Book Synopsis:
Berlin, 1939. Edith Falkenstein once lived a fairytale life. Falling in love with Julius introduced her to a world she had only dreamed of. She wore the finest silk dresses to host parties in their historic mansion home.
But those days are a distant memory. Under Nazi rule, her Jewish husband Julius has been stripped of everything. Now the couple share a cramped apartment with other destitute families, and the priceless jewels that once adorned Edith’s neck have been sold to buy food on the black market.
Julius was lucky to escape being imprisoned once, and Edith knows he won’t be so fortunate a second time. The echo of boots marching across the city is a constant reminder of the danger they face. She begs Julius to flee the country, while they still can.
But as war rages across Europe, the journey will be fraught with peril. All Julius has ever wanted is to keep Edith safe. He knows there is only one way to truly protect the woman who stole his heart all those years ago—even if it means breaking hers.
Time is running out and Edith must decide: let Julius go or follow her heart and her husband into the danger that lies ahead…
An absolutely gripping, heartrending story of the lengths we go to for love, that fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and My Name is Eva will adore.
My Review:
The Berlin Wife’s Choice is an emotional, fast paced and gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Firstly the author has clearly done her research as I felt completely transported to Berlin during the war. It was interesting to see events from the other side and to learn more about what life was like in Germany at this time. It was a time of great uncertain and fear, which was almost palpable at times so that I felt like I was actually there experiencing everything alongside the characters which I thought was very clever.
The two main characters Edith and Helga are brilliant creations and ones I enjoyed following throughout the book. Their strength and determination was incredible to see especially in the face of such adversary. I admired them and feared for them as they try to save their families. Edith’s horrible brother Joseph on the other hand I absolutely hated. How he could behave like that, especially when he knows his sister and husband were in danger was shocking to read about. It really helped drive home to me the strength of the Nazi party and how they managed to influence so many people.
I thought this was a very fast paced book and there always seemed to be something happening to keep my interest. With the benefit of hindsight the reader knows what is to come for the Jewish population and this increases the tension in the book as we watch things gradually become more difficult for the families. I quickly found the book hard to put down as I was so invested in the families and wanted to find out what happens next – hoping they might find a way out.
This book is set in 1941 so I’m hopeful that there is more to come from this fabulous series. If you’re a fan of historical fiction then I highly recommend this book.
Huge thanks to Sarah Hardy for inviting me onto the blog tour and to the publisher for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
About The Author:
Marion Kummerow writes historical fiction that explores the dark side of human history. A USA Today Bestselling author, she has received rave reviews from readers and critics for her novels about the German resistance during World War II. Her books feature characters who face moral dilemmas, make difficult decisions, and fight for what is right. She also infuses her stories with humor and undying love, because she believes that love is what makes the world go round.
Born and raised in Germany, Marion has lived in various countries before returning to Munich with her family. After writing several non-fiction books, she felt drawn to the past and the subject of resistance to the Nazi regime. It took her years of courage and hard work to turn the true story of her grandparents Ingeborg and Hansheinrich Kummerow into a trilogy: “Love and Resistance in the Second World War”. UNRELENTING is the first book in this series.
Bringing history to life through her books is Marion’s passion. She visits museums, travels to memorials and the locations in her books, reads original source material, and consults experts to meticulously research the historical facts and details in her novels.
Her stories are authentic and immersive, transporting readers to another time and place. She writes with the conviction that we must never forget the past, so it won’t repeat itself.
When she’s not writing or researching, Marion likes to travel, do yoga, and spend time with her family. She also enjoys reading books by other historical fiction authors.
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