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The Sister Behind the Berlin Wall
- GenresHistorical Fiction
Unknown Binding
2 people are currently reading
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About the author
Cynthia Anderson
2 books14 followersCynthia Anderson writes historical fiction, exploring intergenerational stories that highlight lesser-known historical events.
Born in California, she spent her early years in a military family on the move internationally. After meeting her French husband in Asia, she settled in a village near Geneva, Switzerland, where she worked for the United Nations before turning to writing fiction.
Her debut novel, The Pilot’s Wife, is set in Switzerland during WW2.
You can follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynanderson...
Born in California, she spent her early years in a military family on the move internationally. After meeting her French husband in Asia, she settled in a village near Geneva, Switzerland, where she worked for the United Nations before turning to writing fiction.
Her debut novel, The Pilot’s Wife, is set in Switzerland during WW2.
You can follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynanderson...
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 1, 2026
Author Cynthia Anderson explores the cost of doing the right thing during wartime. She shows us the complexity of the Nazi occupation of France and gives voice to the thousands of women who endured it.
We may not face the choices that Rose and Lea Cottilard faced, but we’ll all face moments that force us to choose between what’s easy and what’s right. Like Lea, we’ll likely feel risky and uncomfortable, but these kinds of choices hold the power to define who we are. Anderson’s focus on the value of alignment brings Lea to a place where her mom’s advice reassures her that she’s doing the right thing.
“Keep a good heart.”
This value of alignment directs Lea and becomes the foundation on which she builds her life.
Despite feeling sadness at how war made some characters look inward, I was happy to read about characters who chose to focus on others. I appreciated the reminder that there’s always a cost in doing the right thing. One character discovers that multiple times, even when choosing to help strangers. Another character dies as a result of doing the right thing. I also noted the encouragement to bring light to dark places and look for the helpers.
Don’t miss out on this spectacular historical fiction story about the power of a choice.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
We may not face the choices that Rose and Lea Cottilard faced, but we’ll all face moments that force us to choose between what’s easy and what’s right. Like Lea, we’ll likely feel risky and uncomfortable, but these kinds of choices hold the power to define who we are. Anderson’s focus on the value of alignment brings Lea to a place where her mom’s advice reassures her that she’s doing the right thing.
“Keep a good heart.”
This value of alignment directs Lea and becomes the foundation on which she builds her life.
Despite feeling sadness at how war made some characters look inward, I was happy to read about characters who chose to focus on others. I appreciated the reminder that there’s always a cost in doing the right thing. One character discovers that multiple times, even when choosing to help strangers. Another character dies as a result of doing the right thing. I also noted the encouragement to bring light to dark places and look for the helpers.
Don’t miss out on this spectacular historical fiction story about the power of a choice.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
January 25, 2026
This was an amazing read and I couldn't put it down. The pacing was perfect and it kept me engaged from start to finish.
What stood out to me was the incredible bond and deep love between the two sisters, Lea and Rose. It was beautifully written and I felt connected to them both.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction particularly stories set during WW2.
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What stood out to me was the incredible bond and deep love between the two sisters, Lea and Rose. It was beautifully written and I felt connected to them both.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction particularly stories set during WW2.
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2026
good work of historical fiction and great analysis of every part of this one. it worked well, a lot. i think the characters were great, and the vibes were impressive. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews