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bookfiend48's review
5.0
Two sisters start out in an orphanage in pre-Nazi Germany. The oldest one, Berni, is offered a job and housing by a Jewish woman, which she accepts, leaving her younger, more vulnerable sister behind. Berni befriends a transgendered woman named Anita, who is selected to have an experimental gender reassignment surgery. Meanwhile, the younger sister Grete grows up, and becomes a maid to a Nazi family, who becomes involved with the son who rises in the Nazi ranks. Can this sisterly bond withstand the harrowing test of time? This is by far the best book I read in 2017. The writer uses the element of time effectively.
paigeluhn's review
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kdvogel's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! I usually don't read historical fiction, but after this I might have to more often. This story was impressively told and intricately detailed. Truly examines the complexity of family and trust over the course of time. Good work Caroline!! I loved every minute of it.
lostcanticles's review
3.0
My thoughts on this are all over the place. It’s really a read that fell somewhere in the middle for me. It had me hooked and the sense of dread never left as I read but despite that, I somehow felt left out. Like most of the action happened off page and I only got to see what happened after.
gdlutz's review
4.0
A book with twists and turns and relationships which is well put together and is a joy to read.
deadgoodbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
carocour's review against another edition
5.0
After five years of writing and a three-year agent/publisher search, I feel very fortunate to be able to introduce you to Berni, Grete, and Anita. Enjoy--I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
susangiardina's review
1.0
I didn't like this book. Just a downer, start to finish. All books dealing with Nazi Germany are sad, but usually have some redeeming social comment or uplifting human interest. This had none of that.
cawhite's review against another edition
5.0
I received this book as a goodreads giveaway, and I'm so glad I did. It was hard to put down. The story of two sisters who were raised in an orphanage in pre-war Germany, and then went in different directions during the rise of Hitler. The story is very compelling and filled with emotion. It's one of those books you can't stop thinking about. Highly recommended.