What do you think?
Rate this book
Margarete's Journey #1
A Light in the Window
Berlin, 1941: Margarete Rosenbaum is working as a housemaid for a senior Nazi officer when his house is bombed, leaving her the only survivor. But when she’s mistaken for his daughter in the aftermath of the blast, Margarete knows she can make a bid for freedom…
Issued with temporary papers—and with the freedom of not being seen as Jewish—a few hours are all she needs to escape to relative safety. That is, until her former employer’s son, SS officer Wilhelm Huber, tracks her down.
But strangely he doesn’t reveal her true identity right away. Instead he insists she comes and lives with him in Paris, and seems determined to keep her hidden. His only proviso: she must continue to pretend to be his sister. Because whoever would suspect a Nazi girl of secretly being a Jew?
His plan seems impossible, and Margarete is terrified they might be found out, not to mention worried about what Wilhelm might want in return. But as the Nazis start rounding up Jews in Paris and the Résistance steps up its activities, putting everyone who opposes the regime in peril, she realizes staying hidden in plain sight may be her only chance of survival…
Can Margarete trust a Nazi officer with the only things she has left though… her safety, her life, even her heart?
Issued with temporary papers—and with the freedom of not being seen as Jewish—a few hours are all she needs to escape to relative safety. That is, until her former employer’s son, SS officer Wilhelm Huber, tracks her down.
But strangely he doesn’t reveal her true identity right away. Instead he insists she comes and lives with him in Paris, and seems determined to keep her hidden. His only proviso: she must continue to pretend to be his sister. Because whoever would suspect a Nazi girl of secretly being a Jew?
His plan seems impossible, and Margarete is terrified they might be found out, not to mention worried about what Wilhelm might want in return. But as the Nazis start rounding up Jews in Paris and the Résistance steps up its activities, putting everyone who opposes the regime in peril, she realizes staying hidden in plain sight may be her only chance of survival…
Can Margarete trust a Nazi officer with the only things she has left though… her safety, her life, even her heart?
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2021
4341 people are currently reading
7253 people want to read
About the author
Marion Kummerow
116 books416 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
July 13, 2023
3.5 ⭐ rating from me.
This is an amazing story of survival on Margarete's part. It's 1941 during WW2 in Germany. She's Jewish working for a rich German family as a maid. She is treated horribly by them and when a bomb explosion happens, the house they are in explodes! This is Margarete's chance to escape because she looks so much like Annegret, the youngest spoiled daughter of the family and there is only a 2 year age difference between them. Margarete switches identity papers with Annegret,who was killed. Reiner and Wilhelm are the older brothers of the family and the only surviving members because they weren't there during the explosion.
One big problem, Margarete has to forever live as the German girl, Annegret! She is on the run to escape to the free zone in France. Wilhelm and Reiner are relentless in their pursuit to find Margarete to kill her. Let's just say these brothers aren't nice guys. Only one has a change of heart as the story goes on. Does she live? The question is posed throughout this story is, who has the chose to decide who lives or who dies?
I enjoyed this book, except at times the writing was choppy and hard to follow. There's also some swearing in it, but not so much or else I wouldn't have finished it.
If you read this book, be sure to read the Authors Notes to learn how this story came to be.
I recommend it only if it's on your reading list already.
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
This is an amazing story of survival on Margarete's part. It's 1941 during WW2 in Germany. She's Jewish working for a rich German family as a maid. She is treated horribly by them and when a bomb explosion happens, the house they are in explodes! This is Margarete's chance to escape because she looks so much like Annegret, the youngest spoiled daughter of the family and there is only a 2 year age difference between them. Margarete switches identity papers with Annegret,who was killed. Reiner and Wilhelm are the older brothers of the family and the only surviving members because they weren't there during the explosion.
One big problem, Margarete has to forever live as the German girl, Annegret! She is on the run to escape to the free zone in France. Wilhelm and Reiner are relentless in their pursuit to find Margarete to kill her. Let's just say these brothers aren't nice guys. Only one has a change of heart as the story goes on. Does she live? The question is posed throughout this story is, who has the chose to decide who lives or who dies?
I enjoyed this book, except at times the writing was choppy and hard to follow. There's also some swearing in it, but not so much or else I wouldn't have finished it.
If you read this book, be sure to read the Authors Notes to learn how this story came to be.
I recommend it only if it's on your reading list already.
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
July 5, 2021
A Light in the Window by Marion Kummerow is Historical World War II Fiction set in Germany and France. The life of a Jewish Woman is changed by a bombing in Berlin by the British. There are many thrilling moments with plots, plans, and a love story. The characters are well developed including Nazis, the French resistance, Jews and many people fighting to survive this turbulent time. I liked the way the author portrayed the characters, some evil, others decent, some believing the National Socialist propaganda and others justifying what they think they must do to live. I found this book exciting and could not put it down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
July 23, 2021
I really enjoyed reading Marion Kummerow's previous book, Not Without My Sister, so when I saw that she had written another story set during WWII, I quickly signed on. Margarete Rosenbaum is a Jewish woman working as a maid for a high ranking Nazi officer's family. When the Huber's home is bombed ruing a raid, both Hubers are killed along with their twenty year old daughter Annegret. Being only two years older, and looking somewhat like Annegret, Margarete makes a quick decision to use Annegret's identity card to gain her freedom. That spur of a moment decision sets her on a road that she never expected to follow.
This story follows Margarete from Berlin to Leipzig to Paris and the French Countryside. She is living as a Aryan German, but in her heart she is still a Jew. What will she do to survive? I loved Margarete's character. She is a strong woman wit courage, conviction and compassion. She has a moral dilemma which many people faced in war, "is saving many worth killing one?" The other characters were well developed and it was easy to dislike the ones we were meant to dislike. This book was emotional, as well as gripping. Some of the chances Margarete took had me sure she was going to be caught. Reading about how brainwashed the German officers and some civilians were difficult to believe, but I know it happened.
This story does not concentrate on the camps and horrors that happened there, but they are mentioned, and there is an undercurrent of fear of being sent East. The way the German officers treated woman was terrible, but again, it was realistic. The ending was not what I was hoping for, but it was realistic. The story has a satisfactory end to it, but it is set up for a sequel, which I will impatiently wait for. Once again, I learned some things about the restrictions of Jewish persons before they started the transports. I also did not know about the national library in Leipzig and the Gestapo headquarters there. I recommend you read the author's notes at the end to find out her inspiration for the book as well as the historical events that may have been changed for the flow of the story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of the book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
This story follows Margarete from Berlin to Leipzig to Paris and the French Countryside. She is living as a Aryan German, but in her heart she is still a Jew. What will she do to survive? I loved Margarete's character. She is a strong woman wit courage, conviction and compassion. She has a moral dilemma which many people faced in war, "is saving many worth killing one?" The other characters were well developed and it was easy to dislike the ones we were meant to dislike. This book was emotional, as well as gripping. Some of the chances Margarete took had me sure she was going to be caught. Reading about how brainwashed the German officers and some civilians were difficult to believe, but I know it happened.
This story does not concentrate on the camps and horrors that happened there, but they are mentioned, and there is an undercurrent of fear of being sent East. The way the German officers treated woman was terrible, but again, it was realistic. The ending was not what I was hoping for, but it was realistic. The story has a satisfactory end to it, but it is set up for a sequel, which I will impatiently wait for. Once again, I learned some things about the restrictions of Jewish persons before they started the transports. I also did not know about the national library in Leipzig and the Gestapo headquarters there. I recommend you read the author's notes at the end to find out her inspiration for the book as well as the historical events that may have been changed for the flow of the story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of the book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
June 17, 2021
I love those books that REALLY make you think! It’s not just a story. It’s a moral compass check-in point or calibration.
I can always count on Marion Kummerow to pen a compelling historical fiction novel that grabs my attention, holds it and rewards me with a plethora of knowledge learned!
This tale centers around a moral dilemma - a philosophical question about whether one human is worth more than another one. Set against the backdrop of Berlin 1941, Margarete Rosenbaum is forced to make some difficult decisions. A Jewish maid in a high-ranking Nazi officer’s home, Margarete discovers that during the bombing she’s the only one in the house to survive. Around her lay the bodies of her boss, his wife and their daughter. Encouraged by the gardener’s son she pulls from the rubble, Margarete swiftly exchanges her coat with the yellow star for Annegret’s coat. Tucked in the pocket is her ticket to freedom – Annegret’s identification papers. In a spur of the moment decision, Margarete Rosenbaum becomes Annegret Huber.
I learned about how the Nazis forbade the Jews from using public libraries, from shaking hands with Aryans, held public book burnings and created lists of books to be burned. I was unaware that the Gestapo had their national headquarters in Leipzig in the national library where they oversaw the banned book business and kept a meticulous record of those who requested banned books. I was in awe when I read that a book from my Grade 9 English curriculum was on the list – All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque!
In addition to the fantastic tension created surrounding the identity switch, the plot is well-paced and the characters well fleshed out. Although the ending might not have been what my heart was aching for, it was representative of the times, and I was pacified with the knowledge that a sequel is in the works.
Interesting to note that the inspiration for the book came from within Kummerow’s own family. Her grandfather fought over the same issue when he planned to assassinate propaganda minister Goebbels. He wondered if saving many would erase his guilt for killing one. You’ll have to read to find out if Margarete is accepting of her situation or if she’s willing to make sacrifices.
Publishes July 20, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Marion Kummerow, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I can always count on Marion Kummerow to pen a compelling historical fiction novel that grabs my attention, holds it and rewards me with a plethora of knowledge learned!
This tale centers around a moral dilemma - a philosophical question about whether one human is worth more than another one. Set against the backdrop of Berlin 1941, Margarete Rosenbaum is forced to make some difficult decisions. A Jewish maid in a high-ranking Nazi officer’s home, Margarete discovers that during the bombing she’s the only one in the house to survive. Around her lay the bodies of her boss, his wife and their daughter. Encouraged by the gardener’s son she pulls from the rubble, Margarete swiftly exchanges her coat with the yellow star for Annegret’s coat. Tucked in the pocket is her ticket to freedom – Annegret’s identification papers. In a spur of the moment decision, Margarete Rosenbaum becomes Annegret Huber.
I learned about how the Nazis forbade the Jews from using public libraries, from shaking hands with Aryans, held public book burnings and created lists of books to be burned. I was unaware that the Gestapo had their national headquarters in Leipzig in the national library where they oversaw the banned book business and kept a meticulous record of those who requested banned books. I was in awe when I read that a book from my Grade 9 English curriculum was on the list – All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque!
In addition to the fantastic tension created surrounding the identity switch, the plot is well-paced and the characters well fleshed out. Although the ending might not have been what my heart was aching for, it was representative of the times, and I was pacified with the knowledge that a sequel is in the works.
Interesting to note that the inspiration for the book came from within Kummerow’s own family. Her grandfather fought over the same issue when he planned to assassinate propaganda minister Goebbels. He wondered if saving many would erase his guilt for killing one. You’ll have to read to find out if Margarete is accepting of her situation or if she’s willing to make sacrifices.
Publishes July 20, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Marion Kummerow, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 6, 2021
This book was profoundly disappointing - almost embarrassing. It read like a romance novel set in the Holocaust. How could such a horrific and sacred tune be trivialized by a Nazi romance. I didn’t like like the writing, the images, the blatant repetition.
June 25, 2021
I have complicated feelings towards this book.
It sounded amazing and intriguing and the plot was a fascinating idea. I'm just not sure if I liked how it was executed. The story follows Margarete a young Jewish woman in WW2 who takes the identity of her employer's dead Nazi daughter to avoid prosecution and her relationship/connection with the son of the same family who is also an SS member.
This novel deals with some heavy and complicated topics and ideas and I knew that going into it, I wasn't expecting a light read but I was expecting to be at least slightly sympathetic towards the love interest. I despised him, I held out hope that he would change throughout the course of the book and become more sympathetic and less vile and bigoted- he did not. I am of the opinion that just because someone is alive during a historical event and born into a particular side, that does not forgive horrendous personal opinions and morals.
It's a pity that my dislike for Wilhelm colored my enjoyment of this so much because I liked Margarete and was rooting for her and the writing was lovely but I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy this as much as I could have.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It sounded amazing and intriguing and the plot was a fascinating idea. I'm just not sure if I liked how it was executed. The story follows Margarete a young Jewish woman in WW2 who takes the identity of her employer's dead Nazi daughter to avoid prosecution and her relationship/connection with the son of the same family who is also an SS member.
This novel deals with some heavy and complicated topics and ideas and I knew that going into it, I wasn't expecting a light read but I was expecting to be at least slightly sympathetic towards the love interest. I despised him, I held out hope that he would change throughout the course of the book and become more sympathetic and less vile and bigoted- he did not. I am of the opinion that just because someone is alive during a historical event and born into a particular side, that does not forgive horrendous personal opinions and morals.
It's a pity that my dislike for Wilhelm colored my enjoyment of this so much because I liked Margarete and was rooting for her and the writing was lovely but I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy this as much as I could have.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2021
Juvenile writing with a fantastical plot and unlikable characters.
June 16, 2021
The Disguise
How would it feel to impersonate someone else to save your life? Would you be able to carry it out in a room full of people that hate you for your race?
Margarete is a Jewish woman working as a maid for a high ranking Nazi officer. During a bombing raid in Berlin the house is bombed and she assumes the identity of the families daughter Annegret who perished with her parents during the raid and is similar in looks and age.
This is a story of choices she makes while posing as Annegret. There are times when she is happy to be free, times when she fears for her life , a bit of romance and a choice she must make that is the hardest choice she has ever had to make.
This story was heartbreaking and riveting. I was up until wee hours of the morning reading it. It couldn't put it down until I found out what was happening next. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Marion Kummerow, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for my honest review
How would it feel to impersonate someone else to save your life? Would you be able to carry it out in a room full of people that hate you for your race?
Margarete is a Jewish woman working as a maid for a high ranking Nazi officer. During a bombing raid in Berlin the house is bombed and she assumes the identity of the families daughter Annegret who perished with her parents during the raid and is similar in looks and age.
This is a story of choices she makes while posing as Annegret. There are times when she is happy to be free, times when she fears for her life , a bit of romance and a choice she must make that is the hardest choice she has ever had to make.
This story was heartbreaking and riveting. I was up until wee hours of the morning reading it. It couldn't put it down until I found out what was happening next. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Marion Kummerow, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for my honest review
July 11, 2021
I read and fell in love with this author's writing in Not Without My Sister. The author draws you in and takes you back in time to during the war when life was very scary, even more so if you were Jewish.
This is a story all about circumstance. Margarete's actions take her from one extreme to the next and it makes for some truly harrowing reading. At some point I thought her luck was sure to run out and my heart was in my mouth many a time throughout the story. The situations she finds herself in literally had the hairs at the back of my neck stand up and I was like a mother hen, constantly worrying about her safety.
A Light in the Window is the story of one woman's plight to survive the war. I loved Margarete's character as she portrays strength and courage as well as compassion. It had me go through so many emotions and the ending had me so gripped that nothing could have prised the book from my hands until I had got to the end. A compelling and emotional rollercoaster of a read.
This is a story all about circumstance. Margarete's actions take her from one extreme to the next and it makes for some truly harrowing reading. At some point I thought her luck was sure to run out and my heart was in my mouth many a time throughout the story. The situations she finds herself in literally had the hairs at the back of my neck stand up and I was like a mother hen, constantly worrying about her safety.
A Light in the Window is the story of one woman's plight to survive the war. I loved Margarete's character as she portrays strength and courage as well as compassion. It had me go through so many emotions and the ending had me so gripped that nothing could have prised the book from my hands until I had got to the end. A compelling and emotional rollercoaster of a read.
tbr-2
January 18, 2023Free on Amazon 17.1.23!
July 13, 2021
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Marion Kummerow's heartbreaking A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW.
I fell in love with Marion Kummerow's writing style with "Not Without My Sister" . While her stories are set within a much written about time period, the concepts with which she portrays them are so unique and wholly original. They are not your usual run-of-the-mill tales re-telling the plight of the Jews. The premise of A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW was certainly an intriguing one that promised a fascinating tale to be told.
Berlin, 1941: The story opens with a bang - quite literally - an air raid on the city sees the Hubers scrambling to the safety of their cellar. An officer of high standing within the SS, Huber and his wife along with their daughter Annegret push their maid aside in an attempt to save themselves without sparing a thought for her. And why would they? She was nothing but a dirty Jew, employed as a housemaid to undertake their every whim and every chore...ableit unpaid. Her life meant nothing to the superior greatness of the German people.
But as the bombers disappear and the dust slowly settles, Margerete is the only one left standing in the rubble. As she crawls through the debris seeing the family she had slaved for laying dead, she wonders how she is to survive in a city where Jews are spit upon or worse, sent sent to death camps. As she passes by the lifeless form of Annegret, an idea begins to form. Before she can change her mind, she swaps identity papers with the dead girl and drapes her in her coat bearing the yellow star that identifies her as Jewish. And she becomes Annegret Huber in order to protect herself from the harsh atrocities of war and to stay alive. She steals away to Leipzig to her only surviving relative, Aunt Heidi, who is an Aryan but had married a Jew and gets herself a job at the university library.
Meanwhile in Paris, Wilhelm Huber is a low ranking SS officer who is enjoying the easy life in the French capital with throngs of beautiful women and delicious food when he is suddenly recalled to Berlin to attend the funeral of his parents. His elder brother Reiner is a high ranking officer in the SS who is faithful to the Furher and his cause. Although he has yet to produce a male heir, his two daughters are named Adolphina and Germania in honour to his faithfulness to Hitler. Whilst staying with Reiner's family, Wilhelm's eyes are opened to his brother's complete disrespect for women, including that of his own wife. But Reiner simply states that she just knows her duty is to serve her husband in every way and be a good German wife. That, however, doesn't stop him from bedding any other woman he may get his hands on...including raping his parents' Jewish servant girl.
Upon learning that Annegret has disappeared since the bombing that claimed their parents and their servant girl Margerete, word has reached Reiner that Annegret has been seen in Leipzig. Wilhelm decides to make the journey to see for himself but what he discovers is nothing what he expected. Instead of his sister he finds Margerete has been passing herself off as Annegret and is immediately angered. But before he can turn her in, circumstances take a different turn and Margerete flees the city for an unoccupied part of France whilst Wilhelm returns to Paris without his sister or revealing the subterfuge.
In Paris, Margerete awaits the connecting train that will take her to her destination when she comes face to face with Wilhelm once again. Instead of revealing her true identity, he introduces her to his friends as his sister Annegret citing that she has come to join him for Christmas. Margerete has no idea if Wilhelm will report her to the Gestapo and yet she knows that if he does he faces charges of treason himself for maintaining the deception. Instead, he has a proposition for her. She is to continue to live as his sister so that he can marry her off and gain control of her inheritance. All they have to do is to continue to hide her from his brother Reiner who will spare neither of them should he learn the truth.
As Margerete becomes Annegret, she battles daily with her conscience and her own identity feeling as in doing so she is betraying her people. But Margerete is fighting for her life and before long she finds that isn't the only battle she is up against. Over the weeks they have lived together, Wilhelm has shown her a kindness and respect she does not associate with Nazis. But how is she to survive trusting this man, a Nazi, with the only things she has left? Her safety, her life and even her heart? And instead of the freedom for which she longs, Margerete finds herself trapped with an impossible moral dilemma of love, life and death.
"Was one person's life worth more than another one's? And who got to decide which person was allowed to live?"
A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW is a heartwrenching tale of survival that is a compelling read you won't want to put down. It draws you in and has you questioning the moral dilemma of whether one human life is worth more than another. The despicable views of the Nazis concerning Jews and even the French people has you shaking your head with disbelief. The German people actually believed the brainwashing propaganda of the Nazis concerning their superiority and the unworthiness of the "filthy Jews". There were times when Wilhelm shook his head in disbelief when he was actually puzzled as to why the French did not welcome them with open arms. He actually believed the propaganda Hitler spouted.
This is a story of strength, courage and survival. A story of determination against all odds. A story that highlights the prejudices and bigotry whilst reminding us that there is hope. But it is also a love story...
A tale that is heartbreaking as well as intriguing, A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW is ultimately Margerete's story and her plight to survive the war. Does Margerete get her happy ending?
An emotional read from beginning to end. Recommended for historical fiction fans.
I would like to thank #MarionKummerow, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ALightInTheWindow in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I fell in love with Marion Kummerow's writing style with "Not Without My Sister" . While her stories are set within a much written about time period, the concepts with which she portrays them are so unique and wholly original. They are not your usual run-of-the-mill tales re-telling the plight of the Jews. The premise of A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW was certainly an intriguing one that promised a fascinating tale to be told.
Berlin, 1941: The story opens with a bang - quite literally - an air raid on the city sees the Hubers scrambling to the safety of their cellar. An officer of high standing within the SS, Huber and his wife along with their daughter Annegret push their maid aside in an attempt to save themselves without sparing a thought for her. And why would they? She was nothing but a dirty Jew, employed as a housemaid to undertake their every whim and every chore...ableit unpaid. Her life meant nothing to the superior greatness of the German people.
But as the bombers disappear and the dust slowly settles, Margerete is the only one left standing in the rubble. As she crawls through the debris seeing the family she had slaved for laying dead, she wonders how she is to survive in a city where Jews are spit upon or worse, sent sent to death camps. As she passes by the lifeless form of Annegret, an idea begins to form. Before she can change her mind, she swaps identity papers with the dead girl and drapes her in her coat bearing the yellow star that identifies her as Jewish. And she becomes Annegret Huber in order to protect herself from the harsh atrocities of war and to stay alive. She steals away to Leipzig to her only surviving relative, Aunt Heidi, who is an Aryan but had married a Jew and gets herself a job at the university library.
Meanwhile in Paris, Wilhelm Huber is a low ranking SS officer who is enjoying the easy life in the French capital with throngs of beautiful women and delicious food when he is suddenly recalled to Berlin to attend the funeral of his parents. His elder brother Reiner is a high ranking officer in the SS who is faithful to the Furher and his cause. Although he has yet to produce a male heir, his two daughters are named Adolphina and Germania in honour to his faithfulness to Hitler. Whilst staying with Reiner's family, Wilhelm's eyes are opened to his brother's complete disrespect for women, including that of his own wife. But Reiner simply states that she just knows her duty is to serve her husband in every way and be a good German wife. That, however, doesn't stop him from bedding any other woman he may get his hands on...including raping his parents' Jewish servant girl.
Upon learning that Annegret has disappeared since the bombing that claimed their parents and their servant girl Margerete, word has reached Reiner that Annegret has been seen in Leipzig. Wilhelm decides to make the journey to see for himself but what he discovers is nothing what he expected. Instead of his sister he finds Margerete has been passing herself off as Annegret and is immediately angered. But before he can turn her in, circumstances take a different turn and Margerete flees the city for an unoccupied part of France whilst Wilhelm returns to Paris without his sister or revealing the subterfuge.
In Paris, Margerete awaits the connecting train that will take her to her destination when she comes face to face with Wilhelm once again. Instead of revealing her true identity, he introduces her to his friends as his sister Annegret citing that she has come to join him for Christmas. Margerete has no idea if Wilhelm will report her to the Gestapo and yet she knows that if he does he faces charges of treason himself for maintaining the deception. Instead, he has a proposition for her. She is to continue to live as his sister so that he can marry her off and gain control of her inheritance. All they have to do is to continue to hide her from his brother Reiner who will spare neither of them should he learn the truth.
As Margerete becomes Annegret, she battles daily with her conscience and her own identity feeling as in doing so she is betraying her people. But Margerete is fighting for her life and before long she finds that isn't the only battle she is up against. Over the weeks they have lived together, Wilhelm has shown her a kindness and respect she does not associate with Nazis. But how is she to survive trusting this man, a Nazi, with the only things she has left? Her safety, her life and even her heart? And instead of the freedom for which she longs, Margerete finds herself trapped with an impossible moral dilemma of love, life and death.
"Was one person's life worth more than another one's? And who got to decide which person was allowed to live?"
A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW is a heartwrenching tale of survival that is a compelling read you won't want to put down. It draws you in and has you questioning the moral dilemma of whether one human life is worth more than another. The despicable views of the Nazis concerning Jews and even the French people has you shaking your head with disbelief. The German people actually believed the brainwashing propaganda of the Nazis concerning their superiority and the unworthiness of the "filthy Jews". There were times when Wilhelm shook his head in disbelief when he was actually puzzled as to why the French did not welcome them with open arms. He actually believed the propaganda Hitler spouted.
This is a story of strength, courage and survival. A story of determination against all odds. A story that highlights the prejudices and bigotry whilst reminding us that there is hope. But it is also a love story...
A tale that is heartbreaking as well as intriguing, A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW is ultimately Margerete's story and her plight to survive the war. Does Margerete get her happy ending?
An emotional read from beginning to end. Recommended for historical fiction fans.
I would like to thank #MarionKummerow, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ALightInTheWindow in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
July 22, 2021
Right from the explosive opening page of Marion Kummerow’s new book, A Light in the Window, the story of Margarete unfolds at a breakneck pace with innumerable twists and turns that leads to an incredible story full of sacrifice and danger. Margarete works for the Huber family in Berlin and as she is a Jew is treated with nothing but contempt and disdain. She is viewed as a dirty Jew, nothing but subhuman filth and responsible for the all the problems and hardship that Germany has had to contend with. As the bombs fall on the city, the house where she works is destroyed. She wakes in the rubble and finds herself the only survivor. Herr and Frau Huber are dead along with their daughter Annegret.
A sheer stroke of luck leads to Margarete’s survival but what price will she pay when she makes a brash, spur of the moment decision? She swaps her papers with those of Annegret’s and assumes her identity. She has gone from a Jew to being the daughter of an influential Nazi. The question throughout the book is whether she made the right decision? Should she have just fled instead of taking on a role fraught with danger especially considering the two Huber brothers, both of whom have important roles in Hitler’s government, will surely discover what has happened?
Admittedly, I did become confused at points as Margarete was switching between her own name and that of Annegret. The list of the tangled web of lies she created grew so long that when she was interacting with the brothers and trying to keep her story straight I think she was even beginning to confuse and doubt herself. But it's definitely worth sticking with as I found this to be almost like a mystery/thriller packed full of tension, suspicion and unease and with one false move the whole game could be up. I was visualising this on the big screen as I was reading and think it would make a great film.
Margarete travels to Liepzig and stays with an Aunt but still her cover must not be blown. Thanks to her new identity she gets work in a university library but everything she is tasked with doing goes against with how she has been brought up. She is used to being abused and mistreated and shamed in the streets but now as the ‘daughter’ of an important German she is afforded a different viewpoint even though when she returns home each night she is worried about being found out. Especially as suspicion grows when she fails to turn up for the funeral of her ‘parents’. Margarete struggles with the implications of her life changing decision and she grapples with the consequences throughout the book. Her own safety and freedom comes at an enormous price. She has to walk, talk and act like the very person she hated most in the world. As she is drawn deeper into the lion’s den in order to confront the devil, will she be able to stay strong and tell her tale?
I found there to be a lot of repetition initially as to how Margarete felt about the decision she had made. Literally the same thing was said over and over with just a few words changed. I felt it had been said once it didn’t need to be repeated again and again and it was like it was being used as a filler in of sorts. But once this stopped I found the flow of the story to be excellent and I existed in a constant state of fear for Margarete. She became a pawn in a disgusting game and even though she knows she is slightly better off in her new found situation rather than facing harassment, brutality and abuse in a camp still her conscience constantly plays at her as to whether she made the right decision? She was a strong, brave and admirable character but when her feelings begin to change you lose some respect for her but at the same time I did see where she was coming from considering how well pivotal male character had been written. Even I began to feel the way she did.
Wilhelm, the younger of the Huber brothers, was a complex character and my opinion of him swayed back and forth. He had a desk job in Paris and enjoyed a kind of playboy lifestyle. He abhors Jews and will do his bit to rid Germany and the world of them although he doesn’t play as an active role as his older brother Reiner who was the worst of people. Such malice and awful opinions Wilhelm could show but then at other times he demonstrated a more compassionate, caring, understanding and human side so much so that I was horrified to find myself almost warming to him. He is distraught to discover that the inheritance he had hoped for will not materialise until he marries and produces a male heir.
Wilhelm has his goal of getting his inheritance at the forefront of his mind and as news of Annegret begins to emerge he delves that little bit deeper and discovers the truth behind what Margarete has done. To be honest I found this aspect of the story became implausible and quite far fetched at times. What German officer would do what Wilhelm did given their stance on Jews and the war in general? Would his plan really work? To mention specific details as to what unfolds would give away the main points of the story and this is where things did become a bit confusing but it didn’t always sit right with me that Wilhelm would be so accommodating. He was also placing himself in the firing line given the consequences if what was going on had been discovered. It didn’t bare thinking about if Reiner figured out what was going on but I suppose Wilhelm had his own clear long term goal in mind and was determined to achieve it but I guess he didn’t take into account his human emotions taking over at times.
A Light in the Window is a very quick read and it’s really edge of your seat stuff from beginning to end. I found the ending to be quite rushed. I was nearing the 90% mark of the story and I still felt there was so much more left to be explored. But upon finishing the story I discovered that there will be a sequel which makes sense. In the end notes by the author she explains how this book was inspired by a short story that she wrote and she wished to explore how Margarete’s story continued once the dust had cleared from the rubble. I did feel this read very much like a short story as the pages seemed to fly by and before I knew it I had reached the end. I still wonder would it have been better off continuing on where it left off rather than waiting for another book but on reflection I truly was left hanging and it has made me very eager to see how Margarete’s story is further developed. I enjoyed this book. It was different from the usual World War Two historical fiction books that I have recently read. It keeps the reader on their toes constantly guessing as to what would happen as the situation Margarete found herself in seemed to grow worse with each turn of the page. She played a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a moral dilemma at its very core. Is one person’s life worth more than another one’s? Read this intriguing book and decide upon the answer for yourself.
A sheer stroke of luck leads to Margarete’s survival but what price will she pay when she makes a brash, spur of the moment decision? She swaps her papers with those of Annegret’s and assumes her identity. She has gone from a Jew to being the daughter of an influential Nazi. The question throughout the book is whether she made the right decision? Should she have just fled instead of taking on a role fraught with danger especially considering the two Huber brothers, both of whom have important roles in Hitler’s government, will surely discover what has happened?
Admittedly, I did become confused at points as Margarete was switching between her own name and that of Annegret. The list of the tangled web of lies she created grew so long that when she was interacting with the brothers and trying to keep her story straight I think she was even beginning to confuse and doubt herself. But it's definitely worth sticking with as I found this to be almost like a mystery/thriller packed full of tension, suspicion and unease and with one false move the whole game could be up. I was visualising this on the big screen as I was reading and think it would make a great film.
Margarete travels to Liepzig and stays with an Aunt but still her cover must not be blown. Thanks to her new identity she gets work in a university library but everything she is tasked with doing goes against with how she has been brought up. She is used to being abused and mistreated and shamed in the streets but now as the ‘daughter’ of an important German she is afforded a different viewpoint even though when she returns home each night she is worried about being found out. Especially as suspicion grows when she fails to turn up for the funeral of her ‘parents’. Margarete struggles with the implications of her life changing decision and she grapples with the consequences throughout the book. Her own safety and freedom comes at an enormous price. She has to walk, talk and act like the very person she hated most in the world. As she is drawn deeper into the lion’s den in order to confront the devil, will she be able to stay strong and tell her tale?
I found there to be a lot of repetition initially as to how Margarete felt about the decision she had made. Literally the same thing was said over and over with just a few words changed. I felt it had been said once it didn’t need to be repeated again and again and it was like it was being used as a filler in of sorts. But once this stopped I found the flow of the story to be excellent and I existed in a constant state of fear for Margarete. She became a pawn in a disgusting game and even though she knows she is slightly better off in her new found situation rather than facing harassment, brutality and abuse in a camp still her conscience constantly plays at her as to whether she made the right decision? She was a strong, brave and admirable character but when her feelings begin to change you lose some respect for her but at the same time I did see where she was coming from considering how well pivotal male character had been written. Even I began to feel the way she did.
Wilhelm, the younger of the Huber brothers, was a complex character and my opinion of him swayed back and forth. He had a desk job in Paris and enjoyed a kind of playboy lifestyle. He abhors Jews and will do his bit to rid Germany and the world of them although he doesn’t play as an active role as his older brother Reiner who was the worst of people. Such malice and awful opinions Wilhelm could show but then at other times he demonstrated a more compassionate, caring, understanding and human side so much so that I was horrified to find myself almost warming to him. He is distraught to discover that the inheritance he had hoped for will not materialise until he marries and produces a male heir.
Wilhelm has his goal of getting his inheritance at the forefront of his mind and as news of Annegret begins to emerge he delves that little bit deeper and discovers the truth behind what Margarete has done. To be honest I found this aspect of the story became implausible and quite far fetched at times. What German officer would do what Wilhelm did given their stance on Jews and the war in general? Would his plan really work? To mention specific details as to what unfolds would give away the main points of the story and this is where things did become a bit confusing but it didn’t always sit right with me that Wilhelm would be so accommodating. He was also placing himself in the firing line given the consequences if what was going on had been discovered. It didn’t bare thinking about if Reiner figured out what was going on but I suppose Wilhelm had his own clear long term goal in mind and was determined to achieve it but I guess he didn’t take into account his human emotions taking over at times.
A Light in the Window is a very quick read and it’s really edge of your seat stuff from beginning to end. I found the ending to be quite rushed. I was nearing the 90% mark of the story and I still felt there was so much more left to be explored. But upon finishing the story I discovered that there will be a sequel which makes sense. In the end notes by the author she explains how this book was inspired by a short story that she wrote and she wished to explore how Margarete’s story continued once the dust had cleared from the rubble. I did feel this read very much like a short story as the pages seemed to fly by and before I knew it I had reached the end. I still wonder would it have been better off continuing on where it left off rather than waiting for another book but on reflection I truly was left hanging and it has made me very eager to see how Margarete’s story is further developed. I enjoyed this book. It was different from the usual World War Two historical fiction books that I have recently read. It keeps the reader on their toes constantly guessing as to what would happen as the situation Margarete found herself in seemed to grow worse with each turn of the page. She played a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a moral dilemma at its very core. Is one person’s life worth more than another one’s? Read this intriguing book and decide upon the answer for yourself.
March 26, 2023
Rozdzierająca próba ratowania własnego życia. Historia niesamowicie wstrząsająca, smutna i nieoczywista, scenicznie osadzona w gruzach wojennej codzienności. Tu nadzieja zdaje się umierać ostatnia, utrwalając bezradność jednostki w obliczu głuchej bezwzględności. Światło w oknie to niewątpliwie powieść nasączona goryczą i obezwładniającym smutkiem, ale także siłą ludzkich emocji – tak sugestywnych i niespodziewanych. Marion Kummerow przedstawia tym samym fabularny portret zakazanej czułości – kruchej i niedopowiedzianej, a jednak pięknej, prawdziwej, niepowtarzalnej. I nieoczekiwanie zostawia czytelnika w stanie rażącego wręcz odrętwienia...
October 31, 2022
Stále si vravím, že po knihách z 2 sv. vojny už nesiahnem a stále sa k nim vraciam. Čítala som už veľa príbehov, veľa sa na seba podobalo, ale tento bol niečim iný. Kniha sa mi čítala skvelo a rýchlo a páčilo sa mi, že nás autorka hodila rovno do deja a nehrala sa s nami. Žiadne úvodné opisy a zoznamovanie sa s postavami ale rovno surový dej.
Hlavnou postavou je Margarete, ktorá ako jediná prežila bombový útok na dom, v ktorom pracovala. Pracovala ako slúžka pre jednu nemeckú rodinu, kde s ňou zaobchádzali ako so špinou, keďže bola Židovka. Keďže prežila ako jediná a rodina zomrela, využila príležitosť, prebrala identitu a prestrojila sa za dcéru rodiny a utiekla do Paríža.
Nanešťastie v Paríži stretne syna rodiny, Wilhelma, ktorý ju nakoniec drží vo svojej izbe a snaží sa prísť na to, čo s ňou urobí. Postupom času si začnú dôverovať a stanú sa z nich priatelia. Aj keď stoja na dvoch rôznych stranách, ona je židovka a on je vojak SS, ktorému je odmala vštepovaná propaganda vtedajšej doby, vtedajšieho režimu, svojim spôsobom našli k sebe cestu.
Páči sa mi, ako sa zmenil charakter Wilhelma. Na začiatku bol rozmaznaný syn dôležitej rodiny, ale keď sa jeho okolnosti zmenili a on si musel prispôsobiť svoj život, videli sme ho, ako sa pýta, čo robí, a začína mať pocit, že chce Margarete chrániť aj keď okolie ma na židov iný pohľad. Margaretin neustály strach, jej morálne dilemy, ktorým čelila, sa nečítali ľahko a boli srdcervúce.
Príbeh je o odvahe, sile a prežití. Ale aj tento príbeh nám ukazuje že svet sa nedelí len na dobrých a zlých, že nie je čiernobiely.
Hlavnou postavou je Margarete, ktorá ako jediná prežila bombový útok na dom, v ktorom pracovala. Pracovala ako slúžka pre jednu nemeckú rodinu, kde s ňou zaobchádzali ako so špinou, keďže bola Židovka. Keďže prežila ako jediná a rodina zomrela, využila príležitosť, prebrala identitu a prestrojila sa za dcéru rodiny a utiekla do Paríža.
Nanešťastie v Paríži stretne syna rodiny, Wilhelma, ktorý ju nakoniec drží vo svojej izbe a snaží sa prísť na to, čo s ňou urobí. Postupom času si začnú dôverovať a stanú sa z nich priatelia. Aj keď stoja na dvoch rôznych stranách, ona je židovka a on je vojak SS, ktorému je odmala vštepovaná propaganda vtedajšej doby, vtedajšieho režimu, svojim spôsobom našli k sebe cestu.
Páči sa mi, ako sa zmenil charakter Wilhelma. Na začiatku bol rozmaznaný syn dôležitej rodiny, ale keď sa jeho okolnosti zmenili a on si musel prispôsobiť svoj život, videli sme ho, ako sa pýta, čo robí, a začína mať pocit, že chce Margarete chrániť aj keď okolie ma na židov iný pohľad. Margaretin neustály strach, jej morálne dilemy, ktorým čelila, sa nečítali ľahko a boli srdcervúce.
Príbeh je o odvahe, sile a prežití. Ale aj tento príbeh nám ukazuje že svet sa nedelí len na dobrých a zlých, že nie je čiernobiely.
August 2, 2021
I don't know how I feel about this book...
I think it was supposed to have an meaningful and deep message, but honestly it didn't feel like that. To me the whole story was unbelievable to the point that the message literally didn't make sense!
Their relationship was so weird, and instantaneous, the characters had a different personality in every chapter, they were inconsistent and unlikable.
And then, of course the author it's going to kill him to teach us a lesson, but the couple, characters and plot were so bad that I couldn't care less about it!
Weird book.
I think it was supposed to have an meaningful and deep message, but honestly it didn't feel like that. To me the whole story was unbelievable to the point that the message literally didn't make sense!
Their relationship was so weird, and instantaneous, the characters had a different personality in every chapter, they were inconsistent and unlikable.
And then, of course the author it's going to kill him to teach us a lesson, but the couple, characters and plot were so bad that I couldn't care less about it!
Weird book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2022
It deserves no stars but that isn't an option.
Where to start? Shallow characters using 21st century idioms in 1941, an author who doesn't know the difference between amount and number, NO research into WW2 Paris. My favorite error was the sentence where the character "decides to deign" but let's not forget the constant mentions of Brylcream. Did she get paid to plug it? Did anyone even pretend to edit this drivel? The final straw was the decent into romance novel. With luck, this author will get hired by Harlequin where she belongs.
Where to start? Shallow characters using 21st century idioms in 1941, an author who doesn't know the difference between amount and number, NO research into WW2 Paris. My favorite error was the sentence where the character "decides to deign" but let's not forget the constant mentions of Brylcream. Did she get paid to plug it? Did anyone even pretend to edit this drivel? The final straw was the decent into romance novel. With luck, this author will get hired by Harlequin where she belongs.
July 20, 2021
Beautiful. Poignant. Heart rending. Stunning. Hopeful. Astounding. A wonderful, nuanced, beautiful written story about love and hope in the darkest of times.
January 9, 2022
Wow!
What a great story fun of humanity, inhumanity, the foilables of humanity, and an unlikely romance. This is a must-read.
What a great story fun of humanity, inhumanity, the foilables of humanity, and an unlikely romance. This is a must-read.
November 25, 2022
❤️ Perfektné!
Chválim každú jednu stranu, každú jednu kapitolu.
Vojnové knihy u mňa nie sú žiadnou novinkou. Keď ma anotácia zaujme, veľmi rada (aj keď to pri vojnových knihách znie divne) ale naozaj rada si niečo nové na túto tému prečítam na knižnom trhu.
Držala som palce Margarete, aby sa jej podarilo zachrániť sa. Bolo mi jej ľúto, ale fakt som celý čas myslela len na to, aby ju nikto neodhalil. Doslova tancovala po tenkom ľade. Margarete bola Židovka. Slúžila v jednej rodine, ktorej členovia po zbombardovaní zahynuli. Napokon prevzala totožnosť dievčiny, ktorej telo ostalo pod troskami domu. Tak sa z Margarete Rosenbaumovej stala Annegrete Huberová.
A potom sa všetko začalo pekne komplikovať. Margarete mala čo robiť, aby sa neodhalila. Až nakoniec Annegrete (Margarete) nevystopoval jej brat Wilhelm Huber… a nebezpečenstvo sa len stupňovalo.
Ďalej nebudem prezrádzať, ale viem s istotou napísať, že som nič podobné nečítala. Príbeh sa čítal sám a celý čas som bola v napätí, či sa Margarete zachráni, čo sa s ňou stane. Bude jej dopriata sloboda? Láska? Prežije niečo z toho? Pocíti úľavu? Veľa otázok mi vírilo v hlave počas čítania a postupne som dostala na všetko odpoveď. Záver ma prekvapil, nečakala som to… prekvapil, ale zároveň aj upokojil…
Zo začiatku som nevedela, že pôjde o sériu. Ale po dočítaní viem s istotou povedať, že potrebujem pokračovanie. Napriek tomu, že kniha nekončila príliš otvorene, nejaký ten záver tam máme. Ale veľmi rada by som si prečítala pokračovanie Margaretinho života. Čo sa s ňou po tom všetkom stalo… Dúfam, že sa mi raz dostane do rúk… ❤️
Chválim každú jednu stranu, každú jednu kapitolu.
Vojnové knihy u mňa nie sú žiadnou novinkou. Keď ma anotácia zaujme, veľmi rada (aj keď to pri vojnových knihách znie divne) ale naozaj rada si niečo nové na túto tému prečítam na knižnom trhu.
Držala som palce Margarete, aby sa jej podarilo zachrániť sa. Bolo mi jej ľúto, ale fakt som celý čas myslela len na to, aby ju nikto neodhalil. Doslova tancovala po tenkom ľade. Margarete bola Židovka. Slúžila v jednej rodine, ktorej členovia po zbombardovaní zahynuli. Napokon prevzala totožnosť dievčiny, ktorej telo ostalo pod troskami domu. Tak sa z Margarete Rosenbaumovej stala Annegrete Huberová.
A potom sa všetko začalo pekne komplikovať. Margarete mala čo robiť, aby sa neodhalila. Až nakoniec Annegrete (Margarete) nevystopoval jej brat Wilhelm Huber… a nebezpečenstvo sa len stupňovalo.
Ďalej nebudem prezrádzať, ale viem s istotou napísať, že som nič podobné nečítala. Príbeh sa čítal sám a celý čas som bola v napätí, či sa Margarete zachráni, čo sa s ňou stane. Bude jej dopriata sloboda? Láska? Prežije niečo z toho? Pocíti úľavu? Veľa otázok mi vírilo v hlave počas čítania a postupne som dostala na všetko odpoveď. Záver ma prekvapil, nečakala som to… prekvapil, ale zároveň aj upokojil…
Zo začiatku som nevedela, že pôjde o sériu. Ale po dočítaní viem s istotou povedať, že potrebujem pokračovanie. Napriek tomu, že kniha nekončila príliš otvorene, nejaký ten záver tam máme. Ale veľmi rada by som si prečítala pokračovanie Margaretinho života. Čo sa s ňou po tom všetkom stalo… Dúfam, že sa mi raz dostane do rúk… ❤️
January 23, 2024
A Light in the Window is the first book in Margarete's Journey series.
Such a breathtaking book. I simply couldn't put this down. A Jewish maid, after the senior Nazi officer, his wife and daughter. Taking the identity papers, she assumes the persona of this woman as she becomes more confident. Not rationalizing how her actions would be seen she goes on the run knowing if the girls' brothers see her the game will be over. As a Jewish woman she sees this as her only chance at freedom in life.
When her former employer's son, an SS officer tracks her down her insists she live with him in Paris and stay hidden. Why would an SS officer want a Jewish woman by his side and how could he possibly be convinced he won't be found out? What will the repercussions be for them both if he is caught? I could feel the fear Margarete was feeling but in spite of all of this she is a very brave woman. I was holding my breath as I was reading, my heart sped up and I couldn't put this down. Completely hooked. I must read the rest of the series to see how this continues to play out.
Pub Date 20 Jul 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Such a breathtaking book. I simply couldn't put this down. A Jewish maid, after the senior Nazi officer, his wife and daughter. Taking the identity papers, she assumes the persona of this woman as she becomes more confident. Not rationalizing how her actions would be seen she goes on the run knowing if the girls' brothers see her the game will be over. As a Jewish woman she sees this as her only chance at freedom in life.
When her former employer's son, an SS officer tracks her down her insists she live with him in Paris and stay hidden. Why would an SS officer want a Jewish woman by his side and how could he possibly be convinced he won't be found out? What will the repercussions be for them both if he is caught? I could feel the fear Margarete was feeling but in spite of all of this she is a very brave woman. I was holding my breath as I was reading, my heart sped up and I couldn't put this down. Completely hooked. I must read the rest of the series to see how this continues to play out.
Pub Date 20 Jul 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
July 22, 2021
It’s 1941 and World War II is raging on and Margarete Rosenbaum is working as a housemaid for a senior Nazi officer. When the house she is working in gets bombed, she is the only survivor. Margarete is mistaken for the officer’s daughter, and she sees it as her opportunity to finally be free. But, when her former employer’s son, Willhem Huber tracks her down he keeps her identity a secret. He wants her to move to Paris with him as his sister. He will go to great lengths to protect her. Wow, this story was so unbelievably amazing, that I almost don’t know what to say. I was so amazed by the endurance, risks and courage people will do to change a life. To protect the one you love and make it through one of the most difficult times in history, is so well written in this story, it will have you flying through the pages unable to stop until the very end. This unforgettable must read, is one that will definitely stick with you long after you finish reading it. This book absolutely needs to be on the top of your to be read pile.
Thank you Marion Kummerow for another emotional and wonderfully written story. The characters were relatable and I highly recommend this book, it was absolutely amazing.
Thank you Marion Kummerow for another emotional and wonderfully written story. The characters were relatable and I highly recommend this book, it was absolutely amazing.
December 27, 2023
Spannend, aber nicht fordernd (gelesen auf zanzibar)
October 1, 2021
This book is terrible, the main guy was an asshole till the end, and their "love relationship" was toxic. I didn't connect with the protagonist, I thought she was going to get involved in the resistance and actually do something important for her people but all she did was enjoy a luxurious paris life while her people were dying
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2021
Do not waste your time
Lingo not of the time and just a bunch of words jumbled together. Horrible does anybody have any suggestions on what book to read.
Lingo not of the time and just a bunch of words jumbled together. Horrible does anybody have any suggestions on what book to read.
August 8, 2021
I really loved Not Without my Sister by Marion Kummerow. So, when I saw that Kummerow had a new book release, A Light in the Window, I knew I had to read it as I really enjoy her writing style and how easily Kummerow can draw you into her stories.
It is 1941 in Berlin and an air raid has just dropped a bomb on the home of Herr and Frau Huber, killing them and their spoilt daughter, Annegrete. Margarete Rosembuam, their Jewish maid is the only survivor. Taking on the identity of Annegrete allows Margarete more freedom in Berlin more so than what she would ever have if she told the SS her true identity. But, her lie comes with a price when Wilhelm Huber, Annegrete’s older brother, becomes aware of her charade and decides to use the ruse to his own advantage.
There are so many things I want to say about the characters in this story, but I am really not sure where to even begin! I have always said that I love stories and characters that can garner a reaction out of me whether it is awe, hate, love, horror, etc. This story certainly did that and I found myself at times wanting to bang my head on my table because Wilhelm was really trying my patience! I absolutely hated him, but yet didn’t. He may not have been sadistic and cruel, but he was still a Nazi and held a lot of the views that Nazi’s held about anyone Jewish. I know this is a hot topic kind of trope of a romance with a Nazi and someone who is Jewish, but both Margarete and Wilhelm really made this story come to life and I think portrayed a love/hate type of relationship with sprinkles of reality.
I wouldn’t say that the ending particularly leaves you on a cliffhanger, but it does make you want to find out what happens next. I am glad to have noticed there will be a sequel to this book!
If you love WWII stories that are a little bit different than the norm, then you will most definitely want to read A Light in the Window.
It is 1941 in Berlin and an air raid has just dropped a bomb on the home of Herr and Frau Huber, killing them and their spoilt daughter, Annegrete. Margarete Rosembuam, their Jewish maid is the only survivor. Taking on the identity of Annegrete allows Margarete more freedom in Berlin more so than what she would ever have if she told the SS her true identity. But, her lie comes with a price when Wilhelm Huber, Annegrete’s older brother, becomes aware of her charade and decides to use the ruse to his own advantage.
There are so many things I want to say about the characters in this story, but I am really not sure where to even begin! I have always said that I love stories and characters that can garner a reaction out of me whether it is awe, hate, love, horror, etc. This story certainly did that and I found myself at times wanting to bang my head on my table because Wilhelm was really trying my patience! I absolutely hated him, but yet didn’t. He may not have been sadistic and cruel, but he was still a Nazi and held a lot of the views that Nazi’s held about anyone Jewish. I know this is a hot topic kind of trope of a romance with a Nazi and someone who is Jewish, but both Margarete and Wilhelm really made this story come to life and I think portrayed a love/hate type of relationship with sprinkles of reality.
I wouldn’t say that the ending particularly leaves you on a cliffhanger, but it does make you want to find out what happens next. I am glad to have noticed there will be a sequel to this book!
If you love WWII stories that are a little bit different than the norm, then you will most definitely want to read A Light in the Window.
August 26, 2024
The book I’m reading is called “A light in the Window” by Marion Kummerow. This is my second book by Marion and won’t be the last. I must say her writing is brilliant and researched, because the characters are very believable, invested, emotionally and thrill with full of twist plot will keep you turning pages to the end. In the first book, she works as a maid for Huber, the parents. In the second book, she had to flee again to Paris to live with a relative where no one knows her until she runs into Wilhelm Huber, the former employer’s son, tracks her down. She has no choice to live with him in Paris, he is determined to keep her hidden and continue to pretend to be his sister under his condition. Eventually, she realises staying hidden in plain sight may be her only chance of survival? Can Margarete trust him or not? You can decide what happens in the next book.
March 20, 2023
Excellent Read About WWII
A great beginning to another great collection about WWII.
A young Jewish woman who works for a high ranking Nazi,is caught in a bombing raid in his home.
He,his wife & daughter are all killed,but she is spared.
The daughter is a few yrs older than Margarete & they resemble somewhat.
She takes the German woman's identity papers & swaps jackets,leaving the one with the yellow star behind.
The two brother's who are both SS are not in the area,but find out,that their sister survived the bombing.
The girl didn't think her actions through, but is going to do whatever it takes to survive.
This story has a great plot & impressive characters,which I think you will enjoy,as I have.
I intend to read the rest of the collection,as soon as possible.
A great beginning to another great collection about WWII.
A young Jewish woman who works for a high ranking Nazi,is caught in a bombing raid in his home.
He,his wife & daughter are all killed,but she is spared.
The daughter is a few yrs older than Margarete & they resemble somewhat.
She takes the German woman's identity papers & swaps jackets,leaving the one with the yellow star behind.
The two brother's who are both SS are not in the area,but find out,that their sister survived the bombing.
The girl didn't think her actions through, but is going to do whatever it takes to survive.
This story has a great plot & impressive characters,which I think you will enjoy,as I have.
I intend to read the rest of the collection,as soon as possible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2023
I really liked this book. A young Jewish woman is a maid in a high ranking German's home when it is bombed. As she climbs out of the rubble she grabs the ID of the daughter and steals her identity. And so begins her life of outsmarting the German Nazi's. It is a captivating story of her journey to stay alive. A very good read.
February 20, 2023
Heartbreaking tale of sensitive proportions. Tinged with ethical dilemmas that cause questioning of deeply held beliefs and ideologies in the main characters. Beautifully written with challenge that pushes the reader to examine the soul of humanity.
May 13, 2024
I really don't like historical fiction as much as I say I like it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews