by Ellie Midwood
Publisher: Bookouture
Pages: 351
Format: eARC
Buy the Book: Amazon
Goodreads: Berlin, 1939: The inspiring true story of Libby Schulze-Boysen, a German girl who refused to back down to the Nazis. In the face of evil, she vowed to live by the truth––or die by it.
“Be brave. Don’t run. Fight.” With her eyes tightly shut, tears rolling from under her dark lashes, she felt his lips gently touch her burning cheek. The train on the platform whistled, and he disappeared into the steam.
Nineteen-year-old Libby moves to Berlin to escape her suffocating family––but instead of offering freedom, the city is under siege by the Nazis. Jewish books are burned, storefronts smashed and every day innocent people vanish into thin air. Libby cannot––will not––turn a blind eye.
When Libby meets Harro, she knows there’s more to him than his dazzling smile and cornflower-blue eyes. The whip marks on his back, scars from the SS, tell his true story: he is a resistance fighter.
Libby and Harro fall madly in love, devoted to each other and to tearing down Hitler’s regime. Knowing they can make the greatest difference from the inside, Harro works for the Air Ministry, infiltrating government secrets.
Together, they smuggle classified documents and hold clandestine meetings in the middle of the night, with blackout curtains and a single candle burning. Under the cover of darkness, they distribute leaflets, exposing the Nazis’ hideous lies.
In the frostbitten winter of 1942, Libby is certain the Gestapo is stalking them––their every move watched, their phone calls recorded. In the end, they must decide what is more important: to be free or to be brave? To survive or to stand up for the truth?
Kritters Thoughts: Another World War II book, but once again I can say this one felt unique as it took place in the heart of Berlin through the eyes of Libby Schulze-Boysen as she was trying to find her role in the resistance and fighting the rise of Nazi party and the persecution of Jews.
Libby was such an interesting woman to follow. At the beginning of the book she takes a job with the Berlin office of MGM (which I didn't even know existed) and she is hopeful to start in the promotional department, but has dreams for so much more and then the Nazis come to power and there are better uses of her time. Reading about Libby and her husband, Harro, and their relationship both personal and professional was so enjoyable. I loved that at a time where women weren't expected to do much outside of the home, Harro encouraged Libby to play a role in the resistance and was such a supportive husband - that was fun to read.
I would recommend readers add this to their historical fiction/World War II pile as it gives a distinctive view of resistance within Germany and the avenues the people used in hopes of ending the war and in their favor.
Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row
Ebook 2021 Challenge: 128 out of 100
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from Bookouture. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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