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Mischlinge
A lost manuscript, the terror of Nazi Berlin and the two siblings who dared to hope amidst the darkness of persecution.
In a quiet corner of Norfolk, a forgotten manuscript lay hidden for over thirty years, waiting to reveal a profound family secret. What unfolds within its pages is a harrowing yet deeply moving account of two extraordinary children, Heini and Edie, the mother and uncle of author Sharon Ring.
Branded as 'Mischlinge'- a term the Nazis cruelly used to describe those of both Jewish and Aryan descent – these siblings navigate a world fraught with danger and prejudice. Their life story is a testament to everyday bravery and resilience against relentless persecution.
This shocking eye-witness account chronicles their childhood, adulthood, and shocking experiences; from torture, Gestapo brutality and concentrations camps. But woven into this tale of unimaginable cruelty are profound moments of hope, courage and kindness from the most unexpected places.
Heini and Edie's story is not just one of survival; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of youth. As they confront unyielding adversity, they find strength in their bond and hope even in the face of truly unimaginable evil.
In a quiet corner of Norfolk, a forgotten manuscript lay hidden for over thirty years, waiting to reveal a profound family secret. What unfolds within its pages is a harrowing yet deeply moving account of two extraordinary children, Heini and Edie, the mother and uncle of author Sharon Ring.
Branded as 'Mischlinge'- a term the Nazis cruelly used to describe those of both Jewish and Aryan descent – these siblings navigate a world fraught with danger and prejudice. Their life story is a testament to everyday bravery and resilience against relentless persecution.
This shocking eye-witness account chronicles their childhood, adulthood, and shocking experiences; from torture, Gestapo brutality and concentrations camps. But woven into this tale of unimaginable cruelty are profound moments of hope, courage and kindness from the most unexpected places.
Heini and Edie's story is not just one of survival; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of youth. As they confront unyielding adversity, they find strength in their bond and hope even in the face of truly unimaginable evil.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Please try to remember that what they believe, as well as what they do and cause you to endure does not testify to your inferiority but to their inhumanity”
― James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time
‘Mischlinge’ is a German word for mongrel, half-breed mutt. It was used as an insult in Nazi Germany, to legally define, not dogs, but people of mixed Jewish and Aryan ancestry.
Many years after WWII, In a quiet corner of Norfolk, England, a forgotten memoir had lain hidden for over thirty years, just waiting to reveal a profound family secret.
The manuscript had to be translated from German, and what was revealed was the true story of the Bernstein family, and what an emotional story it is. It covers brother and sister, Heini and Edie’s lives as Mischlinge. It details happy childhood days, then takes the reader through the Second World War in Berlin, and explains how this brother and sister and their family were treated because they were Jews - despite the fact that Heini and Edie had never set foot in a synagogue!
We are then witness to their wartime experiences, and the horrors within the concentration camps, the brutality meted out by the Gestapo, and eventually to the devastation of the Berlin Wall, which was divided into sectors so that families in Communist East Berlin with its Stasi secret police, were unable to travel to West Berlin, and vice versa, so families became separated from their loved ones - movement was severely restricted! Their story continues after the war, and let’s us see what became of them.
Heini and Edie’s true story is brought to us by Edie’s daughter, author and journalist Sharon Ring, and the memoir was written by Heini, her uncle.
I feel like I’ve been on a truly traumatic journey with the Bernstein family, because it’s a really harrowing story. For me, the journey was taken from the comfort of a cosy armchair, free of fear, thankfully unaffected personally by the brutality of war. I can only wonder how people like Heini, Edie and their families survived the persecution and cruelty of war, with its ensuing pain, misery, and hardship. I marvel at the fortitude and perseverance required both to live, and to survive, the cruelty and oppression. This is a memoir that pulls no punches - the experiences Heini refused to acknowledge and talk about in life, are written down and hidden away, as if in doing so, he can attempt to erase those memories, and forget that the Holocaust ever happened. He was forever haunted by what he’d seen and experienced, resulting in dreadful recurring images invading his sleep for the rest of his life.
I could never find the right words and phrases to describe what a moving memoir this is. It was excruciating to read at times, and yet I couldn’t put it down. I finished it with tears streaming down my face, but I feel honoured to have made the acquaintance of Heini and Edie, albeit through the pages of this book. Highly recommended!
*My thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Please try to remember that what they believe, as well as what they do and cause you to endure does not testify to your inferiority but to their inhumanity”
― James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time
‘Mischlinge’ is a German word for mongrel, half-breed mutt. It was used as an insult in Nazi Germany, to legally define, not dogs, but people of mixed Jewish and Aryan ancestry.
Many years after WWII, In a quiet corner of Norfolk, England, a forgotten memoir had lain hidden for over thirty years, just waiting to reveal a profound family secret.
The manuscript had to be translated from German, and what was revealed was the true story of the Bernstein family, and what an emotional story it is. It covers brother and sister, Heini and Edie’s lives as Mischlinge. It details happy childhood days, then takes the reader through the Second World War in Berlin, and explains how this brother and sister and their family were treated because they were Jews - despite the fact that Heini and Edie had never set foot in a synagogue!
We are then witness to their wartime experiences, and the horrors within the concentration camps, the brutality meted out by the Gestapo, and eventually to the devastation of the Berlin Wall, which was divided into sectors so that families in Communist East Berlin with its Stasi secret police, were unable to travel to West Berlin, and vice versa, so families became separated from their loved ones - movement was severely restricted! Their story continues after the war, and let’s us see what became of them.
Heini and Edie’s true story is brought to us by Edie’s daughter, author and journalist Sharon Ring, and the memoir was written by Heini, her uncle.
I feel like I’ve been on a truly traumatic journey with the Bernstein family, because it’s a really harrowing story. For me, the journey was taken from the comfort of a cosy armchair, free of fear, thankfully unaffected personally by the brutality of war. I can only wonder how people like Heini, Edie and their families survived the persecution and cruelty of war, with its ensuing pain, misery, and hardship. I marvel at the fortitude and perseverance required both to live, and to survive, the cruelty and oppression. This is a memoir that pulls no punches - the experiences Heini refused to acknowledge and talk about in life, are written down and hidden away, as if in doing so, he can attempt to erase those memories, and forget that the Holocaust ever happened. He was forever haunted by what he’d seen and experienced, resulting in dreadful recurring images invading his sleep for the rest of his life.
I could never find the right words and phrases to describe what a moving memoir this is. It was excruciating to read at times, and yet I couldn’t put it down. I finished it with tears streaming down my face, but I feel honoured to have made the acquaintance of Heini and Edie, albeit through the pages of this book. Highly recommended!
*My thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
May 30, 2026
The sheer scale of the Holocaust and the depths of human cruelty it revealed are overwhelming and deeply frightening to comprehend. It remains one of the darkest and most harrowing chapters in human history. I have read enough books on this topic, and its history can be emotionally heavy. It is certainly a distinct narrative especially this book "Mischlinge".
Mischlinge was a term coined in Nazi Germany that meant "mongrel" or "half breed" and was used as a derogatory term for half Jewish citizens. Siblings Edie and Heini grow up feeling neither Christian or Jewish, but are condemned to terrible persecution, cruelty and slave labor. The plight of Mischlinge during the Holocaust has not been well documented, making this book a valuable memoir. Written by Edie's daughter, Sharon Ring the author of this book, it is an incredibly personal family story which makes it all the more compelling. Sharon Ring has written her mother and uncle's story so emphatically and with such respect, that it's difficult to imagine it as a forgotten manuscript or family secret.
The book is so readable and interesting. The characters are very well drawn and likeable, and the reader follows with dread all the things to which they were subjected. It also sheds a light on the work camps and the slave laborers rather than the better-known concentration camps. I liked that the book goes beyond the war and liberation. I have not read many books which deal with the struggles of survivors in the aftermath of the war, but this one does. I'm glad Sharon Ring discovered this manuscript who had it translated and has now offered it to us. In these times where many people seem to be indifferent to the horrors perpetrated by the Third Reich against Jewish people, this is book provides a very accessible eye opener. It should never be forgotten.
Mischlinge was a term coined in Nazi Germany that meant "mongrel" or "half breed" and was used as a derogatory term for half Jewish citizens. Siblings Edie and Heini grow up feeling neither Christian or Jewish, but are condemned to terrible persecution, cruelty and slave labor. The plight of Mischlinge during the Holocaust has not been well documented, making this book a valuable memoir. Written by Edie's daughter, Sharon Ring the author of this book, it is an incredibly personal family story which makes it all the more compelling. Sharon Ring has written her mother and uncle's story so emphatically and with such respect, that it's difficult to imagine it as a forgotten manuscript or family secret.
The book is so readable and interesting. The characters are very well drawn and likeable, and the reader follows with dread all the things to which they were subjected. It also sheds a light on the work camps and the slave laborers rather than the better-known concentration camps. I liked that the book goes beyond the war and liberation. I have not read many books which deal with the struggles of survivors in the aftermath of the war, but this one does. I'm glad Sharon Ring discovered this manuscript who had it translated and has now offered it to us. In these times where many people seem to be indifferent to the horrors perpetrated by the Third Reich against Jewish people, this is book provides a very accessible eye opener. It should never be forgotten.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I hadn’t heard the Michlinge’ before. It’s a derogatory term for children born of one Aryan and one Jewish parent. This is the story of two such children; Heini and Evie, the authors Mother and Uncle. It follows their lives in Germany during the 2nd World War. It is a story of resilience during adversity and one of hope. It covers a multitude of difficult subjects, the horrific treatment of innocent people for nothing more than their surname, beginning with laws preventing them from going to school, and following the ever escalating persecution. We travel with them through years of hardship, slave labour, starvation and the destruction of their home. We see Heini and his father consigned to concentration camps, We see them travel to new countries, embrace new experiences and new hardships.
It is a bleak subject, an account of what the wrong people in power are capable of, but it is also a beautiful story of hope.
The writer has made this story accessible and inspiring. What kept me reading throughout was the strength of Heini and Evie, the optimism and familial love that enabled them to keep going.
‘Exceptional People.’
Even if you’re not interested in history, I would thoroughly recommend this as an inspiring story of hope and a reminder that there are good people in the world.
It is a bleak subject, an account of what the wrong people in power are capable of, but it is also a beautiful story of hope.
The writer has made this story accessible and inspiring. What kept me reading throughout was the strength of Heini and Evie, the optimism and familial love that enabled them to keep going.
‘Exceptional People.’
Even if you’re not interested in history, I would thoroughly recommend this as an inspiring story of hope and a reminder that there are good people in the world.
April 20, 2026
Mischlinge by Sharon Ring
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A book that absolutely stayed with me for long after reading it. So emotional to think that this story was left untold for so long until Ring found it and decided to share it.
Under the Nazi regime, 'mischlinge' was a derogatory term used to describe those of mixed heritage from both Jewish and Aryan descent. In 1935, Edie and Heini are siblings to a Jewish father and Aryan mother. Issued with a heartbreaking and horrific ultimatum, the children begin to see their world and their place in, change around them each day.
Sharon Ring has written her mother and uncle's story so emphatically and with such respect, that it's difficult to imagine it as a forgotten manuscript or family secret. I'm so honoured that she was willing to share this often overlooked, yet important part of history with us, including its impact and lessons for the future.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A book that absolutely stayed with me for long after reading it. So emotional to think that this story was left untold for so long until Ring found it and decided to share it.
Under the Nazi regime, 'mischlinge' was a derogatory term used to describe those of mixed heritage from both Jewish and Aryan descent. In 1935, Edie and Heini are siblings to a Jewish father and Aryan mother. Issued with a heartbreaking and horrific ultimatum, the children begin to see their world and their place in, change around them each day.
Sharon Ring has written her mother and uncle's story so emphatically and with such respect, that it's difficult to imagine it as a forgotten manuscript or family secret. I'm so honoured that she was willing to share this often overlooked, yet important part of history with us, including its impact and lessons for the future.
June 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the prepublication digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had never heard the term Mischlinge before and was horrified to read about it and how it affected Sharon’s family and so many others. This is a really hard tragically sad read, but I believe we ought to know more truth of how people were treated in that awful war! As well as Mischlinge, this book describes whar other Jewish, disabled, homosexual people etc went through, in my 70s I continue to learn more about the atrocities from books such as these. This is also a huge tribute to the strength and resilience of Sharons family, alongside the losses, emotional and physical effects of the disgusting way they were treated. It’s so sad to know that these sorts of despicable human assaults continue in wars around the world today. Please let there come a time of peace 🙏
I had never heard the term Mischlinge before and was horrified to read about it and how it affected Sharon’s family and so many others. This is a really hard tragically sad read, but I believe we ought to know more truth of how people were treated in that awful war! As well as Mischlinge, this book describes whar other Jewish, disabled, homosexual people etc went through, in my 70s I continue to learn more about the atrocities from books such as these. This is also a huge tribute to the strength and resilience of Sharons family, alongside the losses, emotional and physical effects of the disgusting way they were treated. It’s so sad to know that these sorts of despicable human assaults continue in wars around the world today. Please let there come a time of peace 🙏
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a must read if you’re into your world history.
Mischlinge is about World War 2 and the atrocities that happened during that time. I found this to be a really hard but also very gripping read.
The book is based off of the uncles memoir that was sitting in an envelope for over 40 years waiting to be translated and the stories her mother told her before she passed.
The authors uncle and mother were both children aged five and nine at the start of this novel. They went through some very degrading experiences that would leave anyone scarred for life, especially having had to do hard labour, being whipped and witnessing death all around them. Everyday single day living was torture.
I would definitely read this again.
Mischlinge is about World War 2 and the atrocities that happened during that time. I found this to be a really hard but also very gripping read.
The book is based off of the uncles memoir that was sitting in an envelope for over 40 years waiting to be translated and the stories her mother told her before she passed.
The authors uncle and mother were both children aged five and nine at the start of this novel. They went through some very degrading experiences that would leave anyone scarred for life, especially having had to do hard labour, being whipped and witnessing death all around them. Everyday single day living was torture.
I would definitely read this again.
May 14, 2026
This story of a half Jewish family, at risk because of the Nazis race laws. The consequences for the children of a Jewish man (disowned by his family for his relationship) and a non-Jewish woman were stark. That sense of the family never belonging anywhere pervaded the whole book. They’re raised as Christians but have to hide that allegiance from Jewish charities providing them support. The lengths the family go to to ensure their survive are extraordinary and what they go through is heart rending. The story is pieced together from the author’s uncle’s memoir and her mother’s memories and both sides of events were really interesting especially as the author brings the story to the end of both their lives which I really liked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2026
Years ago I saw a project called The Mischlinge Expose, it was a mix of videos and photos, written media etc detailing how persons of mixed Jewish and "Aryan" ancestry were classed as ‘hybrids’, essentially the lowest of the low (after full blood Jews) in society and treated as such. It stuck with me so when I saw this book I knew immediately it would be a harrowing but memorable read.
This book tells the story of two young siblings Heidi and Edie finding out they have been labelled as such. The book shows two young children learning a harsh ‘truth’ and losing their innocence due to a label they never deserved.
Amazing book, will stay with you long after it’s finished.
This book tells the story of two young siblings Heidi and Edie finding out they have been labelled as such. The book shows two young children learning a harsh ‘truth’ and losing their innocence due to a label they never deserved.
Amazing book, will stay with you long after it’s finished.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to the publisher for the arc of Mischlinge by Sharon Ring.
5 star read- This was such a compelling and emotional read it was very interesting read as well. The book which was based on a long and forgotten about manuscript tells the story of two young children who are siblings and are trying to go on with life under persecution of the Nazis. It was very upsetting to read at times especially knowing of the brutality that went on from the forced labour to loss and much more. But very well written.
5 star read- This was such a compelling and emotional read it was very interesting read as well. The book which was based on a long and forgotten about manuscript tells the story of two young children who are siblings and are trying to go on with life under persecution of the Nazis. It was very upsetting to read at times especially knowing of the brutality that went on from the forced labour to loss and much more. But very well written.
July 15, 2026
The very personal nature of this book makes it all the more readable and this is also helped by the fact the story is a complete one. For family reasons this put a lot of things we knew about my wife's mother, who was a Mischlinger, into perspective and fleshes out the family story more. You suspect that some of the absolute brutality of the Nazis is not fully conveyed but it doesn't need to be. The reason is in then end this is about survival and hope and then love and that makes the story one to recommend.
March 27, 2026
What a gripping and deeply compelling read. It’s not the kind of book I usually pick up, as I tend to stick to fiction, but I truly loved it. The story follows a Mischlinge family—of mixed Christian and Jewish heritage—during the Second World War, weaving their personal experiences through many of the era’s most significant historical events.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for letting me review this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for letting me review this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2026
Sad true story, beautifully written.
A very poignant true story of the dreadful atrocities inflicted on so many Jewish people during the Second World War, told with clarity and grace. May all those poor souls who suffered such mental and physical cruelty rest in peace, especially the families who are the basis of this book. I feel truly humbled by their strength and fortitude. A very hard but insightful memoir.
A very poignant true story of the dreadful atrocities inflicted on so many Jewish people during the Second World War, told with clarity and grace. May all those poor souls who suffered such mental and physical cruelty rest in peace, especially the families who are the basis of this book. I feel truly humbled by their strength and fortitude. A very hard but insightful memoir.
April 18, 2026
I found this book gripping and emotionally involving from start to finish. The ability of the unlucky Bernstein family to endure and cope with such distressing and upsetting circumstances from Nazi Germany to the Communist GDR is remarkable. By the end of the book I felt really connected to the author and her family in a way I never expected.
Read
May 24, 2026I did not finish this book
June 29, 2026
Unfortunately there is errors in the religious information for Judaism, as the authoress is a journalist, she should know to undertake research before publishing
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews