolutely brilliant. I love reading historical fiction centred around WWII especially about the incredible resistance movement throughout Europe. This book drew me into that world, but unlike others, it focuses on the perspective of the German resistance, which I have not encountered before.

The book traces the life of Ella Strauss. To the outside world she appears to be a Nationalist, proudly wearing her Hitler Youth uniform, saluting Hitler and attending meetings, but we soon discover her true feelings as she joins 'Falcon' with her friend, to assist in hiding Jews and aid in their escape. Secrets, intrigue and danger, follow Ella as she learns more about herself and what a strong minded woman she is. Protecting her friends, assisting in the movement, hiding her secret identity, Ella bravely risks everything whilst witnessing devastating events, to follow a cause she believes in. The reader is immersed into her world emotionally throughout the story.

This book is enlightening, fast paced and full of intrigue which encourages the reader to turn pages. I read hungrily, wanting to find out what happens next, but I didn't want the book to end. That, to me, is great writing!

‘A good shop girl can make a person believe anything...’

Ella knows she’s different. Raised by her aunt after the death of her parents, she lives the life of a good Nazi girl. But soon Ella is led in a different direction, and begins a dangerous journey into the world of the resistance...

I have to start by saying that this book is a perfect example of my ideal novel. I love historical fiction, especially novels set in WW2, and that cover and tag line had me hooked immediately! However, because I read so much of this genre I can be a bit fussy, but with ‘The Girl I Left Behind’, I was not disappointed in the least. I will say now though, this review won’t say much about the plot, as I think it’s good to find that out for yourself!

Firstly, let’s talk about the opening chapter. It is quite possibly one of the most gripping openings I’ve ever read. Honestly, it drew me in immediately, throwing you straight into the action and letting you see immediately the strength of Newton’s writing, especially when it comes to creating tension!

As I’ve stated above, the novel focuses on Ella, a young woman being raised by her aunt after the death of her family. The contrast between her old life and new is stark, especially when considering that her parents went against the National Socialist agenda that her aunt is such a fan of. Seeing how she struggled with how to question the regime was so tough, and I loved reading about those all too realistic tiny acts of defiance, which led very naturally to her delving further into this world. However, she didn’t just jump in and accept it all straight away, which I thought showed a real strength of this novel - Ella has questions! She feels scared! She sometimes wants to take the easy route! I know for a fact I would be the same, but all too often historical fiction has the lead suddenly become this fierce unquestioning solider almost overnight, and it’s so unrealistic, so I was really impressed with how realistic the writing felt.

Another great example of how strong the writing is was Ella’s voice. At the start of the novel, she is 17, and she sounds like a young woman. Throughout the book she obviously ages, both physically and emotionally, but her voice is still her. You can feel her becoming more mature, but she maintains that spark of individuality. Also, with regards to events - the book doesn’t just list what happens as a lot of historical fiction can tend towards. I understand it must be hard to write about events so far in the past and make them shocking, but the fact is, they were at the time. Bombs being dropped was shocking, people being stabbed is shocking, and Ella is rightly shocked and emotionally affected by these things. Being able to maintain her voice as a young woman whilst also developing the tone throughout the novel shows real skill to me.

I also loved the fact that this book focused on life inside Nazi Germany, rather than looking in from the outside. It’s something I’ve always wondered about but few books seem to focus on it, and those that do are often flat and dull, making the situation feel very black and white. Newton instead created a vivid and realistic world, full of murky grey areas that reflect the complexities associated with living in, and fighting against, Nazi Germany. I really respected the fact that there wasn’t a complete dichotomy of ‘Nazi = bad, resistance = good’, as to me that is a sign of lazy writing. To be able to show the areas in between, particularly in relation to one character towards the end, I found to be an example of absolutely fantastic characterisation.

Overall, I was just so impressed with the quality of the writing, and the pacing of the plot, and pretty much everything about this novel just screamed talent. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and also to anyone who finds character led novels appealing. Basically, everyone should read it!

The Girl I Left Behind
By Andie Newton
Neighbors were missing and people were being “moved” as Ella fought to make sense of what was happening around her. Was no one else curious or sympathetic to what was happening? Determined to make a difference and seek change Ella agrees to help her fellow League of German Girls companion, Claudia. Ella gets swept into the Falcon group Claudia is working with and finds herself taking on risks she never imagined.
I really enjoyed this book. I was quickly captivated and was only let down when the book ended because there was no more to read.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I am a huge fan of historical fiction, particularly those centred around the role the resistance played in ww2 across Europe. Despite having read many books with this as the theme, I had not read one which focussed on German resistance fighters, so I was excited to read from this point of view.

You get to know Ella Strauss quickly, discovering that she is brave and fearless and disagrees with the Nazis, despite being part of the youth league. I was hooked from the second she decided to join her friend as a ‘falcon’, hiding Jews and helping them to escape. Throughout, the book had me wondering what I may have done in this situation, and if I may have been as brave as Ella (probably not is the answer!) I was also intrigued by how young most of the characters are, making this a possibility to recommend to my students when we cover this history topic.

The friendships and family relationships described in this book are complex and heartwarming, you get a sense of how people pulled together and cared for each other in the face of such dangers.

I stayed up late to finish, and though at times I felt that it was a little rushed towards the end, I still enjoyed finding out what happened to Ella.

All in all I definitely recommend this book, it kept me interested and there were a number of tense moments throughout which, amongst other things, kept me hooked.

Thank you so much to the author, netgalley and the publishers for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

This story starts in Nuremberg, Germany in 1943 where Ella, or Sascha, works in her Aunt Bridget's antique shop. Ella's best friend, Claudia, is involved in the Resistance and talks Ella into joining the movement. When Claudia disappears after a big leaflet drop, Aunt Bridget sends Ella to Munich were she gets a job working for the Reich filing documents. Ella continues her spying while working there. Lots of things happen in this book which kept me on the edge of my seat. I love WWII Historical Fiction and this book did not disappoint. Thank you to NetGalley and Aria Books for the ARC of this very good book in exchange for an honest review.

This story is about inside Nazi Germany and what people did to resist from the inside. It was very interesting to imagine people acting as spies to help bring down Nazi Germany. I enjoyed the characters and felt for their stories and the risks they took. There is a lot going on in this book and some storylines were not complete but it did not take away from the other great stories.

An amazing spy novel and WW II fiction. Andie Newton tells a powerful story of Ella, a German citizen, trying to save her friend Claudia from the Nazis. Interesting to read about German citizens who worked against the Nazi regime. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

I was so drawn to the cover of this book and that it was a WWII novel about a female spy. It is always so interesting to read about the Germans who were brave enough to try and infiltrate the Nazi's and try to stop their heinous crimes. Ella was so incredibly brave and reading her story and her place in the resistance was enlightening. The ending felt a bit abrupt to me, but that was only because I wanted to know more of Ella's story. Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for the ARC.

I love reading novels about World War 2 and this one didn't disappoint! I loved the characters and the beautiful storytelling. I never wanted to put this book down and read it every chance I had. I hope to see more novels from Andie Newton in the coming years because she knows how to write an amazing story! Highly recommend for anyone interested in WW2 fiction or spy novels. Big thanks to Aria Books and NetGalley for this eARC

A good shop girl can make a person believe anything.

Wow! What an incredible book! I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time, always keeping the title and the above line in my mind.

Ella Strauss is a young German woman living with her aunt in Nuremberg after her parents were killed in a car accident. As Nazi ideology grows by the day, Ella hides behind her German Girls League uniform and begins to work with the resistance alongside her best friend, Claudia. After almost getting caught by the Gestapo for using the basement of an antique shop as a safe house for Jewish residents being smuggled out of the country...Ella finds her way to Munich and into a secretarial job at headquarters.

This gives her the chance to spy from within. A good shop girl can make a person believe anything. For months, she collected information and dispersing it to the resistance all the while playing the role of a prim, proper, supportive German woman. Eventually....she is caught. Does she survive? Well, you’re going to have to read the book to find out.

At first, I thought the title The Girl I left Behind referred to her friend Claudia. But as I continued to read, I realized that the ‘Girl’ is actually Ella herself. Keep the line, a good shop girl can make a person believe anything in your mind as you read.

What I love about this book is the strong sense of character that Ella has. She knows what she’s doing is dangerous. She knows the consequences if she were to get caught but she persists....fooling all those to whom it matters. Despite everything...the importance of resisting and defeating evil is worth more than the consequences.

As I read more and more WWII fiction, I’m in awe of all of the different roles women played in the war. So many of them were never, ever discussed in history classes. I think it makes it all the more important to read all of these fictional stories that are popping up. So many of them are based on true events and real people. You get quite the history lesson and I’m so grateful to all of these authors and all of the research and interviews they do to bring these stories to life! Also...be sure to read the authors notes. They shed so much more light on how these stories are brought to the page.

Anybody looking in would see Ella Strauss as a great Nationalist, She wore her Hitler youth group uniform, attends meetings and salutes Hitler. Her best friend Claudia is in the resistance, nobody knows of course but there is something about her Ella’s aunt doesn’t like about Claudia. Unbeknownst to Ella’s aunt and caregiver,Ella is in the resistance too!
I was initially attracted to the cover of this book. I read a lot of World War II books. Andi’s Newton did a great job researching as I felt I was with Ella the whole time. I had many emotions reading and felt I needed to read more.
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of this great book.

I believe this is the authors debut novel and what a great first book. This is a historical fiction about Nazi Resistant groups and spy networks during WWII. I can not get enough of books set in this era. This is one of those up at the top of my list for being well written, interesting characters and a powerful storyline.

Highly recommended for and of those, who like me like gripping Nazi historical fiction.

This author's debut book is a fascinating story. I loved Ella's aunt's saying, "A good shop girl can make a person believe anything." The Nazi resistance groups and network of spies during WWII were powerful. This story is filled with suspense, a little romance and a great surprise at the end. Looking forward to reading more books by this new author. Highly recommended!

A gripping book that had me constantly on the edge of my seat. Great writing and characters that kept me hooked. Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley, Aria and the author Ms. Andie Newton for the opportunity to read this Advanced Readers Copy of "The Girl I Left Behind".

An exciting Historical Fiction novel that takes the reader deep into the underground of the German Resistance.

Its 1941 Germany; some German youth, although part of the youth league, do not agree with the ideals of their Fuhrer. For them, Nazism must be stopped, they are the youth of the German Resistance, and they are ready to fight and die against this oppressive regime.

"Ella Strauss" and "Claudia" are best friends. As younger girls they were always getting into trouble, especially during "The League Of German Girls" meetings. It's here that they come to understand that the philosophy of the Arian race as defined by Hitler is not something they can believe in or fight for. So begins their journey into the youth movement- The Resistance.

What follows is edge of your seat writing... Do not get caught, do not fall in love, and do not make any mistakes. With spying, counter intelligence and a fight for survival amongst third Reich officials, "The Girl I Left Behind" is an exciting story with an ending you dont see coming!

The cover drew me into this book
This book is fast paced and a page turner. I loved all the historical descriptions and I made me feel like I was living in the book
A brilliant historical fiction novel

What a twisting turn of events! Ella is a young girl who finds out that the world is not always as it seems. She ends up joining the German Resistance and helping those who are being persecuted by the Nazi Party. This story follows her as the risks get more and more dangerous. The ending was unexpected, yet amazing. I highly recommend this book!

Many thanks to #NetGalley & Aria Fiction for allowing me to read an advance copy of this debut novel by Andie Newton. What follows is my unbiased review.

I was initially drawn to the book by the cover art which included a picture of a Nazi flag and a girl walking through the streets moving towards it.

The novel begins in 1943 Germany with a bang up introduction where a nameless spy does his best to escape from his captors only to meet his fate on a crowded street while his female contact looks on in horror. I read this book over a period of a few days and confess that by the end of the book I had pretty much forgotten about the intro and it wasn't until I was looking back on the book that the impact really hit me.

The main character, Ella, or Sascha as she is sometimes known, is the voice of the story and her tale unfolds in memoir fashion from her late teen years in 1941 when she is a reluctant member of the Nuremburg branch of The League of German Girls. In her time away from the League, Ella works as a sales girl in her aunt's antique store. She is an excellent sales girl who has a talent to make her customers believe in whatever she tries to sell. Ella was orphaned at an early age and her Aunt Bridget raised her and encouraged her to be involved in the Nazi ideologies. I'm not sure if Bridget truly believed them or if she was simply trying to provide a life that would keep her niece safe.

Ella's best friend is a young woman named Claudia who has good reason to dislike the Nazi's. Her sister was a teacher who was "turned in" by an 8 year old student for not being aligned with the Nazi's, leading to her death by hanging. As a reader, I could feel the desperation of living in Nuremburg during these times and seeing things that a young women should not have to see all the while living with a burden of fear that something could happen at almost any time. Claudia is viewed by Aunt Bridget as a bad influence on Ella, but to Ella she is a breath of fresh air and the bringer of a chance to make a difference in the lives of some of the hurting people of Nuremburg. Through her, Ella becomes part of a group known as the "Falcons" who are primarily a youth based resistance group. As Ella's involvement deepens, her life becomes increasingly at risk. There is a similarity between the Falcons and the true life resistance group known as the "White Rose" and there presence serves as an inspiration to members of the Falcon's. Eventually it becomes clear the Ella is at risk of imminent capture and her aunt sends her off to Munich to get her away from the limelight. She has two cousins who live there which ideally would be an added benefit but cousin Alex, feels that if Ella isn't there to marry and do her job as a good German woman that she must get a job working for the Nazi's. The job comes sooner rather than later and before she knows it Ella is getting into the resistance deeper and deeper on a daily basis, spying for the enemy and leaving herself open to eventual capture such as that faced by her friend Claudia who has become a victim of the mysterious "Nacht und Nebel" directive of Adolf Hitler.

Being a spy means Ella must be careful who she associates with, even cutting herself off from those she loves in case her activities may eventually lead to their demise. As the years of the war go by Ella becomes increasingly isolated from any sort of normal existence and I can only imagine what it must have been like to live under those circumstances knowing that every day might be your last.

I am not going to give further plot detail as I feel that spoilers would literally just "spoil" the story for other readers. When I finished the book I was very surprised. It did not end as I expected it to and I felt I could have read a little bit more to tie up some loose ends. It would be great to read this as part of a book club so I could discuss the ending with others and hear their thoughts. Because the main characters are really just young adults being forced into very adult roles I think this book would serve well for high school classes, either for history or English. In this advance copy there was a very brief intro by the author to set the stage, and it is clear that she did her research into the times. Hopefully the final copy when released will include some more of her thoughts and references. In the meantime, I think I will be doing some reading up on the White Rose group.

This book for me was “meh”. I was really excited for this book, and the first half was really good but when I got to the second half it just wasn’t as exciting and it kinda dragged on. The ending felt rushed trying to put all the last pieces in place. I honestly think this would have been a way better book if it had been longer!