What do you think?
Rate this book
The Children of Berlin
Berlin, 1933. Leah and Magda have been inseparable for as long as they can remember, and one beautiful summer’s day in their courtyard, they vow nothing will ever come between their friendship. But Leah could never have predicted the darkness looming just around the corner…
As Hitler comes to power and the Nazi Party gain even more influence, Magda proudly tells Leah she has decided to join the Hitler Youth. Leah’s blood runs cold before she begs Magda to change her mind—because Leah is Jewish. Magda refuses, and heartbroken Leah knows this will not only destroy their friendship but also put her life in mortal danger. Suddenly, the only light in her life is Magda’s brother Markus, who is furious at his sister and vows to do everything he can to keep Leah safe.
As Magda becomes more entrenched in the Nazi Party, Leah’s life starts to shatter as the Gestapo raid her home, sending her beloved brother Aaron to a concentration camp. Devastated, Leah and her parents are forced to flee and hide. Desperate to save Leah, Markus decides the only way he can help stop the Nazis and his sister is to infiltrate the party as an undercover resistance fighter. But will Magda see through his lie, and how far will she go to prove her loyalty to her Führer? This powerful and heartbreaking novel about love, family, betrayal, and sacrifice perfect for fans of The Alice Network, The White Rose Network, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and The Nightingale.
As Hitler comes to power and the Nazi Party gain even more influence, Magda proudly tells Leah she has decided to join the Hitler Youth. Leah’s blood runs cold before she begs Magda to change her mind—because Leah is Jewish. Magda refuses, and heartbroken Leah knows this will not only destroy their friendship but also put her life in mortal danger. Suddenly, the only light in her life is Magda’s brother Markus, who is furious at his sister and vows to do everything he can to keep Leah safe.
As Magda becomes more entrenched in the Nazi Party, Leah’s life starts to shatter as the Gestapo raid her home, sending her beloved brother Aaron to a concentration camp. Devastated, Leah and her parents are forced to flee and hide. Desperate to save Leah, Markus decides the only way he can help stop the Nazis and his sister is to infiltrate the party as an undercover resistance fighter. But will Magda see through his lie, and how far will she go to prove her loyalty to her Führer? This powerful and heartbreaking novel about love, family, betrayal, and sacrifice perfect for fans of The Alice Network, The White Rose Network, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and The Nightingale.
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2023
249 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Maas
21 books337 followersSharon Maas was born in Georgetown, Guyana in 1951, and a sense of adventure has followed her around the world. In 1971 she spent a year backpacking around South America, followed by a few months with pioneering friends in the Guyana rainforest, followed by an overland trip to India, followed by a year in a Hindu Ashram.
She settled in Germany where she married, studied, worked, and raised children.
Officially retired, she continues to write from her new home in Ireland.
Her first novel was published by HarperCollins in 1999, followed by two more in 2001 and 2002. At present, she has 10 published works with the digital publisher Bookouture.
She has one self-published work, a retelling of the magnificent Indian epic Mahabharata: a project of love that took her over 30 years to "get right", written under the pen name S. Aruna.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 2, 2023
Oh, my, where to begin?
I am an avid reader of WW2 historical fiction, but I have never read a book quite like this one…
Travel back to Berlin, Germany of the 30’s and 40’s. Leah and Magda are best friends; they’ve lived and played in the same building, “shared” each other’s families, attended the same school since childhood. Now they are teenagers together, starting to notice young men, and fuss about their appearances. Leah comes from a Jewish family; Magda’s family is Catholic. In 1933 when Adolf Hitler comes to power, this difference in background, which has never before been a problem between them, slowly creates a chasm in the friendship. Magda throws her heart and soul into becoming a “Maiden for Hitler”, and Nazi ideology becomes her “religion”. Not only at odds with Leah, but with her own family, who do not see Hitler as the savior of Germany, the rift becomes impassable as WW2 takes place and Magda continues to revere her Fuhrer…
The book begins with Leah, as an elderly woman, receiving a letter from Magda, after many decades of non-communication have passed. The author has Leah tell her story in her own words, in narrative form. In alternating chapters, Magda tells her story of the war and its aftermath through the letter that she has sent to Leah, in hopes that her former friend will actually read it. This makes for a very powerful, tense, and heart-rending novel. A must for readers of historical fiction.
I am an avid reader of WW2 historical fiction, but I have never read a book quite like this one…
Travel back to Berlin, Germany of the 30’s and 40’s. Leah and Magda are best friends; they’ve lived and played in the same building, “shared” each other’s families, attended the same school since childhood. Now they are teenagers together, starting to notice young men, and fuss about their appearances. Leah comes from a Jewish family; Magda’s family is Catholic. In 1933 when Adolf Hitler comes to power, this difference in background, which has never before been a problem between them, slowly creates a chasm in the friendship. Magda throws her heart and soul into becoming a “Maiden for Hitler”, and Nazi ideology becomes her “religion”. Not only at odds with Leah, but with her own family, who do not see Hitler as the savior of Germany, the rift becomes impassable as WW2 takes place and Magda continues to revere her Fuhrer…
The book begins with Leah, as an elderly woman, receiving a letter from Magda, after many decades of non-communication have passed. The author has Leah tell her story in her own words, in narrative form. In alternating chapters, Magda tells her story of the war and its aftermath through the letter that she has sent to Leah, in hopes that her former friend will actually read it. This makes for a very powerful, tense, and heart-rending novel. A must for readers of historical fiction.
June 27, 2023
My first novel by Maas, and she does Historical Fiction proud. This novel moved me in so many ways.
Berlin, 1933
Two best friends Leah and Magda make different choices when Hitler comes into power. They grew up best friends and the had crushes on each other brothers. Magda has decided to join the Hitler Youth, which hurts Leah because she knows of Hitler’s hatred of Jews. Magda’s brother Markus does not follow into his sisters’ footsteps. Leah and Markus bond together.
Markus and Magda become estranged with their beliefs and Leah loses her best friend.
This novel follows many years of the life of each of these young adults and the choices they make. They each have to live with the consequences.
A powerful and gut-wrenching novel about family, sacrifices, love and betrayal. I look forward to more of this authors novels
Berlin, 1933
Two best friends Leah and Magda make different choices when Hitler comes into power. They grew up best friends and the had crushes on each other brothers. Magda has decided to join the Hitler Youth, which hurts Leah because she knows of Hitler’s hatred of Jews. Magda’s brother Markus does not follow into his sisters’ footsteps. Leah and Markus bond together.
Markus and Magda become estranged with their beliefs and Leah loses her best friend.
This novel follows many years of the life of each of these young adults and the choices they make. They each have to live with the consequences.
A powerful and gut-wrenching novel about family, sacrifices, love and betrayal. I look forward to more of this authors novels
June 24, 2023
The Children of Berlin is a story that had me glued to my kindle from the moment I started it and I devoured every chapter. I’m a big fan of historical fiction and this book had everything I love about this genre. Leah and Magda are best friends who live in Berlin, it’s 1933 and Adolf Hitler is making himself known in Germany and the rest of the world. Magda is taken in by the propaganda of how great the nazi party is and joins up to the Hitler Youth Movement. This is horrific news for Leah who is a Jew. The story is told from the point of view of both Leah and Magda. Magda’s story being told in letter form. I did prefer reading the story from Leah’s point of view but both were good to read. This book brought tears to me eyes at times. It’s a heartbreaking read in places. I 100% recommend this book for fans of historical fiction. 5⭐️
June 25, 2023
The Children of Berlin raises an important theme of forgiveness.
In 1963, Leah receives a letter from Magda, her best friend when they were children.
In her letter, Magda relays their friendship and how it all fell apart when they were teenagers. This brings back a lot of memories, some of them unpleasant, for Leah.
The two girls grew up in the same apartment block in Berlin. They both considered themselves German, however, Leah’s family were Jewish.
When Hitler came to power in 1933, everything changed. Magda’s family were stark opposers of Hitler’s regime, however, Magda was entranced. She became a member of the BDM (Hitler Youth’s League of German Girls) and her brainwashing began…
I won’t spoil more of the plot for you – I hope that this is a nice taster of what the book is like and that you’ll want to read it.
The book is written from two points of view: Leah’s and Magda’s. I found myself drawn to Leah’s story, wondering whether her family would survive the war.
I must admit that at the beginning I found Magda’s account very hard to read. The parts were she was praising Hitler and the Greater Germany were a hard pill to swallow. I was born in Poland and my family home is one hour away from one of the smaller concentration camps, so reading Magda’s appraisal of the regime was just awful.
However, as the letter progresses, we see that the rose-tinted glasses that Magda was wearing, were slowly coming off her eyes and she was beginning to see the real truth. There was a change in Magda, but can Leah forgive her?
I love historical fiction, especially when it’s set during the Second World War. The Children of Berlin didn’t disappoint!
In 1963, Leah receives a letter from Magda, her best friend when they were children.
In her letter, Magda relays their friendship and how it all fell apart when they were teenagers. This brings back a lot of memories, some of them unpleasant, for Leah.
The two girls grew up in the same apartment block in Berlin. They both considered themselves German, however, Leah’s family were Jewish.
When Hitler came to power in 1933, everything changed. Magda’s family were stark opposers of Hitler’s regime, however, Magda was entranced. She became a member of the BDM (Hitler Youth’s League of German Girls) and her brainwashing began…
I won’t spoil more of the plot for you – I hope that this is a nice taster of what the book is like and that you’ll want to read it.
The book is written from two points of view: Leah’s and Magda’s. I found myself drawn to Leah’s story, wondering whether her family would survive the war.
I must admit that at the beginning I found Magda’s account very hard to read. The parts were she was praising Hitler and the Greater Germany were a hard pill to swallow. I was born in Poland and my family home is one hour away from one of the smaller concentration camps, so reading Magda’s appraisal of the regime was just awful.
However, as the letter progresses, we see that the rose-tinted glasses that Magda was wearing, were slowly coming off her eyes and she was beginning to see the real truth. There was a change in Magda, but can Leah forgive her?
I love historical fiction, especially when it’s set during the Second World War. The Children of Berlin didn’t disappoint!
June 14, 2023
This was my first time reading a novel by this author, and while I really enjoyed reading Leah’s story, Magda’s letter was difficult to get through for me. I didn’t feel the sincerity in her apology that I felt I would need in order to be able to “move past” her past as a reader. Leah’s story, however, was gripping and I found myself rushing through Magda’s letter in order to read more about Leah and Markus.
Thank you netgalley and bookouture for allowing me to read this eARC.
Thank you netgalley and bookouture for allowing me to read this eARC.
July 16, 2023
I love this author - she never disappoints. She is one of my favourite authors, one whose books I wait for eagerly, and which I buy as soon as they're announced. She writes so beautifully and she makes me cry and smile, wrenches my emotions with her beautiful writing. I always learn something new from each of her books. And this one, wow! So very beautiful and heartrending and heartwarming and just stunning! A classic. Stunning prose, thought provoking story. One everyone must read. A masterpiece. Just wow!
May 22, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC of The Children of Berlin by Sharon Maas. This novel begins with two teenage girls living in Berlin before the war and the atrocities that would pull them in different directions. Magda, an aryan German gets swept away by the National Socialist Party and pulls ever so slowly away from her best friend who happens to be Jewish. The story highlights not only the horrors of what the Jewish population was subjected to but also allows a glimpse into how the German population was able to turn a blind eye to it. The question I’ve often asked myself is how could people be so blind but the author, in a poignant way, explains through Magda’s views how the average German living in Berlin was able to reason away the atrocities committed by their government. After all, how could sane people believe a government could be so cold, callous and calculating towards their own people. It definitely gave me reason to think and, of course, also question myself a lot more about what the average citizen was thinking during that moment in time. It’s a story I would recommend to others.
May 21, 2023
My review will be live on my blog - donnasbookblog on 22nd June 2023 - Publication day!
I am so glad I picked this book up, I adore this author’s stories and this was another story that touched my heart – it was a wonderful story and it is one that will stay with me!
I thought that the story was very well written and I loved the way that the author chose to tell the story with the view from Leah being told to the reader in person and the story from Magda being retrospective by letter – I really enjoyed that approach.
This was a book that captured me from the cover and the blurb, reading the story itself, the author drew me in, and the book held my attention right to the end. The book took me through quite few emotions, and she brought the setting, and the characters to life so well and I really did feel for Leah and can only imagine some of the horrors that people went through.
I thought that they were very well-developed characters that were believable and worked really well together and with the plot. I loved being taken back in time again by this author – I have had a real binge on books in this era and period lately and this was one that will stay with me, it was heart-wrenching at times but so well done. I loved reading the end too and the author explains the link from some of the characters in the book to real people that she used as the inspiration for the story.
It is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended and I love that cover too!!
I am so glad I picked this book up, I adore this author’s stories and this was another story that touched my heart – it was a wonderful story and it is one that will stay with me!
I thought that the story was very well written and I loved the way that the author chose to tell the story with the view from Leah being told to the reader in person and the story from Magda being retrospective by letter – I really enjoyed that approach.
This was a book that captured me from the cover and the blurb, reading the story itself, the author drew me in, and the book held my attention right to the end. The book took me through quite few emotions, and she brought the setting, and the characters to life so well and I really did feel for Leah and can only imagine some of the horrors that people went through.
I thought that they were very well-developed characters that were believable and worked really well together and with the plot. I loved being taken back in time again by this author – I have had a real binge on books in this era and period lately and this was one that will stay with me, it was heart-wrenching at times but so well done. I loved reading the end too and the author explains the link from some of the characters in the book to real people that she used as the inspiration for the story.
It is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended and I love that cover too!!
June 26, 2023
The premise and plot of this book seemed perfect for me because I really do enjoy a good historical fiction set in and around WWII. Unfortunately, though, this one did not work for me. I found the writing style not to my liking, and the characters never really resonated in a way that made me root for them. Both Leah and Magda felt half baked as characters, and that may have been down to how the story was written. I didn't enjoy the combination of epistolary and narrative recollection for the alternating POVs at all. Magda never really redeemed herself or demonstrated that she was more than a petulant child living out a rebellion against her parents through the Nazi regime; and while Leah had the potential to be a more sympathetic character, I never felt anything but a meh feeling towards her throughout the book. I felt more for Lisa and some of the folks around her, but because we only got them in short glimpses, not even that. What I struggled with from start to finish was the way that Leah kept alluding to the history that was coming. And yes, things were about to get worse for most of the book. Most folks probably wouldn't read this without at least a cursory understanding of the way WWII unfolded, even if they don't now all the details or, like me, never get the dates right. If her POV was truly a recollection, then I'm not sure we needed to have her keep mentioning things were going to get worse. If I was remembering something, I'm sure I would just remember what happened. She is not telling her story to anyone but the reader, and so for me, that took me out of the story and made me very much a neutral observer. Maybe that was Maas's intention, but it didn't work for me.
If you like WWII historical fiction, this may be a good read. But I have read so many others that just wowed me that this one paled in comparison. The story had so much potential. Sadly, it didn't work for me and left me wanting something, anything else. I'm going to go grab a Kristen Harmel now to help get me back in the zone.
* I received an ARC via NetGalley.
If you like WWII historical fiction, this may be a good read. But I have read so many others that just wowed me that this one paled in comparison. The story had so much potential. Sadly, it didn't work for me and left me wanting something, anything else. I'm going to go grab a Kristen Harmel now to help get me back in the zone.
* I received an ARC via NetGalley.
June 30, 2023
I have read many WorldWar 2 novels, but it is Sharon Maas who stirs my emotions and splits my heart in two with her indepth storyline, research of the time-line and brilliant writing style.
The story is told through the perspective of two teenage best friends in Berlin. One Jewish, the other Aryan, and how the war separated the bond they never thought would break.
The book is heartbreaking as we see the atrocities and devastation the Germans, under Hitlers regime caused.
For those who have read The Tatooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network, etc
I highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgally and Sharon Maas
for the ARC. All opinions are freely given and my own.
The story is told through the perspective of two teenage best friends in Berlin. One Jewish, the other Aryan, and how the war separated the bond they never thought would break.
The book is heartbreaking as we see the atrocities and devastation the Germans, under Hitlers regime caused.
For those who have read The Tatooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network, etc
I highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgally and Sharon Maas
for the ARC. All opinions are freely given and my own.
July 1, 2023
The Children of Berlin by Sharon Maas follows two best friends - Leah and Magda during the 1930’s and 1940’s. Before the subtle changes that Germany was undergoing, Leah and Madga were practically like sisters who lived in the same building as each other and would spend all their time playing the usual childhood games in the courtyard, attending school together, and they even shared each other's families - going between the each girls house as they pleased. The only difference - Leah is from a Jewish family whereas Magda comes from a Catholic family. In the girl's teenage years, Adolf Hilter starts rising in Germany first as the leader of the Nazi Party, then chancellor in 1933, and then becoming the Fuhrer of Germany in 1934 the girls are slowly pulled in separate directions. Madga begins to become influenced by Tante Gundhilde about Hilters beliefs unlike the rest of her family. Which leads her to join various groups that allow her to discuss the ‘amazing’ culture that Germany has to offer with other young girls and how they connect to Hitlers ideologies. Whereas Leah and her family see the opposite of Magda and see Hitler as the savior of Germany, and creates a major disagreement between Madga and Leah’s friendship. After many years, Leah has finally been able to move on from the events of WWII and has put her past behind her; while Madga, now older and wiser has come to the realization of her actions as a teenager and young adult. She writes a letter to Leah explaining her choices and decisions that she made and her reasons for believing in Hitlers ideology.
The story is told from both Leah and Magda through alternating chapters between both women. Magda tells her story of the war as well as the aftermath through a letter for Leah in hopes that Leah will take the time to read the letter and not burn it. While Leah tells the events of the story in her own words which gives the reader both girls perspective of the events during Hitlers reign. This type of writing style gave me the opportunity to analyze both of the girls' reasons for their actions throughout the book. I found myself understanding why Madga made the choices that she made throughout the novel. There were many emotional events that occurred throughout the novel that would make Maas’ readers cry, hate, love, and most of all understand what these characters and many real people had to go through during this time.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Children of Berlin by Sharon Maas as it was a very powerful and heartbreaking story between two best friends. It was heartbreaking as I am sure there were many young children who were torn from their family as well as their friends like Leah and Magda. Maas was able to keep me engaged throughout the entire story with the various perspectives of all the major characters as well as the various war facts. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction novels about WWII. Sharon Maas did an exceptional job and wrote a very well throughout historical novel that does the genre justice. I am so very thankful that I was given an ARC of this book and would like to thank both NetGalley and Sharon Maas for an advanced copy of The Children of Berlin .
The story is told from both Leah and Magda through alternating chapters between both women. Magda tells her story of the war as well as the aftermath through a letter for Leah in hopes that Leah will take the time to read the letter and not burn it. While Leah tells the events of the story in her own words which gives the reader both girls perspective of the events during Hitlers reign. This type of writing style gave me the opportunity to analyze both of the girls' reasons for their actions throughout the book. I found myself understanding why Madga made the choices that she made throughout the novel. There were many emotional events that occurred throughout the novel that would make Maas’ readers cry, hate, love, and most of all understand what these characters and many real people had to go through during this time.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Children of Berlin by Sharon Maas as it was a very powerful and heartbreaking story between two best friends. It was heartbreaking as I am sure there were many young children who were torn from their family as well as their friends like Leah and Magda. Maas was able to keep me engaged throughout the entire story with the various perspectives of all the major characters as well as the various war facts. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction novels about WWII. Sharon Maas did an exceptional job and wrote a very well throughout historical novel that does the genre justice. I am so very thankful that I was given an ARC of this book and would like to thank both NetGalley and Sharon Maas for an advanced copy of The Children of Berlin .
June 23, 2023
I'm a huge fan of WW2 fiction, and I'm for sure adding this book to my "favorites" list!
Synopsis: We're in 1930's-40's Germany, and two best friends, Leah and Magda, are so close that they're practically sisters, living in the same building and going to school together. There's one big difference between them: Leah is Jewish, and Magda is not. At the same time as we learn about these two and their friendship, Adolf Hilter is rising as leader of the Nazi Party, chancellor, then Fuhrer. And as that rise occurs, the difference between the two girls starts pulling them in opposite directions. Magda is influenced by her Tante Gundhilde about Hilters 'inspiring beliefs, opposite of how her family feels, and also wholly opposite of Leah, who is obviously very against Hitler. This creates a massive rift in their friendship, and the book, written as the future and looking back at the past, follows Magda when she writes Leah a letter years and years after they broke apart - Magda trying to explain her beliefs and repent, and Leah horrifyingly reading on and reliving every moment.
I loved how this book was told from both points of view as an opportunity to read both perspectives of the period of Hitler's reign. As I read it, I found myself so angry at Magda, repeatedly thinking, "How dare she write this letter" or "That's a terrible thing to say." But that's what's so impactful about the novel - I felt like I was inside the book, right alongside Leah as she read the letter. Even if I don't believe that Magda's apology was genuine or that Leah shouldn't have forgiven Magda as quickly, it's not my story. I felt my heart race. I felt anger, sadness, and love for these characters and what they went through.
If you're a fan of WW2 fiction, add this to your list. It's powerful and heartbreaking to hear the perspective of two best friends, just teenagers, torn apart. It's a perspective I haven't read before. I was engaged the entire time and loved the writing and history.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sharon Maas, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: We're in 1930's-40's Germany, and two best friends, Leah and Magda, are so close that they're practically sisters, living in the same building and going to school together. There's one big difference between them: Leah is Jewish, and Magda is not. At the same time as we learn about these two and their friendship, Adolf Hilter is rising as leader of the Nazi Party, chancellor, then Fuhrer. And as that rise occurs, the difference between the two girls starts pulling them in opposite directions. Magda is influenced by her Tante Gundhilde about Hilters 'inspiring beliefs, opposite of how her family feels, and also wholly opposite of Leah, who is obviously very against Hitler. This creates a massive rift in their friendship, and the book, written as the future and looking back at the past, follows Magda when she writes Leah a letter years and years after they broke apart - Magda trying to explain her beliefs and repent, and Leah horrifyingly reading on and reliving every moment.
I loved how this book was told from both points of view as an opportunity to read both perspectives of the period of Hitler's reign. As I read it, I found myself so angry at Magda, repeatedly thinking, "How dare she write this letter" or "That's a terrible thing to say." But that's what's so impactful about the novel - I felt like I was inside the book, right alongside Leah as she read the letter. Even if I don't believe that Magda's apology was genuine or that Leah shouldn't have forgiven Magda as quickly, it's not my story. I felt my heart race. I felt anger, sadness, and love for these characters and what they went through.
If you're a fan of WW2 fiction, add this to your list. It's powerful and heartbreaking to hear the perspective of two best friends, just teenagers, torn apart. It's a perspective I haven't read before. I was engaged the entire time and loved the writing and history.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sharon Maas, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2023
Magda, a German citizen, is friends with Leah, a Jew, during the time WWII comes to be. Magda decides to sign up to be a part of the Hitler Youth Group despite Leah being her best friend. What follows is a total wreckage of Leah and Magda's friendship.
This book gives Leah's perspective from the time and has letters written by Magda from when she is older, looking back on the period and what happened.
I really liked this book. I thought it gave an interesting perspective including Magda's POV, despite her always sounding like a whiny, self-absorbed girl. Magda's point of view talked about how German children were forced to join the youth groups, although she willingly joined herself. I also liked how it talked about the brainwash and the aftermath that Magda faced (which she totally deserved) following the war.
This book also brought me to tears at the end. It was a great book and recount of history from a fictional point of view.
This book gives Leah's perspective from the time and has letters written by Magda from when she is older, looking back on the period and what happened.
I really liked this book. I thought it gave an interesting perspective including Magda's POV, despite her always sounding like a whiny, self-absorbed girl. Magda's point of view talked about how German children were forced to join the youth groups, although she willingly joined herself. I also liked how it talked about the brainwash and the aftermath that Magda faced (which she totally deserved) following the war.
This book also brought me to tears at the end. It was a great book and recount of history from a fictional point of view.
September 5, 2023
I have always wondered how Hitler convinced a nation to do such a despicable act. This book gives the point of view of a Nazi. How Magda was brainwashed and manipulated to hate Jews. It’s not the usual WW2 book I’ve read.
June 25, 2023
The Children of Berlin is the new book from Sharon Maas which follows two women living in Germany pre, during and post WW2. The story alternates between the two women’s perspective with Magda’s perspective told in the form of a letter and Leah’s experiences are detailed in a narrative told from her own context and mindset. Right from the prologue, my interest was piqued as we are left with one big question. Just what did Magda do that caused a solid friendship formed throughout childhood to disintegrate beyond repair?
It’s 1963 and Leah is living in Bexhill on Sea and it has been years since she has had any letter from West Germany. She had washed her hands of that evil place and all the memories and events associated with a traumatic time in her life she has tried and for the most part been successful in putting them to the back of her mind.
A letter arrives from Magda ensuring a whole torrent of emotions come rushing to the surface and in choosing to read it Leah has opened up a can of worms which she feels would be best left shut. Magda is seeking forgiveness. There is a deep and sincere sense of repentance emanating from the letter but is Leah willing to forgive and forget given the horrific events that lead to their estrangement? There have been twenty years of pain, hurt, bereavement, struggle and displacement for Leah and now that she has built a new life for herself is there any point revisiting the past?
The book is split into three distinct sections which begin in Berlin in 1933. The three parts did work very well and meant that the plot was wide in scope in terms of the timeline. I will say that I did find this book slow going a lot of the time. There is a lot packed in on every page and I found that it needed my undivided attention and that at times I reread pages just to make sure I had everything straight in my head. This book is very good and I only truly came to appreciate the depth of the story and the way everything was woven together once I came to the final pages.
Being honest I did find it too long and perhaps a different title would have been more apt. Saying this it sounds like I didn’t enjoy the book, but I did, but personally I felt it could have been shorter. The story of Magda and Leah will really set you thinking as in books you are more often than not supposed to like and engage with the main characters, two in this case, but from the outset it was Magda whom I was against and couldn’t find any redeeming features in for what she did and that’s what makes this story a real good read for a book club as it would inspire so much discussion and debate.
Magda recounts her story in the form of a long and detailed letter which flowed very well and offered a deep insight into her way of thinking and her motivations. Still though, I can’t find anything good to say about her as the path she travelled down was just appalling. Magda and Leah grew up together in Berlin in an apartment complex known as Kaiserkorso Eins. Leah’s family were Jewish as were many others in the building but there was never a sense of difference or a hierarchy amongst the families that lived. Although coming from different religions the girls were like sisters, as close as could be with Magda being the outgoing, extraverted one and the talker whereas Leah was softly spoken and a listener and over the course of time she develops a crush on Markus, Magda’s brother.
During the 1930’s a dark cloud of evil and unimaginable terror started to fall over Berlin as Hitler becomes leader of the National Socialist Party. Magda, thanks to the influence of her Aunt, is soon drawn into an evil sphere. Seized upon any chance when something different was being offered. ‘Something cracked and poison oozed into her soul’. Magda throws herself into the cause and leaves Leah confused and hurt in her wake. She believes Hitler will lead their country to greatness again and do away with all the ills in society but what happens when those supposed ills are the very people you grew up with? People whom you loved trusted and idolised. It really was quite scary to see Magda become brainwashed so quickly and easily. She joins the Hitler Youth and later the BDM and as the years pass she starts writing articles and becomes even more entrenched in the Nazi’s regime.’ The BDM absorbed me. It became my entire life. It sucked my blood’. She leaves her family behind and I was so glad they didn’t at all agree with Hitler’s stance and what Magda herself was becoming involved in.
Poor Leah looks on from the side-lines as ‘the closest female friend I’d ever had, unambiguously declaring before all the world her allegiance to the dictatorship that would see me and my people banished from society’. The further I got into the book the more I really didn’t want to be reading about Magda because quite simply I was coming to loathe her as a person and her actions and the more we start to see a turn in her opinions I just thought that’s too little too late and why on earth should Leah forgive her? There is a specific thing amongst many others that Magda did that has her begging for forgiveness. In the present Magda is experiencing sorrow and guilt but does she truly recognise the criminality of her actions and can a lost friendship ever be repaired given al the damage, hurt and pain that has been inflicted upon it?
I empathised and connected with Leah much more so than Magda as is evident from what I have said up above and really who wouldn’t. The anger, hurt and distress she feels at losing her best friend to a dictatorship that was trying to annihilate her, her family, her friends and so many others. I mean you couldn’t remain connected to someone who agrees with the Nazi’s principles and ideology. I enjoyed the development of Leah’s side of the story. You see how she started out happy and content growing up in Berlin but then the darkness starts to creep in and her life and that of her family is altered. The details of the laws and sanctions imposed upon Jews are known to us all and the more that are issued the more that Leah and her family’s world shrinks until they are left with no choice but to escape and go into hiding. I felt we really saw how Leah grew and matured and her eyes were opened to the fact that Magda became a lost cause and her pull away from her had to be indefinite.
Yes, there are several moments when you think there is an element of hope and perhaps deep down Magda has a conscience after all but really they are few and far between and when you look at them as a whole it was always Magda out for herself. I enjoyed how Markus came to play an important role in Leah’s life and I would have loved to have had a few pages told from his perspective as to what he was involved in as it goes on to play an important role in the overall plot. I found Leah’s experiences during the war fascinating particularly her time at Sonnenhoff. Leah’s form of resistance lay in the form of survival and how she went about this was brave and courageous and love is a strong emotion that would help see her through the best and worst of times.
Overall, I did enjoy The Children of Berlin, pushing aside the issues I had with the length and at times the slow pace of the plot. I enjoyed seeing characters from Sharon Maas’ previous books make an appearance and I would urge you to go back and read those books if you could. The theme of the book is summed up in one word – forgiveness and even now having finished the book I am still contemplating what I would do because making a decision too rashly in this instance is not warranted or justified. Sharon Maas has written a compelling and heart-breaking read yet the divisive element still lingers on for me.
It’s 1963 and Leah is living in Bexhill on Sea and it has been years since she has had any letter from West Germany. She had washed her hands of that evil place and all the memories and events associated with a traumatic time in her life she has tried and for the most part been successful in putting them to the back of her mind.
A letter arrives from Magda ensuring a whole torrent of emotions come rushing to the surface and in choosing to read it Leah has opened up a can of worms which she feels would be best left shut. Magda is seeking forgiveness. There is a deep and sincere sense of repentance emanating from the letter but is Leah willing to forgive and forget given the horrific events that lead to their estrangement? There have been twenty years of pain, hurt, bereavement, struggle and displacement for Leah and now that she has built a new life for herself is there any point revisiting the past?
The book is split into three distinct sections which begin in Berlin in 1933. The three parts did work very well and meant that the plot was wide in scope in terms of the timeline. I will say that I did find this book slow going a lot of the time. There is a lot packed in on every page and I found that it needed my undivided attention and that at times I reread pages just to make sure I had everything straight in my head. This book is very good and I only truly came to appreciate the depth of the story and the way everything was woven together once I came to the final pages.
Being honest I did find it too long and perhaps a different title would have been more apt. Saying this it sounds like I didn’t enjoy the book, but I did, but personally I felt it could have been shorter. The story of Magda and Leah will really set you thinking as in books you are more often than not supposed to like and engage with the main characters, two in this case, but from the outset it was Magda whom I was against and couldn’t find any redeeming features in for what she did and that’s what makes this story a real good read for a book club as it would inspire so much discussion and debate.
Magda recounts her story in the form of a long and detailed letter which flowed very well and offered a deep insight into her way of thinking and her motivations. Still though, I can’t find anything good to say about her as the path she travelled down was just appalling. Magda and Leah grew up together in Berlin in an apartment complex known as Kaiserkorso Eins. Leah’s family were Jewish as were many others in the building but there was never a sense of difference or a hierarchy amongst the families that lived. Although coming from different religions the girls were like sisters, as close as could be with Magda being the outgoing, extraverted one and the talker whereas Leah was softly spoken and a listener and over the course of time she develops a crush on Markus, Magda’s brother.
During the 1930’s a dark cloud of evil and unimaginable terror started to fall over Berlin as Hitler becomes leader of the National Socialist Party. Magda, thanks to the influence of her Aunt, is soon drawn into an evil sphere. Seized upon any chance when something different was being offered. ‘Something cracked and poison oozed into her soul’. Magda throws herself into the cause and leaves Leah confused and hurt in her wake. She believes Hitler will lead their country to greatness again and do away with all the ills in society but what happens when those supposed ills are the very people you grew up with? People whom you loved trusted and idolised. It really was quite scary to see Magda become brainwashed so quickly and easily. She joins the Hitler Youth and later the BDM and as the years pass she starts writing articles and becomes even more entrenched in the Nazi’s regime.’ The BDM absorbed me. It became my entire life. It sucked my blood’. She leaves her family behind and I was so glad they didn’t at all agree with Hitler’s stance and what Magda herself was becoming involved in.
Poor Leah looks on from the side-lines as ‘the closest female friend I’d ever had, unambiguously declaring before all the world her allegiance to the dictatorship that would see me and my people banished from society’. The further I got into the book the more I really didn’t want to be reading about Magda because quite simply I was coming to loathe her as a person and her actions and the more we start to see a turn in her opinions I just thought that’s too little too late and why on earth should Leah forgive her? There is a specific thing amongst many others that Magda did that has her begging for forgiveness. In the present Magda is experiencing sorrow and guilt but does she truly recognise the criminality of her actions and can a lost friendship ever be repaired given al the damage, hurt and pain that has been inflicted upon it?
I empathised and connected with Leah much more so than Magda as is evident from what I have said up above and really who wouldn’t. The anger, hurt and distress she feels at losing her best friend to a dictatorship that was trying to annihilate her, her family, her friends and so many others. I mean you couldn’t remain connected to someone who agrees with the Nazi’s principles and ideology. I enjoyed the development of Leah’s side of the story. You see how she started out happy and content growing up in Berlin but then the darkness starts to creep in and her life and that of her family is altered. The details of the laws and sanctions imposed upon Jews are known to us all and the more that are issued the more that Leah and her family’s world shrinks until they are left with no choice but to escape and go into hiding. I felt we really saw how Leah grew and matured and her eyes were opened to the fact that Magda became a lost cause and her pull away from her had to be indefinite.
Yes, there are several moments when you think there is an element of hope and perhaps deep down Magda has a conscience after all but really they are few and far between and when you look at them as a whole it was always Magda out for herself. I enjoyed how Markus came to play an important role in Leah’s life and I would have loved to have had a few pages told from his perspective as to what he was involved in as it goes on to play an important role in the overall plot. I found Leah’s experiences during the war fascinating particularly her time at Sonnenhoff. Leah’s form of resistance lay in the form of survival and how she went about this was brave and courageous and love is a strong emotion that would help see her through the best and worst of times.
Overall, I did enjoy The Children of Berlin, pushing aside the issues I had with the length and at times the slow pace of the plot. I enjoyed seeing characters from Sharon Maas’ previous books make an appearance and I would urge you to go back and read those books if you could. The theme of the book is summed up in one word – forgiveness and even now having finished the book I am still contemplating what I would do because making a decision too rashly in this instance is not warranted or justified. Sharon Maas has written a compelling and heart-breaking read yet the divisive element still lingers on for me.
May 19, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
As an original Dutch girl, with grandparents surviving the 2nd world War and listening to their stories, I always have been drawn to 2nd World War books. Growing up in Amsterdam and visited the Anne Frank Museum so many times, the stories get to me every time.
Imagine yourself with your best friend. Friends from when you were young kids. Your parents being friends and seeing each other daily. Swearing to each other that nothing will ever come between you. But what if you are a Jewish girl and your best friend joins the nazis. I have never understood how you can love a person one day, but hate the same person the next day...only because someone else is telling you to do so.
That is the story of ‘The Children in Berlin’ by Sharon Maas.
It's the story of Leah, a Jewish girl and her best friend Magda who wants to be a proud German. The story starts as Leah received a letter from Magda, in which she tries to explain or excuse why she became a monster. The letter takes you back just before Hitler got power. The letter is written from Magdas POV and Sharon brilliantly let you in on Leah her memories of the events Magda describes in her letter (in Leah her POV). The story takes you all the way through the war and the heartache. The opposite views and experiences of Magda and Leah are so well written that it just sucks you in. I hate spoilers, so I won’t go into details.
I couldn't put this book aside. I read it holding my breath, I cried, I hated, I loved, I understood....I think I have gone through every emotion there is. How I admire Leah...her love, her strength and her willingness to eventually forgive. This may sound weird, but a part of me understood Magda her wish for a better life. I was, and still am amazed by how easy it can be to brainwash people. Targeting young naive children and turning them in horrific human beings. I wish we learned from that, but it's still happening around the world. This book just swept me away and even writing this review I'm overwhelmed with emotions. If I could I would give it 10 stars.
As an original Dutch girl, with grandparents surviving the 2nd world War and listening to their stories, I always have been drawn to 2nd World War books. Growing up in Amsterdam and visited the Anne Frank Museum so many times, the stories get to me every time.
Imagine yourself with your best friend. Friends from when you were young kids. Your parents being friends and seeing each other daily. Swearing to each other that nothing will ever come between you. But what if you are a Jewish girl and your best friend joins the nazis. I have never understood how you can love a person one day, but hate the same person the next day...only because someone else is telling you to do so.
That is the story of ‘The Children in Berlin’ by Sharon Maas.
It's the story of Leah, a Jewish girl and her best friend Magda who wants to be a proud German. The story starts as Leah received a letter from Magda, in which she tries to explain or excuse why she became a monster. The letter takes you back just before Hitler got power. The letter is written from Magdas POV and Sharon brilliantly let you in on Leah her memories of the events Magda describes in her letter (in Leah her POV). The story takes you all the way through the war and the heartache. The opposite views and experiences of Magda and Leah are so well written that it just sucks you in. I hate spoilers, so I won’t go into details.
I couldn't put this book aside. I read it holding my breath, I cried, I hated, I loved, I understood....I think I have gone through every emotion there is. How I admire Leah...her love, her strength and her willingness to eventually forgive. This may sound weird, but a part of me understood Magda her wish for a better life. I was, and still am amazed by how easy it can be to brainwash people. Targeting young naive children and turning them in horrific human beings. I wish we learned from that, but it's still happening around the world. This book just swept me away and even writing this review I'm overwhelmed with emotions. If I could I would give it 10 stars.
July 29, 2024
4.5
This is a powerful story of 2 best friends who were more like sisters. When Hitler came into power their paths went different directions due to strong influence and peer pressure to the German born. Her best friend being a Jew didn't help keep the balance in her zest to be involved in something important.
The way the story was presented was so unique and unfolded one layer at a time. The current timeline POV from a young Jewish girl trying to understand why her best friend is pulling away from her and getting involved with the Hitler youth groups, while she is under more and more scrutiny because of her religion. The other POV is of the friend of pure German blood in the form of a letter to her friend explaining her journey into the National Socialists organization- the how and the why. Both POV's intensify as you see a glimpse into their worlds and the frustrations that both are experiencing.
There is a beautiful love story amidst the trauma of their lives, good people that care and help, family betrayal that cuts deep, home raids that destroy, and struggles to understand another person's reasons for actions and involvement.
Overall, a book I would highly recommend.
"It’s a yearning to grow out of myself, to grow into something bigger, grander, more noble. It’s a good urge in and of itself, the urge that perhaps inspires the great works of our cultural heritage. That might be why I so love the great works of literature, and, even more than that, the grand works of music."
‘There is a great power, a power of righteousness and justice. That power will win. There will be peace, there will be freedom again. For all of us.’
"When all this over. That was the promise he made, over and over. 'We had to cultivate faith', he said. Faith plants a sense of certainty in the heart, and that certainty brings the strength to carry on, even when the storm is upon us. That strength will pull us through."
"I was a prisoner of my own unforgiving, unforgiving of a human being who had found the courage to deeply regret her mistakes."
This is a powerful story of 2 best friends who were more like sisters. When Hitler came into power their paths went different directions due to strong influence and peer pressure to the German born. Her best friend being a Jew didn't help keep the balance in her zest to be involved in something important.
The way the story was presented was so unique and unfolded one layer at a time. The current timeline POV from a young Jewish girl trying to understand why her best friend is pulling away from her and getting involved with the Hitler youth groups, while she is under more and more scrutiny because of her religion. The other POV is of the friend of pure German blood in the form of a letter to her friend explaining her journey into the National Socialists organization- the how and the why. Both POV's intensify as you see a glimpse into their worlds and the frustrations that both are experiencing.
There is a beautiful love story amidst the trauma of their lives, good people that care and help, family betrayal that cuts deep, home raids that destroy, and struggles to understand another person's reasons for actions and involvement.
Overall, a book I would highly recommend.
"It’s a yearning to grow out of myself, to grow into something bigger, grander, more noble. It’s a good urge in and of itself, the urge that perhaps inspires the great works of our cultural heritage. That might be why I so love the great works of literature, and, even more than that, the grand works of music."
‘There is a great power, a power of righteousness and justice. That power will win. There will be peace, there will be freedom again. For all of us.’
"When all this over. That was the promise he made, over and over. 'We had to cultivate faith', he said. Faith plants a sense of certainty in the heart, and that certainty brings the strength to carry on, even when the storm is upon us. That strength will pull us through."
"I was a prisoner of my own unforgiving, unforgiving of a human being who had found the courage to deeply regret her mistakes."
July 3, 2023
While historical fiction is not one of my most read genres, I find I always learn such interesting things when I venture in and read it. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book from the perspective of someone living in Germany after WWI. Dealing with reparations and then the rise of Hitler and continuing on through the war and its aftermath. This book is rife with foreshadowing as it starts with the reader knowing Leah and Magda were the best of friends until they weren’t. I know so very little about the wars that I had to stop and look up the significance of January 30, 1933.
It’s 1963 and Leah receives a letter from Magda recounting her story from their childhood and ultimately trying to make amends. In alternating chapters of Leah remembering the past and Magda’s letter narrating her side of the story, their tale unfolds. I was mesmerized. Knowing information was not as readily available as it was even 25 years ago, I have often wondered how Hitler was able to appeal to so many Germans. This shed some light on how Magda came under his spell.
At times this is hard to read, but it should be. This is a sensitive, but important subject. As we grow close to losing the last holocaust survivors, it’s books like this, so heavy in their research, that will tell the stories we all need to know. I am never sure who first said it, but if we don’t know history we are doomed to repeat it. And make sure and read to the end and read the acknowledgements to read about the real life women who influenced the story.
I don’t know what made me pick this book as one of my rare historical reads, but I am so very glad I did.
This is a unique story that will have me thinking for a long time to come. You don’t need to be a historical fiction fan to be taken in by these characters and their stories. I can’t recommend this one enough.
It’s 1963 and Leah receives a letter from Magda recounting her story from their childhood and ultimately trying to make amends. In alternating chapters of Leah remembering the past and Magda’s letter narrating her side of the story, their tale unfolds. I was mesmerized. Knowing information was not as readily available as it was even 25 years ago, I have often wondered how Hitler was able to appeal to so many Germans. This shed some light on how Magda came under his spell.
At times this is hard to read, but it should be. This is a sensitive, but important subject. As we grow close to losing the last holocaust survivors, it’s books like this, so heavy in their research, that will tell the stories we all need to know. I am never sure who first said it, but if we don’t know history we are doomed to repeat it. And make sure and read to the end and read the acknowledgements to read about the real life women who influenced the story.
I don’t know what made me pick this book as one of my rare historical reads, but I am so very glad I did.
This is a unique story that will have me thinking for a long time to come. You don’t need to be a historical fiction fan to be taken in by these characters and their stories. I can’t recommend this one enough.
August 15, 2023
In the 1960s, Leah is living in England and has long since started recovering from her traumatic experiences as a Jew in Germany during the rise of the Nazi party and during the war. Then out of the blue one day she receives a letter from Magda, her once childhood best friend who was completely taken in by the Nazi party. Though Magda's letter, Leah reminisces about her own experience since in the early 1930s when Hitler first comes to power through the end of the war.
Growing up as neighbors and becoming best of friends, Leah and Magda were the best of friends until fate - and the Nazi party - intervened. This story takes us along the two very different paths both of these women took before and during the war. Leah and her family's initial disbelief that the Nazi party posed any real harm to them, as Jews, and Magda's slow rise up the ranks of the Hitler Youth to a position with the organization's propaganda department. We go into hiding with Leah and share in her love story with Markus, who also happens to be Magda's brother, who is fighting with the resistance to stop Hitler and the Nazis. Magda's role takes her to Poland where she experiences first hand people being driven from their homes and farms so that "good German families" can come and settle this new part of Germany, and to France, where she visits and witnesses first hand the horrors that are taking place happening at Natweiler-Struthof, the only concentration camp to be built in France.
Overall, I enjoyed this story as its told from two opposing view points during the 1930s and 1940s from two women who were once the best of friends. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys WWI historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sharon Maas, and Bookouture for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Growing up as neighbors and becoming best of friends, Leah and Magda were the best of friends until fate - and the Nazi party - intervened. This story takes us along the two very different paths both of these women took before and during the war. Leah and her family's initial disbelief that the Nazi party posed any real harm to them, as Jews, and Magda's slow rise up the ranks of the Hitler Youth to a position with the organization's propaganda department. We go into hiding with Leah and share in her love story with Markus, who also happens to be Magda's brother, who is fighting with the resistance to stop Hitler and the Nazis. Magda's role takes her to Poland where she experiences first hand people being driven from their homes and farms so that "good German families" can come and settle this new part of Germany, and to France, where she visits and witnesses first hand the horrors that are taking place happening at Natweiler-Struthof, the only concentration camp to be built in France.
Overall, I enjoyed this story as its told from two opposing view points during the 1930s and 1940s from two women who were once the best of friends. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys WWI historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sharon Maas, and Bookouture for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2023
A powerful and heartbreaking novel about love, family, betrayal and sacrifice perfect for fans of The Alice Network, The White Rose Network, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Nightingale.
As some of you may notice that I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, especially the story set up in WW2 time. Most of the WW2 books are surrounding concentration camp, escaping and survival story; mainly relationship between love and family. The Children of Berlin is related to friendship in WW2.
Leah was Jewish and Magda was gentile. They were close friends and lived in the same building with their own family. Two young girls loved talking about literature, music and politics. In 1933, things started to change, including their friendship.
Magda joined the Hitler Youth Movement as the propaganda writer voluntarily and proudly. Leah at first didn’t believe her best friend would have this move…At the same time Magda’s brother Markus was anti-Nazi. This also made him getting close with Leah.
Through the whole story, it has successfully presented the struggle of not only being a Jewish, it showed the frustration of being a Jewish and the other was gentile. Sarah also vividly presented the fear of betrayal, disappointment and still, having hope was important.
I love the writing style and presentation of this book. It’s interweaving the point of views of Magda and Leah, part by part, which started went Magda’s letter. The letter wrote in the present stage of Magda, which showed her reflection as well.
Many thanks to @netgalley , @bookouture and @sharonmaaswriter for this intriguing book.
Kindle: 423 pages
Pub date: June 22, 2023
As some of you may notice that I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, especially the story set up in WW2 time. Most of the WW2 books are surrounding concentration camp, escaping and survival story; mainly relationship between love and family. The Children of Berlin is related to friendship in WW2.
Leah was Jewish and Magda was gentile. They were close friends and lived in the same building with their own family. Two young girls loved talking about literature, music and politics. In 1933, things started to change, including their friendship.
Magda joined the Hitler Youth Movement as the propaganda writer voluntarily and proudly. Leah at first didn’t believe her best friend would have this move…At the same time Magda’s brother Markus was anti-Nazi. This also made him getting close with Leah.
Through the whole story, it has successfully presented the struggle of not only being a Jewish, it showed the frustration of being a Jewish and the other was gentile. Sarah also vividly presented the fear of betrayal, disappointment and still, having hope was important.
I love the writing style and presentation of this book. It’s interweaving the point of views of Magda and Leah, part by part, which started went Magda’s letter. The letter wrote in the present stage of Magda, which showed her reflection as well.
Many thanks to @netgalley , @bookouture and @sharonmaaswriter for this intriguing book.
Kindle: 423 pages
Pub date: June 22, 2023
July 20, 2023
A unique take on a WWII Historical Fiction novel spanning pre and post war Germany.
Brief Synopsis: Leah and Magda had been inseparable throughout their childhood, until Hitler took power in Germany and Magda decided to join the Hilter Youth despite her best friend being jewish.
Here’s what you can expect:
✨ WWII Historical Fiction
✨ Friendship
✨ Heartbreak and Loss
✨ Found Family
✨ Life After Tragedy
✨ Dual-POV
The Children of Berlin goes back and forth between a letter from Magda and Leah’s reflection on living through Germany during Hitler’s rule. I think I would have enjoyed this book more had it been written differently. I love reading historical fiction that makes me feel as though I’m thrown into the past, feeling the emotions come off the pages. Had this book been written more in the moment rather than a reflection in the past I think I would have enjoyed it more.
I enjoyed reading from Leah’s POV, but when the book switched to Magda’s letter, I started to skim a bit. I really disliked reading Magda’s letter and didn’t feel the least bit sympathetic. I suppose that is what the author was trying to convey. In my mind, Magda didn’t deserve a chance to tell her story and make excuses for her actions. And she certainly didn’t receive any forgiveness from me.
I enjoyed the writing and the storyline, but I wanted more from the execution. I also think that the book was a bit long and I think the pacing for Magda’s letter was drawn out.
Special thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review to be shared on @whatjordynnreads.
Brief Synopsis: Leah and Magda had been inseparable throughout their childhood, until Hitler took power in Germany and Magda decided to join the Hilter Youth despite her best friend being jewish.
Here’s what you can expect:
✨ WWII Historical Fiction
✨ Friendship
✨ Heartbreak and Loss
✨ Found Family
✨ Life After Tragedy
✨ Dual-POV
The Children of Berlin goes back and forth between a letter from Magda and Leah’s reflection on living through Germany during Hitler’s rule. I think I would have enjoyed this book more had it been written differently. I love reading historical fiction that makes me feel as though I’m thrown into the past, feeling the emotions come off the pages. Had this book been written more in the moment rather than a reflection in the past I think I would have enjoyed it more.
I enjoyed reading from Leah’s POV, but when the book switched to Magda’s letter, I started to skim a bit. I really disliked reading Magda’s letter and didn’t feel the least bit sympathetic. I suppose that is what the author was trying to convey. In my mind, Magda didn’t deserve a chance to tell her story and make excuses for her actions. And she certainly didn’t receive any forgiveness from me.
I enjoyed the writing and the storyline, but I wanted more from the execution. I also think that the book was a bit long and I think the pacing for Magda’s letter was drawn out.
Special thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review to be shared on @whatjordynnreads.
June 27, 2023
Berlin, 1933: Leah and Magda are the best of friends and have spent almost their entire lives together. Nothing could separate them except when Magda tells Leah she is joining the ranks of Hitler’s regime. Leah can’t believe that Magda would do that, and she pleads and begs Magda not to. Leah knows that Magda’s choice will be the end of their friendship and makes Leah’s life extremely dangerous. Markus, Magda’s brother, is furious with his sister’s decision to join the ranks and he vows to do everything possible to keep Leah safe no matter what the cost. When Leah’s house is raided by the Gestapo, her brother Aaron is sent to a concentration camp and her parents go into hiding. Markus knows the only way to keep his promise to Leah is to join the resistance. He will protect Leah every second that he can, no matter what he must sacrifice.
The Children of Berlin written by author Sharon Maas was a phenomenal story of strength, resilience and hope. I almost don’t know where to begin writing my review as this story left me speechless. I loved everything about this heartbreaking and powerfully intense book. This unputdownable read had me reaching for the tissue box over and over. This heart wrenching story is definitely a favorite of mine and I know for certain that it will be one I will remember for a while. If you are a historical fiction fan, this is one that needs to be at the very top of your 'to be read pile’. I highly recommend this ten star read.
The Children of Berlin written by author Sharon Maas was a phenomenal story of strength, resilience and hope. I almost don’t know where to begin writing my review as this story left me speechless. I loved everything about this heartbreaking and powerfully intense book. This unputdownable read had me reaching for the tissue box over and over. This heart wrenching story is definitely a favorite of mine and I know for certain that it will be one I will remember for a while. If you are a historical fiction fan, this is one that needs to be at the very top of your 'to be read pile’. I highly recommend this ten star read.
August 2, 2023
Definitely both gripping and heartbreaking
Several decades after the war is over, Leah, a Jewish survivor, receives a letter from Magda, her childhood best friend who had chosen to follow Hitler and his goal to create a Germany that rules the world. Throughout the book, the reader will learn about Magda's war and how she was increasingly drawn into the horrors and atrocities of Nazism. Readers will also learn how Leah spent the war - the people who helped her and those she loved. When Magda's confessional letter is drawing to a close she asks if she can meet Leah again.
The author wrote in her afternote: "The theme of this book is basically forgiveness. The reader wants to know if Leah can, and should, forgive Magda for the terrible things she has done, not only on the public stage but on a most private and personal level. My own conclusion is yes, she should, but it’s a very private decision."
As a reader, I was torn as to how I would have reacted in similar circumstances. Would I be capable of forgiveness? Each reader sill come to their own conclusion.
Mass does an excellent job of detailing one German girl's story of how she was drawn into the propaganda of Nazism and became part of it. Magda's letter of confession was very educational - like reading a living history book. This was a fascinating and thought provoking read.
Several decades after the war is over, Leah, a Jewish survivor, receives a letter from Magda, her childhood best friend who had chosen to follow Hitler and his goal to create a Germany that rules the world. Throughout the book, the reader will learn about Magda's war and how she was increasingly drawn into the horrors and atrocities of Nazism. Readers will also learn how Leah spent the war - the people who helped her and those she loved. When Magda's confessional letter is drawing to a close she asks if she can meet Leah again.
The author wrote in her afternote: "The theme of this book is basically forgiveness. The reader wants to know if Leah can, and should, forgive Magda for the terrible things she has done, not only on the public stage but on a most private and personal level. My own conclusion is yes, she should, but it’s a very private decision."
As a reader, I was torn as to how I would have reacted in similar circumstances. Would I be capable of forgiveness? Each reader sill come to their own conclusion.
Mass does an excellent job of detailing one German girl's story of how she was drawn into the propaganda of Nazism and became part of it. Magda's letter of confession was very educational - like reading a living history book. This was a fascinating and thought provoking read.
June 23, 2023
THE CHILDREN OF BERLIN by SHARON MAAS is the bittersweet WW11:story of two young girls, one a Jew and the other a gentile, who grow up together in Berlin and are best friends, until Magda Bosch, at fifteen, becomes enamoured with Hitler and his plans for Germany. It is not long before she joins the Hitler youth and becomes a full blown Nazi. At first Leah Gottliebs does not believe Magda’s brother Markus when he tells her not to trust his sister…..
We come across Leah in Bexhill-On-Sea in England in 1963 where she receives a lengthy letter from Magda, which serves as a background to the horrific experiences Leah and her family, and the Jews in general, went through during the war.
It is a cleverly written novel in which we see bravery and loving family valuess against the backdrop of hatred for the Jews and those who refused to support Hitler’s madness.
Will reconciliation and forgiveness ever be possible or have things gone too far?…..
I found the novel interesting and inspirational, with a beautiful love story, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
We come across Leah in Bexhill-On-Sea in England in 1963 where she receives a lengthy letter from Magda, which serves as a background to the horrific experiences Leah and her family, and the Jews in general, went through during the war.
It is a cleverly written novel in which we see bravery and loving family valuess against the backdrop of hatred for the Jews and those who refused to support Hitler’s madness.
Will reconciliation and forgiveness ever be possible or have things gone too far?…..
I found the novel interesting and inspirational, with a beautiful love story, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
February 19, 2025
3.5⭐️
This story was certainly a rollercoaster of emotions, telling the experiences of Leah, a Jewish girl in Nazi Germany, and a lesser-told perspective, her friend, Magda, a German girl swept up in the Nazi machine.
The story is told in the past tense, mostly through Magda’s letter, so I felt there was a bit of a disconnect. It did take me a while to emotionally connect with the characters, but each of them were complex, sometimes contradictory, and—whether or not I agreed with them about certain actions or thought processes they had—I became invested in how their decisions would shape the outcomes of their lives.
For Magda, I at times felt sympathy for her as she, like many German youth, were swept up in the dream of a bright future and brainwashed by the regime, but also felt extraordinary anger at her.
The question of forgiveness, who can give it—if it can be given at all—was well explored. All in all, this book was a great story of regret, growth and healing, and finding peace, and takes a good look at the human psyche, both of people like Magda and Leah, who, by the unfortunate unfolding of history, find themselves on opposite sides.
This story was certainly a rollercoaster of emotions, telling the experiences of Leah, a Jewish girl in Nazi Germany, and a lesser-told perspective, her friend, Magda, a German girl swept up in the Nazi machine.
The story is told in the past tense, mostly through Magda’s letter, so I felt there was a bit of a disconnect. It did take me a while to emotionally connect with the characters, but each of them were complex, sometimes contradictory, and—whether or not I agreed with them about certain actions or thought processes they had—I became invested in how their decisions would shape the outcomes of their lives.
For Magda, I at times felt sympathy for her as she, like many German youth, were swept up in the dream of a bright future and brainwashed by the regime, but also felt extraordinary anger at her.
The question of forgiveness, who can give it—if it can be given at all—was well explored. All in all, this book was a great story of regret, growth and healing, and finding peace, and takes a good look at the human psyche, both of people like Magda and Leah, who, by the unfortunate unfolding of history, find themselves on opposite sides.
October 8, 2025
Listened on audio.
This historical novel, narrated by Helen Lloyd, tells the story of two friends, Leah and Magda. The are both German and could not be closer…until Hitler comes to power. Magda decides to join the Hitler Youth. Leah, who is Jewish, is heartbroken.
Told by both women, the story spans what happens to their lives during and after the war. Leah is in love with Markus, Magda’s brother, and he tries to protect her from the death camps. However, his own sister turns him in, but not before Leah and Markus have married and had their daughter, Naomi.
Magda, seeing what is happening in the death camps, begins to question her choices.
She writes to Leah, pouring out her reasons for doing what she did and asking for forgiveness. Leah, having remarried and moved to England, is not sure she is capable of forgiving her former best friend. Leah’s reactions to the letters are well-developed and sensitive.
The novel was very interesting to listen to. It is hard to fathom the pain Jewish people went through just before and during WW2, but it was also interesting to listen to Magda’s point of view.
This historical novel, narrated by Helen Lloyd, tells the story of two friends, Leah and Magda. The are both German and could not be closer…until Hitler comes to power. Magda decides to join the Hitler Youth. Leah, who is Jewish, is heartbroken.
Told by both women, the story spans what happens to their lives during and after the war. Leah is in love with Markus, Magda’s brother, and he tries to protect her from the death camps. However, his own sister turns him in, but not before Leah and Markus have married and had their daughter, Naomi.
Magda, seeing what is happening in the death camps, begins to question her choices.
She writes to Leah, pouring out her reasons for doing what she did and asking for forgiveness. Leah, having remarried and moved to England, is not sure she is capable of forgiving her former best friend. Leah’s reactions to the letters are well-developed and sensitive.
The novel was very interesting to listen to. It is hard to fathom the pain Jewish people went through just before and during WW2, but it was also interesting to listen to Magda’s point of view.
June 26, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even with the frustrations and anger felt toward Magda.
I think the author did a fantastic job in describing each event, detailing the stories, and making the characters likable/unlikeable/understandable/etc.
I also enjoyed the writing style. The dual narrators and almost quadruple timelines added to the story for me. I say “quadruple timelines” since we hear the story from Leah in the present and the past, and from Magda in her present and past; so it’s almost like it’s four different timelines since the two women were living basically in two different worlds.
This is a very sad story to read, of course, ur it was very interesting to have a narrator from the perpetrator’s side, even though she was not all that high in rank in the Nazi Party. Most stories are not told from this perspective so it was nice to change things up, so to speak.
I would definitely recommend this book to others and will be keeping an eye out for other books from the author.
I think the author did a fantastic job in describing each event, detailing the stories, and making the characters likable/unlikeable/understandable/etc.
I also enjoyed the writing style. The dual narrators and almost quadruple timelines added to the story for me. I say “quadruple timelines” since we hear the story from Leah in the present and the past, and from Magda in her present and past; so it’s almost like it’s four different timelines since the two women were living basically in two different worlds.
This is a very sad story to read, of course, ur it was very interesting to have a narrator from the perpetrator’s side, even though she was not all that high in rank in the Nazi Party. Most stories are not told from this perspective so it was nice to change things up, so to speak.
I would definitely recommend this book to others and will be keeping an eye out for other books from the author.
June 25, 2023
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
I am becoming a fan of historical fiction and this book has only cemented that opinion.
Leah and Magda grew up as best friends but their friendship is put to the ultimate test when the monster that was Hitler came to power and everything changed.
The story is told from both Leah's and Magda's perspectives; Leah's from her memories and Magda's in letter form. I have to admit that I preferred Leah's story as Magda's was a little repetitive and 'wordy' however it did show how easy it was for people to be brainwashed and to take a path in their lives that has far reaching and devastating consequences for them and those they love.
The Children of Berlin is a gripping and powerful story of love, loss, bravery and forgiveness and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy this genre and many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book.
I am becoming a fan of historical fiction and this book has only cemented that opinion.
Leah and Magda grew up as best friends but their friendship is put to the ultimate test when the monster that was Hitler came to power and everything changed.
The story is told from both Leah's and Magda's perspectives; Leah's from her memories and Magda's in letter form. I have to admit that I preferred Leah's story as Magda's was a little repetitive and 'wordy' however it did show how easy it was for people to be brainwashed and to take a path in their lives that has far reaching and devastating consequences for them and those they love.
The Children of Berlin is a gripping and powerful story of love, loss, bravery and forgiveness and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy this genre and many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book.
June 16, 2023
This story starts out before England was at war with Germany. Insight into the history of what things were like before all the terrible things began. Such evil is hard to read about. How could one devious, evil man brainwash so many???? The atrocities caused under Hitler’s regime is always heartbreaking and horrific to read about.
Two women, best friends….one a Jew, Leah and one an Aryan, Magda. Told from each one’s perspective showing the betrayals that came to be. The letter from Magda was hard to comprehend and read. The things she did were unfathomable and disturbing.
The Children of Berlin is a very compelling and heartbreaking novel. If you read historical fictions novels, this would be one I recommend picking up.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Two women, best friends….one a Jew, Leah and one an Aryan, Magda. Told from each one’s perspective showing the betrayals that came to be. The letter from Magda was hard to comprehend and read. The things she did were unfathomable and disturbing.
The Children of Berlin is a very compelling and heartbreaking novel. If you read historical fictions novels, this would be one I recommend picking up.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 30, 2023
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book so much! After reading so many historical fiction books set in World War Two, it’s amazing to see something so refreshing in the genre. This book tells the tale of two friends who went in opposite directions of ideology during the Second World War. It shows how their lives changed based on the external events.
The one thing I loved about this book was how much it didn’t hide the horrors which young people were openly exposed to during this dark period. It discussed how many tried to change their minds in Berlin after witnessing the horrors which went on, but knew they couldn’t fully due to the danger to their own lives.
This is a fantastic read which everyone who loves historical fiction and World War Two historical fiction should pick up to read!
I loved this book so much! After reading so many historical fiction books set in World War Two, it’s amazing to see something so refreshing in the genre. This book tells the tale of two friends who went in opposite directions of ideology during the Second World War. It shows how their lives changed based on the external events.
The one thing I loved about this book was how much it didn’t hide the horrors which young people were openly exposed to during this dark period. It discussed how many tried to change their minds in Berlin after witnessing the horrors which went on, but knew they couldn’t fully due to the danger to their own lives.
This is a fantastic read which everyone who loves historical fiction and World War Two historical fiction should pick up to read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews