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In Berlin
For fans of Abraham Verghese and Lisa Genova, an “intriguing, exciting, twisted, frustrating, entangled, non-conventional love story.”
Software engineer Anna Werner lives at a rapid clip, relishing her work and adopted city as much as her early morning runs. All comes undone on a sweaty August evening when, in the course of a 20-minute commute, Anna goes from worrying vaguely over a sore shoulder to staggering her way into an ambulance. She has suffered a spinal stroke. Over the coming months, her parents join the insurance man in telling her to get ready for life in a group home.
The only person who recognizes what Anna is still capable of is Batul al-Jaberi, a recent Syrian immigrant who meets Anna while doing her rounds as a janitor at the hospital. Batul is applying to medical school, where she hopes to regain control of a life hijacked by her family’s flight from persecution in the early days of the Arab Spring.
At first the friendship is what Anna and Batul each need to regain mobility. But as their relationship deepens, Batul finds she must choose between her family and Anna—a choice that will force both women to rewrite their notions of loyalty.
In Berlin is a work of empathetic precision, exploring both the unpredictable nature by which geopolitics and scientific breakthroughs touch our lives, and the brave, bold, and sometimes quiet ways in which people reassert agency in the face of loss. Most of all, it taps a throughline of emotion that binds characters and readers alike across geographies, cultures, and ambitions.
Software engineer Anna Werner lives at a rapid clip, relishing her work and adopted city as much as her early morning runs. All comes undone on a sweaty August evening when, in the course of a 20-minute commute, Anna goes from worrying vaguely over a sore shoulder to staggering her way into an ambulance. She has suffered a spinal stroke. Over the coming months, her parents join the insurance man in telling her to get ready for life in a group home.
The only person who recognizes what Anna is still capable of is Batul al-Jaberi, a recent Syrian immigrant who meets Anna while doing her rounds as a janitor at the hospital. Batul is applying to medical school, where she hopes to regain control of a life hijacked by her family’s flight from persecution in the early days of the Arab Spring.
At first the friendship is what Anna and Batul each need to regain mobility. But as their relationship deepens, Batul finds she must choose between her family and Anna—a choice that will force both women to rewrite their notions of loyalty.
In Berlin is a work of empathetic precision, exploring both the unpredictable nature by which geopolitics and scientific breakthroughs touch our lives, and the brave, bold, and sometimes quiet ways in which people reassert agency in the face of loss. Most of all, it taps a throughline of emotion that binds characters and readers alike across geographies, cultures, and ambitions.
- GenresFictionLiterary Fiction
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
23 people are currently reading
4318 people want to read
About the author
Eric Silberstein
2 books76 followersEric Silberstein is a software engineer, company founder, and novelist. After receiving his bachelor's in computer science from Harvard, he founded Idiom Technologies, a pioneer in translation management software. He then went on to co-found and serve as CEO of TrialNetworks, a software platform to accelerate medical research. His first novel, The Insecure Mind of Sergei Kraev, was published in 2021, and his second novel, In Berlin, will be released on August 5, 2025. Eric enjoys creating, learning, early morning swims, and writing at his local library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
August 8, 2025
Tender and life-affirming.
After a sudden spinal stroke shatters the life she’d built in her adopted city of Berlin, twenty-something software engineer Anna Werner finds herself in a hospital bed, facing an uncertain future. Her once-independent days of coding, running, and enjoying her social life are replaced with grueling rehab and constant reminders of what she’s lost. Then she meets Batul al-Jaberi, a Syrian refugee working as a hospital janitor while preparing to reapply to medical school. Both women carry the weight of a life abruptly changed: Anna by her injury, Batul by exile and the struggle to rebuild in a foreign country.
What begins as a tentative connection in the hospital grows into a profound friendship - and, eventually, a tender love story - that challenges the two women to redefine loyalty, ambition, and home.
Author Eric Silberstein weaves their stories together against a backdrop of Berlin’s cultural complexity, disability advocacy, and the realities of Germany’s asylum system. His writing is clear-eyed yet deeply empathetic, and he has a gift for balancing narrative momentum with moments of stillness, letting small gestures carry emotional weight. His portrayal of Anna’s physical limitations is both realistic and unsentimental, and his depiction of Batul’s inner conflicts never reduces her to a symbol or a stereotype. The alternating perspectives and unhurried pacing allow readers to inhabit each woman’s world fully, making their bond feel all the more authentic.
At once a story about friendship and queer love as well as a commentary on life with disability and on immigration, „In Berlin“ is a tender, life-affirming portrait of two strong women. It‘s hard not to fall in love with both of them, but especially Anna, whose positive outlook, grit, and determination set her apart and make her easy to root for.
The novel takes on a number of weighty themes without losing sight of its heart: the connection between two women whose lives are forever altered and bettered by meeting each other. It’s moving without being maudlin, political without being didactic, and, above all, human.
Many thanks to Liu Book Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
„In Berlin“ was published on August 5, 2025, and is available now.
After a sudden spinal stroke shatters the life she’d built in her adopted city of Berlin, twenty-something software engineer Anna Werner finds herself in a hospital bed, facing an uncertain future. Her once-independent days of coding, running, and enjoying her social life are replaced with grueling rehab and constant reminders of what she’s lost. Then she meets Batul al-Jaberi, a Syrian refugee working as a hospital janitor while preparing to reapply to medical school. Both women carry the weight of a life abruptly changed: Anna by her injury, Batul by exile and the struggle to rebuild in a foreign country.
What begins as a tentative connection in the hospital grows into a profound friendship - and, eventually, a tender love story - that challenges the two women to redefine loyalty, ambition, and home.
Author Eric Silberstein weaves their stories together against a backdrop of Berlin’s cultural complexity, disability advocacy, and the realities of Germany’s asylum system. His writing is clear-eyed yet deeply empathetic, and he has a gift for balancing narrative momentum with moments of stillness, letting small gestures carry emotional weight. His portrayal of Anna’s physical limitations is both realistic and unsentimental, and his depiction of Batul’s inner conflicts never reduces her to a symbol or a stereotype. The alternating perspectives and unhurried pacing allow readers to inhabit each woman’s world fully, making their bond feel all the more authentic.
At once a story about friendship and queer love as well as a commentary on life with disability and on immigration, „In Berlin“ is a tender, life-affirming portrait of two strong women. It‘s hard not to fall in love with both of them, but especially Anna, whose positive outlook, grit, and determination set her apart and make her easy to root for.
The novel takes on a number of weighty themes without losing sight of its heart: the connection between two women whose lives are forever altered and bettered by meeting each other. It’s moving without being maudlin, political without being didactic, and, above all, human.
Many thanks to Liu Book Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
„In Berlin“ was published on August 5, 2025, and is available now.
May 22, 2025
Thank you to netgalley and the author for providing me with the advanced reading copy of In Berlin
All opinions are my own.
Eric Silberstein tells a story full of love, hardship, obstacles, friendship, and above all, hope.
Anna is your average woman working as a software engineer when the unthinkable happens- she suffers a spinal stroke that leaves her unable to move nearly her whole body.
She is told her case is a rare one, and because of that, the doctors are unable to say what her life will look like long term.
Can Anna regain mobility? Or will she need to accept and adapt to her limited movements?
Anna’s doctors and family members want her to get better, but wanting her to get better and thinking she will get better are two different things. The only one who seems to see the person and not the disability is Batul, a young woman recently fleeing from Syria.
”When no one gave you the benefit of the doubt, when everything took ten times as long, when you depended on others, you needed a plan, and a backup plan, and a backup to the backup.”
It was really emotional reading about Anna’s mental state in the aftermath of her stroke. She tries to be positive, and believes that she will make improvements, but she also has moments where she thinks about how much better off everyone would be without her. She is still the same person no matter what happened to her, and when she thinks (even for a moment) that her physical abilities could in any way change her worth… well, it made me shed some tears for sure.
I wasn’t expecting to love the dynamic of Anna and Batul so much. There was so much depth and nuance to the connection they shared, and I was alternating sobbing and laughing with every interaction. They each had a backstory that felt very real and made sense with their personalities, but even though the backstories were detailed I never felt like it was diverting or taking away from the plot.
Anna is the main narrator of the story, but there are also quite a few chapters from Batul’s pov. In the beginning I wasn’t sure it was necessary because the story felt more like Anna’s alone, but the more I read the more my mind changed. I don’t think it could have been done any other way! The chapters where we get to be in Batul’s head are so important.
There is quite a bit of medical and tech jargon in this book, and also a lot of political talk- not in a way that’s confusing, but in a way that forces readers to slow down to take in the story. I appreciated how much I was able to learn in this book without the information taking away from the plot.
From the characters to the setting to the unimaginable hardships and heartache- this is a story that will surely stick with me.
All opinions are my own.
Eric Silberstein tells a story full of love, hardship, obstacles, friendship, and above all, hope.
Anna is your average woman working as a software engineer when the unthinkable happens- she suffers a spinal stroke that leaves her unable to move nearly her whole body.
She is told her case is a rare one, and because of that, the doctors are unable to say what her life will look like long term.
Can Anna regain mobility? Or will she need to accept and adapt to her limited movements?
Anna’s doctors and family members want her to get better, but wanting her to get better and thinking she will get better are two different things. The only one who seems to see the person and not the disability is Batul, a young woman recently fleeing from Syria.
”When no one gave you the benefit of the doubt, when everything took ten times as long, when you depended on others, you needed a plan, and a backup plan, and a backup to the backup.”
It was really emotional reading about Anna’s mental state in the aftermath of her stroke. She tries to be positive, and believes that she will make improvements, but she also has moments where she thinks about how much better off everyone would be without her. She is still the same person no matter what happened to her, and when she thinks (even for a moment) that her physical abilities could in any way change her worth… well, it made me shed some tears for sure.
I wasn’t expecting to love the dynamic of Anna and Batul so much. There was so much depth and nuance to the connection they shared, and I was alternating sobbing and laughing with every interaction. They each had a backstory that felt very real and made sense with their personalities, but even though the backstories were detailed I never felt like it was diverting or taking away from the plot.
Anna is the main narrator of the story, but there are also quite a few chapters from Batul’s pov. In the beginning I wasn’t sure it was necessary because the story felt more like Anna’s alone, but the more I read the more my mind changed. I don’t think it could have been done any other way! The chapters where we get to be in Batul’s head are so important.
There is quite a bit of medical and tech jargon in this book, and also a lot of political talk- not in a way that’s confusing, but in a way that forces readers to slow down to take in the story. I appreciated how much I was able to learn in this book without the information taking away from the plot.
From the characters to the setting to the unimaginable hardships and heartache- this is a story that will surely stick with me.
June 3, 2025
Young, healthy, athletic -- Anna has a position as a software engineer well respected by her team and co-workers, when she is felled by a stroke to the spine. No longer able to function, she is dependent on others for even her basic needs. When she meets Batul, a Syrian immigrant janitor who had been studying medicine in Aleppo before fleeing the Assad regime, they find in one other both solace and assistance. Batul herself is torn between her traditional muslim values and her desire for learning. What Silberstein has accomplished is creation of two believable characters with unusual problems that resonate with today's world, complicated and enlightening. It could have done with a little less repetition, but overall was fascinating reading.
July 12, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The setting: Anna Werner is an independent young woman. She is a software engineer, and enjoys running. One day, on her commute home, she suffers a spinal stroke and becomes a tetrapelegiac [quadrapelegiac]. Hospitalized and devastated, she befriends Batul al-Jaberi, a Syrian immigrant/refugee who had dreams of becoming a medical student/physician and is now working as a janitor in the hospital.
The intersection and weave of their two stories was very interesting. Anna is gay. Batul is a devout Muslim whose culture does not recognize homosexuality. Batul's backstory--her family, the demonstrations and protests in Syria, and information on Assad's regime was quite engrossing. The friendship between Anna and Batul is initially tentative but a real bond develops between them. No spoiler, but things become complicated when Batul's childhood friend re-emerges after years imprisoned in Syria [and he shows up in Berlin].
New words:
axolotl --an amphibian
cezve -- small long-handled pot with a pouring lip designed specifically to make Turkish coffee; traditionally made of brass or copper
wudu --Islamic cleansing ritual
I will not be able to do this book justice. Suffice it to say, Anna and Batul "...were two people who became entangled due to proximity and loneliness." Their story is multilayered--as is this book.
Hardships, friendships, resilience, hope. A clash of cultures and norms.
I enjoyed this book and found it very thought-provoking--consider how both cultures and disabilities define us; and how mind can work over matter.
I particularly liked Batul and the other aides that assisted Anna [people with heart[].
My biggest complaint is the last 5% of the book where there was such a huge [time] leap. I would have liked for the narrative here to have been more fully developed; there were gaps that needed filling in.
3.5 but rounding up.
The setting: Anna Werner is an independent young woman. She is a software engineer, and enjoys running. One day, on her commute home, she suffers a spinal stroke and becomes a tetrapelegiac [quadrapelegiac]. Hospitalized and devastated, she befriends Batul al-Jaberi, a Syrian immigrant/refugee who had dreams of becoming a medical student/physician and is now working as a janitor in the hospital.
The intersection and weave of their two stories was very interesting. Anna is gay. Batul is a devout Muslim whose culture does not recognize homosexuality. Batul's backstory--her family, the demonstrations and protests in Syria, and information on Assad's regime was quite engrossing. The friendship between Anna and Batul is initially tentative but a real bond develops between them. No spoiler, but things become complicated when Batul's childhood friend re-emerges after years imprisoned in Syria [and he shows up in Berlin].
New words:
axolotl --an amphibian
cezve -- small long-handled pot with a pouring lip designed specifically to make Turkish coffee; traditionally made of brass or copper
wudu --Islamic cleansing ritual
I will not be able to do this book justice. Suffice it to say, Anna and Batul "...were two people who became entangled due to proximity and loneliness." Their story is multilayered--as is this book.
Hardships, friendships, resilience, hope. A clash of cultures and norms.
I enjoyed this book and found it very thought-provoking--consider how both cultures and disabilities define us; and how mind can work over matter.
I particularly liked Batul and the other aides that assisted Anna [people with heart[].
My biggest complaint is the last 5% of the book where there was such a huge [time] leap. I would have liked for the narrative here to have been more fully developed; there were gaps that needed filling in.
3.5 but rounding up.
October 12, 2025
In Berlin is a powerful, emotional tale set in Berlin at the peak of Angela Merkel’s powers as Chancellor (“wir schaffen das”, her famous statement in 2015 during the migrant crisis echoes throughout this novel and could even be described as a motif).
It’s the story of a country and a society in flux, with a focus on two women - Anna, a young IT professional who suffers a sudden spinal stroke and becomes tetraplegic, and her aide Batul, a young Syrian woman not long arrived in Germany from Aleppo, forced to abandon her medical studies when the Arab Spring uprising is brutally stamped out by Assad’s regime and war erupts.
A close bond develops between the two women, as tenacious Anna recovers and begins a new life with a serious disability, and Batul ekes out a future in medicine for herself with steely determination despite the obstacles posed by her religion and the familial expectations of her that threaten the future she craves.
I found this such a compelling and delicate story, authentic in its portrayal of disability and emotional in terms of the challenges faced by both women and the resilience with which they met them. I cried several times while reading it. It also captures German quirks so well, and the impact the influx of refugees had on German society, much of it positive but not always welcomed. Racial tension, integration, post-war PTSD and homophobia are touched on, subtly but enough so that it leaves the reader with much to mull over.
If I had one complaint, it’s that the epilogue felt a little rushed and unsatisfying, and I might have preferred a version of the story that didn’t include Yaman (whilst also being able to see the necessity of including him). Life-affirming and sad at the same time, In Berlin is a brilliant novel I won’t easily forget. 4/5 ⭐️
It’s the story of a country and a society in flux, with a focus on two women - Anna, a young IT professional who suffers a sudden spinal stroke and becomes tetraplegic, and her aide Batul, a young Syrian woman not long arrived in Germany from Aleppo, forced to abandon her medical studies when the Arab Spring uprising is brutally stamped out by Assad’s regime and war erupts.
A close bond develops between the two women, as tenacious Anna recovers and begins a new life with a serious disability, and Batul ekes out a future in medicine for herself with steely determination despite the obstacles posed by her religion and the familial expectations of her that threaten the future she craves.
I found this such a compelling and delicate story, authentic in its portrayal of disability and emotional in terms of the challenges faced by both women and the resilience with which they met them. I cried several times while reading it. It also captures German quirks so well, and the impact the influx of refugees had on German society, much of it positive but not always welcomed. Racial tension, integration, post-war PTSD and homophobia are touched on, subtly but enough so that it leaves the reader with much to mull over.
If I had one complaint, it’s that the epilogue felt a little rushed and unsatisfying, and I might have preferred a version of the story that didn’t include Yaman (whilst also being able to see the necessity of including him). Life-affirming and sad at the same time, In Berlin is a brilliant novel I won’t easily forget. 4/5 ⭐️
August 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Liu Book Group for an advanced reader copy of In Berlin by Eric Silberstein in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
In Berlin is a heart wrenching and ultimately life affirming literary fiction novel. It is not a quick read. The writing style and serious nature of its themes demand careful consideration and a thoughtful pace. It grapples with several difficult issues, including: the complexities of living with a disability, prejudice faced by refugees and the disabled, the societal barriers to forbidden love, and the ongoing struggle for female empowerment.
The story features two very different young women facing adversity. Anna is an active 24 year old software engineer in Germany, who suffers a catastrophic brain stem stroke that leaves her with triplegia. The author does an incredible job of vividly painting a grim picture of Anna's daily life in the hospital.
Batul is a Syrian refugee who dreams of studying medicine but struggles to succeed as a woman in a foreign country. She befriends Anna and they begin a slow burn culturally forbidden romance. Ultimately the two women forge their own paths to their dreams. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy challenging stories of women facing adversity. 3/5⭐️
In Berlin is a heart wrenching and ultimately life affirming literary fiction novel. It is not a quick read. The writing style and serious nature of its themes demand careful consideration and a thoughtful pace. It grapples with several difficult issues, including: the complexities of living with a disability, prejudice faced by refugees and the disabled, the societal barriers to forbidden love, and the ongoing struggle for female empowerment.
The story features two very different young women facing adversity. Anna is an active 24 year old software engineer in Germany, who suffers a catastrophic brain stem stroke that leaves her with triplegia. The author does an incredible job of vividly painting a grim picture of Anna's daily life in the hospital.
Batul is a Syrian refugee who dreams of studying medicine but struggles to succeed as a woman in a foreign country. She befriends Anna and they begin a slow burn culturally forbidden romance. Ultimately the two women forge their own paths to their dreams. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy challenging stories of women facing adversity. 3/5⭐️
Want to read
July 27, 2025Thank you for the arc
May 8, 2025
In Berlin by Eric Silberstein is a remarkable and layered story that draws you into the life of Anna Werner, a vibrant software engineer whose world suddenly collapses after an unexpected medical event. What follows is not a simple rehabilitation narrative, but an emotional journey toward recovery, dignity, and connection. Anna’s struggle with her new physical limitations is portrayed with raw honesty.
During her hospital stay, Anna meets Batul al-Jaberi, a young Syrian woman with a dream of becoming a doctor. Batul’s conflicting thoughts—torn between loyalty to her family and the bond she builds with Anna—offer beautiful insight into her complex inner world. The growing friendship between Anna and Batul is both fragile and powerful, and is portrayed in a very believable way.
In Berlin is, above all, a story about love, hope, and resilience. Silberstein weaves together major themes like migration, loss, and healing in a gentle and natural way. It’s the kind of book that moves you and makes you reflect on how people manage to find their path again—despite everything. A true recommendation!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC!
During her hospital stay, Anna meets Batul al-Jaberi, a young Syrian woman with a dream of becoming a doctor. Batul’s conflicting thoughts—torn between loyalty to her family and the bond she builds with Anna—offer beautiful insight into her complex inner world. The growing friendship between Anna and Batul is both fragile and powerful, and is portrayed in a very believable way.
In Berlin is, above all, a story about love, hope, and resilience. Silberstein weaves together major themes like migration, loss, and healing in a gentle and natural way. It’s the kind of book that moves you and makes you reflect on how people manage to find their path again—despite everything. A true recommendation!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC!
May 5, 2025
"I love you. I love you. I love you. A sustained, amplified cry echoing off limestone. Enveloping warmth. Belonging. Home."
Thank you to NetGalley, Liu Book Group, and Eric Silbertsein for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A tender, unflinching look into being human and falling in love. Silberstein has crafted his characters to be both endearing and realistic, flawed in ways that make perfect sense. The prose is lyrical while still being simple and easy to read. The ending hurt in the best kind of way; a reminder that love can live on in so many different ways. I highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Liu Book Group, and Eric Silbertsein for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A tender, unflinching look into being human and falling in love. Silberstein has crafted his characters to be both endearing and realistic, flawed in ways that make perfect sense. The prose is lyrical while still being simple and easy to read. The ending hurt in the best kind of way; a reminder that love can live on in so many different ways. I highly recommend!
August 26, 2025
TITLE: In Berlin
AUTHOR: Eric Silberstein
PUB DATE: 08.05.2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In Berlin took me completely by surprise in the best possible way. Eric Silberstein has written a novel that is both intimate and sweeping, tender and unflinching. At its heart, it’s the story of Anna, a brilliant software engineer whose life is turned upside down by a spinal stroke, and Batul, a young Syrian immigrant determined to rebuild her future. But it’s also about something bigger: the resilience of the human spirit, the unexpected ways we form family, and the courage it takes to rewrite the story of our lives when everything familiar falls apart.
I found myself deeply moved by the friendship at the center of this novel. Anna and Batul’s bond isn’t just a plotline. It feels lived-in, raw, and real. Their struggles, their small triumphs, their moments of doubt and joy, they reminded me of the kind of quiet acts of love and loyalty that shape our lives far more than grand gestures.
What I loved most is that In Berlin doesn’t shy away from hard truths. As a nurse I was deeply moved by how Silberstein wrote about illness, displacement, family expectations, and the fragility of what we think we control. Yet, it never loses its sense of hope. By the end, I felt both wrecked and uplifted, which to me is the mark of a truly great novel.
This book lingers. It makes you think about resilience, about how chance encounters can change everything, and about what it means to choose loyalty - whether to yourself, your family, or the people who walk beside you through the hardest seasons.
If you loved Abraham Verghese or Lisa Genova, this belongs on your nightstand. Truly unforgettable.
AUTHOR: Eric Silberstein
PUB DATE: 08.05.2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In Berlin took me completely by surprise in the best possible way. Eric Silberstein has written a novel that is both intimate and sweeping, tender and unflinching. At its heart, it’s the story of Anna, a brilliant software engineer whose life is turned upside down by a spinal stroke, and Batul, a young Syrian immigrant determined to rebuild her future. But it’s also about something bigger: the resilience of the human spirit, the unexpected ways we form family, and the courage it takes to rewrite the story of our lives when everything familiar falls apart.
I found myself deeply moved by the friendship at the center of this novel. Anna and Batul’s bond isn’t just a plotline. It feels lived-in, raw, and real. Their struggles, their small triumphs, their moments of doubt and joy, they reminded me of the kind of quiet acts of love and loyalty that shape our lives far more than grand gestures.
What I loved most is that In Berlin doesn’t shy away from hard truths. As a nurse I was deeply moved by how Silberstein wrote about illness, displacement, family expectations, and the fragility of what we think we control. Yet, it never loses its sense of hope. By the end, I felt both wrecked and uplifted, which to me is the mark of a truly great novel.
This book lingers. It makes you think about resilience, about how chance encounters can change everything, and about what it means to choose loyalty - whether to yourself, your family, or the people who walk beside you through the hardest seasons.
If you loved Abraham Verghese or Lisa Genova, this belongs on your nightstand. Truly unforgettable.
June 9, 2025
I received an Advance Reader's Copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. In this story we meet Anna, a software engineer who at a young age, receives a rare diagnosis that affects her mobility, her relationships and her employment. We also meet Batul, a Syrian immigrant who works at the hospital where Anna is receiving care. This book explored friendship, romantic relationships, and work relationships, and all are impacted in both positive and negative ways by Anna's diagnosis. We see her navigate her new reality and the highs and lows of successes and disappointments along the way. This novel also shows the reality and importance of the need for self-advocacy in health care environments, and how having one or two people in your corner can make a big difference in your treatment and post-care. Batul's life experiences are also filled with successes and disappointments, and her life is impacted by immigration laws, politics, and racism. There are two characters that although they disappointed Anna in the type of relationship she desired with each ending, they showed up for her in major ways that ultimately showed how much they cared for her. I thought the ending was a fitting way for this story to end, although I can see other readers hoping for a bit more to have happened at the end. I look forward to reading more by this author.
May 31, 2025
Received as an ARC via NetGalley.
A really enjoyable read, well written, and complex characters, however I felt there was something lacking in how the characters related to each other as the book progressed. Regardless, a satisfying ending and an interesting read.
A really enjoyable read, well written, and complex characters, however I felt there was something lacking in how the characters related to each other as the book progressed. Regardless, a satisfying ending and an interesting read.
September 4, 2025
In Berlin by Eric Silberstein was a beautifully told story about love, personal loss, and overcoming the odds. Anna is a software engineer who suffers a spinal stroke. Anna has to work hard to regain strength and mobility in her body. The only person who seems to see the potential still within Anna is a janitor recently immigrated from Syria named Batul. The two women develop a deep friendship and help each other through their various hardships.
The explorations of friendship and love were so well thought out and conveyed beautifully on the page. The epilogue was perfectly laid out to give us what readers always want: where do these characters we have grown fond of and up. I just wanted a little bit more to tie the women together on their respective journeys.
Thank you NetGalley and Liu Book Group for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
The explorations of friendship and love were so well thought out and conveyed beautifully on the page. The epilogue was perfectly laid out to give us what readers always want: where do these characters we have grown fond of and up. I just wanted a little bit more to tie the women together on their respective journeys.
Thank you NetGalley and Liu Book Group for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
September 8, 2025
I mostly really liked this novel. The first half really sucked me in. Anna's story is heart-wrenching and grueling and you dont want to hope too much for her because you feel like you'll have your heart broken too. She faces so many obstacles that it seems like she'll never catch a break. Batul's story is equally heart-wrenching but not unexpectedly so. Her despair doesn't quite feel as unique as Anna's, even though it's by all means devastating and unfair. It just feels like a story I've heard before. When the story shifted to be more about Batul and less about Anna, I wasn't as captivated. The timeline was so slow following Anna's injury and then it would speed up a lot and then pause and then zoom ahead and I sometimes had a hard time figuring out how much time had passed. I felt the connection between Anna and Batul, I did. But the sacrifices they both had to make were hard to understand as a reader who just wanted things to work out. As such, the ending was frustrating. I felt like I was being led in one direction only to be jerked away several times over. Also, this book really made me want baklava.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC!
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC!
August 6, 2025
— 3.75/5 ★ // arc review
“… history is missing lots of people who waited too long to leave.”
(I’d like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for accepting my request to read this arc in exchange for an honest review ♡)
After just emerging from a reading slump I was hesitant to read this arc because I just wasn’t sure if it was wholly meant for my frame of mind at the time. I was cautious that I wouldn’t be able to keep the motivation and enthusiasm going, but after seeing the publish date and realising that it was so soon, I felt as though I owed Silberstein and the publishers a chance, and I’m very glad that I did.
Firstly, this book is incredibly educational. Not just from the exploration of the emotional and psychological aspects of disabilities and the struggle to overcome barriers and challenges, but to the clear understanding of the health condition itself and just what “recovery” entails in a situation like what Anna is going through. There has been evident research from Silberstein into Quadriplegia and the physiotherapy, medication, care, and treatment that is needed to ensure that the effected individual lives as safe and healthy lifestyle as they can. I’m truly not surprised about the amount of praise there is for his understanding and dedication to accurately represent the life of a person with Quadriplegia. It’s this kind of dedication that I hope becomes more common in books, as I truly don’t believe that there is enough representation, let alone accurate representation, for people with disabilities — especially those who require wheelchair use.
Moreover, I found that Batul’s situation was also handled delicately, as not only was the political system in Syria briefly explored, but also Batul’s Muslim faith, and how her queer identity and understanding of homosexuality was impacted because of her upbringing and culture’s beliefs. I don’t wish to go into too much detail as I don’t want to spoil anything, but seeing the inner conflict between what she believed was “right and wrong” was very sad to read. I couldn’t help but wonder just how trapped she must have felt, not wanting to disappoint her family and clash with her faith’s teachings, while also wanting to explore her connection with Anna and her newfound sexuality.
The bond shared between Anna and Batul felt very genuine and I loved the gradual show of trust and respect they had towards each other. Their slow transition from friendship to something deeper was something that I appreciated also, as it just made sense for the type of people they were. They were one another’s strength and pillars throughout the majority of the novel and I loved and appreciated just how supportive and encouraging they were of each other.
However, it did feel to me as though the ending fell apart a little and that did, unfortunately, impact my experience with the novel as a whole.
First and foremost, the time jump at the end just disconnected me from everything that was happening. I can appreciate and understand a time jump, but it was just too large and important of a skip that it made me feel rather caught off guard and confused. Additionally, the “cure”/ “almost cure” (I’m still a little confused as to Anna’s physical condition after the treatment), felt like it completely took away from the growth and development we see from Anna along her journey. It didn’t really provide anything to the story apart from slipping some futuristic, almost Sci-Fi-esque elements into the story. Essentially, to me personally, it felt bizarre and odd and I didn’t really agree with the direction that it took. I can appreciate these elements, just not together and definitely not all at once — it’s just far too much information in not enough depth and exploration for me.
And lastly, this is more of a personal thing for me I believe, and it doesn’t really effect the story or my view of the story too much, but I definitely felt that Anna’s life was more prevalent within the story. Despite having some great moments that feature Batul, her family, her faith, and her home country, it just didn’t feel as thoroughly explored as I would have liked it to be. I wanted to learn more about the politics in Syria and the effects of it on the people, I wanted to know more about the transition and culture shock from living in Syria and claiming asylum in Germany, and I most definitely wanted to hear about Batul and her life from her own thoughts at the end. I wanted to know if she still thought of Anna, what her thoughts were on the life that she had led, whether her marriage was truly as serene and perfect as it seemed from the outside… I was just left with a vacuity that did, sadly, impact my ultimate satisfaction with the novel.
However, this is not to take away from the brilliant writing nor the clear passion and dedication that Silberstein has for this novel and the topics that are discussed. I didn’t regret reading it at all, and it gifted me with knowledge and insight that I didn’t have prior to reading, which is something that I always appreciate. If there had just been more depth and clarity towards the end then I’m certain this would have been a knockout novel for me!
“… history is missing lots of people who waited too long to leave.”
(I’d like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for accepting my request to read this arc in exchange for an honest review ♡)
After just emerging from a reading slump I was hesitant to read this arc because I just wasn’t sure if it was wholly meant for my frame of mind at the time. I was cautious that I wouldn’t be able to keep the motivation and enthusiasm going, but after seeing the publish date and realising that it was so soon, I felt as though I owed Silberstein and the publishers a chance, and I’m very glad that I did.
Firstly, this book is incredibly educational. Not just from the exploration of the emotional and psychological aspects of disabilities and the struggle to overcome barriers and challenges, but to the clear understanding of the health condition itself and just what “recovery” entails in a situation like what Anna is going through. There has been evident research from Silberstein into Quadriplegia and the physiotherapy, medication, care, and treatment that is needed to ensure that the effected individual lives as safe and healthy lifestyle as they can. I’m truly not surprised about the amount of praise there is for his understanding and dedication to accurately represent the life of a person with Quadriplegia. It’s this kind of dedication that I hope becomes more common in books, as I truly don’t believe that there is enough representation, let alone accurate representation, for people with disabilities — especially those who require wheelchair use.
Moreover, I found that Batul’s situation was also handled delicately, as not only was the political system in Syria briefly explored, but also Batul’s Muslim faith, and how her queer identity and understanding of homosexuality was impacted because of her upbringing and culture’s beliefs. I don’t wish to go into too much detail as I don’t want to spoil anything, but seeing the inner conflict between what she believed was “right and wrong” was very sad to read. I couldn’t help but wonder just how trapped she must have felt, not wanting to disappoint her family and clash with her faith’s teachings, while also wanting to explore her connection with Anna and her newfound sexuality.
The bond shared between Anna and Batul felt very genuine and I loved the gradual show of trust and respect they had towards each other. Their slow transition from friendship to something deeper was something that I appreciated also, as it just made sense for the type of people they were. They were one another’s strength and pillars throughout the majority of the novel and I loved and appreciated just how supportive and encouraging they were of each other.
However, it did feel to me as though the ending fell apart a little and that did, unfortunately, impact my experience with the novel as a whole.
First and foremost, the time jump at the end just disconnected me from everything that was happening. I can appreciate and understand a time jump, but it was just too large and important of a skip that it made me feel rather caught off guard and confused. Additionally, the “cure”/ “almost cure” (I’m still a little confused as to Anna’s physical condition after the treatment), felt like it completely took away from the growth and development we see from Anna along her journey. It didn’t really provide anything to the story apart from slipping some futuristic, almost Sci-Fi-esque elements into the story. Essentially, to me personally, it felt bizarre and odd and I didn’t really agree with the direction that it took. I can appreciate these elements, just not together and definitely not all at once — it’s just far too much information in not enough depth and exploration for me.
And lastly, this is more of a personal thing for me I believe, and it doesn’t really effect the story or my view of the story too much, but I definitely felt that Anna’s life was more prevalent within the story. Despite having some great moments that feature Batul, her family, her faith, and her home country, it just didn’t feel as thoroughly explored as I would have liked it to be. I wanted to learn more about the politics in Syria and the effects of it on the people, I wanted to know more about the transition and culture shock from living in Syria and claiming asylum in Germany, and I most definitely wanted to hear about Batul and her life from her own thoughts at the end. I wanted to know if she still thought of Anna, what her thoughts were on the life that she had led, whether her marriage was truly as serene and perfect as it seemed from the outside… I was just left with a vacuity that did, sadly, impact my ultimate satisfaction with the novel.
However, this is not to take away from the brilliant writing nor the clear passion and dedication that Silberstein has for this novel and the topics that are discussed. I didn’t regret reading it at all, and it gifted me with knowledge and insight that I didn’t have prior to reading, which is something that I always appreciate. If there had just been more depth and clarity towards the end then I’m certain this would have been a knockout novel for me!
July 3, 2025
At 24 years of age, Anna Werner is in the prime of her life - living in Berlin as a software engineer at DDB, a firm pushing the precipices of AI/ML, she has a clear vision of her future career and life. Until she unexpectedly almost collapses after getting out of the subway station and goes to the hospital to receive a life-changing diagnosis: a spinal stroke, and one that leaves her almost completely paralyzed from the neck down.
Her physical condition causes her entire life to change, putting her work on pause as her family and friends begin to convalesce around her as Anna attempts to navigate life in her new body. It is from her hospital bed that Anna first meets Batul, a young Syrian immigrant who has taken work as a janitor at the hospital. For Batul, who's put her dreams of becoming a doctor on hold due to the chaos in her home country, Anna slowly becomes more than just a patient and the two grow closer over repeated conversations and interactions. Yet, it's clear that the two come from very different backgrounds and beliefs, and both Anna and Batul must learn to navigate the complexities of religion, ethnicity, and sexuality - all in the context of Anna's disability and their differing roles as patient and caregiver.
I thought "In Berlin" had a fascinating concept nad set up both Anna and Batul's characters well, and it was clear Silberstein had done a great deal of research on the physical and medical details of Anna's condition, including the requisite physical therapy, medication, and constant care required for a tetraplegic individual. The writing was well-developed and layered, and the pacing of the novel moved smoothly between the present and flashbacks to the past. What I struggled with however was the complicated relationship that developed between Anna and Batul, and how forcibly Anna refused to acknowledge or understand Batul's background and upbringing; even towards the end of the novel, it appears she still hasn't grasped the boundaries set for her and the respect she should have for her friend's decision.
Overall an enjoyable read, though I do have some qualms withe the ending and the protagonist's seemingly limited development.
Her physical condition causes her entire life to change, putting her work on pause as her family and friends begin to convalesce around her as Anna attempts to navigate life in her new body. It is from her hospital bed that Anna first meets Batul, a young Syrian immigrant who has taken work as a janitor at the hospital. For Batul, who's put her dreams of becoming a doctor on hold due to the chaos in her home country, Anna slowly becomes more than just a patient and the two grow closer over repeated conversations and interactions. Yet, it's clear that the two come from very different backgrounds and beliefs, and both Anna and Batul must learn to navigate the complexities of religion, ethnicity, and sexuality - all in the context of Anna's disability and their differing roles as patient and caregiver.
I thought "In Berlin" had a fascinating concept nad set up both Anna and Batul's characters well, and it was clear Silberstein had done a great deal of research on the physical and medical details of Anna's condition, including the requisite physical therapy, medication, and constant care required for a tetraplegic individual. The writing was well-developed and layered, and the pacing of the novel moved smoothly between the present and flashbacks to the past. What I struggled with however was the complicated relationship that developed between Anna and Batul, and how forcibly Anna refused to acknowledge or understand Batul's background and upbringing; even towards the end of the novel, it appears she still hasn't grasped the boundaries set for her and the respect she should have for her friend's decision.
Overall an enjoyable read, though I do have some qualms withe the ending and the protagonist's seemingly limited development.
August 27, 2025
Eric Silberstein’s “In Berlin” follows two women whose lives intersect in unexpected ways: Anna, a young software engineer who becomes paralyzed after a spinal stroke, and Batul, a Syrian refugee working as a hospital janitor with dreams of studying medicine. Their bond forms the emotional core of the story, as they navigate not just physical and emotional recovery, but also the complexities of identity, culture, and belief. The setup is powerful and immediately engaging, offering a fresh perspective on resilience and human connection.
There’s a lot to admire here. The author handles Anna’s disability and Batul’s refugee experience with clear empathy and a strong sense of realism. The emotional weight of Anna’s medical journey is one of the book’s strengths—her vulnerability, frustration, and eventual determination are all deeply felt. Batul’s character also adds meaningful layers, particularly in how the story explores faith, ambition, and cultural difference without resorting to stereotypes. Their growing friendship is tender and believable, grounding the narrative even as it explores some big themes.
That said, the book tries to cover so much—disability, immigration, religion, AI, ethics, sexuality—that it can start to feel unfocused. Some storylines and themes don’t land as strongly as others, and the pacing suffers for it. The ending, in particular, feels slightly rushed and leaves a few threads underdeveloped. Still, “In Berlin” is a thoughtful, ambitious novel with a unique perspective, even if the execution occasionally gets in its own way. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
There’s a lot to admire here. The author handles Anna’s disability and Batul’s refugee experience with clear empathy and a strong sense of realism. The emotional weight of Anna’s medical journey is one of the book’s strengths—her vulnerability, frustration, and eventual determination are all deeply felt. Batul’s character also adds meaningful layers, particularly in how the story explores faith, ambition, and cultural difference without resorting to stereotypes. Their growing friendship is tender and believable, grounding the narrative even as it explores some big themes.
That said, the book tries to cover so much—disability, immigration, religion, AI, ethics, sexuality—that it can start to feel unfocused. Some storylines and themes don’t land as strongly as others, and the pacing suffers for it. The ending, in particular, feels slightly rushed and leaves a few threads underdeveloped. Still, “In Berlin” is a thoughtful, ambitious novel with a unique perspective, even if the execution occasionally gets in its own way. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
August 10, 2025
3.5 rounded up to a four. One one hand I loved this book. The main characters, Anna and Batul, were well written, so well written that I had to remind myself that it was man writing female characters. Anna and Batul were both instantly lovable. I could hardly put the book down because I wanted to know what would happen to them next. They were both so strong.
And then the ending. I'm prone to wishing books had a stronger edit, but this one felt like maybe it was edited too strongly. The last two seasons of the book were time jumps that felt disjointed. Like something had been removed from the book that would really make them work. Or maybe it should have been edited stronger and ended before the time jumps.
But ending notwithstanding, it was an incredible story.
And then the ending. I'm prone to wishing books had a stronger edit, but this one felt like maybe it was edited too strongly. The last two seasons of the book were time jumps that felt disjointed. Like something had been removed from the book that would really make them work. Or maybe it should have been edited stronger and ended before the time jumps.
But ending notwithstanding, it was an incredible story.
June 19, 2025
3.2 stars. I thought this was a very interesting read and something I normally wouldn’t pick up, but something about the characters didn’t exactly work for me. Anna is working as a software engineer when her life is changed forever. She’s living life as she normally does when she suffers a spinal stroke that leaves most of her body paralyzed. She has a rare case and now faces the challenge of how to navigate life when she’s unable to do all of the things that she normally does. Will she able to regain movement? Will she able to be heard and seen as not just a patient but as a human being whose life has been changed forever? As always, thank you to the publisher for the earc.
August 4, 2025
The sky turned a rosy pink as she watched the sun’s ascent out her window. She tried to find joy in this peaceful moment, but life had thrown her a curveball she never expected. Once thriving, she now felt lost, and she wasn’t sure how to move forward from here.
In Berlin is a literary fiction story that follows two women. Anna, a software engineer who is very active in life, and Batul, a refugee working her way into the medical world. Anna suffers a spinal stroke that sends her to the hospital where Batul works.
This was a powerful story, primarily following Anna’s journey as her life completely changes in the span of moments. The resilience and hope found as Anna battles her new reality was encouraging to read. The exploration of the bond formed between Anna and Batul was beautiful and heartbreaking, as Batul’s culture forbids the relationship. So many layers and complications in this story and so beautifully written. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the huge time jump at the end… I would have liked things to have slowed a little more and I felt the entire tone shifted at the end of the story as well, which took away from the entire book for me. But overall a story worth reading!
Read if you like:
•Literary Fiction
•Women in STEM
•Character Driven Stories
•Dual POV
•Forbidden Romance
•Sapphic Romance
•Stories of Hope & Resiliance
CW: Suicidal Thoughts, Medical Content, Violence, Ableism, Homophobia.
In Berlin is a literary fiction story that follows two women. Anna, a software engineer who is very active in life, and Batul, a refugee working her way into the medical world. Anna suffers a spinal stroke that sends her to the hospital where Batul works.
This was a powerful story, primarily following Anna’s journey as her life completely changes in the span of moments. The resilience and hope found as Anna battles her new reality was encouraging to read. The exploration of the bond formed between Anna and Batul was beautiful and heartbreaking, as Batul’s culture forbids the relationship. So many layers and complications in this story and so beautifully written. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the huge time jump at the end… I would have liked things to have slowed a little more and I felt the entire tone shifted at the end of the story as well, which took away from the entire book for me. But overall a story worth reading!
Read if you like:
•Literary Fiction
•Women in STEM
•Character Driven Stories
•Dual POV
•Forbidden Romance
•Sapphic Romance
•Stories of Hope & Resiliance
CW: Suicidal Thoughts, Medical Content, Violence, Ableism, Homophobia.
November 19, 2025
I don’t really know how to rate this, because I enjoyed reading it but this book doesn’t really know what it wants to be. About halfway through it gets enticing but it’s definitely a slow burn of a book. But I did enjoy it and would recommend reading it???
It is part unconventional love story, part multicultural interpersonal relationship struggles, and part medical disability narrative. While I enjoyed all of those parts, I wish it had chosen one and focused in more on that instead of skimming the surface of all of them.
It is part unconventional love story, part multicultural interpersonal relationship struggles, and part medical disability narrative. While I enjoyed all of those parts, I wish it had chosen one and focused in more on that instead of skimming the surface of all of them.
June 10, 2025
Fantastic book, I was delighted to have the opportunity to pre-read and enjoyed this immensely. In Berlin was a beautiful story and I’m incredibly drawn to the characters and their journeys. Found myself experiencing heartbreak, frustration, and elation along with Anna - and really enjoyed the clearly well researched (and well written) perspectives of characters undergoing suffering that I struggle to imagine. Reading this gave me a lot of gratitude and more appreciation for my body and all that it is able to do.
August 9, 2025
This was such a joy to read. It felt incredibly real. The character development was impeccable, and the concept and emotions lingered with me long after I turned the last page. It was a visceral experience. The book begins tragically, yet it conveys the depth of the human experience beautifully. I also truly enjoyed the main character. Looking forward to reading more from this author
Thank you to NetGalley and Liu Book Group, this book is out now!
Thank you to NetGalley and Liu Book Group, this book is out now!
May 12, 2025
Thank you #LiuBookGroup and #NetGalley for providing this #ARC Advance Reading Copy. Expected publication date is August 5, 2025.
4 Stars • In Berlin by Eric Silberstein hits all the feels. Anna, a high-flying software engineer, gets blindsided by a spinal stroke, flipping her Berlin life upside down. Enter Batul, a Syrian janitor with med school dreams, who sees Anna’s spark and kicks off a friendship that keeps them both going. Things get deep, but Batul’s stuck choosing between family and Anna. Berlin’s buzzing vibe ties it together in this quick, soulful read about bouncing back and real connection.
#InBerlin #EricSilberstein #Bookish
4 Stars • In Berlin by Eric Silberstein hits all the feels. Anna, a high-flying software engineer, gets blindsided by a spinal stroke, flipping her Berlin life upside down. Enter Batul, a Syrian janitor with med school dreams, who sees Anna’s spark and kicks off a friendship that keeps them both going. Things get deep, but Batul’s stuck choosing between family and Anna. Berlin’s buzzing vibe ties it together in this quick, soulful read about bouncing back and real connection.
#InBerlin #EricSilberstein #Bookish
Read
June 13, 2025DNF, could not get past the writing.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
August 5, 2025
This started off strong — two women rebuilding their lives in Berlin, one recovering from sudden paralysis, the other a Syrian immigrant studying to become a doctor. I was intrigued by the premise.
But the novel loses its footing as it tries to take on too much. Romance, machine learning, a Merkel homage, even a touch of sci-fi — it’s all there, but without enough focus to make it work. Despite the title, Berlin never feels essential to the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Liu Book Group for the ARC.
But the novel loses its footing as it tries to take on too much. Romance, machine learning, a Merkel homage, even a touch of sci-fi — it’s all there, but without enough focus to make it work. Despite the title, Berlin never feels essential to the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Liu Book Group for the ARC.
January 29, 2026
Sad but nearly impossible to put down
July 16, 2025
In Berlin follows Anna, a software engineer, after suffering a rare spinal stroke leaving her paralyzed. The story follows Anna's recovery and the developing relationship with Syrian refugee, Batul, a janitor at the hospital.
I felt this story had so much potential but it fell short. The love story aspect felt very rushed and sudden but then also swept under the rug - I would have loved for this to have been developed further. The book tackles heavy themes following the Arab Springs but again I feel like they are underdeveloped and could have added many more layers to the story. The writing focused too much on explaining minor sections like getting over the metro bridge?
I also wish this had a better cover, it does it no service.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I felt this story had so much potential but it fell short. The love story aspect felt very rushed and sudden but then also swept under the rug - I would have loved for this to have been developed further. The book tackles heavy themes following the Arab Springs but again I feel like they are underdeveloped and could have added many more layers to the story. The writing focused too much on explaining minor sections like getting over the metro bridge?
I also wish this had a better cover, it does it no service.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2025
3.75/5 ⭐️ Thank you to Liu Book Group for the advanced copy! I was definitely interested throughout the book but there were a few things that kept me from giving it a higher rating. Mainly, I felt that the ending was a bit rushed and there was some closure that was missing from the narrative. However, overall I enjoyed the book and am glad I read it.
May 31, 2025
I longly hesitated on whether I should give this book three stars or four. Consider it a 3,5 rounded up, because I still think it is worth the read. (Edit: rounded it down to a 3 because I’m still mad three days later.)
Let’s start with the good things, shall we?
First of all, this is a very fast read. Not in the sense that it is short or lacks depth and complexity, not at all. In fact, it is a pretty thought-provoking book. I mean fast in the sense that I couldn’t put it down for a second. The characters and their story cling to your brain and soul and you can’t shake them off, so you keep turning pages. One more chapter often turned into one more part for me. I was too invested to stop myself from reading.
That’s also partly thanks to the author’s amazing writing skills : I was inside the book, smelling what there was to smell, seeing what there was to see, tasting what there was to taste. That extends to the character’s emotions too. I felt Anna’s frustration at being trapped in a bed talking to people who didn’t want to hear a word of what she had to say, felt Batul’s drive to be a doctor and her fear at being unable to, and so on and so forth.
I loved Anna and Batul’s relationship from the first time they met. They felt like a breath of fresh air in each other’s perspectives and they both wanted the best for the other, which sounds like the bare minimum, but I feel like it’s so rare to find relationships that are truly mutually beneficial and altruistic in media. Their discussions showed how interested they were in what their friend (and more) had to say.
Those conversations often contained political references, software vocabulary and medical jargon, but they were not off putting in the slightest, as they were well explained and necessary to the progress of the story, in my opinion.
All of these things are why this was at least a four-stars read for me, up until the ending.
To me, the huge time jump didn’t make any sense. I didn’t recognise Anna anymore and the sudden science fiction made me wrinkle my nose. It’s a genre I love, just not when I’m thrown into it by force. It all felt very idealistic too, especially considering the rest of the book. Moreover, the sudden switch from Anna not letting her disability keep her from her life and dreams to suddenly getting miraculously healed and infinitely happier left a sour taste in my mouth. Why perpetuate the idea that people with disabilities cannot be truly happy?
Although maybe I’m just bitter, this didn’t feel like a resolution. A shame for what I hoped I could rate five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Let’s start with the good things, shall we?
First of all, this is a very fast read. Not in the sense that it is short or lacks depth and complexity, not at all. In fact, it is a pretty thought-provoking book. I mean fast in the sense that I couldn’t put it down for a second. The characters and their story cling to your brain and soul and you can’t shake them off, so you keep turning pages. One more chapter often turned into one more part for me. I was too invested to stop myself from reading.
That’s also partly thanks to the author’s amazing writing skills : I was inside the book, smelling what there was to smell, seeing what there was to see, tasting what there was to taste. That extends to the character’s emotions too. I felt Anna’s frustration at being trapped in a bed talking to people who didn’t want to hear a word of what she had to say, felt Batul’s drive to be a doctor and her fear at being unable to, and so on and so forth.
I loved Anna and Batul’s relationship from the first time they met. They felt like a breath of fresh air in each other’s perspectives and they both wanted the best for the other, which sounds like the bare minimum, but I feel like it’s so rare to find relationships that are truly mutually beneficial and altruistic in media. Their discussions showed how interested they were in what their friend (and more) had to say.
Those conversations often contained political references, software vocabulary and medical jargon, but they were not off putting in the slightest, as they were well explained and necessary to the progress of the story, in my opinion.
All of these things are why this was at least a four-stars read for me, up until the ending.
To me, the huge time jump didn’t make any sense. I didn’t recognise Anna anymore and the sudden science fiction made me wrinkle my nose. It’s a genre I love, just not when I’m thrown into it by force. It all felt very idealistic too, especially considering the rest of the book. Moreover, the sudden switch from Anna not letting her disability keep her from her life and dreams to suddenly getting miraculously healed and infinitely happier left a sour taste in my mouth. Why perpetuate the idea that people with disabilities cannot be truly happy?
Although maybe I’m just bitter, this didn’t feel like a resolution. A shame for what I hoped I could rate five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
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