The German Mother is a heart-wrenching novel from historical fiction author Debbie Rix. This was my first time reading anything from the author, despite many of her books sitting on my TBR list for many years, but her compelling writing absolutely captivated me from very first page right through the emotional narrative until the very last page.

This is not an easy read, particularly as one of our protagonists Minki sits very close to the heart of the Nazi party through her husband’s role within Goebbels’ propaganda department. But it did make the story particularly interesting as we get to see that not even high-ranking Nazi party members were immune from their policies against disabled people. The exploration of the politics of the journalism sector in 1930s Germany was also really interesting, particularly as we follow the introduction of increasing censorship.

This is a longer novel, of just over 500 pages long. I was really glad the story was given this amount of page space as it really allowed the long-timeline narrative to be explored in the depth it deserved. We first meet the characters in 1920 and follow their lives right up through to the immediate aftermath of the Second World War in 1945, through many of their key life events such as completing university, starting their careers, meeting their future spouses, getting married and then becoming mothers. Following these characters on their individual journeys over twenty-five years of their lives, and also seeing how their friendship evolved over time, really helped us as readers to build a strong connection to both women.

Both Minki and Leila were courageous and strong female protagonists. It was not always easy to follow Minki’s story as she develops quite a complaisant attitude to the Nazi regime until the potential impact on her family becomes apparent. But over the course of the book she opens her eyes to the reality of the regime and the wild, headstrong Minki we’d met at the beginning of the book started to return. I really connected with Leila as a character too and she had her own really emotional story which was really powerful.

Including such an extensive timeline also meant that the story features many key events in the rise of the Nazis and then the Second World War. As a true twentieth century/ Second World War history geek I absolutely loved how much history was packed into The German Mother and it was all clearly impeccably researched by Debbie Rix.

Overall, The German Mother was most definitely one of my favourite Second World War historical fiction novels I’ve ever read. Although it is not an easy read, and one which completely captured my emotions and had me sobbing on regular occasions, it’s a definite must-read for fans of the genre and a story which will stay with readers for a long time.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk

*Thank you to NetGalley, Debbie Rix and Bookouture

The most emotional heart-rending tale of survival in the darkest of times. I sobbed through this story that touched my heart and soul. It's at times a tough one to read about how people were treated.

WOW! The heartbreak and bravery required of a Mother. WWII and a German Mother trying to save her child. This book really told of how a normal life can be turned upside down without your control. Sad that the Father had to show his allegiance to the Nazi's rather than help his wife and child, but those were all choices that were made constantly during that time I imagine. Just a heart breaking situation.

In her latest World War II novel, Debbie Rix brings the reader to the heart of Nazi Germany through the lives of Minki and Leila, two ambitious young journalists and, eventually, mothers living through the Nazis’ rule. Rix brings the politics and gendering of the journalism industry to life, and she places the complicated paths of life under Nazi rule at the forefront of the narrative, bringing multiple perspectives and experiences to light throughout The German Mother. Rix’s characters are the heart and soul of this story, and their relationships are strong, dynamic, and moving. Minki and Leila’s friendship is heartwarming, while the challenges of their romantic relationships and their relationships with their children round out their characters. Rix’s familiarity with the period and her experience as a historical fiction writer add to the depth, complexity, and overwhelming emotion of her latest novel. Rix has successfully created another heartwarming, emotional narrative full of strong, powerful, and emotional women whose relationships and character give them power. The German Wife is an incredibly compelling and immersive read, and Rix has once again placed women and their experiences at the center of a riveting World War II novel.

The German Mother tells the story of two women, one Jewish, one Aryan who became friends in university. They graduate and both become journalists just as Hitler goes to trial for treason in 1924. Minki is a party girl who works to live and takes a job working for a right wing paper, but insists she has no political leanings. Laila takes a job at a Jewish run, left wing paper called the Munich Post. Their lives diverge at this point, but they get together now and then. Laila marries a publisher and Minki marries a film producer who eventually works for Goebbels in the propaganda ministry. Laila flees to London with her two children when her husband dies in prison. As Max, Minki's husband becomes more and more involved with Goebbels, she becomes disillusioned. When her daughter is taken from them to be institutionalized due to her epilepsy, she can't forgive him, especially when she finds out she has died. This is the story of two strong mothers that represent the many German mothers who lived during WW2.

This was a heartbreaking story about a time in history that is constantly surprising me. I knew that the Nazi party was dealing in eugenics and had even read about it in other books, but had no idea it had gone on in such a grand scale. To think that even high ranking Nazi party members were not immune from the policies was a bit surprising. Minki and Laila were both strong women in different ways. Laila being Jewish left Germany to save her children. Her parents wouldn't leave with her, so she had to be strong to leave them behind. Being a journalist allowed her to work and have contacts to find a place to live, a job to support her family etc. Minki, who was the wild, radical growing up, became somewhat complacent about what was happening until it happened to her, then she became fierce and worked with the resistance. This was an emotional story with characters who supported one another, were loyal friends, brave and resilient. The ending didn't really surprise me, but I liked how it all came together in the end. I enjoyed reading the author's notes at the end giving some historical information, her sources and what parts of the story were based on real characters and what was fictionalized. I like to learn new things when I read historical fiction and in The German Mother, I did. If you are a fan of historical fiction, especially WW2 settings, then I recommend you pick this book up. I will suggest you have tissues handy.

This author is one of my absolute favourites. She writes so beautifully with such heart and tackles dark and difficult and heartrending subjects with such panache and skill, such incredible deftness. I always come away changed after reading one of her books, and this one was no different. I learned so much and was wowed and touched in equal measure. A beautiful, powerful book. A must read for everyone.

This book kept me awake longer than I should have allowed but I just didn’t want to stop reading. I like it when a book makes you THINK and this book definitely did that. Thank you Bookouture for inviting me to be part of Books on Tour. “The German Mother” by Debbie Rix kept me awake longer than I should have allowed but I couldn’t stop reading! It does not shy away from the brutality of World War II.

This story is told from two different points of view.

Minki- is coming of age and working as a journalist. She meets Joseph Goebbels, and gets caught up with the Nazi party. She marries Max, who makes propaganda movies for the Third Reich. Her beautiful daughter Clara suffers from seizures. The Naxis are killing children and adults who they deem “unworthy”.

Laila- befriends Minki and also becomes a journalist. However, her path is the opposite of her friend’s. She is Jewish and works for a liberal newspaper, exposing the truth about the Nazis.

This is a gut wrenching story that is brutally honest about the atrocities that occurred. I definitely fell down a rabbit hole of research during and after my reading. I don’t want to say too much, but there are many monsters in this book. As a teacher who works with children with special needs, it is heartbreaking to see how they treat people with disabilities. But through it all, hope and a mother’s love prevailed. This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

One the best books i have read this year, i really enjoy this genre and the style of writing. I was hooked from the start.

The German Mother by Debbie Rix set in the period of 1920s Germany just when Hitler was gaining popularity. It's a story of two friends who are poles apart, but a bond keeps them together. They are journalists but are on two opposing sides. Both of them have to navigate extremely dangerous situations for their families. It's an emotional, painful, and poignant story of friendship, motherhood, and finding your strength.

Minki and Leila are best friends. Minki is extremely outgoing and realizes the dangerous views of the people who surround her very late. Leila is a jew who always knows what is about to come. This story takes into the world of Joseph Goebbels and his rise to the power. The eugenics program is the highlight of this book. It goes into detail about how even the German people paid a price in Nazi Germany.

This book is extremely emotional, and as a mother, Minki's anguish is heartbreaking. I was really angry at her for not taking a stand for her friend, but she I can understand that sometimes when it doesn't affect you, you don't care until it does. I really liked this book.

Thank you, Bookouture Bookouture and Netgalley, for this book. All opinions are my own.

CW: This book goes into detail about the eugenics program, and there are a few descriptions of the methods that Nazis used, loss, grief, and alcohol.

Minki, a young German woman and Leila a Jewish woman, are best friends in college both pursuing a degree in journalism. When they complete their education, Minki and Leila go in opposite directions in life. However, they do find their way back to each other through events in their lives that take place. Minki Sommers is happily married with three precious children. She is a loving wife and mother, and is also a successful journalist. Her mission in life is to keep her family safe. Minki knows that there is a risk of her daughter Clara being taken from the family because of her illness. One night the inevitable happens, Clara is taken by the Germans and Minki must do everything she can to find her and bring her home. Leila’s life is much different with her own struggles of trying to survive and protect her own family and being Jewish. They endured a terrible time in history and never lost their hope of survival.

The German Mother written by author Debbie Rix was a heart wrenching read. This story was difficult to read which kept me from reading in one sitting. It is beyond my understanding how people were able to survive such horrible situations, and still never give up. This is a story that literally hits every emotion including anger, fear, and sorrow. This heart pounding read made me hold my breath a few times until the moments passed. This is a well written story that I recommend.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is an utterly compelling read. Although it took me a while to get into the book, once I did, I was gripped, always wanting to know what happens next. This story follows an Aryan woman and a Jewish woman as they navigate their friendship and the changing political sphere in Germany in the lead-up and aftermath of the Second World War. You will meet the key figures of this time as you read the novel and see their dissent into madness through power and warped ideology.

This book will make you cry, laugh and fall in love with the characters as they go through their lives. Although the ending was predictable once it came up, I didn’t guess it throughout the novel. If you decide to pick up this book, make sure you have some tissues at the ready for this emotional read.

Thank you again to Bookouture and I cannot wait to read more books by Debbie Rix.

The German Mother, the new book from Debbie Rix, begins in Germany in 1920 and takes us all the way to the conclusion of World War Two in 1945. Split into four distinct sections, it tells the story of two women, Minki and Leila, who meet at university in Munich and form a friendship. Both come from different backgrounds and religions but they are united by their love for writing and hope to become journalists. Their paths merge and diverge over the course of the story. They come together, drift apart through circumstance but underneath it all when they need each other the most they are there for one another despite having diametrically and polarising opinions as to the as to the political and economic situation in Germany.

The story itself spans a significant and long time period and there is a lot of detail to absorb in terms of both women and what is happening to the country they call home. I did find the second half much better than the first as at times we were only getting backstory until just before the war started and then significant and life altering events occurred. At the time of reading, I thought there were a lot of unnecessary details regarding their time in university, who they met, what did they did when they completed their degrees and the back and forth between jobs on various newspapers and to be honest at times I did grow a bit bored and wanted something exciting and gripping to happen. But I am glad I persisted through the first half because now having finished the book and having had time to reflect I can see that the majority of the first half was needed to really set the scene and tone for what was to come. Yes, at the time of reading, I thought parts one and two needed editing and condensing but really I was wrong as these sections gave us a deep insight into what shaped and informed both Minki and Leila in their later lives and how they came to mingle in the upper echelons of Nazi society. How they used the power of the written word to express what was happening to their country all because of one man’s desires to exert supreme control.

Minki from the outset is a very divisive character and dare I say it for the vast majority of the book I didn’t like her at all and nor could I condone some of her actions or the people she integrated herself with. But by the end I had completely changed my mind about her and I think that’s what the author was trying to achieve and she did this in an excellent and well developed way. Minki grew up as an only child, her mother having died young and her father controlling her every move in life. At university she was the life and sole of every party enjoying the independence university afforded her. She carried these characteristics through her early working life. She was headstrong and passionate but when it came to the political situation and the rise of Hitler to power she very much put her head in the sand and continued on with her party lifestyle and relationships with many men. There were no redeeming qualities at this stage that I could discern regarding Minki. Yes, she was independent, opinionated and had a mind of her own but to me I was disgusted that she left Leila in her wake and even more so when she became embroiled in the party through her brief relationship with Joseph Goebbels and Max, a film producer, whom she goes on to marry.

There are so many contrasts between Minki and Leila which only become apparent the further the story develops. There were endless times where I wished I could reach into the pages of the book and tell Minki to wake up and see what was happening around her especially to Leila and her young family. It’s only when Clara, Minki’s daughter, is taken from her that finally I could see the wool falling from her eyes. Then at that point when she needs all the help she can to try and get her back I thought why should Leila help you. She told you time and time again what was happening as the National Socialist party rose to power. I think deep down Minki did know that she was in too deep but it would take something very personal to make her stand up and go against the regime. When this does occur that’s when I started to feel a small shred of empathy which only grew as she did a complete 360 and finally showed her true worth. She could see the terrible injustices being meted out to innocent people and this even came to her door. I was delighted to see her growing a backbone and some form of conscience and she became a completely different character from the one I had first encountered but I questioned whether she could make it through the darkest of times when herself and Leila discover what has been going on in relation to those Hitler deemed the undesirables.

By far, the best character for me was Leila because she was strong and steady throughout and always knew right from wrong. Coming from a Jewish family and working as journalist although one very different in style to Minki she could read the signs long before war broke out. She knew that Hitler was dangerous and like her fellow journalists she didn’t shy away from telling the truth. I admired her as a character from beginning to end. She had liberal values and knew the right to life and free speech were the bedrocks of democracy which Hitler was determined to crush. I think at times they wedge that appeared between herself and Minki that she was sad and disappointed about it. But the entire story demonstrates that once a friendship is formed that turns into a bond like sisters, well it can never be broken.

A friendship/relationship can stagnate and suffer and endure trauma but once there is any ounce of love and respect there than there is hope for it to be salvageable.I loved how despite all they endure Leila never gave up on Minki and in fact her life path despite the loss she endures sees her emerge stronger and in some ways career wise and professionally better off than Minki. She seemed to go from strength to strength because people could see the good qualities she possessed and her talent for rooting out a story. She had to become self sufficient and independent and I really don’t know how she carried on given what happened to her but her determination and fearless attitude deserved much respect and appreciation. This truly came to the fore in the last quarter or so of the book.

I have read countless books set during World War Two and you think you have read it all but here I found myself learning new facts and details. Specifically, the focus given to the programme of eugenics enacted by Hitler and his party.I thought it was brilliant how this aspect of the story was cleverly embedded into the lives of Minki and Leila and it opened my eyes to even more of the horrors the regime inflicted even upon their own people as well as the Jews residing in Germany. Those with genetic defects were identified as a drain on society who could never contribute to the great Aryan race Hitler was trying to create. Debbie Rix goes into detail as to what happened to those known as the undesirables and it was horrifying to read about and it reminds the reader of the torture and needless trauma inflicted on so many innocent people inflicted by those who were ruthless in their power and authority and really one thinks the German population should have done more to stop the onslaught but they were so brainwashed that this wasn’t achievable.

The story of Minki and Leila and all they endure is not straightforward nor is their friendship and Minki as I have said is a divisive character whom you will struggle to find redemptive characteristics for until at least the halfway point of the story. But still, The German Mother is a powerful and important read and I am glad Debbie Rix pushed both women to their limits as it made for an inspiring read.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

this is the story of minki and leila... and their families one is a german and the other a jew....

they both met at school and formed a friendship that was to last for years though at times it was tested during the war...

they both became journalists, leila was trying to get all the facts out about hitler and what was happening though at times they were shut down

this is a fascinating story though its a very slow build up.... and at times a bit long winded i think it came alive at the half way point.... and got better from there

clara is the daughter of minki and has been betrayed by her father... and this is the main interest in the storyline...what happened to clara, was she one of the ones murdered as not being pure or healthy.... as hitlers movement decreed that anyone that wasnt perfect or healthy or at a standard they felt was right they were then taken away and hidden away in institutions but another more grimmer story emerged... most were killed or sterilised.... and in some cases never to heard from again...

on the whole that last 50% of the book is well worth the read... now that is gripping and eye watering

The German Mother by Debbie Rix is a powerful historical novel that completely took over my life for a few hours.
The action is set from 1920 -1945 mainly in Germany but also in London. It is based on factual details. We follow the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party from its inception to the height of power and then witness its demise. Within the tale, Hitler has a cameo role whereas Joseph Goebbels is more of a main character.
The story is set around the friendship of two German girls – one Aryan and one Jewish. Both enter the business of journalism as we see the power of the press to influence minds. Both witness the same events but with differing reactions. One fears what is to come, the other dismisses it. “They were only words, after all, and words couldn’t really hurt people.” Despite their differences, their friendship remains.
We see the action alternating between the two lead characters, and we get to know them really well.
It is horrifying to witness the rise to power of Hitler and the Nazis. The silence, the indifference and dismissive attitude of the German people enabled the obnoxious little corporal to come to power – and once in, he was impossible to unseat as he ruled through terror.
There is the theme of mothers. We see that the bonds between a mother and her children are stronger than any fear. A mother holds her daughters daughter’s secret, to leak it would be disastrous.
We witness the power of the press and the silencing of the press.
There are some hard to read, extremely distressing scenes – but this is history. It should make us very uncomfortable because it happened and we need to know about it.
The German Mother was powerful, horrifying yet inspiring. Light cannot be extinguished by darkness. We need to read The German Mother in memory of the six million who perished and those who survived.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Reading this book should make readers’ blood run cold. It did mine.
As Roxie states in the afterward, most people are not aware of what the German government did to children they deemed unfit and her book exposes the dark history.
I had a profound distaste for Minki that I couldn’t shake. First, just her personality rubbed me the wrong way and then the filthy company she kept.
It’s a strong story and relevant at a time when governments continue to think they know what’s best for children rather than their parents.

Wow, this book will tear your heart apart! The depth of feeling involved is amazing, I couldn’t put it down. The excitement just draws you to it. My first by this author, I shall certainly read more.
Minki suffers because of her husbands connections with the Nazi’s. She spends her time searching for her daughter Clara, even when distractions get in her way. This includes Joseph Gobels who thinks he’s a notch above everyone else. I loved the descriptions in this, I could feel myself squirm at bits.
I will definitely read this again? I’d give more than five stars if it were allowed.

Spanning 21 years The German Mother shares the lives of two woman, Minki and Leila, as they grow from university graduates, to journalists, to wives and mothers, as Hitler and his Nazi party rise to power and World War Two looms. They will both have to learn about love and sacrifice as they navigate the new Germany that arises.
This is a winner for me. I love the long time frame, especially as this one starts in the late 20’s and gives more of a lead up to it the rise of the National Socialist Party. Both woman are incredibly different and I love the contrast. The character growth is very skillfully done. Definitely look for this one, releasing July 31 2023.
Thank you to @netgalley and @bookouture for allowing me to review this book.
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The German Mother by Debbie Rix

Minki Sommer, an Arian looking German girl, and Leila Hoffman, a Jewish girl, met in university in Munich in 1920 and soon became best friends. After university they both went into journalism but for different newspapers. The book goes on to tell how the lives of both Mink and Leila differed thru the years leading up to and after World War II.

I enjoyed reading this book very much.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review

I found this novel really compelling!! Apart from a couple of questionable facts (phone calls from England to a high ranked Nazi in Berlin asking for help for Jewish people; or letters across both countries also asking for help!), this novel was interesting. I enjoyed reading about people already being sensibalised to future dangerous times, and their interactions with other people who needed time to realise what was bound to happen. Is is going to be too late? Good psychological development leaving the reader to wonder about what happens next and how some of them will react. Some passages are difficult to read, particularly those regarding Hadamar and what happened to children there. Living close to Hadamar and even closer to Kalmenhof while having myself a disabled child, I know full well that the facts mentioned are true. A good read.
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

This book was unlike any other that I had read. The story follows Leila, a Jewish journalist, and Minka, a German journalist, through World War II. It spans about 25 years of their lives. The two are inseparable but once the war begins, a wedge is put between them and much work needs to be done to repair the damage to their relationship.

While it was an interesting take, I thought it was a bit long winded. I wasn't really sure what the point of the book was. Each of them had their challenge to overcome but they seemed to be resolved fairly easily. It was also fairly predictable.

That said, the characters were great, and really came alive. It was an enjoyable read.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!