Mandy Robatham has written yet another really interesting and well researched book about the history of the Berlin Wall and life on either side . If you like historical fiction then this is a great read.

Twins Karen and Jutta have a nice life and as twins have a very close relationship growing up and living in West Berlin. Karen however ends up on the wrong side of Berlin when the Wall literally goes up overnight. The twins are torn apart for the first time in their life. The story is told through each twins experience living on either side of the wall. Will they ever get to see each other again and live on the same side? There are decisions, choices and sacrifices that each must make.
This story left me wondering about what I would do in such a situation. Keep the tissues handy.

Cleverly crafted, this book brings a historical period to the surface when the Berlin Wall went up in 1961 almost overnight. There was unrest in Germany, but no one expected a wall to divide the east and west parts of the city so quickly. This is a powerful account of how one family was divided by a barrier yet stayed together in spirit.

Two identical twins, Karin and Jutta, had a wonderful close life together in the western area of Berlin until one day when they were separated by the border wall. Karin was on the wrong side of the city when she was working on a project to develop her career as a fashion designer. Not feeling great, she was suddenly taken to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. Overnight, everything changed in East Berlin. Officials refused to allow her to leave.

She was quick to adjust to her new life with a few good trusted friends and learned how to follow the stringent rules of the socialist state ruled by the Soviets. She had no choice but to accept it as her home...until her twin sister magically showed up giving her options to consider. The story shows how they shared one of the most challenging decisions of their lives through their strong love for each other.

While reading, I found myself on Google wanting to know more about the Berlin Wall. People were targeted as spies and everyone had to watch their step. I recall how the world was watching and cheering when the Wall finally went down and the gate was opened on November 9, 1989.

My thanks to Mandy Robatham, Harper Collins Publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy.

Mandy Robotham weaves her magic once again. This time in Berlin at a time when the wall was being constructed. The book talks about how the Berlin wall rips apart twins. Each one stuck on either side of the wall. She alternates between each twins narrative which helps the reader connect with the anguish that each twin endures and one can see just how different life is on either side of the wall. At the end of the day, each must make their own decisions. The choices however aren't easy and the sacrifices are great.

Definitely a book worth picking up and reading if you love historical fiction!

Thankyou to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author, Mandy Robotham, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of The Girl Behind The Wall in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Such a beautifully written and heartfelt story. I loved it.
This is a story that will stay with you .
Well worth a read.

What a fabulous book!!! Full of information! Such wonderful characters so believable & the whole story just drew me in. Many many tears!! Highly recommend!