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The Banned Books of Berlin
In Berlin, 1933, the night skies blaze with colossal fires of forbidden books, as the Nazi party's influence grows and Freya's city becomes unsafe. Horrified, Freya must remain a passive observer or risk herself to save others.In present-day New York, Maddie returns home, struggling to disconnect from work. She discovers a pre-war German diary among her grandfather's belongings and, upon investigating, is astonished by its contents. This revelation sparks a global quest for Maddie to uncover the truth about Freya and her impact on lives worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
April 4, 2025
It was early 1930s in Berlin, and Freya was devastated when her mother, Ingrid, died. Life at home changed, with Hitler on the horizon, her father and brother, supporters, and their tenant a full-blown Nazi. Freya knew she needed to leave the house, and staying in the theatre where she'd been working since her mother died proved to be her salvation. But gradually the situation worsened and when the huge bonfires with the banned books were lit, and something happened to Freya that shattered her fragile confidence, she and her friends knew they needed to leave Berlin.
2024 in New York, and Maddie was helping her grandfather sort through his belongings when they came across items which had belonged to his mother, Freya. Gramps didn't know a lot about his mother, only that he'd loved her dearly, so Maddie set out to research the past. What would they discover?
The Banned Books of Berlin is another exceptional historical novel by Daisy Wood. I've read all the author's historicals and enjoy her meticulous research as she turns her writing into a well written novel. Freya was a courageous, determined young woman, easy to like and cheer on, which I did! Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for my digital ARC to read and review.
2024 in New York, and Maddie was helping her grandfather sort through his belongings when they came across items which had belonged to his mother, Freya. Gramps didn't know a lot about his mother, only that he'd loved her dearly, so Maddie set out to research the past. What would they discover?
The Banned Books of Berlin is another exceptional historical novel by Daisy Wood. I've read all the author's historicals and enjoy her meticulous research as she turns her writing into a well written novel. Freya was a courageous, determined young woman, easy to like and cheer on, which I did! Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for my digital ARC to read and review.
April 21, 2025
1930’s, Berlin. Freya’s mother Ingrid dies and she’s expected to give up her dreams of further study to look after her ungrateful father and brother. The economy in Germany is terrible, she takes in a border and gets a job working as a seamstress at nightclub to make ends meet.
The atmosphere in Germany is changing, with the rise of fascism and Adolf Hitler, Freya can't live with her family as they believe in the cause and leaves home. Action is taken against people with an un-German spirit and things are starting to be restricted and banned and including books and she hates the thought of them being destroyed.
2024, New York. Maddie works as a journalist, after a nasty social media attack about an article she wrote, she decides to visit her mum, brother Ben and grandfather in Los Angeles. Maddie’s grandpa's obsessed with Swedish death cleaning and sorting out his affairs and they hold conferences about what to do. While Maddie is helping him and she finds an old diary and becomes invested in discovering more about her great-grandmothers life and has no idea what she's going to uncover.
I received a copy of The Banned Books of Berlin from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. In her latest dual timeline narrative Daisy Wood explores what it was like to live in Berlin in the 1930’s, here you couldn’t think or believe differently to Hitler and his supporters, Jewish people and businesses were starting to be targeted and it was dangerous to retaliate or break the rules and did the main character Freya do this and if so what happened to her?
A well written and at times a heartbreaking story where the past and future are perfectly woven together and easy to follow and it explores topics such family and ties, the importance of classic books and wanting to save them, secrets and mystery, cyberbullying, plagiarism and theft.
Five stars from me and I highly recommend The Banned Books of Berlin and Daisy Wood's previous novels The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris and The Royal Librarian.
The atmosphere in Germany is changing, with the rise of fascism and Adolf Hitler, Freya can't live with her family as they believe in the cause and leaves home. Action is taken against people with an un-German spirit and things are starting to be restricted and banned and including books and she hates the thought of them being destroyed.
2024, New York. Maddie works as a journalist, after a nasty social media attack about an article she wrote, she decides to visit her mum, brother Ben and grandfather in Los Angeles. Maddie’s grandpa's obsessed with Swedish death cleaning and sorting out his affairs and they hold conferences about what to do. While Maddie is helping him and she finds an old diary and becomes invested in discovering more about her great-grandmothers life and has no idea what she's going to uncover.
I received a copy of The Banned Books of Berlin from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. In her latest dual timeline narrative Daisy Wood explores what it was like to live in Berlin in the 1930’s, here you couldn’t think or believe differently to Hitler and his supporters, Jewish people and businesses were starting to be targeted and it was dangerous to retaliate or break the rules and did the main character Freya do this and if so what happened to her?
A well written and at times a heartbreaking story where the past and future are perfectly woven together and easy to follow and it explores topics such family and ties, the importance of classic books and wanting to save them, secrets and mystery, cyberbullying, plagiarism and theft.
Five stars from me and I highly recommend The Banned Books of Berlin and Daisy Wood's previous novels The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris and The Royal Librarian.
March 5, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Banned Books of Berlin, by Daisy Wood, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Freya lives in Berlin in 1933, during the war, she is saddened by her city being destroyed, and has tough choices to make. Maddie lives in New York in present day, she finds out about Freya, and her story. This was a really good read.
May 12, 2025
We meet Freya in 1930 in Berlin as she struggles to survive and as Hitler starts to get his power.
Then we meet Maddie in 2024, the great granddaughter of Freya, when she returns home to Los Angeles after an awful incident at work.
While helping her grandfather throw out things, Maddie finds a diary that her grandmother had written. What an incredible find!!
What does Maddie find?
You will love Freya and Maddie, and the storyline will keep you glued to the pages with both timelines holding your interest.
Freya keeps you biting your nails as she tries to hide books along with other ordeals.
Maddie will have you rooting for her to succeed at what she is wishing for.
THE BANNED BOOKS OF BERLIN is a tribute to how important books are and will have you reading non-stop. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Then we meet Maddie in 2024, the great granddaughter of Freya, when she returns home to Los Angeles after an awful incident at work.
While helping her grandfather throw out things, Maddie finds a diary that her grandmother had written. What an incredible find!!
What does Maddie find?
You will love Freya and Maddie, and the storyline will keep you glued to the pages with both timelines holding your interest.
Freya keeps you biting your nails as she tries to hide books along with other ordeals.
Maddie will have you rooting for her to succeed at what she is wishing for.
THE BANNED BOOKS OF BERLIN is a tribute to how important books are and will have you reading non-stop. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 7, 2025
In a world where words are burned, who dares to keep speaking?
The Banned Books of Berlin is a powerful dual-timeline novel that explores the rise of fascism in 1930s Berlin and the dangers of censorship that persist today. In the 1930s, Freya witnesses the book burnings and faces the difficult choices of living under Nazi rule. Fast forward to the present day, where her great-granddaughter Maddie uncovers Freya’s diary and unravels a family legacy of resistance.
The historical setting is vividly described, and the themes of censorship and suppression of truth feel incredibly timely. As we see Freya’s courage in standing up to the regime, Maddie’s journey to uncover her family’s history brings a sense of connection between past and present. It’s a poignant reminder of the power of stories to shape our lives—and why we must protect them.
That said, the prose didn’t always do the powerful story justice. The writing, while competent, was sometimes a bit clunky, with long paragraphs that made it harder to stay engaged. The emotional weight of the story could have been stronger with more polished prose that matched the urgency of the themes.
Overall, The Banned Books of Berlin is an important read that highlights why we must fight against censorship and protect the freedom to speak and remember. It’s a timely reminder that books—just like the truths they carry—are worth fighting for.
The Banned Books of Berlin is a powerful dual-timeline novel that explores the rise of fascism in 1930s Berlin and the dangers of censorship that persist today. In the 1930s, Freya witnesses the book burnings and faces the difficult choices of living under Nazi rule. Fast forward to the present day, where her great-granddaughter Maddie uncovers Freya’s diary and unravels a family legacy of resistance.
The historical setting is vividly described, and the themes of censorship and suppression of truth feel incredibly timely. As we see Freya’s courage in standing up to the regime, Maddie’s journey to uncover her family’s history brings a sense of connection between past and present. It’s a poignant reminder of the power of stories to shape our lives—and why we must protect them.
That said, the prose didn’t always do the powerful story justice. The writing, while competent, was sometimes a bit clunky, with long paragraphs that made it harder to stay engaged. The emotional weight of the story could have been stronger with more polished prose that matched the urgency of the themes.
Overall, The Banned Books of Berlin is an important read that highlights why we must fight against censorship and protect the freedom to speak and remember. It’s a timely reminder that books—just like the truths they carry—are worth fighting for.
March 12, 2025
What an amazing story! The story interweaves the narrative between modern day LA and early 1930s Germany beautifully. The story pays attention to the importance of books and the need to prevent censorship which is such a topical and needed discussion in today's world. I particularly enjoyed the rich descriptions and exploration of Germany as the Nazi State rises pulling apart the beauty, liberty and cultural awareness of the Weimar Republic. Centered within the history is a beautiful story of love, friendship and family which I was absolutely captivated by. The characters were well developed and I immediately felt connected to them and was eager to find out the journey they had taken over the 90 year gap between narratives. I also enjoyed the nods to scholarly works whether it was the books burned by the Nazis' or the links to the rising medium of film; it was great to see some of my favorites pop up between the pages. Thank you Daisy Wood for a wonderfully written and researched book!
March 6, 2025
Historical fiction about a subject that has modern-day implications: book banning.
In a time of the early days of the Nazi regime, one of the first laws was to rid Germany of any books or publications that were “racially impure” and “indecent”. This was accomplished by raids on bookstores, schools, and libraries to acquire said books, and then burning them publicly and ceremonially. Fortunately, there were brave people like Freya, the protagonist, and others, who “rescued” as many banned materials as they could before the Nazis destroyed them forever…
The quote that appeared several times throughout this novel is chilling; “Those who would burn books would next burn people.”
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
In a time of the early days of the Nazi regime, one of the first laws was to rid Germany of any books or publications that were “racially impure” and “indecent”. This was accomplished by raids on bookstores, schools, and libraries to acquire said books, and then burning them publicly and ceremonially. Fortunately, there were brave people like Freya, the protagonist, and others, who “rescued” as many banned materials as they could before the Nazis destroyed them forever…
The quote that appeared several times throughout this novel is chilling; “Those who would burn books would next burn people.”
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
November 2, 2025
In modern day America, Maddie is helping her grandfather clear things out and finds a journal from his mother Freya. We then flashback to 1933 in Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power. Freya is a young girl doing anything she can to resist. Great historical novel, but it was made even more fun reading this in Berlin!
August 14, 2025
The early 1930's timeline is about Freya, the wardrobe mistress at a German nightclub called The Miracle Garden. She loved books and tried to save some from the Nazis. In the U.S. in 2024, Maddie is doing research to learn more about Freya, her great-grandmother, and The Miracle Garden, which was also the name of a movie from the 1940's. Maddie has a younger brother with Down Syndrome who provides a heartwarming subplot. The dual timeline works well because Wood doesn't skip back and forth too often and gives us a chance to love the main characters.
December 24, 2025
3.5 stars
May 23, 2025
Easy enjoyable read
It's interesting to read a book set in the time during Hitler's rise to power rather than during the war.
Both timelines are interesting and held my attention equally.
There's not really a lot about saving banned books which is what you expect from the title.
It's interesting to read a book set in the time during Hitler's rise to power rather than during the war.
Both timelines are interesting and held my attention equally.
There's not really a lot about saving banned books which is what you expect from the title.
February 14, 2025
The past can affect us emotionally when it starts to feel a bit like the present.
It was startling in the beginning when the author shared PEN America’s report that more than 10,000 books were banned in public schools in the academic year 2023-24. It’s huge.
This was an original WWII historical novel of a how Freya Amsel in her 20s had to adjust to the dire circumstances. Like her mother, she loved to read and when she heard that 25,000 books by Jews and gays were destroyed in flames on May 10, 1933 she was horrified.
This story was well written with a jolt of history reminding us of Hitler’s power shaking up the world. It started in Berlin with his dishonest rhetoric in the early 1930s when he told bold lies to the people of Germany. It was the beginning of the gruesome tactics that caused fear and hate towards the Jews.
There were two timelines: one which took the reader back to Berlin before the war, and the other in 2024 with a family in LA trying to make sense of boxes in the attic with old records. When digging deep, they discovered past family secrets.
Even though much of the history is known, there was enough suspense to keep the pages moving quickly. It was encouraging to read how a few brave characters challenged evil corruption when it could have been easier and safer in many cases to take a back seat.
It��s fiction but believable with those who were willing to take risks. It was deeply felt and gives us a glimpse of the past we hope will never return and inspiration we all need especially now.
My thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of July 15, 2025.
It was startling in the beginning when the author shared PEN America’s report that more than 10,000 books were banned in public schools in the academic year 2023-24. It’s huge.
This was an original WWII historical novel of a how Freya Amsel in her 20s had to adjust to the dire circumstances. Like her mother, she loved to read and when she heard that 25,000 books by Jews and gays were destroyed in flames on May 10, 1933 she was horrified.
This story was well written with a jolt of history reminding us of Hitler’s power shaking up the world. It started in Berlin with his dishonest rhetoric in the early 1930s when he told bold lies to the people of Germany. It was the beginning of the gruesome tactics that caused fear and hate towards the Jews.
There were two timelines: one which took the reader back to Berlin before the war, and the other in 2024 with a family in LA trying to make sense of boxes in the attic with old records. When digging deep, they discovered past family secrets.
Even though much of the history is known, there was enough suspense to keep the pages moving quickly. It was encouraging to read how a few brave characters challenged evil corruption when it could have been easier and safer in many cases to take a back seat.
It��s fiction but believable with those who were willing to take risks. It was deeply felt and gives us a glimpse of the past we hope will never return and inspiration we all need especially now.
My thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of July 15, 2025.
January 31, 2026
I love dual timelines and this book did it well. 1933 we follow Freya who is swept up in Nazi Germany and challenges the beliefs of Nazi supporters.
Present day, we follow Maddie who discovers Freyas journals and sets on a journey to uncover the truth about her.
Very well written and if you love historical fiction based on true events, this is a must.
Present day, we follow Maddie who discovers Freyas journals and sets on a journey to uncover the truth about her.
Very well written and if you love historical fiction based on true events, this is a must.
April 3, 2026
A good pre-WW II historical fiction, with current time period ties.
August 3, 2025
A good historical mystery read highly recommend
April 14, 2025
I want to thank NetGalley and Daisy Wood for giving me the chance to read this amazing ARC.
The Banned Books of Berlin takes you through the tragic beginnings of the Nazi takeover of Germany. Freya is a young determined woman with the strength and courage all women should look up to. She fights for what she believes and desperately tries to make a difference for her country. But anyone who knows history knows how that ends.
Fast forward almost a century later and we find Maddie, an aspiring journalist with troubles following her online. She goes back home to visit and stumbles upon an amazing journey through her family history that reveals unbelievable secrets. What a twist of events that was to read at the end!
My love for history, my German heritage, and all the ‘banned’ authors in the world, I was immediately drawn to reading this book. I’m a collector of old books that are deemed too controversial in today’s society, and believe that history and old stories should be read over and over. For if we ban books, we ban the history, and if we ban history we will never learn.
This book also made me want to speak to my grandmother, who was born and raised in Germany right in the middle of the war. I wonder what life was like for her after the war and growing up. Maybe one day I’ll hear her story as Maddie heard Freya’s.
The Banned Books of Berlin takes you through the tragic beginnings of the Nazi takeover of Germany. Freya is a young determined woman with the strength and courage all women should look up to. She fights for what she believes and desperately tries to make a difference for her country. But anyone who knows history knows how that ends.
Fast forward almost a century later and we find Maddie, an aspiring journalist with troubles following her online. She goes back home to visit and stumbles upon an amazing journey through her family history that reveals unbelievable secrets. What a twist of events that was to read at the end!
My love for history, my German heritage, and all the ‘banned’ authors in the world, I was immediately drawn to reading this book. I’m a collector of old books that are deemed too controversial in today’s society, and believe that history and old stories should be read over and over. For if we ban books, we ban the history, and if we ban history we will never learn.
This book also made me want to speak to my grandmother, who was born and raised in Germany right in the middle of the war. I wonder what life was like for her after the war and growing up. Maybe one day I’ll hear her story as Maddie heard Freya’s.
August 3, 2025
This was a quick and easy read. Again I fell for the title, but there’s not an awful lot about the banned books and that part of it doesn’t happen for quite some time. I did enjoy it on the whole and dual timelines are always a great feature for me.
February 23, 2025
I am absolutely in LOVE with this book! The Banned Books of Berlin by Daisy Wood is a beautifully written story filled with mystery, intrigue, love, family, scandal, and so much more. Set in Berlin in the 1930's and the present-day US, the book tells the story of Freya, a young German woman who watches in horror as the Nazi party gains power, her home no longer safe. Freya cannot sit back and watch the censorship of people, burning of books, and the brutal attacks in the streets and decides to take a stand, soon finding her own life in danger.
The book flashes forward to Maddie who in present day is dealing with a work crisis. She decides to take some time away and goes back home to be with her family where she spends time with her grandfather who is downsizing his belongings. While helping him purge the attic, the two come across a diary belonging to her great grandmother. Intrigued, she begins researching and is shocked by what she discovers.
I was captivated by the story from the very beginning. As the story shifted back and forth from one generation to the other, I could not decide which portion intrigued me the most. In many cases with books written in this style, I will connect with one or the other, but with this book, I was equally captivated. The history and fiction were tied so effortlessly together. While I was aware of the burning of books and the other ongoings that took place, this book told the story from a different angle than other historical fiction novels I have read and gave me a different viewpoint which I appreciated.
This story was woven together brilliantly. With such rich and identifiable characters, it flowed so easily. A story of family, love, bravery, strength, sacrifice and hope. It was inspiring, heartbreaking, and completely fulfilling.
There are SOOOOOO many more things I would like to say about this book, but I do not want to give away any potential spoilers and take away from the experience. So, I guess for now all I can say is........This book is a must read!! If you are thinking, "do I want to read this one or not" don't think....Just read!!!!
A huge thank you to Avon Books UK for allowing me the honor to read an ARC of this book. I will be purchasing a copy for my bookshelf on release day. To the author, you have an amazing gift. Thank you for this wonderful piece of work!
The book flashes forward to Maddie who in present day is dealing with a work crisis. She decides to take some time away and goes back home to be with her family where she spends time with her grandfather who is downsizing his belongings. While helping him purge the attic, the two come across a diary belonging to her great grandmother. Intrigued, she begins researching and is shocked by what she discovers.
I was captivated by the story from the very beginning. As the story shifted back and forth from one generation to the other, I could not decide which portion intrigued me the most. In many cases with books written in this style, I will connect with one or the other, but with this book, I was equally captivated. The history and fiction were tied so effortlessly together. While I was aware of the burning of books and the other ongoings that took place, this book told the story from a different angle than other historical fiction novels I have read and gave me a different viewpoint which I appreciated.
This story was woven together brilliantly. With such rich and identifiable characters, it flowed so easily. A story of family, love, bravery, strength, sacrifice and hope. It was inspiring, heartbreaking, and completely fulfilling.
There are SOOOOOO many more things I would like to say about this book, but I do not want to give away any potential spoilers and take away from the experience. So, I guess for now all I can say is........This book is a must read!! If you are thinking, "do I want to read this one or not" don't think....Just read!!!!
A huge thank you to Avon Books UK for allowing me the honor to read an ARC of this book. I will be purchasing a copy for my bookshelf on release day. To the author, you have an amazing gift. Thank you for this wonderful piece of work!
February 23, 2025
This is the second book I’ve read by Daisy Wood, and once again, she’s done it! Another beautifully told, captivating story that had me hooked from the very start.
This was an easy five-star read for me. I absolutely loved the dual timeline – both stories were engaging, and I really warmed to the characters in each. It’s such a touching story, and I have to admit, it left my eyes brimming with tears. I have a feeling this one will stay with me for a long time.
Daisy Wood’s writing is stunning – so atmospheric and immersive. The mystery element kept me turning the pages, eager to piece everything together. And I’m happy to say I didn’t quite manage to work it all out, so the ending took me by surprise!
The story is set in 1930s Berlin and present-day America. I found the contrast between the two timelines fascinating – from Freya’s struggles against the rising Nazi regime and the heartbreaking censorship of books, to Maddie’s modern-day work crisis and the discovery of her grandfather’s hidden family history. As Maddie helps her grandad sort through his belongings, they come across a diary written in German by his mother, leading them on a journey to uncover her past.
The way the story came together was seamless, and the pacing flowed effortlessly. The historical details gave such a vivid insight into life in Berlin during that era, and I really appreciated how the novel explored different viewpoints at the time. I often think I might struggle with historical fiction, but Daisy Wood always makes it feel so intriguing, heartfelt, and relevant.
The characters were wonderfully developed, and I genuinely cared about their journeys. Both timelines felt equally compelling, which isn’t always the case with dual narratives, but here it worked perfectly.
Overall, this was an emotional, thought-provoking read that felt very relevant. I highly recommend it – an easy 5 stars from me!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Daisy Wood is fast becoming an auto-buy author for me!
This was an easy five-star read for me. I absolutely loved the dual timeline – both stories were engaging, and I really warmed to the characters in each. It’s such a touching story, and I have to admit, it left my eyes brimming with tears. I have a feeling this one will stay with me for a long time.
Daisy Wood’s writing is stunning – so atmospheric and immersive. The mystery element kept me turning the pages, eager to piece everything together. And I’m happy to say I didn’t quite manage to work it all out, so the ending took me by surprise!
The story is set in 1930s Berlin and present-day America. I found the contrast between the two timelines fascinating – from Freya’s struggles against the rising Nazi regime and the heartbreaking censorship of books, to Maddie’s modern-day work crisis and the discovery of her grandfather’s hidden family history. As Maddie helps her grandad sort through his belongings, they come across a diary written in German by his mother, leading them on a journey to uncover her past.
The way the story came together was seamless, and the pacing flowed effortlessly. The historical details gave such a vivid insight into life in Berlin during that era, and I really appreciated how the novel explored different viewpoints at the time. I often think I might struggle with historical fiction, but Daisy Wood always makes it feel so intriguing, heartfelt, and relevant.
The characters were wonderfully developed, and I genuinely cared about their journeys. Both timelines felt equally compelling, which isn’t always the case with dual narratives, but here it worked perfectly.
Overall, this was an emotional, thought-provoking read that felt very relevant. I highly recommend it – an easy 5 stars from me!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Daisy Wood is fast becoming an auto-buy author for me!
March 29, 2025
The story in a few words:
Berlin 1933
Horrified, Freya sees her beloved city fall to fascism. Berlin is no longer a safe place; she is now forced to make choices as the night skies are burning bright with huge bonfires of banned books. Will she stay on the sideline or sacrifice herself to help others…..
New York present day:
In New York, Maddie comes across a pre-war diary amongst her grandfather’s things. Shocked by what was written Maddie digs deeper thus begins a journey across time…..
My thoughts:
This story is atmospheric and the words immerse the reader in the mystery smoothly. It is easy to let ourself go with the flow and picture the coming and going as the story progresses. Eventually it all comes together seamlessly as we reach the last words. I like Freya and Maggie’s characters they are warm and intriguing and as each take turns describing what they are seeing and feeling it is easy to imagine being with them.
Ms. Wood style is engaging and the story is well-said and well-done. But for those who are historical fiction buff as I am this story is far from being original. It has been said many times. On a positive note, I agree revising horrors of war should always be remember and what better way then to express what happened in words.
My thanks to the publisher Avon Books UK and NetGalley for this ARC
Berlin 1933
Horrified, Freya sees her beloved city fall to fascism. Berlin is no longer a safe place; she is now forced to make choices as the night skies are burning bright with huge bonfires of banned books. Will she stay on the sideline or sacrifice herself to help others…..
New York present day:
In New York, Maddie comes across a pre-war diary amongst her grandfather’s things. Shocked by what was written Maddie digs deeper thus begins a journey across time…..
My thoughts:
This story is atmospheric and the words immerse the reader in the mystery smoothly. It is easy to let ourself go with the flow and picture the coming and going as the story progresses. Eventually it all comes together seamlessly as we reach the last words. I like Freya and Maggie’s characters they are warm and intriguing and as each take turns describing what they are seeing and feeling it is easy to imagine being with them.
Ms. Wood style is engaging and the story is well-said and well-done. But for those who are historical fiction buff as I am this story is far from being original. It has been said many times. On a positive note, I agree revising horrors of war should always be remember and what better way then to express what happened in words.
My thanks to the publisher Avon Books UK and NetGalley for this ARC
July 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. A dual timeline set between 1933 Germany and 2024 America.
I loved Freya (1933) and Maddie (2024). Following Freya’s story in 1933 Germany where the Nazi’s had started to collect books that they didn’t want in circulation any longer which they were going to burn and the rise of Hitler to the role of Chancellor.
Maddie is Freya’s great granddaughter and we follow her story in 2024 looking into Freya’s life on behalf of her grandad, Freya’s son.
I loved how this story unfolded and enjoyed both timelines equally. I wasn’t keen on Maddie’s mum but am wondering if it was just how the narrator read her parts of the story.
Some great characters, especially strong, female ones.
Definitely recommend.
I loved Freya (1933) and Maddie (2024). Following Freya’s story in 1933 Germany where the Nazi’s had started to collect books that they didn’t want in circulation any longer which they were going to burn and the rise of Hitler to the role of Chancellor.
Maddie is Freya’s great granddaughter and we follow her story in 2024 looking into Freya’s life on behalf of her grandad, Freya’s son.
I loved how this story unfolded and enjoyed both timelines equally. I wasn’t keen on Maddie’s mum but am wondering if it was just how the narrator read her parts of the story.
Some great characters, especially strong, female ones.
Definitely recommend.
March 15, 2026
1930’s Berlin is not a safe place to be. The atmosphere is changing drastically and tensions are rising along with Hitler’s power. Intelligent, courageous Freya has some difficult decisions to make that will shape the rest of her life.
In New York, 2024, Maddie is helping her Grandpa sort through his things when she discovers an old journal that belonged to his mother. This leads to a journey of incredible revelations and new relationships.
I really liked the way the author brought the two timelines together to what I felt was a very satisfying conclusion; a conclusion that provided Maddie and her Grandpa (and the reader) with clarity, a sense of peace and grateful acceptance. There is no doubt that Freya was a remarkable woman.
The Banned Books of Berlin is a relevant and thought-provoking story; it’s over 90 years since the burning of books took place in Berlin’s Opera Square, yet the banning of books and censorship is still happening in 2026.
“Where you burn books, you will in the end burn people.”
In New York, 2024, Maddie is helping her Grandpa sort through his things when she discovers an old journal that belonged to his mother. This leads to a journey of incredible revelations and new relationships.
I really liked the way the author brought the two timelines together to what I felt was a very satisfying conclusion; a conclusion that provided Maddie and her Grandpa (and the reader) with clarity, a sense of peace and grateful acceptance. There is no doubt that Freya was a remarkable woman.
The Banned Books of Berlin is a relevant and thought-provoking story; it’s over 90 years since the burning of books took place in Berlin’s Opera Square, yet the banning of books and censorship is still happening in 2026.
“Where you burn books, you will in the end burn people.”
August 18, 2025
I love a well written war time story, and this was a well written war time story. It really captured the panic, fear, and uncertainty of the 'road to war years' through the eyes of a brave and inspiring young woman, Freya.
It also swaps time lines to modern day as Maddie helps her grandfather uncover their family's war time secrets. The additional characters of Eva and Ben were also cleverly placed, adding an extra layer of love and devotion 🥰.
It also swaps time lines to modern day as Maddie helps her grandfather uncover their family's war time secrets. The additional characters of Eva and Ben were also cleverly placed, adding an extra layer of love and devotion 🥰.
November 6, 2025
The writing and story were ok. It’s a dual timeline between the rise of Hitler and present day. However, I found myself waiting for the banned book storyline to emerge. It doesn’t happen until about 2/3 of the way in, and it played a very minimal part of the story. In my opinion, the title is deceptive.
November 2, 2025
I thought this was a great book. It has a dual timeline which I always enjoy. I liked the characters and I thought it was really well written.
November 5, 2025
This book was so terrifying…the way the country was so divided at the beginning of the holocaust and the way everyone was so obsessed with hitler! It was absolutely insane
April 9, 2026
Great twist at the end. Daisy Woods is easily becoming a favorite author.
April 13, 2026
3.5 stars. Loved the writing and flow of the 1930s chapters, the 2024 chapters felt very choppy and almost too staged?
April 2, 2026
An immersive read. Couldn’t put it down!
May 2, 2025
A very easy read...interesting about how books were banned at start WW2 in Germany...and lengths people would go to to read and hide forbidden books..what a thought
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