The Ragged Edge of Night

This book was hard to put down. It gave some insight on the Catholic religion which I found helpful to me, personally. History of WWII very good. Glad I didn't live over there or had to suffer as they did. For those of you who don't know, there is a God and He is good! John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He sacrificed His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

This true story is filled with history of Germany under Hitler. A small town in Germany that hated Hitler and wondered when the war would end and their beloved Germany could rise from the ashes. It's people horrified by the actions of the. Reich doing their best to care for and love all the people in their Village and beyond. Highly recommend, well written, a story you will retell!

Couldn't put this book down. What a remarkable man the main character, Anton. Ms. Hawker writes him to life. I could see him in my minds eye and feel his emotions and the emotions of those so tragically affected by Hiltler's atrocities. A MUST READ! You'll find yourself living World War II with these people.

Great! Wonderful! Interesting! I love it!!!! Excellent work!!! Clean, almost no cussing. I highly recommend this book!!!! This is the best book I've read this year and it's September. I am an avid reader.

I stated up late reading this and started again early in the morning. It's about how a small town in Germany resisted the Nazis and the characters (based on the author's family) kept the faith. One of the best books I have read in a while.

The book tackles a man's conflict with his God and with the oppression of Nazi Germany. It is beautifully written and it will resonate deeply with anyone who is grieving the current political situation we are now facing

I never write reviews but I have been disappointed in this book so I thought I would let other readers know before they purchase it. I only made it about 40% of the book and I'm putting it away for awhile. I may/may not go back and finish it. The story itself is not bad but the writer is just too "wordy" and descriptive. Normally that isn't a problem in a book and you may think I'm being ridiculous, but I seriously think the characters would not be putting those deep political thoughts into every aspect of their lives. At times it was pages and pages of "run on" thoughts before you actually get back to the story.

The author seems proud of her "resistance" to the outcome of the 2016 election and that is when she decided to write this book. She "watched as the US I thought I knew devolve, seemingly overnight, into an unrecognizable landscape - a place where political pundits threw up Nazi salutes in front of news cameras, unafraid - a place where swastikas bloomed liked fetid flowers on the walls of synagogues and mosques - I knew the time had come." Her "facts" here are ridiculous and very biased, so here credibility as a historical author is nil. This book is history rewritten, therefore it is fiction.

Put this on your special book shelf beside The Diary of Anne Frank and A Gentleman in Moscow. Add Timothy Snyder's On Tyranny. Don't forget the author's notes at the end. And don't look at a single blurb till you've read the book.

How I envy you if you have yet to read a page of this golden gift of literature.

We must resist, evil must not win. This is a timely message for our country. I have not ever written a review before but feel compelled to do my small part to join the people who stand for goodness, inspired by this wonderful book.

I loved this book, a historical fiction. I could not put it down! I will be adding this author to my favorites. Story line was edge of your seat, and I could wait for the ending and when it ended, I wanted it to go on! To me, that is a great read!

This is a gripping historical tale which should be read by all. A great reminder of our humanity and why we should always be aware of the power we hold which can be positive if we allow it, and to be watchful for those who would use such power to destroy others.

As the daughter of parents who were displaced persons from post W W II Germany, I felt personally drawn to this book. It was a gripping read, and a poignant portrayal of the extraordinary courage of ordinary people in the worst of times. I highly recommend it!

Even though this is based on a true story set in Germany during WWII, the parallels to our lives today are astonishing. The characters are ordinary citizens who are fearful of their leaders, and in spite of those fears for themselves and their families, take a stand to say wrong is wrong even though their leaders say wrong is right.

This is the best book I have read in a very long time. I recommend this book to everyone. I was amazed to find out this was based on a true story. What a wonderful amazing family. I wish we were all so brave. I can't wait to read more books by Olivia Hawker. Thank you for blessing us with this story.

I
For the past several years, I have been enthralled with the stories that have been written about this period of time and the horrors and challenges the people endured and conquered! This was an exceptional well written story.

So endearing to know that this was a true story. I found that the self sacrifice of a man and a woman to be very remarkable considering the difficult circumstances in the time they lived. The human spirit never fails to inspire me.

This is a timely book about one man and his new family's human experiences during the Second War. It is set in a very small , out of the way, village in Germany and based on the true story of one man' and his community's struggle with hardships and good and evil. I most definitely recommend it to every one about twelve and up.

The story was a delightful microcosm of what life under Hitler must have been like. The ultra liberal politicized post script was despicable. Just because you write a good story does not give you the right to promulgate your political views, which I personally found insulting. I will not be buying or reading any more of her material.

The courage of the life's of Anton's and Elizabeth ; and the small village is outstanding !
They're the true life example of the quiet courage that can make a difference .
How they were willing to lay down their life's for what is right and against evil . I agree that America has allowed this same evil to thrive in our country . May we wake up before it's too late.

After reading the book I felt that the story was well written for an historical novel. But when I read the author's notes, I was blown away that it was based on her husbands grandfather. I never say "blown away".
Great rad!?

Engrossing, Hawker balances hope and horror as readers learn and feel what life was like for her German family during the years when Hilter ruled. Hawker's effort to weave her message to actively resist hate is skillfully blended into a fictional narrative. She motivates readers to not be bystanders while helping them prepare for the sacrifice action may require.

Based on a true story. Protagonist is very multidimensional. I thought I knew a good bit about WWII including from the perspective of ordinary Germans. No. I didn't even begin to understand. A story of impossible choices, failure, courage, love, survival, and redemption. A magnificent story, beautifully written.

I've always been drawn to historical novels and this one did not disappoint. Loved the characters. I found the story so timely in our country's state of affairs and hope that more readers take notice. Please read more, vote, stand up for what you believe, do the right things not what some people think you should do. Thank you Olivia Hawker.

A tender, gripping historical fiction that I couldn’t help but relate to modern day events. There really are good people who care and have heart. This book is uplifting and I recommend it to everyone.

I confess to loving WW II books. Some I have read have been good, others disappointing, but Hawker’s book is wonderful. It is a deeply moving, true, story about the tenacity of the human spirit even in the midst of evil. The goodness of the main character, Anton, contrasts with the sourness of the personalities who support Hitler. For no other reason than the message of hope about the human spirit that springs forth from this book, it should be read.

The story of WWII has been told so many different ways by many different authors, but this part of the war and the lives it affected and how they felt is a fresh take. Anton is a humble and deeply faithful man. Elisabeth is a determined and protective mother. The children are a joy as is Father Emil. How they deal with what Hitler's Germany gives them is a miracle of human endurance. The fact that this is family story based in truth makes it even more enjoyable.

5 stars...a well written historical novel of a young man who witnessed tragedy in Germany during World War II. His flight to find a new life is intriguing and well written by Olivia Hawker. Fleeing and determined to keep his family and Community safe during World War II This exceptional novel is touchingly written will be long remembered.

An interesting premise. Must admit, I believe the author was able to incorporate the ideals of a man forced from the deliberative, pensive, measured lifestyle of a friar, thrust into the everyday world during a tumultuous and overtly-evil time. It forced me to slow my thought process and accept the pace of the text, rather than reading quickly (as is my wont) and finish the book so I could move on to my next read. I especially felt moved by the "one-small-step-for-man" incident involving the bells...

This is a book that you can read just for the story, but it is also good for deeper thinking should you be inclined. The characters are believable and the story unfolds beautifully. One of the best books I have read in years. Be sure to read all the way to the end of the book... every last word.

So sad to be reminded of the cruelty of that time in history. Reminds us to pay attention so history doesn’t repeat itself. The story itself was lovely and the reader can’t help but fall in love with the man and what he did for this family.

A fantastic true WWII story of those who risked everything to follow their hearts and conscience; doing alll they can to resist; Hitler and his evil followers and their near total destruction of all people not of direct Aryan descent, an added bonus was this small secluded town’s willingness to help those who could not help themselves!

Great mix of fact and fiction. Great mix of emotion arousal -- faith/fear,
Love/hate, joy,/depression/oppression, hope/despair, courage/cowardess. Enaging/informing read. Like the personal tribute at the end.

Decent read, I don’t expect much of free reads but this was a good story, some parts of the story are a bit tiresome while others are glossed over. Overall it was a great story. It’s a quick read so don’t expect it to last your whole vacation.

Decent read, I don’t expect much of free reads but this was a good story, some parts of the story are a bit tiresome while others are glossed over. Overall it was a great story. It’s a quick read so don’t expect it to last your whole vacation.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I particularly enjoy the WW2 time period. I enjoyed learning about a different point of view in this book. The love story between the main couple was sad and endearing. I'm thrilled that they went on together.

She paints such a vivid picture of the main character, he feels like a friend. I was worried all the way until the end about what would happen to the family. No spoilers about whether my fear was unfounded.

I have read several good books of experiences in and around Germany during WW11, but not one about people in a German town who were anti-Nazi and resistors. Kudos to author for writing such a moving and eye-opening story based on actual facts,

I saw a review that recommended this book if you like The Nightingale and I was not disappointed. What was even better was finding out that this was based on a true story. If you like historical novels, you'll love this book!

A heartwarming story even though posed during World War II, & speaks of the atrocities of the time. A story of love, inspiration, & the belief that even one person can make a difference. Beautifully written.

I loved the multi dimensional characters and the layers of human frailties that I recognized and understood so well . The historical settings were exceptional and the story was beautiful as well as a wake-up call to what is happening in our country right now. Best book I've read in a long time.

Beautifully written story that tells, without maudlin tear-jerking prose, a deeply moving account of the power of love and the ability of the common individual to take risks and do great acts
of resistance to evil.

The story is remarkable in the sense that it enables the reader to delve into the experiences of a singular rural family as they struggle to live in opposition to the Nazi Regime and eek out an existence living with only the barest of essentials.

Really loved this story, start to finish. The story itself is so interesting, and such a different perspective. I hadn’t read anything before from the perspective of the oppressed Germans in WW11. And the writing style is so very beautiful, with lovely descriptions of people, places, emotions, and nature.

So sad to be reminded of the cruelty of that time in history. Reminds us to pay attention so history doesn’t repeat itself. The story itself was lovely and the reader can’t help but fall in love with the man and what he did for this family.

The pain and sadness of great loss brings a former friar and a widowed mother together as they learn to care for one another in the German countryside during World War II. Hawker will ring the bells of your heart when you invest your life with characters of her book.

This is a heart warming story about personal integrity and resilience. When it's so easy to ignore what is happening around you, to keep quiet when terrible things are going on, it is inspiring to read about those who did not. Make sure you read the Historical Note and Arthur's Remarks at the end.

I thought this was well written. Wonderful characters, and a great read. Throughout the book, I kept thinking, this can happen here in the US as easily as Germany. This can happen now and people are complacent, we need to be aware.
Thank you for this book.

This book was chosen from free list because it's description contained a ring of truth. A fascinating story,thouvh written as fiction, showed the strength of a man and his family in Germany during WWII. Will be looking for more books from Olivia Hawker.

I’m 3/4 of the way through this book and I keep reading because I think something interesting is going to happen. The characters have no depth and the story just goes on and on.. I plan to finish it mostly because I have the time invested. Elisabeth’s character shows little emotion while Anton’s character feels more familiar to me now. I picked this up because it was compared to Beneath the Scarlet Sky there is no comparison.

This factual description of strength in the face of overwhelming evil was magnified as, while reading this, judge Kavanaugh successfully fought the despicable charter assassination attempted against him. As Anton triumphed over vicious people, so did he. Strong people doing good lead the rest of the good people to prevail over their tormentors. An excellent true tale.

This was a WWII book with substance. The author did a great job of describing things, I felt like I was there. The main characters were believable and people I would have wanted to be friends with. The storyline was interesting and rich with adventure. I loved this book and would highly recommend it to others.

The RaggedEdge of Night Reeled me in softly, and held me captive. My own dear daddy witnessed the end of the WW2 himself a very young man who couldn't wait to serve. He stole his old er brothers birth certificate to enlist. My dad was given the job of physical rehab to children liberated from the death camps . The children were so malnourished it was painful for them to eat. My family. All 8 of us grew up listening to beautiful orchestra music on stormy nights. This fine novel really struck a chord in my soul. My catholic family also had taken in a whole family, at 1 point in my childhood. Desperate for attention as notice me kind of way I had some naughty times. Thank you ms Olivia.. my cold is better now that I've rested with your words. God Bless You. Thanks for a story of hope, courage and faith.

I read about a third of this book and stopped. I rarely don't finish books, but I just couldn't continue. To compare this book to All The Light We Cannot See is ridiculous. It's a poor imitation without the depth and meaning, overwrought with religiosity and stiff characters. The noble friar. The cold fraulein. The brave children. The picturesque village. Trite.

Read All The Light We Cannot See instead.

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!...Ten star rating really. Not only do the plot And characters live, but sing to those who are listening. Blaming the world for a lack of morals is being the ostrich which brainlessly steps away from its young. One Is only one, but one plus one is not alone. What is happening today around us is mirrored glaringly throughout this novel. I highly, highly recommend THE RAGGED EDGE OF NIGHT.

Very timely story of freedoms lost and fought for in Germany WW II that translates very well to modern times. Very vivid characters, experiences and settings bring the story to life. The epilogue is almost the best part of the book.

This novel is eerily familiar to what is currently happening in the United States today. As has been said those who fail to remember history are likely to repeat it. This author writes with enthusiasm and attention to details. The characters come alive on the pages. I am always sorry when a book ends but particularly sorry when this one did.

I hardly ever write reviews, and more infrequently do I stop reading a book mid way. I tried immensely to get into this book, and I just couldn’t do it. I loved The Nightingale, All the Light We Cannot see, and Beneath the Scarlett Sky, and grouping this with them gave me such hope, leading to unfortunate disappointment. The author spent so much time using adjectives that the story barely moved. I would occasionally get to something I deemed interesting, to only get disappointed that the story again stopped moving. It has the potential, but based on the actual writing, it just did nothing for me. Maybe someday I will return to it, just to see how it ends, but for now it’s going back on the kindle shelf.

This true story of Hitler’s takeover of Germany is heart wrenching. Though the author is female, this book is written from the viewpoint of a former friar who lost his flock to the terrible savagery of the Hitler regime. Filled with guilt over not being able to do anything to save them, he searches for a way to recompense. Very thoughtfully writtten, I was moved emotionally much farther than I thought possible. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the final years of WWII.

PS: I didn’t read the author’s notes! In reading other reviews, I found readers critical of her political views. I am glad I didn’t bother other than a light skimming of her family’s true story. The book is written in an introspective lyrical style and I am glad I missed the author ‘s politics. That would have been a spoiler for me. My recommendation: just read the beautiful book!

As I read this incredible story the parallels between 1940’s Germany and today’s America were terrifying. Everyone should read this book to see what we might become. Our country needs resistors like Anton.

I saw a review that recommended this book if you like The Nightingale and I was not disappointed. What was even better was finding out that this was based on a true story. If you like historical novels, you'll love this book!

Engrossing, Hawker balances hope and horror as readers learn and feel what life was like for her German family during the years when Hilter ruled. Hawker's effort to weave her message to actively resist hate is skillfully blended into a fictional narrative. She motivates readers to not be bystanders while helping them prepare for the sacrifice action may require.

The story, based on actual events and told through the eyes of the main character, Anton, begins slowly, but as details are revealed, more and more of Anton’s character make sense. A family history legend comes to life in this story set during World War II. Well worth reading as it becomes a riveting story of survival during the reign of Hitler.

This book had me from the very first page. Fascinating story of love, and wartime Germany. The characters were very interesting, and I loved how the author explained the connections at the end of the book.

The story really was fantastic. It took me a while to get into it. The author is a bit of a wordsmith, which is great - just a bit overly descriptive for my liking. That was my only knock. Otherwise, an amazing job building the romance slowly but perfectly. Definite recommend.

This is an interesting account, all be it, fictionalized, about some of the experiences German nationalsin one village endured. Not all of the German people belonged to or supported the Nazi regime. This also shows how difficult times can bring out the best or worst in people.

The many stories of the German Resistance Movement during World War II need to be told. Courage in the face of evil will no doubt inspire all who read it to stand up for their own personal beliefs. This author based her novel on family stories passed down from actual resistance members. Due to this, she may have felt restrained from dramatizing the story in a way that would allow the reader to view the thoughts of the other characters. Personally, I felt that omitting this lessened the ability to really get a sense of what the other characters were thinking and feeling.

I had no idea as I read this book, and even as I finished it that it's based on a true story. The story is remarkable and as timely today as it was when it actually happened. There is a darkness over our land but this book, this story has given me hope. I highly recommend this book and I deeply hope that the story will live on.

This story is so sweetly told, before you know it you're hooked right in. The build-up of Germany during Hitler's era is told beautifully. Through sensitivity and love, a woman who needs to take care of her children recently widowed... and an excommunicated Friar ...find a common ground of happiness. What Anton does to turn the tables is unbelievable! Read it for one of the best stories you've experienced... thank you.

The book is well written. Very interesting historical novel about the family of the author. Gives great insight to families living in Germany during the war and the fear that they felt from the Nazi regime.

I thoroughly enjoyed this WW II story based on remembrances from the author's inlaws. It's a story of family love surviving in the face of hardship and evil in Hitler's Germany. Like the best of historical fiction, it made me feel real empathy for the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Had no clue about this book until I began reading, finding after that it is based on a true life and experience from the war. The author did a great job and it is fitting for today in what the world is experiencing.

This book had a slow start, but once I was into it I couldn't put it down. Our protagonist is a former friar who escaped to the countryside after his students were hauled off to detention by the German military. He agreed to an unusual marriage with a widow, who had advertised for a husband to help take care of her children. It's an unusual relationship, but the theme relates more to people who work together to save Germany from its autocratic "leader." Worth your while. Don't miss the PS.

The Ragged Edge of Night is a delight; well written, believable and moving. It captures a time of despair, resistance, and hope, providing an example that many might want to emulate but few have the opportunity to do so.

A wonderfully absorbing novel; sadly, It was disappointing to read the author's note at the end with it's barely veiled rhetoric linking Trump to a Nazi revival. I wish I had skipped the author's note then I could have enjoyed the glow the novel had created. Don't avoid the novel, just the end note. (I don't purchase and read novels for political commentary--there is plenty of that everywhere else.)

Although this is called a historical novel, many of the main characters are real and their actual names are used. The actions depicted are real and follow the timeline of events closely. This book was powerful but even more astounding are the author’s notes. This is a must read.

This is a well written novel that keeps the reader involved. It concerns the little known fact, at least to me, that there were Germans that resisted Hitler's Nazism. This story is about a former German soldier who is released from service due to a back injury suffered during a battle. He settles in a small German village and marries a widow with three children. He becomes in a German resistance movement at the urging of his priest. Because of his involvement in the resistance tensions grow between him and his wife, who is fearful he will be discovered and they all will be executed. To avoid giving away the ending I will end my review here. This novel, by the way, is based on a true story and I recommend it highly.

I enjoyed the story, the writing felt stilted and certain events felt tidy rather than organic. I love that this is based on a true story but the writer's inspiration for finally putting this into a book makes me feel it was rushed and could have been done better without that as a catalyst.

You have to admire ordinary, everyday people who act courageously in the face of danger and torture. The residents in a small town in Germany under Hitler try to survive, protect their families, and resist the evils that face them. They fight shortages of food, clothing and basic human comforts. Days, weeks, and months pass and word is that Hitler is winning. They watch children and friends disappear. Will the horror ever end? How many more lives must be sacrificed? Can you trust your neighbor?

After reading several reviews I was excited to get this book. I kept reading and reading and finally after getting to 35% completel I couldn't take it any longer and just quit. Frankly I found the writing tedious and insipid. I rarely do this for any book but this was just too slow, too much detail and just plain boring!!

I read “The Ragged Edge of Night” as my September the store First Read pick. Olivia Hawker has given us a gripping, beautifully written historical novel about extraordinary hope, redemption, and one man’s search for light [good] during the darkest times of World War II in Germany. Even though the blackness of evil tears apart their country, their villages, and their families, the protagonist Anton Starzmann takes a real leap of faith in this the dangerous and uncertain dark world of Hitler’s Germany.

Anton, the main character, is haunted by his actions, his perceived failings and weaknesses while he was a Franciscan friar. He is conflicted over the simple good from his days as a friar with the evil of Nazi Germany. In a sense, Anton becomes an ‘Everyman’ in times of crisis, forced to decide what he will do, and what he can do in the face of true evil. I was impressed by Hawker’s writing, her carefully construct plot lines, and especially her characterization. Each and every character, whether it is the prominent ones or the minor ones, are fully developed, distinct, and unique. The exception to this is certainly a few of the nastier villagers who represent “hate and bigotry” [evil]; this is especially true of the village “gauleiter” who reeks of being a flat evil character.

“The Ragged Edge of Night” is a story that will keep you thinking about it long after you finish reading it. That alone is a testament for you to consider reading this novel. So if you were ensnared by “Schindler’s List,” “The Hiding Place,” or stories similar to them, you will certainly enjoy “The Ragged Edge of Night.”
P.S. Do NOT miss the "Historical Notes and Author’s Remarks" at the end of the book.

Truth is so much more exciting than fiction. Brilliant story that left me proud of my dad who was part of the first bomber raids on the Nazis. The Nazis were the below the dirt animals as portrayed in this book. I have nothing but good to say in its regard. I do not agree with the author's narrow view on America today. Yes the neo Nazis have appeared. They have always been there. I'm 73 and know of what I speak. But they are not the mainstay of 99 % of America today. What we struggle with today is the last 30-40 years of the onset of national socialism. Not by Hitler saluting extremists but by semi-well meaning liberals that ask the hard working people to pay for others care. Not by choice but by force. The attacks on on our 1st and 2nd Amendment rights, right out of the Nazi's playbook of the 30s, the ad nauseam blame of racism to circumvent self responsibility, and the total lack of unbiased journalism is the world we struggle with today. Still a superb work.

Ms. Hawker pnrimarily writes historical fiction and this is true of The Ragged Edge of Night accept I believe the story is much more than fiction. Anton and his family are incredible heros. Their faith and love for one another keep the hatred of the overwhelming influence of the NAZI party at a heartbeat distance. Their small village is in the eye of the storm but their commitment to resist never falters. A truly relevant book that the author notes that the 2016 election made it necessary to get this story out. I'm so glad she did..

The Ragged Edge of Night was deeply engrossing from the first chapter. It brought me face to face with the day to day culture of WWll and the courage and bravery inspired by love and truth. The cost of war paid by those who fought silently.

Wow. I got this as a Kindle First Read and it is by far the best one they have ever sent me. Well told tale based on a true story of one man's acts of resistance in the face of grueling and unrelenting evil. I found reading the Author's Notes nearly as compelling as the story. I'm not a religious person, but the characters have such profound faith, even in the midst of doubting their convictions. Definitely recommend highly.

After The Bible, one of my passions is reading historical novels. Olivia gives such enlightenment in the undying hope of the human spirit. Serving and demonstrating kindness to others is the highest form of God's love we can emulate. To be able to weave true history together with words that explain that history so that it can be a beacon of hope to our life is a gift for us all. I thank my God for the knowledge in this novel so that history does not continue to repeat itself. Wake up America!

Even though this is based on a true story set in Germany during WWII, the parallels to our lives today are astonishing. The characters are ordinary citizens who are fearful of their leaders, and in spite of those fears for themselves and their families, take a stand to say wrong is wrong even though their leaders say wrong is right.

Actually I liked this book and found it intriguing for it s historical fiction nature about happenings in Germany during the rise of Adolf Hitler's tyrannical reign in the late 1930's and early in the WWII. Thankfully, the author did not reveal her motivation for writing this book until the very end of author's notes. It was her liberal predilection and political issues in the US after the 2016 election that drove her toward investigating the political situation of Germans during the Hitler regime. I seriously doubt if I ever would have read the book had I know her motivation beforehand. The story stood on its own merits, and should not bear any reflection to the situation in 2017 US political environment. I also find it hard to believe that Anton's wife had become pregnant because nowhere in the book is there any indication that the marriage was ever consumated.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. This author's skill weaving words into a story is beautiful and to learn that this was based on a true story makes it even better. Two things worth noting are the fact Olivia does not follow the modern criterion that calls for a certain portion of smut to spoil the story and that she displays so clearly the present danger we are in if we fail to remember the past.

Have read about 12 of the store’s monthly first reads and this was my favorite. Interesting historical fiction about real characters who sacrificed for the sake of helping others during a dark period of history.

This is a heart warming story about personal integrity and resilience. When it's so easy to ignore what is happening around you, to keep quiet when terrible things are going on, it is inspiring to read about those who did not. Make sure you read the Historical Note and Arthur's Remarks at the end.

In the 1980's, my family moved to Stuttgart as part of my husband's work assignment. My husband's cousin had participated in the bombing of Stuttgart and we had seen photos of the destruction. Both of us love history, and this was an opportunity to actively show our 16 year old some of what she read in schoolbooks. We toured concentration camps, Anne Frank's home, and had her listen to stories from our Germany acquaintances. We made many warm friendships to this day. One was a young woman with a birth defect that surely would have sent her to the death camps. Another was a twin, that because of her mother's bravery shipped her girls to Switzerland escaped the experiments the Nazis were doing on twins. On and on, we heard the experiences of ordinary Germans. It helped my young daughter to understand that all Germans were not Nazis. Some fought back in many ways.

So this book perfectly captures what times were like in the area we lived for over a year. I remembered those hills and beautiful Stuttgart lovingly restored brick by brick. I remember our friends and their stories, although many are gone now. And yes, remembering and seeing, and hearing first hand what happened in Germany has me on the alert when I see similarities here in the country I call home. Don't think it cannot happen here. It can.

This is an amazing historical fiction that cuts to the core of people's emotions and willingness to care for others. It is an easy read that makes it difficult to put down at times.I will definitely read the other written. By Olivia Hawked that I hope are just as diverting.