Under Two Flags: A Novel of World War I

by Janis Robinson Daly

When dreams collide with war, survival becomes the ultimate performance.

In October 1916, eighteen-year-old Josephine Therese Marzynski leaves Boston for Berlin to pursue her dream of studying opera at Germany's most prestigious music conservatory. Living with family friends and immersing herself in German culture, she finds unexpected beauty and friendship in the heart of enemy territory.

But when America enters the Great War in April 1917, Josephine's world transforms overnight-from welcomed student to enemy of the state. Trapped in Berlin as rationing tightens and suspicion mounts, Josephine must navigate daily police check-ins, bureaucratic interrogations, and the constant threat of internment. Her survival depends on German friends who risk their own safety to protect her, while she struggles with divided loyalties between her American identity and the people who have become her chosen family.

Based on the true story from Josephine's memoir and set against the backdrop of a city slowly starving under the weight of war, Under Two Flags is a gripping tale of resilience, moral complexity, and the transformative power of music in humanity's darkest hours. As Josephine fights to secure passage home, she confronts impossible choices that will test everything she believes about loyalty, survival, and the true meaning of patriotism.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War I, Fiction

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 26, 2026

About the author

Splitting her time between Cape Cod, NH, NJ, and snowbird destinations, a tablet becomes Janis Robinson Daly’s library and desk, packed for reading and writing, wherever she might land. Inspired by the discovery that an ancestor founded the Woman’s Medical College of PA, Daly’s first novel, The Unlocked Path, celebrates pioneering women doctors at the turn of the 20th century. Its sequel, The Path Beneath Her Feet, honors the work of the American Women’s Hospitals in rural America during the 1930s. Her third book with Black Rose Writing, Under Two Flags, is a retelling of a memoir of a young Boston woman who travels to Berlin in 1916 to study opera. Daly's grandfather, Eliot H. Robinson, Sr. ghost-wrote the original memoir in 1918.

Daly graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Wheaton College, at the time, a women’s college. At Wheaton, she developed a heightened awareness of female-centric issues. Her annual literary citizenship program, #31titleswomeninhistory, has gained recognition as an innovative way to celebrate Women's History Month in March.

A presentation of how her genealogy research inspired her to begin writing has made Daly a sought-after speaker for book clubs, women’s groups, libraries, and writers’ groups. Her monthly newsletter includes updates on her writing, book reviews and recommendations, tips for book clubs, upcoming events, and a book giveaway. Learn more at her website, www.janisrdaly.com

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An idealistic young American woman's passion for music runs headlong into wartime realities. Based on a memoir by Josephine Therese Marzynski, this historical fiction novel brings to life the story of another forgotten woman in history. An aspiring opera singer, Josephine heads off to the world's best opera school in Berlin, Germany, to work towards her dreams. World War I has begun, so life is difficult, but she is determined. When America enters the war, however, everything changes. Should she stay and ride it out, or try to escape home? Either choice is dangerous both for her and her benefactors. Author Janis Robinson Daly brings to life another overlooked woman in history.

[Paulette Mahurin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written like a movie with a beginning overture and following scenes the story of Josephine (Jo) Marzynski’s adventure into the heart of Berlin mid-WW1 begins. Her story, as told to a publisher who is to help her write it is fascinating and engaging. With her cousin Jack Meyers, she arrives in Germany to the Muller’s—childhood friends of her mother, Ricka Meyers. Jo travels in a troubled time to fulfill a dream of studying opera; she is a talented singer. In the beginning we learn of her parents history, immigrants from Poland and Germany respectively and how her father came to America and became a successful business man owning a rope company, advancing to a fur store. After marrying Ricka and having four children, he instills deep patriotism in them. Sadly, in 1912 he has a nervous breakdown and dies the following year, leaving the family in financial need. Jo takes their flag to hold him close to her, and travels with it to Berlin, hiding it first in the hem of her dress and then in a pillowcase. It is dangerous for her to be seen with it and labeled an American patriot as the Germans are ruffled over the U.S. supporting the allies. The author’s description of German infantrymen in the street causes Jo unease, an unease that intensifies as the war escalates. Adding to her discomfort is the fact she not only is American, but Jewish— in a country where anti-Semitism plays a significant historical role. The story has been well set up and I’m anxious to know what will happen to Jo, and her cousin who works for Herr Muller. The story progresses with a rough sea voyage encountering U-boats, rough weather, probation in Copenhagen, flea bites, and landing in a hostile country that plays out once landed at the Mullers and a neighbor comes to dinner accusing her American roots of causing Germans suffering. Jo is strong willed and unable to follow her cousin’s advise to show restraint she gets into it with the neighbor causing them both to leave the dinner early. She’s unsettled by how restrictive communication and existing in Germany is and questions if she should leave. Jack talks her down encouraging her to keep her attention on her dream of becoming an opera singer. But as tension arises can she stay appropriate to not draw hostile attention to herself, to Jack and the Mullers? Things get complicated when Jack shows her around town before leaving and she meets a Hauptmann wounded in battle now in a non-combative position who happens to be the hostile neighbor’s nephew. Moving along more characters enter scenes: the Muller’s daughter, a Red Cross volunteer, opera class friends: two friendly and one hostile. Tension sizzles from the pages as the story continues and I can’t read fast enough to find out what happens next, will a relationship form with the neighbor’s nephew, will Jo achieve her dreams, how well will she navigate in a country hostile to her beloved America. The author doesn’t hold back in portraying what horrible scenes play through Jo’s mind, brutality done by German soldiers to innocent citizens, including children. The writing is accurate historically right down to the rations and depravations. There’s much more I could say about this brilliant piece of fictional storytelling but I don’t want to spoil the plot. Suffice it to say it doesn’t disappoint, right down to the interesting and extensive author post notes. This is a recent favorite, one to savor and read again and again.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1916, aspiring opera singer Josephine Marzynski leaves her hometown of Boston to study at the music conservatory in Berlin. Friends of her German-born mother, have graciously offered to host her and pay her tuition for the year. Although she knows she will miss her family, she jumps at the chance to hopefully realize her dreams. Refusing to totally leave her country behind, she sews a small flag into the hem of her skirt, which becomes the talisman she carries with her to encourage her when she is homesick.

But the world at that time is in unrest, as WWI is raging. It doesn’t take her long to realize she must walk and speak carefully while there. Although her host family is wealthy compared to many in the country, they still suffer from the food restrictions and shortages that are prevalent in the country. Despite her anemia, Josephine doesn’t want to give up on her dream and return home, until she realizes that her life might be at stake should she stay. But has she stayed too long, and can she return home at all?

Told in “acts” as it would be in an opera, the dialogue and story moves along and keeps the reader engaged, as Josephine is “telling” her story to a ghost writer, to help people in the US understand what is really happening overseas with the war and the people of Germany. Based on a real person, the author’s grandfather actually helped ghost write Josephine’s story, which adds another level of authenticity to the story. We are taught in school that “without WWI there wouldn't have been a WWII”, and we see that very clearly in this story. The sufferings of the people of Germany and the nationalism fostered is forefront in the story, and really sets the stage for WWII. One of my favorite quotes was (referring to the disappearance of German citizens): “ Fear bred silence, and silence bred more fear. Footsteps and voices filled the streets of Berlin to create a cacophony of noise, but beneath it all lay a suffocating, watchful stillness.” Chilling description of what was happening then and what will come years later.

I highly recommend this book as a thoughtful story about dreams, determination, and the blind acceptance of people to follow the propaganda, despite the hardships it imposes on their lives. Pub date 3/26/26. Thanks to the publisher Black Rose Writing for a copy of this book to review; all opinions are my own.

[Susannah Willey · Rating 5 out of 5]

October 1916:
The small boat docked at Warnemunde, Germany: Josephine Therese Marzynski stepped onto the pier, one step closer to her dreams of becoming an opera singer. The daughter of a Polish immigrant father and his German-born wife, Josephine intends to complete a goal her mother had only dreamed of: training at the world-renowned Klindworth-Scharwenka Konservatorium der Musick in Berlin.
But Germany is at war. As an American and a Jew, Josephine is considered doubly suspect by the German government. However, she is determined to complete her studies. Her tuition has been covered by dear family friends, the Mullers, and they have graciously invited her into their home during her stay.
In January the war escalates. Rationing is imposed, what was once available anywhere is now to be found only on the black market and at great cost. At first Josephine does not hesitate to voice her negative opinions of the German government, but she soon realizes her outspokenness is not only dangerous to her but to those around her.
When US-German diplomatic relations are severed, she wonders if she should go home. Tensions are growing between American visitors and German Nationals. She decides to stay and continue the studies and the music she so loves. She feels relatively safe with the Mullers and refuses to take the coward’s way out.
In April, Germany declares war against the United States. Josephine is ordered to report to the police station where her reasons for being in Germany are questioned, but when they learn she is living with Herr Muller, an influential businessman, she is allowed to stay. That summer she is accosted by a German soldier on the way home from classes and everything changes. She is determined to go home as soon as possible. One roadblock after another make the possibility seem bleak, but Josephine will not give up.
This is the story of Under Two Flags, inspired by Miss Marzynski’s memoir of her experiences of Germany during World War I. It is a story of torn loyalties, unwavering patriotism for her own country and a love of the Germans who support and protect her. It is a testament to the courage and determination of a young woman who will not let even war keep her from her path.

[Sublime Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating = 4.83

Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing & Delivery = 4.5
Editorial = 5
Under Two Flags is a historical novel that showcases the unique experience of a civilian in wartime Berlin. Inspired by opera singer Josephine Marzynski’s memoir, With Old Glory in Berlin, and set against the grim backdrop of WWI, it follows the young woman from Boston to Berlin in 1916 to pursue her dream of studying opera. What begins as an exciting journey quickly degrades into fear, suspicion, and deprivation as the war devastates the residents of Germany, and the United States enters the war.
The author excels at capturing the wartime atmosphere of Berlin. She balances the stark realities of starvation, repression, and fear with moments of genuine kindness, human connection, and quiet acts of courage. Josephine’s struggle is not only physical but deeply emotional. Her loyalties are torn between her American homeland and her German friends who risk everything to protect her. Her deep love of music is threaded throughout, sustaining Josephine in her darkest moments. Although based on a memoir, the author has extensively researched the period and the setting to recreate a fictionalized version of Josephine’s life, immersing the reader into an original and engaging perspective of wartime suffering and endurance. Under Two Flags would appeal to readers of historical fiction who are seeking a unique point of view of World War I, as well as those who appreciate stories that explore the fine balance between loyalty and survival.
Sublime Line: “This book transforms history into a unique, emotional, and compelling story of identity, sacrifice, and survival.”

[Booksreview · Rating 5 out of 5]

📕Title: "Under Two Flags: A Novel of World War I"

✍️Author: Janis Robinson Daly 😊

📚Review: Under Two Flags: A Novel of World War I by Janis Robinson Daly is a moving and immersive work of historical fiction that brings the human cost of the First World War into sharp, emotional focus. Carefully researched and elegantly written, the novel captures the uncertainty, loyalty, and moral conflict of a world at war.

Set against the brutal backdrop of World War I, the story explores divided allegiances and the difficult choices faced by individuals caught between duty and conscience. Daly skillfully weaves personal relationships with sweeping historical events, allowing readers to experience the war not just through battles, but through the hearts and minds of those who lived it. The narrative balances tension and tenderness, showing how love, identity, and honor are tested in times of global upheaval.

What makes Under Two Flags especially compelling is its emotional authenticity. The characters feel real, their struggles relatable, and their sacrifices deeply affecting. This is not just a war novel—it is a story about resilience and humanity. For readers who appreciate rich historical detail and powerful storytelling, this book is a worthy and rewarding purchase.

#UnderTwoFlags #WorldWarI #HistoricalFiction #WarNovel #BookReview

[Jann Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janis Robinson Daly excels at turning her own family’s little-known histories into captivating and immersive historical fiction, and Under Two Flags doesn’t disappoint as her first World War I-era effort. When Josephine Therese Marzynski, a gifted Boston girl who’s longing for greater things, jumps at the chance to study opera in 1916 Berlin, she naïvely sets off to a Europe in the midst of the Great War. As she willfully overlooks the dangers Germany is imposing on non-citizens, Josephine dives into Berlin’s culture and education, and the story's tension rises. When America enters the war, she finds herself trapped in an enemy country, and in relationships with a German soldier and a possible Russian spy. Uncertain whom she can trust, and desperate for the safety of her Boston family, Josephine is torn by her drive to complete her operatic studies and her growing fear of the unleashed German forces. Josephine faces these life-or-death decisions boldly. The author has deftly brought to life the memoir of the real Josephine Therese Marzynski. Daly was motivated by Marzynski’s collaboration with her own grandfather, Eliot H. Robinson, which makes the story all the more intimate. Deeply researched and operatically structured, Under Two Flags adds to the inspiring hidden herstories Robinson favors.

[Ruth Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiction author Janis Robinson Daly has made it her writing mission to celebrate women in history, especially ones who are lesser known. Under Two Flags, set in World War I Berlin, is a worthy addition to her body of work. Young Bostonian Josephine Marzynski travels to Berlin to pursue her dream of studying to be an opera singer, but the dream becomes a nightmare when Germany declares war on America and Josephine finds herself behind enemy lines. There she encounters two types of Germans—those who possess the warmth and humanity to help and befriend her, even at personal risk; and those who have fallen under the spell of the propaganda machine and regard her with disdain. What will she choose? To remain in Berlin and posture as a German sympathizer to attain her artistic and professional goals? Or confront danger to find her way home to the American values she cherishes? In this compelling novel, Daly creatively re-casts the true story of a young woman caught in unusual wartime circumstances.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredibly moving story about life, love of opera, and WWI, told by one Josephine Marzynski. A young Jewish woman age 18, Josephine leaves home in Boston to study opera in Berlin. The story follows not only her day to day life, but also the war as seen through her eyes, both in America and overseas. In her day to day life in Germany, she struggles with her allegiance to the Germans who care for her and her nationality and heritage as an American. She lives “Under Two Flags” and loves both.

The author is a true wordsmith. Her words are songs in themselves; elegant. For example, there was a scene where the protagonist was having oatmeal for breakfast, which was described by “the sweetness of the brown sugared treat soured into a dark lead ball.” About birds, she describes them in their “twig woven nests.” About a character’s voice, she asks, “…Does your golden throat truly speak from the place of angels?” Said by Josephine, “…Music was as much a part of me as the blood that coursed through my veins.”

A beautiful story.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The historical fiction story of Josephine Marzynsk, who is forging her path to become an opera star, her dream, her mother’s dream. This 18-year-old American traveled to Berlin during WWI to study Opera at the esteemed Klindworth-Scharwenka Konservatorium der Musik. Here, she encounters the kindness and bigotry of the German people. As the war escalates, Josephine soon finds dread, suspicion, and hardship being imposed on everyone in the country. Especially her as an American. Josephine doesn’t anticipate the sobering truth of life during wartime with food rations and relentless propaganda. But through the help of those who love her and her own resilience, well, let’s see how life turns out for Josephine.
An unusual writing style, as Josephine speaks directly to the reader at the beginning of different sections of the book. This may seem unsettling at first, but it is just another way of communicating the story and ends up quite enjoyable. Thank you to the author and to Librarything.com for a copy of this book.

[Joan Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janis Robinson Daly’s Under Two Flags is a masterclass in historical atmosphere. Following Josephine Marzynski, a Jewish girl chasing an opera career in 1918 Berlin, the book explores the intersection of high art and the harsh realities of WWI.

The story is told through a fascinating format of "future interviews," which allows the reader to see the historical significance of events through the lens of reflection. This perspective creates a striking contrast as we see the war through the eyes of someone living in a well-to-do household, highlighting the gradual, chilling transition from privilege to peril. Furthermore, the book's clever use of musical elements to structure the narrative makes the prose feel as rhythmic as the arias Josephine performs at the Konservatorium der Musik. It is a uniquely absorbing and harrowing journey. If you love historical fiction that breaks the traditional mold, put this on your TBR list immediately.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under Two Flags: A Novel of World War by Janis Robinson Daly is an excellent and unique novel of World War 1.

I love historical fiction novels, and I am always thrilled to read a novel by this author.

The story is well written and well researched. The story is based on a memoir by Josephine Therese Maryanski.

A passionate, aspiring opera singer, she heads to one of the best music schools in Berlin.
WW1 starts and this is not a safe place for Josephine, especially when America enters the war.

To stay or to try and go home, she is torn.

What an incredible historical fiction novel I absolutely devoured!

This story was so compelling and I was thrilled to read about a woman in WW1 history I had not before.

The

[Vicki Carbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this novel from the author. Like her first two novels, both of which I was also lucky enough to receive to read ARC copies of, this one was well researched with characters that were so well written that you felt that you knew them, and a story line that drew the reader in. It is one thing to know a war was fought and people suffered as a result. This book makes you feel the war, its dangers and the resulting suffering. It vividly brought to life the terror of a young American woman living in Berlin at a time when it could be dangerous, even deadly, to do so. I loved it and highly recommend it.

[Denise S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read as an early reading. What another beautiful story from the author. The cover draws you in with the German and USA postmarks done so cleverly. The book continues with a Table of Contents that contains musical sections and musical notes for breaks within chapters. I felt like I was with Josephine as she left Boston, sailed across the Atlantic and made her tedious journey to Berlin. I found her decision to travel to Germany brave but nerve wracking. I enjoyed the story of 1916 and 1917 Germany as the authors attention to detail and thorough research was excellent. I finished this on a high note with a round of applause. Bravo.

[Darlene Golbitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courtesy of the author, I received the ARC of Under Two Flags, an emotional story about the musical ambition of Boston born eighteen year old Josephine Marzynski, aspiring to become an opera singer. In 1916, she was invited to attend the music conservatory in Berlin, to live with her mother's dear friends. Josephine embarks on this journey, unaware of the limitations and horrors of wartime Germany. As her youthful dreams are fulfilled, and friendships formed, she becomes trapped when America enters the war. This beautifully written descriptive novel captured the power and elegance of music, and the resilience and spirit of Josephine. Highly recommend!

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Josephine’s spunk. Her personality is what drives this story. She heads to Germany at the height of World War I, convinced that her dream of becoming an opera singer will carry her through anything. What she doesn’t anticipate is the harsh reality of life during wartime: food rations, relentless propaganda, and the overall grimness of a country at war. As it becomes clear that the U.S. is entering the conflict, her neutral status disappears, and she’s forced to escape and return home, forever changed by the experience. The book is full of vivid, dramatic moments, and Josephine’s journey really stuck with me. Highly recommend.

[Kerry Chaput · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under Two Flags dives into WWI through the eyes of an ambitious woman chasing her dream of music. Hiding her loyalty to the United States, she struggles through food rations, untrusting Germans, and the precarious dance of loyalty in a foreign country. I loved how this story examined shifting cultures. Not just hers, but her family's, and how we carry remnants of our past while attempting to draw our own path.
Under Two Flags highlights the struggle for belonging in a divided world, and celebrates the uniting power of music through masterful character work and an immersive setting that places the reader in the rippling effects of a treacherous war.

[Linda Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mezzo soprano’s voice can lift a libretto to a place of transformation Daly, with her beautiful prose, impeccable research and multi-layered characters, transforms the reader. A story of resilience, identity, and the transformative power of music draws you into the darkest hours of WWI yet makes you yearn for a seat at the opera.

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under Two Flags: A Novel of World War I by Janis Robinson Daly is based on the memoir of Josephine Therese Marzynski, a young woman who dreams of a career as an opera singer. Her passion for music leads her from her home in Boston to a prestigious music conservatory in Berlin in 1916. Living with family friends and enjoying the local culture, Josephine is certain she made the right decision to study in Germany. All goes well, until the Great War draws America in and leaves Josephine stuck in Berlin. The loyalty of her friends is tested as are Josephine's beliefs about both her country of birth and her newly adopted home. Memorable characters and smart pacing add to this well-researched historical novel. Highly recommended.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janis Robinson Daly once again showcases her gift for bringing overlooked women of history to vivid life in Under Two Flags. Based on Josephine Therese Marzynski’s memoir With Old Glory in Berlin, Daly’s fictionalized retelling captures the drama of a young opera student caught in the chaos and suspicion of WWI Berlin. The story brims with tension, from the daily threats of discrimination and fear to the heart-pounding escape that carries her back to America. Daly’s meticulous research and innovative structure create an inspiring novel presented from a unique point of view.