I finally read this book while I was recuperating from the flu this past March, and while I liked it, it wasn’t my usual choice of WWII book. I had read it was a coming of age novel and thought it would be aimed at YA readers when I requested it on NetGalley. But I was wrong, it is definitely an adult novel.

And while it is an excellent novel, well written and informative about life in Austria under the Nazis and later under the Soviets, it is a bit too graphic for my target readers. Muller does capture the unleashed cruelty that can results in a regime that glorifies violence and war, but fortunately, there are also moments of kindness that provide some relief.

Even though it doesn't work for my purpose, I would still recommend My Own Dear Brother to anyone interested in history and/or WWII fiction.

I did not finish this book due to the poor condition of the galley received.