This book kept me engaged from the very first page, Lisette leaves her baby boy at the hospital overnight whilst she returns home to get some rest however this is Berlin in August 1961 and the border closes overnight leaving Lisette in the East & her baby, Axel in the West. The story then jumps between Lisette during the Second World War, the bombing of Berlin by the Allied troops, the persecution of the Jews and Elly (Lisette’s daughter) in 1961 when the Berlin Wall goes up and her tenacity to get her brother back.

This book was beautifully written and gave me an insight into a part of history I had no real awareness of. I am used to reading & seeing things about the Second World War from other perspectives but not really from the point of view of what life was like for those living in Germany particularly the women. The book explores the trauma experienced by Lisette during the Second World War and how that has impacted on her relationship with her daughter Elly as well as her husband and her mother. Then the part of the story around the Berlin Wall going up was just so eye opening and something I only had a slight awareness of. A wonderful debut that I would highly recommend.

Thanks to PRH for the early copy. This is an incredibly moving novel about a part of history that I thought I knew well enough but I actually know so little about. It’s a fantastic portrait of life in Berlin through the 40’s and 60’s, and captures so many elements of what was a quite horrific time. It’s moving, deep and a story with many layers. The characters are all brought to life so vividly, and you can’t help but feel deeply for them. At its core it’s a tale of love and how it can conquer anything, and how we need to break down barriers so the past doesn’t repeat Itself. A very poignant message particularly in today’s times. I really enjoyed and can’t wait to see this published.

A remarkable book, this story covers a family torn apart by the Berlin wall, and society. I’ve not read anything quite like it, the writing was beautiful and the characters were vivid and warm. I particularly enjoyed the way music was presented as a common thread between mother and daughter, despite their differences. I always love historical fiction, and this was no exception. It was heart breaking and hopeful at the same time.