The German Next Door

by Gosia Nealon

Poland, 1943. “We owe you our lives.” The elderly woman clasps my hands before climbing the attic ladder to hide with her family. I am filled with anger, sadness and but I can’t give in to my tears now. Not when this isn’t the only secret I’m keeping from the German soldiers next door…

When German soldiers take over the neighboring farm in her little village, Aneta tries to pretend life with her four-year-old son, Janek, is continuing as normal. No-one can ever know about the Jewish doctor’s family she’s hiding.

The doctor saved Janek’s and kept the identity of his father a secret. Aneta owes him everything. But when a blue-eyed lieutenant knocks on her door, they are all in terrible danger. Because the soldier is Janek’s father.

Johann was once the love of Aneta’s life. But when he joined the German invaders, he changed. And if he knew the truth, Johann wouldn’t just take her son from her. The family she’s been hiding would be in terrible danger.

With the German presence setting Aneta’s tiny town on edge, villagers start turning on each other, and the threat of betrayal grows each day. Can Aneta keep the Jewish family a secret when so many eyes are on them? And with Johann haunting her steps, will she be able to protect her son and make sure they all survive?

Perfect for fans of The Midwife of Auschwitz, Rhys Bowen, and The Tattooist of Auschwitz. You won’t be able to put down this heart-wrenching and totally addictive World War 2 historical novel.

What readers are saying about Gosia

“MUST READ!… I couldn’t put this book down! Fantastic from start to finish… Amazing!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Absolutely spectacular!!!… Addicting… Devastating, yet beautiful… Once I started, I could not stop… You won’t be able to put this one down… Grabbed my heart and it didn’t let go… An absolute MUST-READ!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Exceptional… I loved this… Impossible to put the book down… I found myself on the edge of my seat… My heart rate quickened, I was so emotional, and couldn’t hold back the tears.” Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I could not put it down… Read it past my bedtime, finishing it in one day… Unputdownable.” Vegan Book Blogger, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Definitely kept me up past my bedtime!!!… Gripping… Made me 'ugly cry'.” dianelikestoread, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I absolutely adored this… My favourite… I was definitely tearing up at the end… Definitely one to remember!” Salmareads

“Loved… I

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Womens Fiction, Poland

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2025

About the author

While Gosia Nealon is a proud New Yorker, she was born and raised in Poland. Her journey to the Big Apple revealed a wealth of cultural differences, but also the values that connect us all. Like the fierce desire to protect family, find love, and ultimately, discover who we are and why we’re here.

Gosia’s award-winning short stories have always delved into life’s biggest questions, but it was the drama, sacrifice, and tragedy of WWII that led her to pen her debut novel, "The Last Sketch."
Growing up in Poland, Gosia heard many firsthand accounts of the war, told from a perspective rarely captured in mainstream literature. She was compelled to breathe life into Wanda and Finn, two young people falling in love in the midst of the most terrifying conflict of our time.

When Gosia isn’t tapping away at her laptop, she’s often walking the streets of New York. With her husband and three young sons in tow, they search for the most succulent pierogi, transporting them back to the cobbled streets of her childhood.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosia Nealon books are always highly anticipated reads for me because this author is so adept at building a time machine with words!

This time Nealon enables her readers to step into the shoes of a Polish mother and a German soldier and allows us to see, feel, and understand the world as they did. In breathing life into her wartime story, Nealon gives us space to pivot and consider new perspectives. Her messages about the consequences of choices made during wartime, about the saving grace of resilience and the enduring human spirit are noteworthy. Nealon honours her heritage and enriches us with this 5-star story.

Leave time to read and appreciate this one; it’s not a binge read. It’ll pull on your emotions and take up residence in your mind. Nealon has spotlighted an unknown part of history for me and I’ve been down a Google rabbit hole since.

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was very emotional. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Grandma Susan]

DNF. I was blessed with an ARC and the opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Ursula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, poor flow

[Jan Allinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times the book was very far fetched from reality and very slushy! The translation was also very poor as sentences were transposed and often wrong words used, e.g. sock instead of sack.

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was fantastic, Gosia Nealon knows how to write a story that pulls at the heart strings. The German Next Door was emotional, heartbreaking, full of courage, suffering, love and hope.

The story is based in Poland in WW2, the Germans have occupied the region and have moved into the cottage next door. The main characters Aneta and Bronka are best friends and go through the war in different ways. Aneta spends the war hiding Polish Jews and raising orphan children, and Bronka has to survive a Nazi death camp, she is also saving babies and getting them out of the camp for Aneta to find a home for the duration of the war. Will they survive the war and reunite with their loved ones?

I loved this book, it was so well written I really felt the emotion of the situation and got quite teary at points. The book felt real, my heart breaks for the innocent people that suffered through this terrible war. This book was so hard to put down, highly recommended and totally worth five stars.

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this advance copy in return for an honest review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book which I think sounds wrong given the subject matter. I really liked the plot and the characters you either loved them or hated them. The book flowed and kept me engaged throughout. I highly recommend this book and will read more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this great book.

[Robin Rashcovsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A page turner.
How the Polish people suffered during WW II at the hands of the Germans .

[Jeanette · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book but the writing was pretty bad, the pacing of the story was weird (including the chapters), the dialogs were awkward and overall, I didn't see the point in the story. Absolutely lackluster.

[Kayla Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unputdownable novel of true love, friendship, survival, and strength. This is a novel of strength, resiliency, and determination. Of true friendship, true love, and its ability to survive the most hardest and darkest of times. A novel of doing the right thing even when it’s hard to.

[annasbook nookk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The German Next Door in a few days!!
It made me very emotional.

Aneta—a mother desperately trying to protect her son, Janek, and also hiding a Jewish family in her home- the danger is literally at every turn, keeping these secrets. The tension throughout the book made it extra turnworthy.

Add Johann, the blue-eyed German lieutenant who is also Janek’s father, to the mix, and I was something else.

When he suddenly appears with his platoon, everything Aneta is protecting is at risk.

She had to keep her son a secret, which could not have been easy, especially with the obvious tension between them.

I loved how strong and determined Aneta was. She was brave and just got on with it. Her motherly love shone through every time.

This was a stunning read- very emotional and will undoubtedly stay with me for a while.
Gosia wrote another beautiful story.

[love to read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Poland during ww2 this is an amazing and powerful story of love, loss and strength during the darkest period in history. This is a story of two young woman and the hardships they endure during the war and how they help each other through the hard times especially when they are hiding Jews . Nealon’s writing style is simple but very effective at portraying the emotions the characters experience especially when we read about the heartbreaking sacrifices mothers made in order to keep their children safe. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found it very interesting to read a book set in a small polish village during ww2 which is a unique perspective. I would definitely recommend this book especially if you love historical fiction.

[Hannah Juersivich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book had an amazing storyline, I feel like there were so many random names thrown in without explanation of who they were and how they connected to the main characters. It was hard to follow in that concept.
However, I could feel the strength the girls had to fight through their challenges!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I began reading Gosia Nealon's newest book, I cleared my schedule so I could read without any interruptions. Her books grab me and won't let go until the final page. The German Next Door is another stellar book, addressing conditions in Poland during World War II that are often overlooked. This story is set in the Zamosc farming region, which fell victim to Hitler's Lebensraum policy, carried out with ruthless efficiency.

As with all of this author's books, her characters make the tale special. Aneka and Bronka, best friends and young mothers, struggling to survive the Nazi nightmare that has engulfed their lives. Each of them was determined to survive for the sake of their children. I was astounded by Aneka's endless compassion and willingness to save those whom the Germans reviled, knowing that discovery would be a death sentence for her family. Bronka's experiences in the Majdanek concentration camp as she faced sadistic brutality and disease highlighted the compassion of the women who shared her barracks. They shared their meager portions of food and protected the weakest among them. When the plot became too intense to bear, I took the dogs for a walk until my anxiety disappeared. I cried that after all Poland had suffered under the Nazi occupation, instead of freedom they fell under Stalin's control. Gosia Nealon's gifted writing made me feel Poland's pain but it also made me proud of my gender! I loved this one and I highly recommend it.

My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aneta, a mother of a young son named Janek, resides in plain sight, concealing a secret. She must ensure that no one ever discovers the existence of a Jewish doctor’s family that she is hiding. The doctor had saved Janek’s life by keeping his father’s identity a closely guarded secret. Aneta is acutely aware that she can never repay him for this act of kindness, so she makes a solemn promise to safeguard his family’s safety.

When Aneta’s small town is invaded by the Germans, everyone lives on the edge of their seats. As the situation escalates and people start turning on each other, Aneta remains steadfast in her commitment to protecting those closest to her.

“The German Next Door,” a heart-wrenching World War II historical fiction novel by Gosia Nealon, transports readers into a world of sorrow and resilience. Nealon’s exceptional writing skill weaves a tapestry of emotions, drawing readers into the story and making them feel as though they are part of the narrative. I found myself crying on multiple occasions as I cheered for Aneta, feeling a deep connection to her as if she were a personal friend.

This captivating tale is masterfully written and unforgettable. While it could have been an unputdownable read, I found myself compelled to pause and reflect on the profound context of the story. I wholeheartedly recommend this exceptional book to anyone who wants to dive into the historical fiction genre. This book will resonate in your heart for a very long time.

[Sue Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GERMAN NEXT DOOR by GOSIA NEALON is a beautifully written WW11 novel that takes place in Poland from 1943 to 1944. We see the incredible courage and strength shown by prople who are not only trying to stay alive themselves, but are also saving others who are in danger of annihilation by the Nazis…..
When a group of Nazi soldiers move into the cottage next to the one she lives in with her mother-in-law and four year old son Janek, Aneta is horrified for more than one reason. First of all their leader is Johann, the man she gave herself to in 1938 and who is Janek’s father. She also fears for all their lives if the Jewish doctor and his wife are found hiding in their attic…….
We see Bronka and Aneta’s courage in saving children, and Bronka and Wladek’s courage in the horrific conditions in the brutal Majdanek prisoner of war camp. All this happens against the horrors perpetrated by the Nazis, particularly against the Jews. The Nazis also hate the Polish people……..
This is a book about heartache and strength of character, as opposed to brutality and man’s inhumanity towards his fellow man.
I highly recommend this heart wrenching but also hopeful story to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

[Chanel ♥️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a long-time lover of World War Two fiction, I was excited to dive into this ARC and it did not disappoint. From the very beginning, The German Next Door drew me in with its simple yet effective writing style. It’s a perfect read for anyone in a slump, and especially for those drawn to stories set in Poland during the war.

This was my first historical romance, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Despite its modest length of 277 pages, the novel is emotionally powerful and deeply immersive. Gosia Nealon’s vivid portrayal of early 1940s Poland captures the devastation and humanity of the time, and it’s clear she wrote this story with great heart and care.

Told in first person, the narrative feels intimate and immediate, drawing the reader into the emotional core of the story. Themes of forbidden love, loss, resilience, and hope are woven throughout. One quote that came to mind while reading was from Edith Eger’s ‘The Choice’: “Even in hell, hope can flower.”

While the plot is somewhat predictable and the ending leans toward the sentimental, it doesn’t detract from the overall impact. This is a compelling, heartfelt novel that I’d gladly recommend to anyone interested in a wartime romance.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking dose of WW2 fiction, of which i have read an awful lot over the years.

Nealon’s books all weave together very slightly, a tapestry of characters that focus on a swathe of Polish characters. Some are codebreakers, some are resistance fighters, some are farmers and mothers.

I like how the books emphasise how important each person was in the tale of Polish survival. Some were shooting weapons, others were feeding the starving or saving Jews. And some were turning the hearts of Germans towards the light.

This one follows Aneta and Bronka through various horrors, challenges, defeats, victories and losses. I love how the characters that start the book are never the same characters that end the story. That visceral storytelling really works as a narrative.

I enjoy Nealon’s prose, too. I’ve spent a lot of time with Polish people over the years and this feels exactly like the characters are telling the tale. It’s a lovely touch.

Another top read from an author really making her mark on the genre. If you don’t know Nealon, think along the lines of Suzanne Kelman, Kristin Harmel or Mandy Robotham, but tell the sort of tale you might expect from Heather Morris.

[Anna the Cosy Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a big thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me the opportunity to read and review this book before release with an e-ARC.

This was such a beautifully written, emotional story! The German Next Door pulled me in right away with its vivid characters and the way it handled difficult topics with so much heart and care. I really liked how the story explored forgiveness, identity, and the shadows of the past without ever feeling too heavy.

The historical backdrop was really well done and added depth to the personal journey of the characters. It wasn’t just about romance—it was about healing and understanding too. I found myself completely wrapped up in the story and turning the pages quickly to see how it all unfolded. Definitely a standout historical fiction read for me this year.

If you enjoy emotional stories that blend past and present with a meaningful message, I’d definitely recommend this one.

[Kaajal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came highly recommended by a Historical Fiction book club group that I am a part of. I must say I agree with them, it was quite ‘un-put-down-able’.

1940’s Poland, Aneta is working hard to keep the family farm safe and productive whilst caring for her son and her mother in law. Unfortunately the Germans have come to the village and are staying in the house next to theirs.

What no one knows is that she is hiding a Jewish couple in her attic and her son, he is the product of an old romance with a man who is now an officer wearing the Nazi uniform. He claims he is not a Nazi, but she has seen him perform brutal acts against jews.

While she is trying to keep everything and everyone protected, her best friend’s village is attacked. Everyone killed and survivors taken to a concentration camp. Her friend manages to send her son to Aneta for safe keeping.

The parallel story line speaks of the hardships and cruelty that both girls see inside and out of the camp. It also talks of how hard work, resilience and hope are the things that helped them survive.

[Heidireadsitall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The German Next Door by Gosia Nealon is a hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable story that gripped my heart from the very start. I cried for Bronka, her pain, her quiet strength, the way she carried her grief with such grace—it was utterly devastating and achingly human. And Aneta… her courage left me breathless. The choices she faced, the risks she took, the love that guided her—she felt like someone I knew, someone I admired deeply. The author’s descriptions of wartime Poland were so vivid, I could almost hear the whispers in the shadows and feel the tension in the air. More than once, I was holding my breath, praying for these characters like they were real. And the ending was bittersweet, soul-healing, and full of quiet hope. Every character was alive on the page, crafted with such care and depth. This isn’t just a story—it’s an experience. One I’ll never forget.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

📆 single, linear timeline
👀 dual POV
🐢 slow-paced

Anyone who knows me probably knows that World War II, and in particular the Nazis and the Holocaust is my favourite period in history. Not because it's good, or nice. But precisely the opposite. I've always been fascinated by man's inhumanity to man, and what drives such evil. As such, this is my most read genre, both Fiction and non fiction, and I've read a few of Gosia Nealon's books before.

I thought The German Next Door was a real story of strength and resilience. How both Aneta and Bronka managed to go on day by day, despite everything they'd lost. Unfortunately there were some language issues for me, although I'm very conscious of the fact that I read a re-release copy, so they may well have been corrected in the final copy. As such they haven't affected my rating of this book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. Heartbreaking, heart-felt, and hopeful all in one. This is the story of Aneta, a Polish young widow who lives in a secluded village. She lives with her mother-in-law and son, and Germans come to her village, taking over everything. Aneta is hiding a Jewish doctor and his wife, helps save children of mothers who are taken to German camps, and reunites with the lover of her life - who happens to be a German soldier.
This was a beautiful book in that it makes you feel the pain and sorrow of the time, while living in hope for what is to come and finding kindness in dark times.
Gosia Nealon is an expert story-teller!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

[Nethanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poland during WWII, Aneta is trying to survive while taking care of her son, mother in law and a Jewish family. But now German soldiers are taking over the farm of her former neighbors. Now she’s scared because she knows the leader., her son’s father. But her responsibilities are just going to get more difficult. Can she save all the people she loves, and what about the father of her son, can she trust him?
Wow, what a great story with so many strong characters. This story was heartbreaking but it has also hope that you can survive when you focus on happy times to come. A must read for fans of historical fiction during WWII.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC, this review is my honest opinion.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I’ve been drawn to books about WWII that has been set in Poland lately. And Gosia’s books are so interesting, I knew I would like this one.

Aneta was a special woman. She was determined to help anyone in need during the war. Between harboring a Jewish family, and raising their daughter and taking in one of her best friend’s child when she was arrested, she wanted to save anyone she could. Falling in love with a German soldier wasn’t in her plans, but he wasn’t just any German soldier.

I inhaled this book in a day. I love how quick and enjoyable all of Gosia’s books have been and I can’t wait to see what she has planned next.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.

[Emma Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story of hardship, love and survival.

The story is based on two friends in Poland and how they overcome the War with the Germans invading and trying to destroy the people they love. The book deals with the conditions and what they went through. It shows the strength of them and also how to overcome adversity.

I know the book is fiction but is partly based on true facts which were harrowing to read. The main characters I really liked how they helped other people so that they could survive.

The book was fantastic and I really liked reading it all it was intriguing and you were kept in suspense what was going to happen.

I have read a few books by this author and certainly would recommend this book.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The German next door is a well-written written WW11 novel. It is set in Poland from 1943 to 1944. and inspired by true stories of courage that have since emerged from those times, of people hiding Jews in their house and risking their lives if they are discovered.

Based in a small village, the story begins when a group of Nazi soldiers move in to one of the houses - not knowing that the house next door is harbouring Jews. To complicate matters, the commander in charge is unknowingly the father of the 4-year-old boy next door, after a brief relationship which ended very sourly.

There's a bit too much romance in it for me and one of the story lines is very far-fetched, but it is a good read overall.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The German Next Door
By: Gosia Nealon
Pub Day: May 28, 2025
Publisher: Bookouture
Tour: Bookouture

I look forward to every book Nealon releases. Her plots are always emotional and give me all the feels which FEEDS my historical fiction soul.

We follow a Polish mother and a German solider, in a time when any kind of relationship is difficult. The struggles they each endure and trust they have creates a unique bond.

The characters are vivid and ones I was 100% invested in. The journey will have you turning the pages while the story unfolds. I loved the blend of the past and present. A MUST READ for historical fiction lovers.

Thank you Bookouture for the e-ARC.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosia Nealon is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors and The German Next Door exceeded my expectations. A heartwarming and heartbreaking story of hope, courage, determination and love. Set in Poland during WW2 following the lives of two best friends, this emotional story will have you glued to the pages as you discover their strength and determination to endure and to heal. Beautifully written, it deserves a full five-star rating
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheGermanNextDoor #NetGalley.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many parts of this story are absolutely harrowing to read but although it’s historical fiction so many of those events actually occurred.
The chapters fluctuating between Aneta and Bronka show a full picture of the two friends and the extremes they faced during WWII.
I wondered how good Johann could be but didn’t even consider the explanation Nealon provided, which was deftly done.
This one will pull on your heartstrings and you’ll probably have a big knot in your throat as you read.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance read.