This is the second book in the German Wives series, and we continue along with the stories of Edith and Julius, and Helga and Heinrich, as Hitler gains power and WWII begins. Julius and Heinrich are Jewish, although from differing backgrounds, and we discover just how life changed, step by step, for those unfortunate Jews.
Once again Marion Kummerow has delivered a brilliant story, based on fact but very much a work of fiction and once again, I learnt things I didn’t know about Hitler’s rise to power and the atrocities he was responsible for, at the very beginning of the war.
Enjoy is probably the wrong word, but I was interested in the continuation of Joseph’s story, a staunch SS member, but also Edith’s brother. He played a big part in the commencement of the war, but he also had Edith’s back and ultimately wanted what was best for her.
I would definitely recommend this book if you are a fan of historical WWII fiction, but check out the first in the series to begin with, so you are introduced to the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review The Berlin Wife’s Choice by Marion Kummerow.
“I love you more than life itself. But you’re not safe. If you weren’t married to me, you wouldn’t suffer like this, terrorized by the yellow star on my chest. I could never live with myself if something happened to you—because of me.”
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.
Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to "discover the world" and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she's now living with her family.
Inspired by the true story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime, she started writing historical fiction, set during World War II. Her books are filled with raw emotions, fierce loyalty and resilience. She loves to put her characters through the mangle, making them reach deep within to find the strength to face moral dilemma, take difficult decisions or fight for what is right. And she never forgets to include humor and undying love in her books, because ultimately love is what makes the world go round.
