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Berlin Fractured #1
From the Ashes
From the bestselling author of the 'War Girls Series' comes a nail-biting story about Berlin sliding into the Cold War.
The Third Reich has crumbled and Berlin is governed by the four victorious Allies.
Werner Böhm, a German émigré to Moscow, returns to his hometown with the highest hopes for a better future.
Sent by the communist party to bring freedom, wealth and happiness to the German people, he’s soon caught in a moral conflict between loyalty to his party and his ideals.
When the woman he loves is in danger, can he take the plunge and defy the party line to save her life?
Inspired by true historical events, From the Ashes is the unforgettable story of a tortured man, torn between his ideals, the iron fist of Stalinism and the woman he loves.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2019
917 people are currently reading
613 people want to read
About the author
Marion Kummerow
116 books423 followersMarion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to "discover the world" and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she's now living with her family.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime.
It's a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime.
It's a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
December 10, 2019
This is only the first book in Ms. Kummerow’s new series and I’m already hooked! I really enjoyed that it focused not on the usual aspects of the war (which are plentifully represented in literature) but on a subject that isn’t much talked about and which should be - namely, how the Germans coped with losing the war and trying to rebuild their lives under a new administration. Through two main characters, Marlene and Werner (a regular citizen and a representative of the occupying force, respectively), the author shows with brutal honesty how difficult it was for someone to stand up for what is right. Werner was a particularly interesting character; both his inner conflicts and actual, physical conflicts he had to deal with daily while trying to do what’s right for the people, are wonderfully presented. Historical research was meticulous and showed perfectly the hypocrisy of the new occupants of the city, who were just as autocratic and ruthless as the Nazis even though their ideology was called differently. A truly fascinating historical fiction offering an intimate glimpse into post-war Berlin and its inhabitants. Highly recommended!
September 11, 2022
I was so excited to read this book by Marion Kumerow & I really had high expectations for this one. I heard so many great things about it, unfortunately for me, all of them fell short. This is an historical fiction book based on real people and events. It was extremely well researched and written with care. I enjoyed her writing style and felt like I learned a lot.
This book takes place in Berlin after WW2 ends. Everyone may think " Oh great, wonderful!! The war is over, let's send our troops home and celebrate!!" Well, of course that is a natural reaction and did happen. What we need to remember is that while the war is over, another one is taking place. This is a battle to recover. What about all of those who survived the atrocities of war? They were left with out food,water, hospitals, doctors, nurses, homes,or if they have a home, it's a bombed out one where you lived in the basement. The Germans were horrible but the Russians were worse! They were known as the Ivans. They came in to supposedly help bring Germany in to a democratic society. What happened was daily raping, looting , murders and people ( including children and high ranking officers) mysteriously disappeared! Possibly to Siberia or worse, no one knew where they went and they were never heard from again.
Because of all this, people were afraid to leave their homes. Neighborhoods and buildings were literally left in the ashes. Imagine actually living through this!! There is good news in all this: the Americans came in and brought much needed hope, help,food, medicine, clothes and helped to restore everything!! Of course this rebuilding took years.
Even though I learned a lot, the book wasn't a great one. I had a hard time connecting with all the characters. The story had so much potential that,to me was lost. It was confusing at times and the book ended in an unfinished fashion.
There's a sequel to this book called On The Brink. However, this book can be read as a stand alone. It's on my reading list. I'm really glad that I read this book because I learned a lot! To those who want to read this book, please do!! You may see it differently 😊. It's a book that is not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for a light hearted read, this isn't it because it discusses serious issues.
This book takes place in Berlin after WW2 ends. Everyone may think " Oh great, wonderful!! The war is over, let's send our troops home and celebrate!!" Well, of course that is a natural reaction and did happen. What we need to remember is that while the war is over, another one is taking place. This is a battle to recover. What about all of those who survived the atrocities of war? They were left with out food,water, hospitals, doctors, nurses, homes,or if they have a home, it's a bombed out one where you lived in the basement. The Germans were horrible but the Russians were worse! They were known as the Ivans. They came in to supposedly help bring Germany in to a democratic society. What happened was daily raping, looting , murders and people ( including children and high ranking officers) mysteriously disappeared! Possibly to Siberia or worse, no one knew where they went and they were never heard from again.
Because of all this, people were afraid to leave their homes. Neighborhoods and buildings were literally left in the ashes. Imagine actually living through this!! There is good news in all this: the Americans came in and brought much needed hope, help,food, medicine, clothes and helped to restore everything!! Of course this rebuilding took years.
Even though I learned a lot, the book wasn't a great one. I had a hard time connecting with all the characters. The story had so much potential that,to me was lost. It was confusing at times and the book ended in an unfinished fashion.
There's a sequel to this book called On The Brink. However, this book can be read as a stand alone. It's on my reading list. I'm really glad that I read this book because I learned a lot! To those who want to read this book, please do!! You may see it differently 😊. It's a book that is not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for a light hearted read, this isn't it because it discusses serious issues.
tbr-2
May 25, 2022Free on Amazon!
December 28, 2019
A first by me by this amazing author and all I can say is WOW!!!!! The fantastic way the author crafted these amazing characters and the story had me hooked immediately!! I loved learning more about many things I never knew about even being a true historical lover. I really appreciate the detail that was put in it made me really FEEL I was in the book! Great read for any reader I highly recommend this book! Loved it and can’t wait to read more books by this author!
January 15, 2020
An excellent read!
Gripped my imagination on the first page and never let go.
With her intensely researched, quickly paced, suspenseful, and engrossing narrative, the author puts us in the post-war Germany under the occupation by four victorious forces. Most of the events unfold in the Soviet sector, bringing to light the accurate account of how Germans reacted to the forced Sovietization, the subject rarely touched in the modern literature.
Despite difficult life conditions, there is romance flourishing between two main characters, Marlene and Werner. Their feelings are perfectly interweaved with the then current situation in the country and will keep you turning pages to learn how one influenced each other under the dangerous and controversial circumstances. The twists and turns of the narrative will surprise you as will the ending, and you definitely would want to learn what is in store for them and other not less interesting characters who populate this absorbing story in the next book promised by the author. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Gripped my imagination on the first page and never let go.
With her intensely researched, quickly paced, suspenseful, and engrossing narrative, the author puts us in the post-war Germany under the occupation by four victorious forces. Most of the events unfold in the Soviet sector, bringing to light the accurate account of how Germans reacted to the forced Sovietization, the subject rarely touched in the modern literature.
Despite difficult life conditions, there is romance flourishing between two main characters, Marlene and Werner. Their feelings are perfectly interweaved with the then current situation in the country and will keep you turning pages to learn how one influenced each other under the dangerous and controversial circumstances. The twists and turns of the narrative will surprise you as will the ending, and you definitely would want to learn what is in store for them and other not less interesting characters who populate this absorbing story in the next book promised by the author. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
November 23, 2019
Berlin divided
The war has ended, the city of Berlin is divided into four sectors, the Soviets, The Americans, The French, and the British. Each country is in charge of their sector if Berlin.
In most sectors the German people have been liberated from war and are striving to put their lives back on track after the war. This is not so in the Soviet sector. The Soviets are not much better than the Nazi's. Anyone in the Soviet sector that speaks out against the Russian propaganda or the Soviet Union is punished. The German people are starving and the housing situation is dire. The Soviet leader, however, have all the fancy foods and live in the fancy houses that the ordinary German people can only dream about.
An election is held and the Soviet backed party loses, but the new officials are not allowed to take office and are beaten when they show up at city hall. Although the German people have voted to free themselves from the Soviet party nothing changes and the Soviet grip only strengthens.
At the University the student council members decide to resist and write a protest against the Soviet propaganda in the classrooms. Georg, Marlene, Lottie, and Zara are all friends and students at the University. All but Lottie are in the student council. The director of the University Werner Bohm has feelings for Marlene. When he hears about the protest planned by the students and the action the Soviets plan to take against them he hides Marlene in a motel for the night. The other students involved are rounded up and arrested. Marlene's friend Bruni helps Marlene so she is not arrested. Later Marlene calls Werner a coward and says she never wants to see him again.
Werner realizes the wrong that is being done to the German people by the Soviet's and talks to the American commander and deflects to the west.
This book deals with a subject not often dealt with, and one that was part of history. What happened to the German people under the Soviet's after the war was over. This was the very beginning of a west and east Germany and the beginning of what we call the Cold War with the Soviet Union.
Marion has done a wonderful job of writing on this subject. I don't think it was an easy subject to write about. I loved seeing the character of Lottie again from her War Girl series.
I would definitely recommend this book. I patiently await the next book in the series.
Thanks to Marion Kummerow for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of her book.
The war has ended, the city of Berlin is divided into four sectors, the Soviets, The Americans, The French, and the British. Each country is in charge of their sector if Berlin.
In most sectors the German people have been liberated from war and are striving to put their lives back on track after the war. This is not so in the Soviet sector. The Soviets are not much better than the Nazi's. Anyone in the Soviet sector that speaks out against the Russian propaganda or the Soviet Union is punished. The German people are starving and the housing situation is dire. The Soviet leader, however, have all the fancy foods and live in the fancy houses that the ordinary German people can only dream about.
An election is held and the Soviet backed party loses, but the new officials are not allowed to take office and are beaten when they show up at city hall. Although the German people have voted to free themselves from the Soviet party nothing changes and the Soviet grip only strengthens.
At the University the student council members decide to resist and write a protest against the Soviet propaganda in the classrooms. Georg, Marlene, Lottie, and Zara are all friends and students at the University. All but Lottie are in the student council. The director of the University Werner Bohm has feelings for Marlene. When he hears about the protest planned by the students and the action the Soviets plan to take against them he hides Marlene in a motel for the night. The other students involved are rounded up and arrested. Marlene's friend Bruni helps Marlene so she is not arrested. Later Marlene calls Werner a coward and says she never wants to see him again.
Werner realizes the wrong that is being done to the German people by the Soviet's and talks to the American commander and deflects to the west.
This book deals with a subject not often dealt with, and one that was part of history. What happened to the German people under the Soviet's after the war was over. This was the very beginning of a west and east Germany and the beginning of what we call the Cold War with the Soviet Union.
Marion has done a wonderful job of writing on this subject. I don't think it was an easy subject to write about. I loved seeing the character of Lottie again from her War Girl series.
I would definitely recommend this book. I patiently await the next book in the series.
Thanks to Marion Kummerow for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of her book.
November 29, 2019
In From the Ashes, Marion Kummerow tells an excellent story including a star-crossed romance. I thoroughly enjoyed all her characters, even those who behaved atrociously. The plot kept the suspense and tension level high.
I found that the historical context of this book filled in a lot of gaps in my understanding of what happened after the end of the second world war. My father fought in the tail-end of World War II, but by the time I became aware of any of the history of this era, Germany was divided into four segments governed by the four allied powers that won the war. Likewise, Berlin was also divided in four sectors, and the Berlin Wall separated the Soviet-controlled sector from the other three under the jurisdiction of the United States, Britain, and France. Although these administrative divisions were agreed to before the war ended, it is interesting to me to learn more of how the agreement for the post-war recovery of both Germany and the victorious nations worked in actuality during the first two years of implementation versus what was originally planned.
Since they were allies of the other three nations, why did the Soviets conduct themselves the way they did? Why did the leaders of the other three sectors not take more assertive action than they did? What did all this mean for the German people? Are the incidences in the book embellished or based on fact? The answers are in the book.
Anyone who enjoys reading wartime fiction should enjoy this book. World War Two may have been officially over, but it was not over. I highly recommend this book.
I found that the historical context of this book filled in a lot of gaps in my understanding of what happened after the end of the second world war. My father fought in the tail-end of World War II, but by the time I became aware of any of the history of this era, Germany was divided into four segments governed by the four allied powers that won the war. Likewise, Berlin was also divided in four sectors, and the Berlin Wall separated the Soviet-controlled sector from the other three under the jurisdiction of the United States, Britain, and France. Although these administrative divisions were agreed to before the war ended, it is interesting to me to learn more of how the agreement for the post-war recovery of both Germany and the victorious nations worked in actuality during the first two years of implementation versus what was originally planned.
Since they were allies of the other three nations, why did the Soviets conduct themselves the way they did? Why did the leaders of the other three sectors not take more assertive action than they did? What did all this mean for the German people? Are the incidences in the book embellished or based on fact? The answers are in the book.
Anyone who enjoys reading wartime fiction should enjoy this book. World War Two may have been officially over, but it was not over. I highly recommend this book.
July 2, 2022
Berlin May 1945
Werner Böhm’s boss Norbert Gentner has been tasked with manning the new self-governing structures in Berlin. Norbert Gentner was the head of a delegation of German émigrés in Moscow assembled by Stalin to rebuild Berlin according to his wishes.
And Stalin had tasked them to build a demilitarized, democratic, anti-fascist society. To this end, General Sokolov and Norbert Gentner assign him head of the culture and education taskforce in Berlin university. As such, he’d have to start enlisting teachers and students
Werner had last seen Berlin as a ten-year-old boy in 1927, when his communist parents had emigrated to Russia.
Marlene a Berliner has had to cater her family ever since her father lost their house during an air raid and they’d had to relocate into a basement along with other surviving tenants.
Colonel Dean Harris has been assigned to take an American reconnaissance unit into Berlin to take hold of their assigned boroughs.
Somehow their lives intersect one night a cafe called Cafè de Paris.
Werner Böhm’s boss Norbert Gentner has been tasked with manning the new self-governing structures in Berlin. Norbert Gentner was the head of a delegation of German émigrés in Moscow assembled by Stalin to rebuild Berlin according to his wishes.
And Stalin had tasked them to build a demilitarized, democratic, anti-fascist society. To this end, General Sokolov and Norbert Gentner assign him head of the culture and education taskforce in Berlin university. As such, he’d have to start enlisting teachers and students
Werner had last seen Berlin as a ten-year-old boy in 1927, when his communist parents had emigrated to Russia.
Marlene a Berliner has had to cater her family ever since her father lost their house during an air raid and they’d had to relocate into a basement along with other surviving tenants.
Colonel Dean Harris has been assigned to take an American reconnaissance unit into Berlin to take hold of their assigned boroughs.
Somehow their lives intersect one night a cafe called Cafè de Paris.
December 25, 2019
Interesting book
This is new territory for me as I have not really read anything on post war Germany. I really liked the book and look forward to the next one. As usual Marion writing style and reseach is suberb.
This is new territory for me as I have not really read anything on post war Germany. I really liked the book and look forward to the next one. As usual Marion writing style and reseach is suberb.
December 11, 2019
Even as a lover of history and avid historical fiction reader, I confess that I didn't know a lot about what happened in Berlin after World War II. I knew about the city being divided up and the Berlin Airlift and all that, but what was it really LIKE for the people that lived there? This book will give you invaluable insight, especially regarding life in the Soviet sector. As always, Marion Kummerow's work is well-researched, and you will connect with her characters quickly!
If you are a fan of the "War Girl" series, you'll be pleased with an appearance by Lotte! You'll be excited to see her role in Marlene - the main character's - life. Marlene is so relatable, and her ups and downs as she struggles through university life, a complicated relationship with a Russian-but-not-Russian officer, and her friendships with people with "dangerous" opinions will make you stay up waaaaaaaaay too late to keep reading!
I HIGHLY recommend this book!
If you are a fan of the "War Girl" series, you'll be pleased with an appearance by Lotte! You'll be excited to see her role in Marlene - the main character's - life. Marlene is so relatable, and her ups and downs as she struggles through university life, a complicated relationship with a Russian-but-not-Russian officer, and her friendships with people with "dangerous" opinions will make you stay up waaaaaaaaay too late to keep reading!
I HIGHLY recommend this book!
December 2, 2019
In this suspense filled historically based story, author Marion Kummerow takes the reader into Berlin after the end of WWII when Berlin was divided into four separate zones governed by Russia, America, Britain and France. Werner, a German born communist, returns from Moscow to establish an ideal communistic society in the Soviet zone of Berlin but soon realizes that Stalin’s version of communism doesn’t align with the Marxism-Leninism tenets he grew up learning about and believes in. In fact, it mirrors in many ways the Nazism that they’re replacing. As he struggles with the widening gap between what he envisioned and the reality he’s forced to adhere to, he meets a young Berlin woman, Marlene, who further challenges his core beliefs as well as the orders from his superiors.
The first meeting between Warner and Marlene is disastrous but as they meet again under different circumstances, their mutual attraction leads them into dangerous actions that could threaten their very lives. Will they take the safe path away from each other or will their feelings lead to their demise?
I’ve read every book Marion Kummerow has written and each one is fascinating, based on real events that inform without ever boring me. Her characters are not perfect and some of them are initially hard to even like, but seeing the world from their perspective and getting to know why they act as they do brings understanding to their reasons.
I can’t recommend Marion Kummerow’s books, including this one, high enough. She’s one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait for the second book in this trilogy!
The first meeting between Warner and Marlene is disastrous but as they meet again under different circumstances, their mutual attraction leads them into dangerous actions that could threaten their very lives. Will they take the safe path away from each other or will their feelings lead to their demise?
I’ve read every book Marion Kummerow has written and each one is fascinating, based on real events that inform without ever boring me. Her characters are not perfect and some of them are initially hard to even like, but seeing the world from their perspective and getting to know why they act as they do brings understanding to their reasons.
I can’t recommend Marion Kummerow’s books, including this one, high enough. She’s one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait for the second book in this trilogy!
December 6, 2019
I've admired Marion Kummerow's writing for a while. She takes great care with her characters and the story they tell. Her ability to get across the deepest human instincts is amazing.
"From the Ashes", is Marion at her finest. At the end of WWII, Germany was occupied by several allied forces. The Germans were trying to find their way back to "normal" but had to capitulate to the forces that were occupying their country. Berlin is where this story unfolds. You will see the very best in humanity and the very worst. All living in the same city. It's fascinating to get a glimpse into what motivated people to do what they do and how they will handle deplorable situations and conditions. As the college students fight against the Russians, the other Allies are being told to not ruffle the Russian's feathers. This just emboldened them. Some of these students bowed to the Russian persuasion, others stood firm.
I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next in this new series.
"From the Ashes", is Marion at her finest. At the end of WWII, Germany was occupied by several allied forces. The Germans were trying to find their way back to "normal" but had to capitulate to the forces that were occupying their country. Berlin is where this story unfolds. You will see the very best in humanity and the very worst. All living in the same city. It's fascinating to get a glimpse into what motivated people to do what they do and how they will handle deplorable situations and conditions. As the college students fight against the Russians, the other Allies are being told to not ruffle the Russian's feathers. This just emboldened them. Some of these students bowed to the Russian persuasion, others stood firm.
I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next in this new series.
December 6, 2019
I can’t wait for the next book in the series
As usual, Marion Kummerow has left me wanting more. Fortunately I know more is coming. This book was well researched and well written. The characters spoke to me, which is why I didn’t want it to end. I hope to see some of them in her next book.
As usual, Marion Kummerow has left me wanting more. Fortunately I know more is coming. This book was well researched and well written. The characters spoke to me, which is why I didn’t want it to end. I hope to see some of them in her next book.
December 5, 2019
Everyone wants a piece of the pie but the cost is high
In trying to build a new Berlin, the Allies are supposed to be working together but it seems that the personal cost is very high. The author does very well in setting the stage for how difficult it is for everyone involved in trying to make sense of the chaos in postwar Berlin.
In trying to build a new Berlin, the Allies are supposed to be working together but it seems that the personal cost is very high. The author does very well in setting the stage for how difficult it is for everyone involved in trying to make sense of the chaos in postwar Berlin.
January 21, 2021
DNF. I tried very hard to read this, but the writing is atrocious. I swear it’s been translated, that might explain the disconnection in words? On top of that, the characters are flat, the story has no depth, and I was bored out of my mind. A total waste of money on my part.
Clearly I’m in the minority, looking at many other reviews. I know I’m critical of author’s writing, but this is just way beyond bad. I don’t even want to give it one star to be honest. To each their own though. Read at your own risk.
Clearly I’m in the minority, looking at many other reviews. I know I’m critical of author’s writing, but this is just way beyond bad. I don’t even want to give it one star to be honest. To each their own though. Read at your own risk.
November 29, 2019
A wonderful book She writes a great war novel. I have a hard time putting it down.
May 29, 2021
Another aspect of life from World War II
This is an interesting read about how things developed after the war in Europe, the division of Germany and Berlin, and the c!ash between East and West. It is a!so an intriguing story about the imp!ementation and enforcement of Russian policies in Russian-occupied territories. I recommend reading this novel.
This is an interesting read about how things developed after the war in Europe, the division of Germany and Berlin, and the c!ash between East and West. It is a!so an intriguing story about the imp!ementation and enforcement of Russian policies in Russian-occupied territories. I recommend reading this novel.
July 5, 2021
As past books by Marion Kummerow the subject is well researched and presented very well. Her characters are developed to be very believeable and soon I found myself so drawn into the story that it was hard to put the bood down. I'm certainly glad that the story continues in 2 more books. I'm not ready to say goodby do Marlene yet.
June 13, 2020
Hopper
Well researched and written. Characters were very real and you found yourself caught up in their lives. Looking forward to the next book.
Well researched and written. Characters were very real and you found yourself caught up in their lives. Looking forward to the next book.
April 13, 2020
Review of; FROM THE ASHES by Author Marrion Kummerow
Once again as with all of Marion Kummerow’s books this author has taken a moment in history which was pivotal in the geopolitical tensions of post-war Europe between the Soviet Union and the Western Powers.
With the author’s intense research, she has developed believable characters of the era and brought them into focus on the stage of tension in Berlin between the West and the Soviets. Personally, I was a teenager when this episode of the Cold War began to manifest itself and the author’s careful reconstruction in this tense and dark narrative has helped me to understand in more detail, the terrifying threat the Russians were about to impart on their controlling sector of Germany and on Berlin in particular.
The theft of whatever assets the German nation may have had left after the war were being sent back to Russia as so-called reparations, while at the same time they were forcing the local German population to conform to the Soviet communist ideology or face personal deprivation of liberties and access to education and jobs.
The story gives the reader a clear insight into how the Americans, in particular, were frustrated by the duplicitous nature of the Soviets in their occupation of Berlin and their resistance to jointly govern the city with the other Occupying Powers.
Two of the very interesting characters that feature prominently in this story come from vastly different backgrounds both politically and intellectually, and yet are attracted to one another. Werner is a very high-level communist official who interacts with Marlene, a woman who has been traumatized by the Russian occupation. Marion Kummerow does an excellent job of describing the mind of Werner as he endeavors to implement the perceived utopia of a perfect socialist state in rebuilding Germany to the conflicting reality of the corruption of its implementers and thuggery of the architects of Soviet governance.
I shall look forward to the next book in this series.
David E. Huntley Dallas Texas April 13, 2020
Once again as with all of Marion Kummerow’s books this author has taken a moment in history which was pivotal in the geopolitical tensions of post-war Europe between the Soviet Union and the Western Powers.
With the author’s intense research, she has developed believable characters of the era and brought them into focus on the stage of tension in Berlin between the West and the Soviets. Personally, I was a teenager when this episode of the Cold War began to manifest itself and the author’s careful reconstruction in this tense and dark narrative has helped me to understand in more detail, the terrifying threat the Russians were about to impart on their controlling sector of Germany and on Berlin in particular.
The theft of whatever assets the German nation may have had left after the war were being sent back to Russia as so-called reparations, while at the same time they were forcing the local German population to conform to the Soviet communist ideology or face personal deprivation of liberties and access to education and jobs.
The story gives the reader a clear insight into how the Americans, in particular, were frustrated by the duplicitous nature of the Soviets in their occupation of Berlin and their resistance to jointly govern the city with the other Occupying Powers.
Two of the very interesting characters that feature prominently in this story come from vastly different backgrounds both politically and intellectually, and yet are attracted to one another. Werner is a very high-level communist official who interacts with Marlene, a woman who has been traumatized by the Russian occupation. Marion Kummerow does an excellent job of describing the mind of Werner as he endeavors to implement the perceived utopia of a perfect socialist state in rebuilding Germany to the conflicting reality of the corruption of its implementers and thuggery of the architects of Soviet governance.
I shall look forward to the next book in this series.
David E. Huntley Dallas Texas April 13, 2020
September 28, 2021
From The Ashes
May 1945
After WWII Germany was divided up into The British Zone, The American Zone, The Russian Zone, and The French Zone. Within Berlin and the Russian Zone there was a small part that was also controlled by the Americans, and the other allied countries. That is where the Brandenburg Gates existed. This book commenced at the time when the Russians established their controlled area, 2 months prior to the Americans getting into their section. The Americans main section was South of the British Zone, right to the Southern German border. The additional section they controlled was a small section in the very centre of the Russian Zone.
The one thing that was horrible for the citizens who were in the Russian Zone was the brutality of the Russian soldiers to people, especially the women. In many cases they had no homes left, nothing, and had to exist with the bombed out buildings.
The difference between the American occupation to the Russian occupation was phenomenal, the citizens were treated with constant suspicion, cruelty and totally degraded, on top of the Communist Propaganda. What the Russian’s did to the German prisoners of war was on par with the Nazi treatment. As Marlene discovered the Russians had come to East Germany as oppressors, not as liberators, and ultimate goal was to install another totalitarian government into Germany. The Allied countries had a lot of problems with Russia and their lies, cruelty, and brutality.
The author paints a surreal story of how broken and brutal the Russians treated those living in the Russian sector. This story gets into you mind thoroughly, and the reader is inspired to learn the outcome. It is a marvellous book and it is essential to read this book to the end to satisfy our hunger for knowledge and truth.
May 1945
After WWII Germany was divided up into The British Zone, The American Zone, The Russian Zone, and The French Zone. Within Berlin and the Russian Zone there was a small part that was also controlled by the Americans, and the other allied countries. That is where the Brandenburg Gates existed. This book commenced at the time when the Russians established their controlled area, 2 months prior to the Americans getting into their section. The Americans main section was South of the British Zone, right to the Southern German border. The additional section they controlled was a small section in the very centre of the Russian Zone.
The one thing that was horrible for the citizens who were in the Russian Zone was the brutality of the Russian soldiers to people, especially the women. In many cases they had no homes left, nothing, and had to exist with the bombed out buildings.
The difference between the American occupation to the Russian occupation was phenomenal, the citizens were treated with constant suspicion, cruelty and totally degraded, on top of the Communist Propaganda. What the Russian’s did to the German prisoners of war was on par with the Nazi treatment. As Marlene discovered the Russians had come to East Germany as oppressors, not as liberators, and ultimate goal was to install another totalitarian government into Germany. The Allied countries had a lot of problems with Russia and their lies, cruelty, and brutality.
The author paints a surreal story of how broken and brutal the Russians treated those living in the Russian sector. This story gets into you mind thoroughly, and the reader is inspired to learn the outcome. It is a marvellous book and it is essential to read this book to the end to satisfy our hunger for knowledge and truth.
July 5, 2022
I read this book as an eBook. Although I am getting a bit tired of WW II stories but this was good. It really was about the beginning of the set up and ruling of Berlin.
This comment in the information about the book sums up the book well I think.
"story of a tortured man, torn between his ideals, the iron fist of Stalinism and the woman he loves."
It starts as the Russians are in Berlin and trying to control everything in the city. It is early (and before the iron curtain went up and the other governments have really not gotten into place. And the Russians have no plan to make it easy for the 4 countries to rule Berlin together.
I did enjoy this book. I was glad that the main character did defect. Although I don't condone the actions of some of the female characters I did feel for them and realize the why in their lives.
I am not sure I will read any more of the Berlin Fractured series, mostly because at least for now I need to take a big break from WW II books.
This comment in the information about the book sums up the book well I think.
"story of a tortured man, torn between his ideals, the iron fist of Stalinism and the woman he loves."
It starts as the Russians are in Berlin and trying to control everything in the city. It is early (and before the iron curtain went up and the other governments have really not gotten into place. And the Russians have no plan to make it easy for the 4 countries to rule Berlin together.
I did enjoy this book. I was glad that the main character did defect. Although I don't condone the actions of some of the female characters I did feel for them and realize the why in their lives.
I am not sure I will read any more of the Berlin Fractured series, mostly because at least for now I need to take a big break from WW II books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
Excellent author. Thorough research and good character development. This book was very well-written and makes the reader more aware that life was no better for some after the war was officially over. The sector of Berlin under brutal Russian occupation was very difficult for the German people. Food was rationed and there were no extras, while the French, British, American, & Russian military occupiers had plenty to eat and drink. The people in the Russian sector were bombarded with Communist propaganda. Anyone suspected of speaking out against this would "disappear." Their treatment was just as brutal as the Nazi treatment was of their prisoners. A woman walking alone was at risk of being raped by Russian soldiers. I could really empathize with the well-developed characters in this story and was captivated to the last page. I will definitely read more books from this author!
March 29, 2020
Political.....okay!
This post-WWII story is set in Berlin, Germany under the occupations of Russia, USA, France and Britain. The main politics surround the communist party under Stalin.
Although this book is touted as a romance, I found that aspect of the story rather dry and uncreative. The post-war political situation and diametrically opposed doctrines are at the forefront of Germany's humilation. The latter I found most interesting.
I plan to read the second book in this series mostly from the political discussion of the era. The characters are a bit one-dimensional, but there is enough here to have caught my interest. Readers of historical fiction mighty enjoy this one.
This post-WWII story is set in Berlin, Germany under the occupations of Russia, USA, France and Britain. The main politics surround the communist party under Stalin.
Although this book is touted as a romance, I found that aspect of the story rather dry and uncreative. The post-war political situation and diametrically opposed doctrines are at the forefront of Germany's humilation. The latter I found most interesting.
I plan to read the second book in this series mostly from the political discussion of the era. The characters are a bit one-dimensional, but there is enough here to have caught my interest. Readers of historical fiction mighty enjoy this one.
December 30, 2021
Almost impossible to put down. An account of the occupation of Berlin after WWII, detailing the Soviet greed, lies, manipulation, and atrocious torture they employed in an effort to diminish the other 3 parts of the accords (Britain, France, and the United States), and to gain a greater stronghold in Berlin and East Germany. Not to mention the deprivation the citizens experienced due to the stealing of goods designed for them.
The characters are compelling, and the Germans' fear of the Soviets mirrors the fear the non-Nazis experienced before and during the war. This helps me understand how and why the Cold War with Russia occurred and why it lasted so long. (Is it even over?)
I thought the ending was somewhat flat and disappointing, but still, a very good book.
The characters are compelling, and the Germans' fear of the Soviets mirrors the fear the non-Nazis experienced before and during the war. This helps me understand how and why the Cold War with Russia occurred and why it lasted so long. (Is it even over?)
I thought the ending was somewhat flat and disappointing, but still, a very good book.
September 7, 2021
This book would benefit tremendously from a proof-reader. Yes, I realize that me making that statement makes me sound like a pedant. I am, in fact, a bit of a pedant.
General gripes include:
1) Undeveloped characters (many just fell flat and weren’t particularly interesting). Werner was a slight exception as we got to see the evolution of his thoughts about communism.
2) Use of the r-word in the pejorative which was both unneeded and etymologically inaccurate. I warned you I was a pedant.
This is a rich area of history I assume many readers of WWII drama would enjoy so perhaps the series is redeemed in future books. There is clearly the fan base for it.
General gripes include:
1) Undeveloped characters (many just fell flat and weren’t particularly interesting). Werner was a slight exception as we got to see the evolution of his thoughts about communism.
2) Use of the r-word in the pejorative which was both unneeded and etymologically inaccurate. I warned you I was a pedant.
This is a rich area of history I assume many readers of WWII drama would enjoy so perhaps the series is redeemed in future books. There is clearly the fan base for it.
September 30, 2024
This book is a different view on what has happened AFTER World War Two, and it details the difficulty of how Russia doesn't want to 'share' the governing of Berlin. I have read many accounts of what happened after 1945 as I was born in 1932 and was very much aware of what was, to me, a result of Russia's domination of Germany and its people. I was impressed with Marion Kummerow's account of the difficulties of those responsible for how the division of the country and Berlin was obtained. This account details what was accomplished without it sounding too much like a lecture. It is a pleasure to read a book that is an account of the truth without sounding like a professor.
December 7, 2021
I loved the story and can hardly wait to read the next one. I have read all the War girls and loved each one of them. I am now going to read the Trouble Brewing the one after the war girls. She keeps my attention and wanting more. That is a great author for sure. Marion Kummerow is excellent, and I have read many of her books, and I have never been disappointed in any of the stories. She is at the top of my list to read. I enjoyed all the characters, and stories. I have also learned more about WW2 than I knew. Keep the great writing up!
February 25, 2020
In the famous words of Yogi Berra, New York Yankees and New York Mets baseball player and manager, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over”. Peace is a relative thing. Perhaps the bombs have stopped falling on Berlin, but the ‘allies’, particularly the Soviets, are still trying to take over territory. As usual Ms. Kummerow does an excellent job capturing the sense of the times. Danger and deprivation still exists in Berlin after fighting has stopped.
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