What a great read! I was so drawn in....compelling story line and well rounded, convincing characters. Thank you for an excellent read.

Well done historical fictions. Fans of the WWII genre will appreciate this for the way it moves between 1930s Germany and the post war period. There are secrets, lies, and a twist, as well as a romance, Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Hewitt is a good storyteller who will pull you in and keep you turning the pages.

A really good WWII historical fiction about a teenage German girl that follows her through the war into young womanhood. Lots of conflicting feelings and some truly heartbreaking moments. It’s interesting reading about the experience of Germans who are being fed propaganda. This book covers a lot of time, but the pacing is great. I recommend!

This was one of the best historical fiction novels I read all year! Kate Hewitt is an AMAZING writer. It had somewhat of a slow start, but I am glad I stuck with it. It gave an interesting perspective as to how some Germans viewed the war. The character development of Liesl was so well done.

I always love Kate Hewit books and I think this is one of the best. Liesel and Sam are great characters and the story works well with the two timelines. It really brings home the fact that a lot of Germans weren't really bad but felt they had no choice or were not brave enough to stand up and did not know the extent of the evil. Definitely recommended

Perfect for lovers of World War Two historical fiction. I keep thinking the genre will lose interest for me, but it hasn’t happened. Fans of The German House and Women in the Castle will particularly like The Girl from Berlin. Heartstoppingly poignant and at times thrilling, The Girl from Berlin is not just another book in this genre, it's a great one.

A truly immersive tale told from the point of view of a girl living in Berlin through the rise of Nazism and the second world war. Told in a combination of real time and flashbacks you really get a sense of the thought process and pressure experienced by ordinary people. This is combined with divided beliefs in the family and a sense of the frustration of knowing what is right and not knowing how to change things for the better.

~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~

What a surprising and wonderfully written WWII novel! I truly enjoy Kate Hewitt's story telling style. I have read several of her books and will continue. This is the story of Leisel Scholz and her family during the growth and fall of the Nazi regime. It is a story of family, survival, loyalty, and love. It is both inspirational and heartbreaking simultaneously. My favorite quote by Liesel's mother is: "Perhaps that is why there is so much war. People are simply not strong enough to love." I mean what an insight! If you are into WWII historical fiction, then you will enjoy this one! It is unlike any other WWII book that I've read so far. I definitely recommend!

I’ve been reading a lot of novels surrounding WW2 and the Holocaust as research for my own work, but I seemed to become engrossed in this very quickly, getting lost in the story. This is a novel of two girl’s friendship, that begins during the early years of the war in Berlin. Liesel’s father works for the new government and their lives are protected and prosperous, meaning she doesn’t always see the changes happening in her own city. Rosa is the daughter of their Jewish housekeeper, and as the girls come together by chance, she ignited a concern in Liesel that life in Nazi Germany is not as safe as she thinks, at least not for everyone, When Rosa asks Liesel for help, handing over her grandmother’s gold watch in payment, she agrees to help the family without fully comprehending what this might mean. Recklessly, Liesel hides the family in the attic rooms once used for servants, inadvertently putting the lives of herself and her whole family in jeopardy. Ten years later, Sam Houghton, a US army captain, arrives in Berlin. He’s there to rebuild and to interrogate Nazis on trial for war crimes. Sam is young and idealistic, believing that he will easily identify good and bad, black and white. He hires Anna as an interpreter and immediately feels a connection, despite damage from the war causing her guard to be up high. Will she be able to let go of these coping mechanisms and allow something good to come from a dark and bleak time? However, Sam doesn’t know what Anna did during the war to cause this fear, because she keeps deep secrets. Secrets that include a gold watch and an undying friendship between two young girls from very different sides of this traumatic time.

I liked that the book is unflinching in its depiction of war, It was well-researched and I enjoyed the change of perspective to that of a young German living under a terrible, authoritarian regime. It shows us the grey areas that people had to live in - Liesel’s dad is a chemist and is needed by the Nazi party. He doesn’t have a lot of choice, he has to work for them. Sam isn’t the type of man who would see people thrown out of their home, but the house is requisitioned for him before he arrives. Anna is quiet and competent, but also very clear about what she wants. She doesn’t want a relationship with Sam, because she’s scarred by her experiences. Her family are dead, killed in Allied bombing raids, but she tells him little more than that. The significant loss she has suffered means she likes to live life with only herself to worry about, She can’t afford to have feelings for someone else. In fact, when we learn what has happened during the war it has huge impact and brought a big lump to my throat.

Kate Quinn has written an beautifully observed and researched historical novel that packs an emotional punch. As the past and present threads meet, it is hard to bear in parts - particularly Liesel’s war and Anna’s revelations. The description is so detailed and historically accurate it feels like you are there with them. Love can be found in the most unexpected places, but when you have learned that love has such a high price, are you willing, or even emotionally able, to be in that position? To feel loss once more? I now need to go back and read this talented author’s previous novels, if this is an indication of the quality of her storytelling.

Following two intersecting timelines, we meet Liesel Scholz, a young woman in a loving family who is beginning to think for herself in pre-war Berlin, and Sam Houghton, an American captain who never saw combat and is sent to post-war Germany with the task of finding Nazis - specifically scientists. The story explores people's loyalties, their morals, the cost of ambition, the betrayal of secrets and individual choices within a system. It raises the complexity of complicity in ignorance, and the facade that people see. Both Liesel and Sam are relatable - they are simply humans trying to do what is right. It becomes hard to judge right and wrong when we don't know what we ourselves would do. I love the grey zone that this novel brings to light in a historical context.

An intricately woven story that kept me engaged right until the end. A story of strength, courage, love, and loss.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are all my own.

The Girl from Berlin
There are not enough superlatives to describe this thought-provoking, well-researched, searing novel.
If you like historical fiction, this should be at the top of your list. Period.
Told in alternating timelines, pre-WWII during Hitler’s rise to power and immediately following the end of the war when Germany was being carved up, the author manages to capture the gamut of perspectives of Germans across the years.
The early years are told mostly from the perspective of Liesel, 15 years old at the beginning, whose father is a chemist and works for the Nazi party.
I found her to be intriguing right from the start. She had the innocence and naivete of a young girl of the time, yet she also had the feeling that things she was being told were very wrong. She could sense the evil even before she could put a name or face to it.
She also blindly loved and trusted her father – until she couldn’t anymore. I don’t want to give away why or how, but those were some truly heart-wrenching scenes. It went beyond a typical young-daughter-worships-father-but-grows-up, as Liesel realized the depths of her father’s involvement.
I thought the trajectory of Liesel’s thoughts was indicative of many Germans of the time, and it was all cleverly presented. For example, when she joined the BDM, she felt gratified to be a part of something – even as she disagreed with pretty much everything it stood for.
Likewise, as things turn uglier, Liesel wonders why she hadn’t paid more attention and been more indignant or outraged earlier in the whole situation. It brought to mind the famous quote by Martin Niemoller.
But I digress a bit.
The later years were also very well portrayed. I liked how a simple chemistry teacher, tasked with the nearly impossible job of hunting down anyone involved with the Nazi party in post-war Germany, managed to uncover important information.
I really liked Sam. He seemed to be a good person – perhaps that’s why Anna trusted him as much as she did? In a time where not many people in the country were trustworthy no matter what nation they were from, he stood out as one of the good guys.
As for that relationship – I thought this was probably the best part of the book. I’m not going to give anything away, because the author does a phenomenal job of relaying just enough information to keep the reader guessing as to past experiences of the characters and the bearings they have on present situations.
This is a rambling review, and I have to apologize for that. There are so many things I want to mention that I enjoyed about this book. (And yes, it does seem strange to say I enjoyed a book that counts Nazi atrocities as a main focus).
Friedy’s blind devotion; Ilse’s incapability to cope, until she’s forced to; the hopelessness felt by each member of the family even as they realize what they need to do just to survive; the little moments were worlds crash, trusts are broken, relationships irreparably harmed…everything adds up to a stellar book that asks tough questions, answers them realistically through the characters’ actions, and leaves the reader with deep thoughts to ponder.
And that’s even without drawing parallels to modern movements and perspectives.
Do yourself a favor. Do. Not. Miss. This. Book.
Top of the list, immediately. It will stay with me for a long time.

This storybos very skillfully written as looks at how German citizens viewed the war which is a viewpoint rarely explored.
Although the characters are purely fictitious the story is based in historical fact and made this even more powerful to then read.
A book that caught my attention from the first page and kept it throughout.
A heartbreaking, beautiful book.

Oh my goodness what a story it tells you of what happened in Germany just before the War, during and just after.

Liesel is the daughter of a chemist who is beginning to be a rising member in the country and she looks up to him not realising that he might not be as good as he makes out. He seems to turn a blind eye to what is going on in Germany.

Liesel and her Mother try to make a stand against what is happening but they are just a small majority and can’t really do much to help the people that are suffering.

It is a thought provoking book and I really enjoyed it.

I am absolutely devastated that I won't be able to review this book, as unfortunately some sort of technical issue has occurred which has meant that the e-book sent to my kindle is completely blank! It looks like an absolutely incredibly book, and I will definitely be trying to get my hands on it as soon as possible, at which point I will be able to update this and provide an actual review.

I can't stop thinking about The Girl from Berline, it was a heartbreaking story, that will keep your emotions in check at all times, but at the same time will give you hope making you want to learn more about Liesel Scholz life.

The Girl from Berlin, the story of Liesel Scholz, a teenage girl, living with her family in Berlin. She was happy and loves her parents so much, her life was good and perfect until the war happened and everything started to change, nothing will ever be the same.

Otto was working for the Nazis, he was a kind man, with a beautiful family to love and care for but nothing was written and when the war came even the nicest and kindest people were changing for the worst and this was the case for Otto, Liesel's father, he was so eager to give his family the best of the best not recognizing so many of the evilness he was already doing, he was slowly changing into a man no one soon will recognize, even his wife didn't want to have anything to do with him.

Liesel and Ilse didn't recognize Otto anymore especially after the night Friedy returned home. nothing was the same, the whole family was broken and now Liesel and Ilse were determined to do whatever they could to survive even if that meant being on their own. this is exactly when things started to get worst but at the same time, they started to get fixed as it was the first time both women worked together and left any agenda behind, Even Young Friedy was determined to save his family and left everything behind.

I really love this story so much, one of the things that really made me feel in love with the story was the strength of Liesel, she was a true heroine, at some part she was very naive and stubborn making me feel a little exasperated with her character but overall she was great, she was kind and very persistent with anything she set her mind off.

Another highlight about The Girl from Berlin was how the women of the story came together and fought hard for what they wanted. Leslie, Ilse, Rosa, and Gerda were for me the soul of this magnificent story.

Frankfurt, 1946 Sam Houghton, an American Captain who has been working for a month searching for Nazis who specific skills that can be used for the American Government. he feels so lost as he keeps working very hard finding no clue or anything that will bring some light to his investigation. the story of Sam is very light, in my own opinion he was there just to help in someway Anna to find the closure she was looking for, he is a very important part of the story but still for me Liesel is the one who stole the show.

The secondary characters Helga, Rosy, and Gerda were great additions to the story bringing so much depth to the main characters and making it more enjoyable as well as giving a more anxious and dangerous environment for the women of the family but still great characters.

Overall it was a great book, I can keep writing more and more about it but I just don't want to give away anything

A heart-wrenching, emotional and affecting historical novel, best-selling author Kate Hewitt is back with another unforgettable historical novel: The Girl from Berlin.

In 1936 Berlin, Liesel Scholz leads a very privileged life. She lives in a beautiful house where her every whim is catered for and indulged and has the whole world at her feet. So wrapped up is Liesel in her privilege that she isn’t noticing what is really happening all around her. The Nazi party have grabbed the reins of power and they are slowly but surely transforming the city. As fear and danger begin to stalk the streets of Berlin, people who do not share Liesel’s wealth and elevated position begin to suffer. Everything they knew and took for granted has now been taken from them and with uncertainty renting Berlin’s air, the future for them looks bleak and terrifying. Liesel had been previously blind to other people’s suffering – until a chance encounter with her housekeeper’s daughter Rosa brings to startling life the suffering being endured right on her doorstep.

A desperate Rosa knows that time is running out for her and her family. The Nazis have made it clear that people like her are not welcome in their country and terrified of what the future holds, she begs Liesel to help her out. Pressing her grandfather’s gold watch in the palm of Liesel’s hands, Rosa asks her to hide her and her family in the dusty and unused rooms at the top of the house. Liesel wants to help Rosa, but she knows that if discovered, the repercussions do not bear thinking about. What will Liesel do? Will she help out a desperate family? Or will she turn her back on another’s suffering and anguish?

Ten years later, American captain Sam Houghton arrives in Germany to interrogate prominent Nazis on trial and to help rebuild a country shattered beyond belief. When he hires a young interpreter called Anna, Sam doesn’t expect to find himself drawn to her, but as sparks begin to fly between the two of them, feelings neither one of them ever imagined start to develop. However, Anna has a secret past which she has kept very close to her chest. A secret linked to the darkest years in the country’s history and to a gold watch and two young women who, despite the vast social chasm that divided them, had become the best of friends.

A stellar historical novel that brought many a tear to my eye, Kate Hewitt’s The Girl from Berlin is a beautifully written tale of courage, love, war and friendship from a writer who exceeds my expectations with every single book she writes. The Girl from Berlin is a spellbinding historical novel that vividly brings to life the fear, terror, injustices and prejudices of Nazi Germany while also being a tale about friendship, hope and survival that will linger in readers’ hearts and minds long after the final page is turned.

Kate Hewitt is a fantastic storyteller and in The Girl from Berlin she will dazzle her readers once again with her latest first-rate historical novel.

I have read so many books set around the world wars and especially about the Nazi regime. However, each books gives me something new to think about.

Liesel is a German girl living in Berlin during the rise of the Nazi party. She notices the change around the city as the party grows along with German’s love for Hitler. At first, nothing sinister seems to be going on apart from the blind, fanatical allegiance to a man with a crazy vision. However, that soon changes with the focus on Jews. Over time, things take a turn for the worse and Berlin practically goes up in flames.

This story is narrated through two main POVs. One is set in the 1930s and illustrates Liesel’s experiences in Germany during Hitler’s rule . The second timeline is narrated by Sam Houghton, an American Captain in Germany after the collapse of the Nazi rule. Sam is in Germany to interrogate members of the Nazi party in a bid to seek justice and also help in the restoration of Germany.

This was quite an emotional story. My heart broke so many times when I read about the atrocities committed by the Nazi party. Having a protagonist who is German and at the helm of the Nazi rule gave this a fresh, interesting angle. I could empathize with Liesel and her family and their predicament. I admired her strength to try and stand up against the injustice around her. However, it also broke my heart to see just how bad things got. I still cannot understand how Hitler was able to convince so many people to embrace some crazy notion about white supremacy and antisemitism.

As I already mentioned, this was also a thought-provoking read. We can get angry now and do much more in the face of such atrocities as committed by the Nazi regime. However, what would it have been like to actually exist in that period? The Jews may not have had many choices but how about the Germans? Was it easier to keep quiet, burry your head in the sand and just wait for the storm to pass? Was it easier to pretend not to see the Jews being packed away like their lives were meaningless? I’d like to believe that I’d have stood up against the injustice. At the same time, realistically, I don’t know if there is anything I’d have done apart from helplessly and fearfully remaining silent as a form of self-preservation. Sad, isn’t it?

Poignant, well written with great character development, The Girl from Berlin by Kate Hewitt is an excellent read.

The story covering the traumatic period of 1936 to post liberation of Berlin encompasses the most evil period of the Nazi regime and their determination to get rid of what they called aliens from society. They did this not just in Germany but in every country they took over. So much has been written from every perspective possible, but each new story we find comes up with another angle and this one is just it.

Liesel Scholz lived a protected, very comfortable life in the German hierarchy. Her father was a chemist who had made important discoveries. He was not blind to the faults of the Nazi regime, but was comfortable to turn a blind eye as long as his own family were not affected by any of what was happening around. The detention of his son was a turning point in his life and one which was a pivot for him as he became more and more ensnared by the system. Friedrik had a deformed foot and the family thought the protection of their father was enough to prevent his detention and his death.

Fast forward to 1946 and Liesel now changed her name to Anna seeks employment with the Americans. One of a few with good English and with a calm demeanour she gets the job of assisting Sam Houghton with finding out Nazis living in plain sight and then more importantly chemists. Unknown to Sam, Anna's entire focus was to get justice for her family by finding her father and showing his betrayal and then his punishment by the Americans for his role in the destruction of German society.

Very emotional, fairly descriptive in the workings of the Nazis, not a soothing read but nevertheless something we should not forget that happened in our lifetime and something that is most probably happening in many parts of the world right now, as we speak.

Omg i really don't what to say. I am stunned. The author has done it again. She has written, once again, a heartwrenching book. It is about surviving during evil. It is about Peoples weaknesses and strength. It is a thought provoking book. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Liesel Scholz is a teenager growing up in Nazi Gernmany. Her father is a chemist and his skills are being used to support the impending war. She is thrown into a world of high ranking Nazi officials yet is horrified by the violence and cruelty she sees in the streets.
1945 and the war has just ended. Captain Sam Houghton arrives from America to deal with the aftermath of wartorn Berlin. He finds a people broken by defeat and hardship. He hires a young secretary to help him with translation but can he trust her...?
The Girl from Berlin is an excellent dual timeline novel. The timelines are only separated by a few years at most yet the dramatic changes are huge. Both plotlines were convincing and compelling, drawing the reader in to puzzle how they are connected.
This book appealed to my history degree as well as my psychology masters. The situation for 'normal' Germans in the face of rising Nazism as well as the coping mechanisms for surviving war. Author Kate Hewitt has clearly conducted careful research which brings an authenticity to the plot and descriptions.
Liesel develops from child to adult over the course of the book and discovers that her perfect lifestyle comes at a price. I had plenty of suspicions about what chemistry Liesel's father was developing and was not disappointed to be proved right with his horrifying revelations at the end of the book.
The links with the other postwar timeline were quite obvious but it was fascinating to see the plot unfurl. I read with a distinct sense of dread and anticipation and was not disappointed. The horror of war and Nazi atrocities are handled sensitively and often subtly but this does not reduce their power to shock.
The Girl from Berlin was hugely enjoyable despite the tragedies included within its pages. Beautifully written and lovingly researched.