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The Girl From Berchtesgaden: An epic wartime thriller as German Jews fight for survival
"Occasionally a book comes to you which makes you think, take stock and reflect in a good way. This is one of those masterpieces. Stunning." Nicki's Book Blog.
In early 1930s Germany, life for the Stiepermann family was simple yet idyllic. Artistic Ingrid and her inventive brother Dieter loved the freedom of the Bavarian Alps, but that was before the Jew haters surfaced in their society.
Fueled by Nazi ideologies, Stefan Weiss and his friends suppress and destroy anyone who opposes their beliefs.
While one family battles for supremacy, another is torn apart.
Fleeing the tyranny, Ingrid, and her brother escape to London. Seemingly safe from danger, can Ingrid save her family as war threatens?
Featuring real world history, shocking events of the time and tales of immense courage, The Girl from Berchtesgaden is a must-read historical thriller.
In early 1930s Germany, life for the Stiepermann family was simple yet idyllic. Artistic Ingrid and her inventive brother Dieter loved the freedom of the Bavarian Alps, but that was before the Jew haters surfaced in their society.
Fueled by Nazi ideologies, Stefan Weiss and his friends suppress and destroy anyone who opposes their beliefs.
While one family battles for supremacy, another is torn apart.
Fleeing the tyranny, Ingrid, and her brother escape to London. Seemingly safe from danger, can Ingrid save her family as war threatens?
Featuring real world history, shocking events of the time and tales of immense courage, The Girl from Berchtesgaden is a must-read historical thriller.
523 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 30, 2024
This story starts in Berchtesgaden, Autumn 1931. Ingrid and her brother, Dieter, have a great life. Dieter loves all things that involve nature and Ingrid loves to draw.
When a set of boys turn on Dieter, it is the start of terrible things to come. Ingrid and Dieter are Jews, and the German’s are starting to turn on all Jews.
With their parents determined to get them out of Germany, we follow their journey from childhood to eventual adulthood.
Now in London, can the siblings lead a new life? As time goes on, we see the war through their terrified eyes.
This is an outstanding historical based thriller. It is a gripping story, that at times made me feel emotional, I fluctuated between being extremely angry, to feeling so sad.
The characters in the story were intriguing and did everything they could to fight and stay alive.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
When a set of boys turn on Dieter, it is the start of terrible things to come. Ingrid and Dieter are Jews, and the German’s are starting to turn on all Jews.
With their parents determined to get them out of Germany, we follow their journey from childhood to eventual adulthood.
Now in London, can the siblings lead a new life? As time goes on, we see the war through their terrified eyes.
This is an outstanding historical based thriller. It is a gripping story, that at times made me feel emotional, I fluctuated between being extremely angry, to feeling so sad.
The characters in the story were intriguing and did everything they could to fight and stay alive.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 9, 2024
The Girl from Berchtesgaden is an historical thriller that offers a lot. It is emotion, emotive and at time heartbreaking. The first thing that drew me in was the writing. It is easy to follow and digest but so vivid and realistic. You can tell within the first few pages that the authors are passionate and knowledgeable about what they write. Their characters shine, even the vile ones, and they capture the sentiment of the time and place perfectly if not starkly.
I instantly felt for Ingrid and Dieter’s plight. Through the pages there are vivid tales of shocking events that took place leading up to and during the second world war but more than that there are the tales of courage in such dire times. I will admit that while I enjoyed this novel at times it was hard to continue. To be reminded that people could do, and unfortunately still do, such things to fellow humans is difficult to read. But the authors deal with these truths well and respectfully and counter balance the darkness with happier moments as well.
All in all if you enjoy historical thrillers you are bound to enjoy this one.
As always thank you to ZooLoo’s Book Tours, the publisher and the authors for the copy to review. My review is honest and truthful.
I instantly felt for Ingrid and Dieter’s plight. Through the pages there are vivid tales of shocking events that took place leading up to and during the second world war but more than that there are the tales of courage in such dire times. I will admit that while I enjoyed this novel at times it was hard to continue. To be reminded that people could do, and unfortunately still do, such things to fellow humans is difficult to read. But the authors deal with these truths well and respectfully and counter balance the darkness with happier moments as well.
All in all if you enjoy historical thrillers you are bound to enjoy this one.
As always thank you to ZooLoo’s Book Tours, the publisher and the authors for the copy to review. My review is honest and truthful.
June 6, 2024
The book is deeply touching and heart wrenching. Authors did a good job by sharing the pain and fight for survival of the jews and also showing the villainous characters of powerful and cruel Nazi Ideologists
Set in early 1930s, this follows the odyssey of Ingrid and Dieter. They are siblings. Due to hatred of Germans and Nazi ideologies, Jews not only suffered but the families were torn apart and peace was forever destroyed and the war shattered lives. While Ingrid was so brave, she not only fought for survival but tried to protect those around her and she came back stronger. The book is filled with love, loss, survival, betrayal, revenge and injustice against women.
Thanks to the Author and Tour organiser.
4.5 ✨
Set in early 1930s, this follows the odyssey of Ingrid and Dieter. They are siblings. Due to hatred of Germans and Nazi ideologies, Jews not only suffered but the families were torn apart and peace was forever destroyed and the war shattered lives. While Ingrid was so brave, she not only fought for survival but tried to protect those around her and she came back stronger. The book is filled with love, loss, survival, betrayal, revenge and injustice against women.
Thanks to the Author and Tour organiser.
4.5 ✨
June 14, 2024
Because of my background (Polish Catholic father – Jewish mother born in Bucharest but living in Vienna in the 1930s), I can only read books on this subject every now and again as I find it very upsetting. Luckily The Girl from Berchtesgaden did not go into detail about the concentration camps or the torture to the same extent as some other books I’ve read in recent years.
But be warned. People die in this story that you don’t expect and hope will survive. It’s not pretty, but it’s war. It’s harrowing stuff at times, even without the graphic details.
Ingrid Stiepermann is Jewish. She lives with her father Gerhard, her mother Freda, her Oma, and her younger brother Dieter in the idyllic town of Berchtesgaden. I’ve been there – it was around 1965 when I was 12. We visited the town and Hitler’s underground bunker which was largely destroyed in 1947, but some of it was open to us. I remember photos of Hitler, Eva Braun and their favourite German Shepherd dog. I’m still not sure what it was called.
There has to be a villain in a story and in this case it’s Stefan Weiss. And not just because he’s a Nazi. He has a personal vendetta against the Jewish Stiepermann family. And nothing will stop him from taking out his hatred on them. He’s also trying to make his way to the top in the SS and his own father often stands in his way.
It’s a wonderfully researched book, which follows Ingrid and her family, as she and her brother flee Germany to settle in London, while another fate awaits the rest of the family. Stefan will not rest until he has destroyed them all. It’s a constant battle of cat and mouse for Ingrid.
As an aside, I found the parts about Oswald Mosley in London very interesting. It’s not often covered in books about WW2 and the holocaust. It’s a reflection of what could be happening at the moment in a lot of countries where the far right is taking hold. Many people don’t see it that way, but it’s real.
Many thanks to @ZooloosBT for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
But be warned. People die in this story that you don’t expect and hope will survive. It’s not pretty, but it’s war. It’s harrowing stuff at times, even without the graphic details.
Ingrid Stiepermann is Jewish. She lives with her father Gerhard, her mother Freda, her Oma, and her younger brother Dieter in the idyllic town of Berchtesgaden. I’ve been there – it was around 1965 when I was 12. We visited the town and Hitler’s underground bunker which was largely destroyed in 1947, but some of it was open to us. I remember photos of Hitler, Eva Braun and their favourite German Shepherd dog. I’m still not sure what it was called.
There has to be a villain in a story and in this case it’s Stefan Weiss. And not just because he’s a Nazi. He has a personal vendetta against the Jewish Stiepermann family. And nothing will stop him from taking out his hatred on them. He’s also trying to make his way to the top in the SS and his own father often stands in his way.
It’s a wonderfully researched book, which follows Ingrid and her family, as she and her brother flee Germany to settle in London, while another fate awaits the rest of the family. Stefan will not rest until he has destroyed them all. It’s a constant battle of cat and mouse for Ingrid.
As an aside, I found the parts about Oswald Mosley in London very interesting. It’s not often covered in books about WW2 and the holocaust. It’s a reflection of what could be happening at the moment in a lot of countries where the far right is taking hold. Many people don’t see it that way, but it’s real.
Many thanks to @ZooloosBT for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
June 13, 2024
What a haunting and raw novel based on events in Germany, 1930s.
I love historical fiction, and this one really does hook you as also a thriller too!
We follow siblings, Ingrid and Dieter, who are Jews as they navigate the horrendous treatment in Nazi Germany.
The Prejudice is absolutely awful and makes for an extremely powerful medium pace read. You need the medium pace to make sure you keep up.
Eventually, the siblings make it to London, and when grown up, Ingrid decides to try and save her family.
The characters are relateable even though they belong to a different decade and, in my case, faith, and I really felt myself feeling empathic towards the flight of both their family and also themselves.
The decisions that each had to make were ones that I hope (as a mother) ai never to have to make.
It is an incredibly emotional book, filled with every kind you could think of while offering hope.
It is a beautifully written and yet haunting book.
Highly recommend to all!
I love historical fiction, and this one really does hook you as also a thriller too!
We follow siblings, Ingrid and Dieter, who are Jews as they navigate the horrendous treatment in Nazi Germany.
The Prejudice is absolutely awful and makes for an extremely powerful medium pace read. You need the medium pace to make sure you keep up.
Eventually, the siblings make it to London, and when grown up, Ingrid decides to try and save her family.
The characters are relateable even though they belong to a different decade and, in my case, faith, and I really felt myself feeling empathic towards the flight of both their family and also themselves.
The decisions that each had to make were ones that I hope (as a mother) ai never to have to make.
It is an incredibly emotional book, filled with every kind you could think of while offering hope.
It is a beautifully written and yet haunting book.
Highly recommend to all!
June 6, 2024
This book was an absolutely fantastic read! I cannot recommend this enough for people who love WW2 historical fiction. It was very different for me to read a book about how Jewish people were affected in England. The contrast between the two countries was well written and really brought together the experiences of a variety of characters. As a warning there are some very hard parts to read with some very traumatic events for the characters. I’m normally put off by a lengthier book but this was essential to tell the whole story and I didn’t feel it could have had such an impact in a smaller text.
September 22, 2025
Amazing
Great story and a real page turner. I look forward to reading more of these stories from these two authors.
Great story and a real page turner. I look forward to reading more of these stories from these two authors.
May 8, 2024
It is a compulsive and exceptional story that is deeply moving, heartfelt, and emotional. A book that will be in my thoughts for a long time. I couldn't put the book down, and I loved how the book immersed you into the plot. The authors writing is excellent. The characters are well developed, addictive storyline and ending were well executed. It's one of my favorite books of all time.
June 19, 2024
A thrilling war story about a Jewish girl and her trials and tribulations in Nazi Germany. The story is mixed seamlessly with actual events of WW2. The horror of war and man's inhumanity to man rush out of the pages. Great read.
January 15, 2025
This is a book that goes full circle
May 31, 2025
loved it
This book was very good. The characters had me on the edge of the seat. I cryed and laughed and was cheering them on. I loved Archie and floor and uncle Roy.
This book was very good. The characters had me on the edge of the seat. I cryed and laughed and was cheering them on. I loved Archie and floor and uncle Roy.
June 30, 2025
Brilliant!
This book tells the story of one young woman's struggle to survive a war that had taken everything from her. Sensitively and respectfully written, the books takes the reader from the early 1930's, when the persecution of the Jews began in Germany, then through the war years and beyond. But as is always the case, that despite all the evil acts that were commited by evil men, and women, humanity triumphed. The author gets this point across beautifully.
A very highly recommended read, that won't leave you disappointed
This book tells the story of one young woman's struggle to survive a war that had taken everything from her. Sensitively and respectfully written, the books takes the reader from the early 1930's, when the persecution of the Jews began in Germany, then through the war years and beyond. But as is always the case, that despite all the evil acts that were commited by evil men, and women, humanity triumphed. The author gets this point across beautifully.
A very highly recommended read, that won't leave you disappointed
June 3, 2024
This is the story of Ingrid, Gerda, Stefan and Archie as told by each of them and whilst a work of fiction is written around real events before and during WWII. It is 1931 in the Bavarian Alps and a group of young teenagers attend school. Ingrid is best friends of Gerda whilst her brother Dieter hangs out with Stefan and three other boys. It always amazes me how two authors can collaborate on a book and the result is a seamless read, and this is exactly that.
Briefly, political waves are occurring and soon Ingrid and her brother are forced to change schools as they are Jewish. Stefan is a bully and through his father takes a high position in the Hitler Youth. Matters spiral downwards and Ingrids father decides they need to leave the country. He doesn’t make it but Ingrid and Dieter escape to England. There Ingrid meets Archie but during the dreadful riots in East London in 1938 Ingrid suffers a terrible loss. She wants revenge and finds a way to follow her ideals. Meanwhile Archie has joined up whilst Stefan progresses through the ranks of the Gestapo loving the violence he can rain down. Gerda is still at home but starting to regret her actions towards her best friend Ingrid.
Heading through the chaos of a destroyed country all the characters come together in an inevitable but terrible climax. This is a well written and well plotted historical thriller with very good characters, particularly Ingrid who was a courageous and passionate woman, and I have no doubt there were women like her who did amazing acts of bravery during WWII. An eminently compelling read.
Briefly, political waves are occurring and soon Ingrid and her brother are forced to change schools as they are Jewish. Stefan is a bully and through his father takes a high position in the Hitler Youth. Matters spiral downwards and Ingrids father decides they need to leave the country. He doesn’t make it but Ingrid and Dieter escape to England. There Ingrid meets Archie but during the dreadful riots in East London in 1938 Ingrid suffers a terrible loss. She wants revenge and finds a way to follow her ideals. Meanwhile Archie has joined up whilst Stefan progresses through the ranks of the Gestapo loving the violence he can rain down. Gerda is still at home but starting to regret her actions towards her best friend Ingrid.
Heading through the chaos of a destroyed country all the characters come together in an inevitable but terrible climax. This is a well written and well plotted historical thriller with very good characters, particularly Ingrid who was a courageous and passionate woman, and I have no doubt there were women like her who did amazing acts of bravery during WWII. An eminently compelling read.
May 2, 2024
Oh wow! A book I started and didn’t want to put down as I held my breath…….
This tells the story of Ingrid and Dieter, brother and sister, who try to escape Nazi Germany in the early 1930’s. Hitler has risen to power and anti- semitism is on the rise which both Ingrid and Dieter have fallen foul of, to their cost. Their Father should have been travelling with them but was found out and detained whilst the children managed to get away. Ingrid, once in England and grown up, decides to take a new path to help try and put things right. Her bravery and courage are admirable and although fiction reminded me that things like this really did happen during the war.
A book I was enthralled by and learnt something along the way. For all the numerous war books I've read I didn't know about Oswald Mosley and the fascist uprising in this country. Although we were not invaded, some were fighting the war both at home and away with the beliefs of others. I loved Ingrid and that she radiated extraordinary vitality and determination. Archie is a beacon of light and based on a little boy sadly no longer with us. A highly recommended 5* read. Occasionally a book comes to you which makes you think, take stock and reflect in a good way. This is one of those masterpieces. Stunning.
A book that took my breath away, and one of hope.
This tells the story of Ingrid and Dieter, brother and sister, who try to escape Nazi Germany in the early 1930’s. Hitler has risen to power and anti- semitism is on the rise which both Ingrid and Dieter have fallen foul of, to their cost. Their Father should have been travelling with them but was found out and detained whilst the children managed to get away. Ingrid, once in England and grown up, decides to take a new path to help try and put things right. Her bravery and courage are admirable and although fiction reminded me that things like this really did happen during the war.
A book I was enthralled by and learnt something along the way. For all the numerous war books I've read I didn't know about Oswald Mosley and the fascist uprising in this country. Although we were not invaded, some were fighting the war both at home and away with the beliefs of others. I loved Ingrid and that she radiated extraordinary vitality and determination. Archie is a beacon of light and based on a little boy sadly no longer with us. A highly recommended 5* read. Occasionally a book comes to you which makes you think, take stock and reflect in a good way. This is one of those masterpieces. Stunning.
A book that took my breath away, and one of hope.
August 3, 2024
The Girl From Berchtesgaden
Brilliant historical fiction story. It's seamlessly written by two awesome authors: Alistair Birch and Kim Rigby. The collaboration works well.
I could see all the shocking events, and despicable behaviour towards the Jews unfolding as if they were before my eyes. This took on a cinematic quality.
An emotional and heartwrenching WW2 tale with great characters, Nazi villians, family aspects, friendships and relationships tested to the limit by the brutality of war.
I loved it. Ingrid was so brave! Stefan was diabolical! I don't often read historical fiction war novels but when I do I often find them very moving, meaningful and important reads. This one is definitely in that category. It's a favourite. Well worth the 500 plus pages, which I didn't notice... as I was engrossed throughout.
My rating 5 stars. Highly recommended 👌 Get a copy!
Brilliant historical fiction story. It's seamlessly written by two awesome authors: Alistair Birch and Kim Rigby. The collaboration works well.
I could see all the shocking events, and despicable behaviour towards the Jews unfolding as if they were before my eyes. This took on a cinematic quality.
An emotional and heartwrenching WW2 tale with great characters, Nazi villians, family aspects, friendships and relationships tested to the limit by the brutality of war.
I loved it. Ingrid was so brave! Stefan was diabolical! I don't often read historical fiction war novels but when I do I often find them very moving, meaningful and important reads. This one is definitely in that category. It's a favourite. Well worth the 500 plus pages, which I didn't notice... as I was engrossed throughout.
My rating 5 stars. Highly recommended 👌 Get a copy!
July 14, 2024
I love historical fiction and one of my favourite periods to read about is the Nazi regime and the holocaust.
This book was so well written with a captivating story line and well developed characters, some of which I fell totally in love with such as Ingrid. She felt so real to me that I was sad when the book ended because I wanted her in my life.
This book gave me all of the feels, it made me happy, hopeful, shook, sad and utterly heartbroken. There were moments that were so vividly heart wrenching that I felt like they were happening to me.
The book is full of such vivid descriptions and rich imagery that i think this book will stay in my heart and mind for a long time.
I would highly recommend it
This book was so well written with a captivating story line and well developed characters, some of which I fell totally in love with such as Ingrid. She felt so real to me that I was sad when the book ended because I wanted her in my life.
This book gave me all of the feels, it made me happy, hopeful, shook, sad and utterly heartbroken. There were moments that were so vividly heart wrenching that I felt like they were happening to me.
The book is full of such vivid descriptions and rich imagery that i think this book will stay in my heart and mind for a long time.
I would highly recommend it
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews