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The Girl on the Platform
Berlin, 1939: The inspiring true story of Libby Schulze-Boysen, a German girl who refused to back down to the Nazis. In the face of evil, she vowed to live by the truth--or die by it.
"Be brave. Don't run. Fight." With her eyes tightly shut, tears rolling from under her dark lashes, she felt his lips gently touch her burning cheek. The train on the platform whistled, and he disappeared into the steam.
Nineteen-year-old Libby moves to Berlin to escape her suffocating family--but instead of offering freedom, the city is under siege by the Nazis. Jewish books are burned, storefronts smashed and every day innocent people vanish into thin air. Libby cannot--will not--turn a blind eye.
When Libby meets Harro, she knows there's more to him than his dazzling smile and cornflower-blue eyes. The whip marks on his back, scars from the SS, tell his true story: he is a resistance fighter.
Libby and Harro fall madly in love, devoted to each other and to tearing down Hitler's regime. Knowing they can make the greatest difference from the inside, Harro works for the Air Ministry, infiltrating government secrets.
Together, they smuggle classified documents and hold clandestine meetings in the middle of the night, with blackout curtains and a single candle burning. Under the cover of darkness, they distribute leaflets, exposing the Nazis' hideous lies.
In the frostbitten winter of 1942, Libby is certain the Gestapo is stalking them--their every move watched, their phone calls recorded. In the end, they must decide what is more important: to be free or to be brave? To survive or to stand up for the truth?
Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Lilac Girls will be utterly gripped by this heartbreaking page-turner. Based on a true story, this beautiful novel shows that even when our freedom is stolen, we still have a choice...
Readers love Ellie Midwood:
"AMAZING read! I loved this so much!... Sensational... One of the most inspiring love stories of all time... HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND. 100% 5 STARS!!" Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Be brave. Don't run. Fight." With her eyes tightly shut, tears rolling from under her dark lashes, she felt his lips gently touch her burning cheek. The train on the platform whistled, and he disappeared into the steam.
Nineteen-year-old Libby moves to Berlin to escape her suffocating family--but instead of offering freedom, the city is under siege by the Nazis. Jewish books are burned, storefronts smashed and every day innocent people vanish into thin air. Libby cannot--will not--turn a blind eye.
When Libby meets Harro, she knows there's more to him than his dazzling smile and cornflower-blue eyes. The whip marks on his back, scars from the SS, tell his true story: he is a resistance fighter.
Libby and Harro fall madly in love, devoted to each other and to tearing down Hitler's regime. Knowing they can make the greatest difference from the inside, Harro works for the Air Ministry, infiltrating government secrets.
Together, they smuggle classified documents and hold clandestine meetings in the middle of the night, with blackout curtains and a single candle burning. Under the cover of darkness, they distribute leaflets, exposing the Nazis' hideous lies.
In the frostbitten winter of 1942, Libby is certain the Gestapo is stalking them--their every move watched, their phone calls recorded. In the end, they must decide what is more important: to be free or to be brave? To survive or to stand up for the truth?
Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Lilac Girls will be utterly gripped by this heartbreaking page-turner. Based on a true story, this beautiful novel shows that even when our freedom is stolen, we still have a choice...
Readers love Ellie Midwood:
"AMAZING read! I loved this so much!... Sensational... One of the most inspiring love stories of all time... HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND. 100% 5 STARS!!" Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2021
2196 people are currently reading
2469 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Midwood
43 books1,159 followersEllie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author, whose works have been translated into 20 languages. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, "The Girl from Berlin." Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
October 24, 2021
TWO GERMAN RESISTANCE FIGHTERS TAKE ON THE REICH
WWII stories are often about resistance. But this is the first story I have read about resistance from within Germany, resistance by "true Aryans". It made for a new reading experience for me with a different take on the familiar trope of resistance.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Plot: Hitler came to power in 1933. And this is where our story begin. We follow a group of Germans, who slowly realise what Hitler's new regime means not just for themselves but for their country and for humanity. I found this to be a very original approach to a WWII novel. Most of the story unfolds before the war even breaks out. In stead it explores the steps that let up to the way - and perhaps most importantly, it explores why the people 'permitted' Hitler to carry on unchecked.
Characters: Harro and Libs are our main characters, and they are adorable. Their affection, their love, their tenacity and their hope is infectious. I fell in love with them and their romance right off the bat. I felt their love flowing off the pages and it made me so happy.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Pace: While I loved that much of the story took place before the war, I also did feel like the pacing was a little slow. Not because I wanted to get to the war faster. But because I wanted to get to the point faster. The central theme of the book - resistance - was a little slow. There's a lot of stuff that leads up to it, and some of it could have been cut or made more pertinent.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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WWII stories are often about resistance. But this is the first story I have read about resistance from within Germany, resistance by "true Aryans". It made for a new reading experience for me with a different take on the familiar trope of resistance.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Plot: Hitler came to power in 1933. And this is where our story begin. We follow a group of Germans, who slowly realise what Hitler's new regime means not just for themselves but for their country and for humanity. I found this to be a very original approach to a WWII novel. Most of the story unfolds before the war even breaks out. In stead it explores the steps that let up to the way - and perhaps most importantly, it explores why the people 'permitted' Hitler to carry on unchecked.
Characters: Harro and Libs are our main characters, and they are adorable. Their affection, their love, their tenacity and their hope is infectious. I fell in love with them and their romance right off the bat. I felt their love flowing off the pages and it made me so happy.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Pace: While I loved that much of the story took place before the war, I also did feel like the pacing was a little slow. Not because I wanted to get to the war faster. But because I wanted to get to the point faster. The central theme of the book - resistance - was a little slow. There's a lot of stuff that leads up to it, and some of it could have been cut or made more pertinent.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: 11 Ways to Get over a Reading Slump
September 25, 2021
"Bravery in the face of fear." Every day Libertas and Harro lived could be their last. When they met their lives would be changed forever. Libertas was a film reviewer, and had hoped to make that a career. But her home city Berlin had come under Nazi occupation thus the very freedom she longed for was obliterated. Not fully knowing how far she would go, she knew one thing. She would fight. How she did not know.
When Libertas met Harro, he was able to trust her - with the scars that marred his beautiful body, and with his story. As a resistance fighter he would do anything to defy Hitler and his minions. Libertas and Harro were kindred spirits. They did not allow Nazi propaganda to sway them, although being born German. Re-education and gradualism was at play for German citizens in Berlin. Could the pair work together, despite unrelenting danger, both pushing fear aside and demonstrating incredible bravery in their efforts?
Harro used his work in the Air Ministry office to inflitrate the regime, to learn secrets. To trade secrets. To smuggle secrets. However, in order to do so, trust was paramount. Libertas's role was no less significant. Who would they work with and could they find others who shared a similar purpose without betrayal playing a hand?
What an incredible story based on the lives of Libertas and Harro Schulz-Boysen. They were a strong pair of resistance fighters, using whatever contacts they could find to futher the cause they relentlessly undertook. They displayed a hope that proved their reality. They developed a careful plan of rebellion, one that would eventually cost them their lives. However, they did not live a life of fear, instead, they led a life of bravery.
Ellie Midwood has done it again. She has penned an astonishing story based on true characters. This love story showed how Libertas and Harro displayed amazing bravery despite the bleakest of times. Heartbreaking throughout, with a devastating end, it was a story well told. One that needed to be told and one that will not soon be forgotten.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 21, 2023
3.5 /5
Based on the true life of a young German couple Harro and Libertas Schulze-Boysen. Harro and Libby were a loving couple with a liberal philosophy. Their common goal was to spread the truth of Nazi horrors by whatever clandestine means at their disposal.
This book is unusual in that it is told from the perspective of native Germans Libby and Harro living in Berlin during WWII who oppose Hitler & the entire Nazi regime and surround themselves with like-minded people who did what they could to spread truth to other Germans – all of which put them in grave danger.
I liked the idea of reading about Germans who opposed the Nazis operating inside Germany. I liked how brave and determined this couple were in spite of the danger to themselves and their close confidants.
Too bad I had to reduce my rating due to the writing which, for me, became bogged down especially in the middle of the book with unnecessary filler all of which had me drifting and skipping passages. But I applaud the author because her intentions are clear in bringing this real life German couple to her readers.
However: I have no idea why the book title is: “The Girl on the Platform” – which platform? Which girl?
Based on the true life of a young German couple Harro and Libertas Schulze-Boysen. Harro and Libby were a loving couple with a liberal philosophy. Their common goal was to spread the truth of Nazi horrors by whatever clandestine means at their disposal.
This book is unusual in that it is told from the perspective of native Germans Libby and Harro living in Berlin during WWII who oppose Hitler & the entire Nazi regime and surround themselves with like-minded people who did what they could to spread truth to other Germans – all of which put them in grave danger.
I liked the idea of reading about Germans who opposed the Nazis operating inside Germany. I liked how brave and determined this couple were in spite of the danger to themselves and their close confidants.
Too bad I had to reduce my rating due to the writing which, for me, became bogged down especially in the middle of the book with unnecessary filler all of which had me drifting and skipping passages. But I applaud the author because her intentions are clear in bringing this real life German couple to her readers.
However: I have no idea why the book title is: “The Girl on the Platform” – which platform? Which girl?
September 14, 2021
This is an historical fiction love story set in Berlin 1939 at the start of WW2 written by Eddie Midwood. I really enjoy reading historical fiction stories but was a little unsure when I discovered it was a love story but the more I read the more I enjoyed it. I don’t think it is an ideal fit for my tastes but was well written with good characters and was an enjoyable read.
Based on a true story, featuring Nineteen-year-old Libby who moves to Berlin to escape her over bearing family. The problem is this is 1939 and the city is under siege by the Nazis. Jewish books are burned, storefronts smashed and every day innocent people vanish into thin air. Libby is shocked but won’t just sit back and ignore what is happening.
Libby meets Harro and they fall in love, the whip marks on his back, scars from the SS, tell their own story: he is a resistance fighter. They are both committed to bringing down Hitler and all he stands for and through Harro who works for the Air Ministry they can obtain government secrets to use against the regime.
After awhile Libby becomes paranoid and she feels sure that the Gestapo is on to them, putting their lives in danger. They must decide whether to escape or stand up for all they believe in.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Based on a true story, featuring Nineteen-year-old Libby who moves to Berlin to escape her over bearing family. The problem is this is 1939 and the city is under siege by the Nazis. Jewish books are burned, storefronts smashed and every day innocent people vanish into thin air. Libby is shocked but won’t just sit back and ignore what is happening.
Libby meets Harro and they fall in love, the whip marks on his back, scars from the SS, tell their own story: he is a resistance fighter. They are both committed to bringing down Hitler and all he stands for and through Harro who works for the Air Ministry they can obtain government secrets to use against the regime.
After awhile Libby becomes paranoid and she feels sure that the Gestapo is on to them, putting their lives in danger. They must decide whether to escape or stand up for all they believe in.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2021
I can't say the Red Orchestra are counted amongst the German resisters I know the most about, but I do find Libertas Schulze-Boysen an interesting person, and was glad to discover this new novel by Ellie Midwood, an author I noticed is writing many WWII books telling stories of real people who lived through it and found themselves on the wrong side of the law the Nazis had imposed.
Artistically-inclined and charming, Libertas came from an old Prussian family (her grandfather was a prince and her mother a countess) and grew up privileged in a countryside castle, moving to glamorous Berlin before she hit 20, looking for a life that would make a difference, preferably as a creative. There, she finds work in the MGM studios, which exposes her to the censorship and extreme propaganda and anti-Semitism that Goebbels' ministry forces the press and cinema world to comply with. She feels repulsed, but doesn't see a way to rebel until she meets the man who would become her husband, Harro Schulze-Boysen, a man with a past in the files of the Gestapo due to politically incorrect journalism.
They fall madly in love, and having found they share values and opposition to the Nazis, they come up with a plan to create a resistance group that'll be known as the Red Orchestra, one of the longest-running resistance cells in Germany, that had members the likes of Arvid Harnack and his wife Mildred, the only American executed in Germany for anti-Nazi activities, and inspired other resisters that the novel doesn't give much page time to. Taking advantage of Harro's post at Göring's Luftwaffe headquarters, they both pass on state secrets to the Soviets about German war plans, and also print & distribute leaflets warning people about what horrendous things the government is doing. With Hitler in power, it isn't hard to imagine how their brave work ended.
The novel has a very slow-paced start, so you'll need to be persistent if you don't want to abandon early. Practically nothing happens in the first half, only a series of scenes from Libertas' early years in Berlin that seem to be there for showcasing the increasingly ominous turn the new Chancellor's rule is taking. Libs, as she's called by friends, is also portrayed as rather vapidly naïve at times, which isn't exactly how Frau Schulze-Boysen was in real life. And in the initial chapters following her meeting of and marriage to Harro, the focus is on a glamorised "bohemian" life that, in my opinion, fails to be as fascinating as we are told it is. Both her and her husband strike me as rather bored people with airy-fairy intellectual pretensions rather than artistic souls with unconventional panache; and the problem is that we're told more than actually shown them as they're supposed to be onpage. But the book improves on the second half, when the couple get deep into their subversive activities, which grow in number of accomplices and in reach, and the story becomes more engrossing from there on.
I noticed that the writing has improved regarding the long paragraphs made the flow difficult in the other book by this author I read, but the tendency to italicise inner dialogue improperly still stays. In this, the POV style used is Third Person Limited, so when there's inner dialogue/thoughts, the italicised lines should be written in First Person POV. Instead, the italicised inner monologue is weirdly kept in Third Person, resulting in Libertas referring to herself in the third person, as if she were a Julius Caesar wannabe. The author really needs to be more careful with how she writes and italicises inner monologue, because the styles experimented with so far haven't been done properly: in the other novel, the first person narrative didn't need italicising to indicate inner monologue, it's already there by default, and now this, which is arguably worse.
Also, the final scene has a happy tone that feels rather incongruous with what's going on. The Schulze-Boysens' is not a happy story. It's a story of bravery, of doing the right thing (even if there's a point to be made about trying to topple a murderous dictatorship by aiding another murderous dictatorship), of fighting for freedom, and of hope; but not a happy one. I don't think it fit their tragic destiny, but I do understand that it goes with the character of the Schulze-Boysens as they are portrayed in this novel.
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a review.
Artistically-inclined and charming, Libertas came from an old Prussian family (her grandfather was a prince and her mother a countess) and grew up privileged in a countryside castle, moving to glamorous Berlin before she hit 20, looking for a life that would make a difference, preferably as a creative. There, she finds work in the MGM studios, which exposes her to the censorship and extreme propaganda and anti-Semitism that Goebbels' ministry forces the press and cinema world to comply with. She feels repulsed, but doesn't see a way to rebel until she meets the man who would become her husband, Harro Schulze-Boysen, a man with a past in the files of the Gestapo due to politically incorrect journalism.
They fall madly in love, and having found they share values and opposition to the Nazis, they come up with a plan to create a resistance group that'll be known as the Red Orchestra, one of the longest-running resistance cells in Germany, that had members the likes of Arvid Harnack and his wife Mildred, the only American executed in Germany for anti-Nazi activities, and inspired other resisters that the novel doesn't give much page time to. Taking advantage of Harro's post at Göring's Luftwaffe headquarters, they both pass on state secrets to the Soviets about German war plans, and also print & distribute leaflets warning people about what horrendous things the government is doing. With Hitler in power, it isn't hard to imagine how their brave work ended.
The novel has a very slow-paced start, so you'll need to be persistent if you don't want to abandon early. Practically nothing happens in the first half, only a series of scenes from Libertas' early years in Berlin that seem to be there for showcasing the increasingly ominous turn the new Chancellor's rule is taking. Libs, as she's called by friends, is also portrayed as rather vapidly naïve at times, which isn't exactly how Frau Schulze-Boysen was in real life. And in the initial chapters following her meeting of and marriage to Harro, the focus is on a glamorised "bohemian" life that, in my opinion, fails to be as fascinating as we are told it is. Both her and her husband strike me as rather bored people with airy-fairy intellectual pretensions rather than artistic souls with unconventional panache; and the problem is that we're told more than actually shown them as they're supposed to be onpage. But the book improves on the second half, when the couple get deep into their subversive activities, which grow in number of accomplices and in reach, and the story becomes more engrossing from there on.
I noticed that the writing has improved regarding the long paragraphs made the flow difficult in the other book by this author I read, but the tendency to italicise inner dialogue improperly still stays. In this, the POV style used is Third Person Limited, so when there's inner dialogue/thoughts, the italicised lines should be written in First Person POV. Instead, the italicised inner monologue is weirdly kept in Third Person, resulting in Libertas referring to herself in the third person, as if she were a Julius Caesar wannabe. The author really needs to be more careful with how she writes and italicises inner monologue, because the styles experimented with so far haven't been done properly: in the other novel, the first person narrative didn't need italicising to indicate inner monologue, it's already there by default, and now this, which is arguably worse.
Also, the final scene has a happy tone that feels rather incongruous with what's going on. The Schulze-Boysens' is not a happy story. It's a story of bravery, of doing the right thing (even if there's a point to be made about trying to topple a murderous dictatorship by aiding another murderous dictatorship), of fighting for freedom, and of hope; but not a happy one. I don't think it fit their tragic destiny, but I do understand that it goes with the character of the Schulze-Boysens as they are portrayed in this novel.
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a review.
October 16, 2021
Libertas moved to Berlin to get away from her family, but it wasn’t any better there. Hitler was in control.
Libertas worked at MGM studios and saw what was going on.
The first incident that caused her to think about resisting was when her friend Martin disappeared one day and she was summoned to the offices of the Germans to sign a paper saying he had committed suicide when in fact he was thrown out of the window of his apartment.
Libertas continues to work at the MGM studios offices, and once Libertas meets Harro, she seems as happy as she can be under the situation in Berlin.
This story is based on the life of Libertas Schulze-Boysen and follows Libertas as she and Harro join the resistance.
Very tense and heartbreaking as you see the harrowing, awful things they go through.
A little too non-fictionish for me, but excellent and very well written.
Readers of historical fiction and specifically WWII will enjoy THE GIRL ON THE PLATFORM.
Gorgeous cover. 4/5
This book was given to me by Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Libertas worked at MGM studios and saw what was going on.
The first incident that caused her to think about resisting was when her friend Martin disappeared one day and she was summoned to the offices of the Germans to sign a paper saying he had committed suicide when in fact he was thrown out of the window of his apartment.
Libertas continues to work at the MGM studios offices, and once Libertas meets Harro, she seems as happy as she can be under the situation in Berlin.
This story is based on the life of Libertas Schulze-Boysen and follows Libertas as she and Harro join the resistance.
Very tense and heartbreaking as you see the harrowing, awful things they go through.
A little too non-fictionish for me, but excellent and very well written.
Readers of historical fiction and specifically WWII will enjoy THE GIRL ON THE PLATFORM.
Gorgeous cover. 4/5
This book was given to me by Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this novel set in 1933 up to the middle of WWII. Like many novels set in these times, this story is about Resistance. However, and that is unusual as well as particularly interesting, the novel deals with resistance in Germany, with Germans against Hitler's regime! This is more than based on true people as a lot of information about these is available. The novel shows not only the courage to do what they did, but also the constant tension, fear and anxiety they lived in every single day: whom can they trust (and to what extent?); are they being followed; should they stop now? A great, captivating story of incredible people worth knowing about!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel for free in exhange of a honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel for free in exhange of a honest review.
September 23, 2021
Which is more important: to be free and survive OR to be brave and stand for the truth?
It really depends on the situation, doesn’t it? How about if you are hungry, desperate and the gestapo is nipping at your heels? Can you still, when facing evil in the eye, vow to live by the truth or die by it? That is the question that Libby and Harro must contemplate and make a decision about in the winter of 1942.
Like most teenagers today, when Libertas Haas-Heye, 19, leaves home, it’s to enjoy a taste of freedom. Naïve, wide-eyed and privileged, Libby wants to move to glitzy Berlin and make a difference in the world. However, the timing couldn’t be worse for her arrival in Berlin; the Nazis have the city under siege. Horror struck, Libby feels that she can’t ignore what’s happening around her. She uses her position at the MGM studios to gain access to privileged information and strengthen her fight.
Harro Schulze-Boysin works at the Air Ministry and has been climbing the ranks within the Nazi army. Disillusioned with the regime, he, too, uses his position to fight from within. When he meets Libby, they fall in love, join forces to smuggle documents and work to expose the Nazi lies.
As is always the case with one of Ellie Midwood’s masterpieces in historical fiction, I learned while I read. I was enlightened about the Red Orchestra, the longest operating resistance group within Germany. I appreciate the lengths Midwood goes to ensuring readers get a change to know lesser known heroes who have given their lives for freedom and have inspired so many others to follow in their heroic steps. Almost based entirely on true facts, this novel showcases the opportunity to choose even when we think a choice or our freedom has been taken from us.
Told from a unique perspective, a privileged German girl who joins the Resistance, this is a fascinating look at the German resistance to Nazism. For historical fiction lovers who want to expand their wartime knowledge, this is a must read!
Publishes October 13, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Ellie Midwood, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
It really depends on the situation, doesn’t it? How about if you are hungry, desperate and the gestapo is nipping at your heels? Can you still, when facing evil in the eye, vow to live by the truth or die by it? That is the question that Libby and Harro must contemplate and make a decision about in the winter of 1942.
Like most teenagers today, when Libertas Haas-Heye, 19, leaves home, it’s to enjoy a taste of freedom. Naïve, wide-eyed and privileged, Libby wants to move to glitzy Berlin and make a difference in the world. However, the timing couldn’t be worse for her arrival in Berlin; the Nazis have the city under siege. Horror struck, Libby feels that she can’t ignore what’s happening around her. She uses her position at the MGM studios to gain access to privileged information and strengthen her fight.
Harro Schulze-Boysin works at the Air Ministry and has been climbing the ranks within the Nazi army. Disillusioned with the regime, he, too, uses his position to fight from within. When he meets Libby, they fall in love, join forces to smuggle documents and work to expose the Nazi lies.
As is always the case with one of Ellie Midwood’s masterpieces in historical fiction, I learned while I read. I was enlightened about the Red Orchestra, the longest operating resistance group within Germany. I appreciate the lengths Midwood goes to ensuring readers get a change to know lesser known heroes who have given their lives for freedom and have inspired so many others to follow in their heroic steps. Almost based entirely on true facts, this novel showcases the opportunity to choose even when we think a choice or our freedom has been taken from us.
Told from a unique perspective, a privileged German girl who joins the Resistance, this is a fascinating look at the German resistance to Nazism. For historical fiction lovers who want to expand their wartime knowledge, this is a must read!
Publishes October 13, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Ellie Midwood, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 30, 2021
An aspiring, artistic soul descended from Prussian aristocracy, her Uncle Wend a major contributor to the burgeoning Nazi Party, Libertas (Libs) becomes a member of the Party in order to secure employment at Metro-Goldwyn Studios in Germany in the early 1930s.
Being young and naive about politics, her eyes are quickly opened by the effects the Law For The Restoration of the Professional Civil Services is having in her country. Jews are being ostracized and losing jobs to make room for “beautiful, purebred Aryans.”
The studio is busy removing all history of former German filmmakers who were Jewish, one of which is Fritz Lang, whom Libs accidently bumps into on a train platform as he is trying to escape Germany before it’s too late.
Making connections with others in the movie industry, Libs learns that Minister Goebbels isn’t just interested in Jews, but socialists and communists. Those who can work in the movie industry must be dedicated to glorifying the new Germany, as well as the heritage of the German people, vilifying those who don’t fit. She watches on as art and literature are banned, and attends a book burning.
One of her new acquaintances is Martin Tressler. Libs soon after receives a summons from the Gestapo. They want her to sign a document attesting to Mr. Tressler’s suicidal tendencies. When she protests, they inform her that the man she talked to a few days ago is already dead, jumped from a window. Still, Libs refuses to sign and the Gestapo let her go, informing her that plenty of others have already signed. Libs contemplates quitting her job.
A friend introduces her to a handsome man named Harro who works in the Air Ministry. In short time they fall in love, and she learns that Harro was once detained by the SS and brutally beaten. He watched as they killed his best friend. And as it turns out, this event has a connection with the death of Martin Tressler. Harro has been trying to remain quiet about his past subversive activity but with Libs at his side, they begin working for the resistance. They use their jobs to gather information, create posters and smuggle out information, eventually dealing with the Soviet Embassy in Paris and the Red Orchestra.
Libs and Harro experience successes and losses along the way until … well, you’ll have to read the book to find out what happens to them.
I’ve read a lot of Author Ellie Midwood’s books and they never fail to impress. The Girl on the Platform is based on real characters, on real heroes. The tale absorbs the reader into that horrible time period and holds them hostage. And as always, her work points a small spotlight on troubles plaguing our world today. I highly recommend this book. Five Stars!
Being young and naive about politics, her eyes are quickly opened by the effects the Law For The Restoration of the Professional Civil Services is having in her country. Jews are being ostracized and losing jobs to make room for “beautiful, purebred Aryans.”
The studio is busy removing all history of former German filmmakers who were Jewish, one of which is Fritz Lang, whom Libs accidently bumps into on a train platform as he is trying to escape Germany before it’s too late.
Making connections with others in the movie industry, Libs learns that Minister Goebbels isn’t just interested in Jews, but socialists and communists. Those who can work in the movie industry must be dedicated to glorifying the new Germany, as well as the heritage of the German people, vilifying those who don’t fit. She watches on as art and literature are banned, and attends a book burning.
One of her new acquaintances is Martin Tressler. Libs soon after receives a summons from the Gestapo. They want her to sign a document attesting to Mr. Tressler’s suicidal tendencies. When she protests, they inform her that the man she talked to a few days ago is already dead, jumped from a window. Still, Libs refuses to sign and the Gestapo let her go, informing her that plenty of others have already signed. Libs contemplates quitting her job.
A friend introduces her to a handsome man named Harro who works in the Air Ministry. In short time they fall in love, and she learns that Harro was once detained by the SS and brutally beaten. He watched as they killed his best friend. And as it turns out, this event has a connection with the death of Martin Tressler. Harro has been trying to remain quiet about his past subversive activity but with Libs at his side, they begin working for the resistance. They use their jobs to gather information, create posters and smuggle out information, eventually dealing with the Soviet Embassy in Paris and the Red Orchestra.
Libs and Harro experience successes and losses along the way until … well, you’ll have to read the book to find out what happens to them.
I’ve read a lot of Author Ellie Midwood’s books and they never fail to impress. The Girl on the Platform is based on real characters, on real heroes. The tale absorbs the reader into that horrible time period and holds them hostage. And as always, her work points a small spotlight on troubles plaguing our world today. I highly recommend this book. Five Stars!
September 13, 2021
Thank you, the publisher and NetGalley, for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was hungry to read a historical fiction book where the events took place during WWII. When I saw this book and read the description, I knew that I needed to read it! Yes, I launched my happy dance when the publisher approved my request. And the novel didn’t disappoint.
We follow the beautiful Libretas, who had some thoughts that were against Hitler's regime, and this was particularly breathtaking ( considering that her uncle was a high-ranked man) that was a friend with Hitler himself!
Now she chose to live the Bohemia lifestyle with Harro (a free thinker ). They both used their jobs in the film industry to cover up their actual activity: bring Hitler down.
What do I need more than that? I was sold!
The “Based on true story” was all I wanted to keep me reading the story because the pace was sometimes slow-especially at the beginning.
The first thing I noticed was the book is rich with information I had no idea about. So for me, besides entertaining, it was informative.
The writing style was simply excellent. The author did a great job in keeping me focused and understanding what the characters want and what were their motivations. All of them, with no exception, came alive on the pages, even if they weren’t important to the plot. (Erich Tischendrof for example)
I recommend this book for all historical-fiction readers.
I was hungry to read a historical fiction book where the events took place during WWII. When I saw this book and read the description, I knew that I needed to read it! Yes, I launched my happy dance when the publisher approved my request. And the novel didn’t disappoint.
We follow the beautiful Libretas, who had some thoughts that were against Hitler's regime, and this was particularly breathtaking ( considering that her uncle was a high-ranked man) that was a friend with Hitler himself!
Now she chose to live the Bohemia lifestyle with Harro (a free thinker ). They both used their jobs in the film industry to cover up their actual activity: bring Hitler down.
What do I need more than that? I was sold!
The “Based on true story” was all I wanted to keep me reading the story because the pace was sometimes slow-especially at the beginning.
The first thing I noticed was the book is rich with information I had no idea about. So for me, besides entertaining, it was informative.
The writing style was simply excellent. The author did a great job in keeping me focused and understanding what the characters want and what were their motivations. All of them, with no exception, came alive on the pages, even if they weren’t important to the plot. (Erich Tischendrof for example)
I recommend this book for all historical-fiction readers.
October 18, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Girl In The Platform' by Ellie Midwood.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Ellie Midwood, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 13th October 2021.
This is the fifth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Girl Who Escaped Auschwitz', 'The Girl In The Striped Dress', 'The Girl Who Survived' and 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz' which I also recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover, its intriguing synopsis and title and its extremely talented author. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Lilac Girls will be utterly gripped by this heartbreaking page-turner. ' I am a huge fan of 'The Tattooist Of Aushcwitz' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Ellie and if this is half as good as' The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz', 'The Girl Who Survived', 'the Girl In The Striped Dress' and 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz ' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 35 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is set mainly in Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Libby Schulze-Boysen . The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Girl On The Platform' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Ellie discusses/includes the persecution of the Jews, murder and death.
Well, what can I say but wow!!! This story is definitely not going to leave my head anytime soon. Firstly I must congratulate Ellie Midwood for yet another extraordinary novel that seriously needs to be made into a movie which I assure would be best selling!!!
This book is very powerful and extremely well written. It is devastatingly heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. The storyline of this book is based on a true story which is another thing that drew me to read it. It is absolutely rammed with emotions that will make you smile, cry and laugh on the roller-coaster ride to hell that is World War 2 and the persecution and murder of the Jews and many others. Nothing is left out and the author has done an immense amount of research and brings Liberta and Harro's story to life. Liberta, Harro and their comrades are such powerful, strong and kind hearted heroes and I am looking forward to reading more about them. I had never heard of either before reading this but have read 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz', 'Celia' s Journey', 'The tattooist of Aushcwitz', 'The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz,' The Girl Who Survived' and 'The librarian of Aushcwitz', all of which I enjoyed so when I seen this I was intrigued to discover the ongoing of the war through another person's eyes and from a different perspective also. All of Ellie's books that I have read so far are based in holocaust camps, mainly Auschwitz, so I was intrigued when I read this book to see what was going on in Germany and how some brave German's were doing their part to try and stop the slaughter and war by becoming a part of the resistance. I have now also added many books to my wish list thanks to Ellie, her own and ones that she recommends at the end of this story. This story is particularly unique as it is not one I have ever come across before seeing things from the German resistance side of the war.
This book did not disappoint. Some people believe that these stories should not be written but I am a strong believer that these victims earned the right for their stories to be told and to not be forgotten and this book does just that. I loved discovering not just Liberta and Harro's stories but those who surrounded them also. This amazing group of people who supported and lifted each other up during these dark times and helping them see the light are absolutely... Words can't really describe but I will go with angelic. This book was very hard to read as a whole but there were certain parts that will stay with me for a very long time and that we're soul destroying. What the Nazi's did to these innocent people makes me absolutely sick to my soul. I enjoyed learning about the loves of not only Liberta and Horro but the life's and parts of the resistance that Ricci, Gisela, Hans Coppi, Lisl, Kurt, Arvid, Günther Weisenborn, Martin and many more played.
Again congratulations Ellie Midwood on all your research and for writing this amazing story of both Libertas and Horro and other resistance members who deserved to have their stories told in a way that did them justice and you have done that. I would say this book is on par with the likes of 'The' diary of Anne Frank' which left me with the same feelings your novel has of not even more emotional.
Overall an unputdownable, heart wrenching, absolutely beautifully devastating story of lesser known heroes of the war.
Genres covered in this novel include War Story, Romance Novel and Jewish History amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Ellie Midwood, The Tattooist of Aushcwitz, The Librarian of Aushcwitz, 'Celia's Journey', 'The Diary of Anne Frank' and anyone interested in the holocaust and its history.
351 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheGirlOnThePlatform #Bookouture #EllieMidwood #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EllieMidwood @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
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Review for 'The Girl In The Platform' by Ellie Midwood.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Ellie Midwood, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 13th October 2021.
This is the fifth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Girl Who Escaped Auschwitz', 'The Girl In The Striped Dress', 'The Girl Who Survived' and 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz' which I also recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover, its intriguing synopsis and title and its extremely talented author. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Lilac Girls will be utterly gripped by this heartbreaking page-turner. ' I am a huge fan of 'The Tattooist Of Aushcwitz' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Ellie and if this is half as good as' The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz', 'The Girl Who Survived', 'the Girl In The Striped Dress' and 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz ' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 35 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is set mainly in Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Libby Schulze-Boysen . The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Girl On The Platform' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Ellie discusses/includes the persecution of the Jews, murder and death.
Well, what can I say but wow!!! This story is definitely not going to leave my head anytime soon. Firstly I must congratulate Ellie Midwood for yet another extraordinary novel that seriously needs to be made into a movie which I assure would be best selling!!!
This book is very powerful and extremely well written. It is devastatingly heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. The storyline of this book is based on a true story which is another thing that drew me to read it. It is absolutely rammed with emotions that will make you smile, cry and laugh on the roller-coaster ride to hell that is World War 2 and the persecution and murder of the Jews and many others. Nothing is left out and the author has done an immense amount of research and brings Liberta and Harro's story to life. Liberta, Harro and their comrades are such powerful, strong and kind hearted heroes and I am looking forward to reading more about them. I had never heard of either before reading this but have read 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz', 'Celia' s Journey', 'The tattooist of Aushcwitz', 'The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz,' The Girl Who Survived' and 'The librarian of Aushcwitz', all of which I enjoyed so when I seen this I was intrigued to discover the ongoing of the war through another person's eyes and from a different perspective also. All of Ellie's books that I have read so far are based in holocaust camps, mainly Auschwitz, so I was intrigued when I read this book to see what was going on in Germany and how some brave German's were doing their part to try and stop the slaughter and war by becoming a part of the resistance. I have now also added many books to my wish list thanks to Ellie, her own and ones that she recommends at the end of this story. This story is particularly unique as it is not one I have ever come across before seeing things from the German resistance side of the war.
This book did not disappoint. Some people believe that these stories should not be written but I am a strong believer that these victims earned the right for their stories to be told and to not be forgotten and this book does just that. I loved discovering not just Liberta and Harro's stories but those who surrounded them also. This amazing group of people who supported and lifted each other up during these dark times and helping them see the light are absolutely... Words can't really describe but I will go with angelic. This book was very hard to read as a whole but there were certain parts that will stay with me for a very long time and that we're soul destroying. What the Nazi's did to these innocent people makes me absolutely sick to my soul. I enjoyed learning about the loves of not only Liberta and Horro but the life's and parts of the resistance that Ricci, Gisela, Hans Coppi, Lisl, Kurt, Arvid, Günther Weisenborn, Martin and many more played.
Again congratulations Ellie Midwood on all your research and for writing this amazing story of both Libertas and Horro and other resistance members who deserved to have their stories told in a way that did them justice and you have done that. I would say this book is on par with the likes of 'The' diary of Anne Frank' which left me with the same feelings your novel has of not even more emotional.
Overall an unputdownable, heart wrenching, absolutely beautifully devastating story of lesser known heroes of the war.
Genres covered in this novel include War Story, Romance Novel and Jewish History amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Ellie Midwood, The Tattooist of Aushcwitz, The Librarian of Aushcwitz, 'Celia's Journey', 'The Diary of Anne Frank' and anyone interested in the holocaust and its history.
351 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheGirlOnThePlatform #Bookouture #EllieMidwood #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EllieMidwood @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
October 27, 2021
Another brilliant masterpiece by Ellie Midwood! I loved Harro and Libertas’s story.
October 8, 2021
There are a countless amount of books set within or around Germany during the rise and fall of Hitler and the second world war. Many are pure fiction whilst others are fictionalised accounts based on true events and people. Each of them are heartbreaking in their heartfelt recounting of life in Germany under Hitler's harsh regime or in the concentration camps such as Auschwitz. But THE GIRL ON THE PLATFORM is a little different in the fact that is based on the inspiring true story of one woman's refusal to live by the Nazi regime or to back down to them. Through her comes the story of a brave resistance fought to the bitter end as she lived up to her name - Libertas, a freedom fighter - for Germany's freedom.
She was just 19 years old when Libertas (Libs) moved to Berlin in search of freedom from her otherwise suffocating family. But what she finds there is a city under seige by the Nazis. A harsh regime that takes away freedom and liberties from those classified as sub-human - Jews, homosexuals, communists - and "deporting" or rehoming them to death camps or just killing them where they stand for the fun of it. Jewish books are burned, as are those who do not meet the Nazi propaganda requirements, shops are smashed and looted and innocent people disappear without a trace.
Libs gets a job working as a publicist for MGM studios, liaising with journalists and editors. She is horrified to see the stars and famous faces being pulled from the gallery and their nameplates removed only to be replaced with those supporting the new regime under which Germany now finds itself, simply for being or having Jewish ties. Libs believes in freedom but is quickly learning that in the new Germany there is no such thing.
Then whilst sunbathing on her friend's boat one day, wearing a two piece bathing suit made illegal under the new regime as it goes against the Nazi's personification of the good German woman, she meets Harro. Almost at once, the couple are dazzled by the other and begin an affair of sorts living a bohemian lifestyle, also frowned upon by the new regime. Libs know there is more to Harro than his dazzling smile and his blue eyes. The scars on his back, whipped by the SS, tell their own story. Harro is a resistance fighter. and together they will make Germany the people's again.
Working for the Air Ministry, Harro rises through the ranks, infiltrating Nazi secrets. He cringes each time he must laugh at their racist jokes and share in their combined thoughts unified to make Germany great again under the Nazi regime. His position is imperative to gain inside intel into government secrets which he can then move on through their resistance cell to stop Hitler's advance to power. Together, Harro and Libs smuggle classified documents and hold clandestine meetings with blackout curtains under the cover of darkness. And then, they begin to distribute leaflets exposing the Nazi's lies, sending them all over the city and beyond in the hope they will tear down the regime that now strangles their once beloved country.
But after nearly ten years of resistance fighting and three years at war, Libs begins to notice strange occurrences. The same man outside their apartment each night seemingly reading a newspaper, a click on their phone line, a prickling sensation that tells her they are being watched.
And then the unthinkable...Harro disappears. And Libs is frantic with worry trying to find out where he may be. Nothing else matters as long as she can see him again...and only then will they decide what is more important - to be free or to be brave?
THE GIRL ON THE PLATFORM is not what I expected, though I'm not sure what I did expect. After reading "The Girl in the Striped Dress" which I totally loved and bawled my way through, I guess I was expecting something similar, but this story is a different one. It is absorbing as you step into the past and live alongside Libs and Harro but I found it didn't engage me quite as much as "The Girl in the Striped Dress" . It is slow to start as Libs begins work with MGM and I wondered what the significance of that was, and in some parts I did find the story drag a little. However, that being said, it is still a heartbreaking story where its end is inevitable, though I didn't find myself reaching for the tissues as I have in other similar tales.
Overall, THE GIRL ON THE PLATFORM is an eye-opening account of life as a resistance fighter living under the radar of the Nazi regime with the threat of death should you be caught. It is most certainly not a life I would embrace but it is one that I admire. They stood up for the truth, for the people and for the good of the Germany they loved and weren't afraid of the consequences. It was most certainly brave and very admirable.
THE GIRL ON THE PLATFORM is perfect for fans of historical fiction who enjoy stories surrounding the Holocaust and wartime Germany and readers of Suzanne Kelman, Lily Graham and Marion Kummerow.
I would like to thank #EllieMidwood, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGirlOnThePlatform in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
She was just 19 years old when Libertas (Libs) moved to Berlin in search of freedom from her otherwise suffocating family. But what she finds there is a city under seige by the Nazis. A harsh regime that takes away freedom and liberties from those classified as sub-human - Jews, homosexuals, communists - and "deporting" or rehoming them to death camps or just killing them where they stand for the fun of it. Jewish books are burned, as are those who do not meet the Nazi propaganda requirements, shops are smashed and looted and innocent people disappear without a trace.
Libs gets a job working as a publicist for MGM studios, liaising with journalists and editors. She is horrified to see the stars and famous faces being pulled from the gallery and their nameplates removed only to be replaced with those supporting the new regime under which Germany now finds itself, simply for being or having Jewish ties. Libs believes in freedom but is quickly learning that in the new Germany there is no such thing.
Then whilst sunbathing on her friend's boat one day, wearing a two piece bathing suit made illegal under the new regime as it goes against the Nazi's personification of the good German woman, she meets Harro. Almost at once, the couple are dazzled by the other and begin an affair of sorts living a bohemian lifestyle, also frowned upon by the new regime. Libs know there is more to Harro than his dazzling smile and his blue eyes. The scars on his back, whipped by the SS, tell their own story. Harro is a resistance fighter. and together they will make Germany the people's again.
Working for the Air Ministry, Harro rises through the ranks, infiltrating Nazi secrets. He cringes each time he must laugh at their racist jokes and share in their combined thoughts unified to make Germany great again under the Nazi regime. His position is imperative to gain inside intel into government secrets which he can then move on through their resistance cell to stop Hitler's advance to power. Together, Harro and Libs smuggle classified documents and hold clandestine meetings with blackout curtains under the cover of darkness. And then, they begin to distribute leaflets exposing the Nazi's lies, sending them all over the city and beyond in the hope they will tear down the regime that now strangles their once beloved country.
But after nearly ten years of resistance fighting and three years at war, Libs begins to notice strange occurrences. The same man outside their apartment each night seemingly reading a newspaper, a click on their phone line, a prickling sensation that tells her they are being watched.
And then the unthinkable...Harro disappears. And Libs is frantic with worry trying to find out where he may be. Nothing else matters as long as she can see him again...and only then will they decide what is more important - to be free or to be brave?
THE GIRL ON THE PLATFORM is not what I expected, though I'm not sure what I did expect. After reading "The Girl in the Striped Dress" which I totally loved and bawled my way through, I guess I was expecting something similar, but this story is a different one. It is absorbing as you step into the past and live alongside Libs and Harro but I found it didn't engage me quite as much as "The Girl in the Striped Dress" . It is slow to start as Libs begins work with MGM and I wondered what the significance of that was, and in some parts I did find the story drag a little. However, that being said, it is still a heartbreaking story where its end is inevitable, though I didn't find myself reaching for the tissues as I have in other similar tales.
Overall, THE GIRL ON THE PLATFORM is an eye-opening account of life as a resistance fighter living under the radar of the Nazi regime with the threat of death should you be caught. It is most certainly not a life I would embrace but it is one that I admire. They stood up for the truth, for the people and for the good of the Germany they loved and weren't afraid of the consequences. It was most certainly brave and very admirable.
THE GIRL ON THE PLATFORM is perfect for fans of historical fiction who enjoy stories surrounding the Holocaust and wartime Germany and readers of Suzanne Kelman, Lily Graham and Marion Kummerow.
I would like to thank #EllieMidwood, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGirlOnThePlatform in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
October 15, 2021
The story is based on the life of Libertas Schulze-Boysen who worked at the MGM Studios in Berlin during in 1930’s when Hitler was in control and saw what was going on. When her friend Martin disappeared to later be found dead of apparent suicide but in fact he was thrown out of a window she knew something had to be done. With Harro by her side joining the resistance was the right thing to do. They devoted their lives tearing down Hitler’s regime and we follow them smuggling classified documents, distribute leaflets exposing the Nazi’s lies and holding clandestine meeting we only can see how resourceful and courageous these two were.
This is an incredible story of two strong resistance fighters and how careful they planned their every move and how they developed a rebellion that eventually cost them their lives. Ms. Midwood does an amazing recreation and has shown us how determined these two were despite all the dangers surrounding them.
I read quite a few books concerning the resistance but this is my first set within Germany that highlights the Red Orchestra, longest operating group within the borders. Amazing how interesting and what you can get out of an historical fiction such as “The Girl on the Platform” when it is penned by a master. Ms. Midwood is top notch in relating even that occurred during this terrible period in history in ways that hold our attention captive from start to finish. The characters come to live on the pages and I could feel how scared and how anxious they were....once more well-said and well-done.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via Netgalley for my thoughts
This is an incredible story of two strong resistance fighters and how careful they planned their every move and how they developed a rebellion that eventually cost them their lives. Ms. Midwood does an amazing recreation and has shown us how determined these two were despite all the dangers surrounding them.
I read quite a few books concerning the resistance but this is my first set within Germany that highlights the Red Orchestra, longest operating group within the borders. Amazing how interesting and what you can get out of an historical fiction such as “The Girl on the Platform” when it is penned by a master. Ms. Midwood is top notch in relating even that occurred during this terrible period in history in ways that hold our attention captive from start to finish. The characters come to live on the pages and I could feel how scared and how anxious they were....once more well-said and well-done.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via Netgalley for my thoughts
October 17, 2021
Beautiful story
I would like to think I would have this type of courage to do what these people did for right and to smile and laugh at their deaths. There were so many others who gave their all to stop that madman and his evil cohorts who I am sure are now burning in hell. If you have not read Ellie's books today is the day to start, they are all excellent and always well researched and as of this book brings a true personal story to life.
I would like to think I would have this type of courage to do what these people did for right and to smile and laugh at their deaths. There were so many others who gave their all to stop that madman and his evil cohorts who I am sure are now burning in hell. If you have not read Ellie's books today is the day to start, they are all excellent and always well researched and as of this book brings a true personal story to life.
September 14, 2021
•Arc provided by the publisher in exchange for a review - however all thoughts and opinions are my own!•
Set during the second world war, The girl On The Platform will tug on all your heartstrings !!
Based on a true story we follow 19 year old Libby who moves away from her overbearing family - She meets Harro and the two hopelessly fall for each other, the couple then together form a resistance against the Nazi regime
This was such a great read and you could tell the author did a ton of research! Historical romances have always fascinated me and the fact that this was based on a real couple had me even more intrigued! You really get to see the bravery of all these characters despite everything that was happening. Books set during painful parts of history are always tough but Ellie Midwood does a great job with writing them.
The book tends to be slow paced at times but the characters most definitely make up for that!
Thank you Bookouture for the Arc!
Set during the second world war, The girl On The Platform will tug on all your heartstrings !!
Based on a true story we follow 19 year old Libby who moves away from her overbearing family - She meets Harro and the two hopelessly fall for each other, the couple then together form a resistance against the Nazi regime
This was such a great read and you could tell the author did a ton of research! Historical romances have always fascinated me and the fact that this was based on a real couple had me even more intrigued! You really get to see the bravery of all these characters despite everything that was happening. Books set during painful parts of history are always tough but Ellie Midwood does a great job with writing them.
The book tends to be slow paced at times but the characters most definitely make up for that!
Thank you Bookouture for the Arc!
September 10, 2021
Ellie Midwood’s always manages to get into the heads of her characters, fleshing them out so throughly, they come alive on the pages. I also like how she bases her stories on real people. I had never heard of the husband and wife duo depicted in The Girl on the Platform. An old adage states “bad things happen when good people do nothing.” It should be amended to include, bad things still happen when good people do something, which is the case with Libertas. The narrative is mostly in the 1930s as the Nazi regime tightened its grip on Germany. The story gave me hope for the future, that people will continue to fight tyranny and government oppression. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
November 9, 2021
I thought this would be a much exciting story than it was. The people were very courageous in the face of danger, but they never let me “feel” their danger. I was disappointed.
October 17, 2021
I needed a few days to put together my thoughts for this book. So complex. So beautiful. So tragic.
What I loved best about this book is the honest portrayal of Libby, her friends and her husband.
In 1933, Libertas leaves her family estate at the age of 19 to becomes a publicity assistant in MGM's Germany offices. As a woman, Libby experiences much sexism - but her Aryan looks lend her plenty of freedom of suspicion as she discovers the trend of her country's political future.
Becoming friends with Ricci opens her life to immense possibility - not just meeting her husband and love her life, but also the connections to spark a grassroots effort to free Germany from Hitler's dictatorship.
Libby, as well as her husband and many friends, believe Hitler only represents a small minority of her country, those with immense wealth as well as racism.
I remember being in my 20's when I realized not all Germans supported Hitler, were anti-Semitic, nor racist. This is a massive misrepresentation.
Also Hitler didn't just come to power and open concentration camps. It was a slow progression - well represented in this novel.
I appreciate the plot may move slower for some readers - it follows the progression of Germany's history, slowly building and expanding.
Great book and well done.
What I loved best about this book is the honest portrayal of Libby, her friends and her husband.
In 1933, Libertas leaves her family estate at the age of 19 to becomes a publicity assistant in MGM's Germany offices. As a woman, Libby experiences much sexism - but her Aryan looks lend her plenty of freedom of suspicion as she discovers the trend of her country's political future.
Becoming friends with Ricci opens her life to immense possibility - not just meeting her husband and love her life, but also the connections to spark a grassroots effort to free Germany from Hitler's dictatorship.
Libby, as well as her husband and many friends, believe Hitler only represents a small minority of her country, those with immense wealth as well as racism.
I remember being in my 20's when I realized not all Germans supported Hitler, were anti-Semitic, nor racist. This is a massive misrepresentation.
Also Hitler didn't just come to power and open concentration camps. It was a slow progression - well represented in this novel.
I appreciate the plot may move slower for some readers - it follows the progression of Germany's history, slowly building and expanding.
Great book and well done.
September 9, 2021
This is the third novel by Ellie Midwood that I have read recently. All three occur during WWII and all are based on true stories.
"The Girl on the Platform", is based on the life of Libertas Schultze-Boysen, who is a member of a well-to-do German gentile family whose uncle is a high-ranking Nazi with friends such as Goring and Hitler himself.
Libertas, as her name implies does not agree with her uncles politics and becomes involved with Harro, a free-thinking former journalist who was beaten by the gestapo and saw his good friend die at their hands. Libertas chooses to live a bohemia life style, living with Harro with out being married, ( they do eventually marry), both of them using their jobs within the government and film industry to hide their covert activities working against the Reich to bring down Hitler's reign of terror.
This is another compelling story by Ellie Midwood, chronicling the lengths and risks these heroic men and women were willing to take to fight evil. Knowing all the while they could be discovered at any moment. Libby and Harro went to extremes relaying top secret information and documents to soviet agents they were working with, along with publishing and distributing anti-Nazi pamphlets as far and to as many people as they could. Acts that were considered treason and crimes against the Reich, the penalty for which was death.
Libby, Harro and their small circle of trusted friends and fellow free-thinkers worked hard to ignite a fire in the citizens of Germany, urging them to stand up and fight back. They paid the ultimate price for their work and their beliefs, but inspired many others to pick up arms and stand for what was right. Without people such as they, we may have very well lost the fight against evil. We have them to thank for freedoms we take for granted so easily today.
I recommend this for all historical-fiction fans, 5 stars. Thank you to the This is the second book in Roberta Kagan's trilogy, "Jews, The Third Reich, and a Web of Secrets". Though I find Kagan's style of writing elementary and somewhat redundant, constantly repeating a thought over and over in one paragraph after another I was invested in Kara and Karl's story after reading the first book, "Her Son's Secret".
I took a chance, wanting to know what happens when at the end of the first book Karl disappears along with his Polish babysitter, leaving Kara frantic and blaming her sister Anka for forcing her to leave Karl and go to a Nazi party.
Not knowing where to turn, Kara accepts help from Nazi officer Oskar, a friend of her brother-in-law's and a man who is enthralled with Kara and wants her for himself.
Kara begins to trust Oskar more and more as the days turn into months and Karl is still missing. But is the gentle, understanding, helpful man Oskar portrays to Kara truly him? Or underneath the loving facade does there lay someone more devious and sinister? Someone manipulating enough to use Kara's plight to his own advantage?
Despite the writing style the story picks up seamlessly where the first ended and is filled with all the history, mystery and intrigue you could want. The ending, as with the first book is heart-wrenching, I can't wait for the third installment to see how everything is resolved and what truths come to light.
I would recommend to WWII historical fiction fans that like a quick, somewhat simplistic story set to entertain and intrigue, with enough mystery involved to keep you guessing.
I rated this one a little higher than I did the first, maybe because I am getting used to the writing style. Thank you to publishers The Book Whisperer and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return. publishers at Bookouture and to Net Galley for the free ARC of this novel.
"The Girl on the Platform", is based on the life of Libertas Schultze-Boysen, who is a member of a well-to-do German gentile family whose uncle is a high-ranking Nazi with friends such as Goring and Hitler himself.
Libertas, as her name implies does not agree with her uncles politics and becomes involved with Harro, a free-thinking former journalist who was beaten by the gestapo and saw his good friend die at their hands. Libertas chooses to live a bohemia life style, living with Harro with out being married, ( they do eventually marry), both of them using their jobs within the government and film industry to hide their covert activities working against the Reich to bring down Hitler's reign of terror.
This is another compelling story by Ellie Midwood, chronicling the lengths and risks these heroic men and women were willing to take to fight evil. Knowing all the while they could be discovered at any moment. Libby and Harro went to extremes relaying top secret information and documents to soviet agents they were working with, along with publishing and distributing anti-Nazi pamphlets as far and to as many people as they could. Acts that were considered treason and crimes against the Reich, the penalty for which was death.
Libby, Harro and their small circle of trusted friends and fellow free-thinkers worked hard to ignite a fire in the citizens of Germany, urging them to stand up and fight back. They paid the ultimate price for their work and their beliefs, but inspired many others to pick up arms and stand for what was right. Without people such as they, we may have very well lost the fight against evil. We have them to thank for freedoms we take for granted so easily today.
I recommend this for all historical-fiction fans, 5 stars. Thank you to the This is the second book in Roberta Kagan's trilogy, "Jews, The Third Reich, and a Web of Secrets". Though I find Kagan's style of writing elementary and somewhat redundant, constantly repeating a thought over and over in one paragraph after another I was invested in Kara and Karl's story after reading the first book, "Her Son's Secret".
I took a chance, wanting to know what happens when at the end of the first book Karl disappears along with his Polish babysitter, leaving Kara frantic and blaming her sister Anka for forcing her to leave Karl and go to a Nazi party.
Not knowing where to turn, Kara accepts help from Nazi officer Oskar, a friend of her brother-in-law's and a man who is enthralled with Kara and wants her for himself.
Kara begins to trust Oskar more and more as the days turn into months and Karl is still missing. But is the gentle, understanding, helpful man Oskar portrays to Kara truly him? Or underneath the loving facade does there lay someone more devious and sinister? Someone manipulating enough to use Kara's plight to his own advantage?
Despite the writing style the story picks up seamlessly where the first ended and is filled with all the history, mystery and intrigue you could want. The ending, as with the first book is heart-wrenching, I can't wait for the third installment to see how everything is resolved and what truths come to light.
I would recommend to WWII historical fiction fans that like a quick, somewhat simplistic story set to entertain and intrigue, with enough mystery involved to keep you guessing.
I rated this one a little higher than I did the first, maybe because I am getting used to the writing style. Thank you to publishers The Book Whisperer and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return. publishers at Bookouture and to Net Galley for the free ARC of this novel.
October 26, 2021
Not all Germans supported Hitlers ideas prior to WWll or during the war.
This book is about German freedom fighters , in particular a young wealthy girl who’s family has ties to the Nazi party . The story begins in 1933 and depicts her journey with her husband and friends to overthrow the Nazi regime.
Based on a true story this exciting adventure is very well researched and at times too realistic. I usually read before bed but for this book that was a no go.
I highly recommend for WWll history buffs.
This book is about German freedom fighters , in particular a young wealthy girl who’s family has ties to the Nazi party . The story begins in 1933 and depicts her journey with her husband and friends to overthrow the Nazi regime.
Based on a true story this exciting adventure is very well researched and at times too realistic. I usually read before bed but for this book that was a no go.
I highly recommend for WWll history buffs.
October 21, 2021
This was a magnificent read! Based on a true story, this book transported me back to the 1930s right in the midst of such a horrible time in history! What brave people to risk their lives to help people they did not even know; to save people from the grasp of a madman! Our world should be forever grateful for the known and unknown people who risked/lost their lives for a cause they believed in. Perhaps your relative was one person who was saved because of these courageous people. This book has motivated me to learn more about the holocaust and the people who defied the horror! Everyone should read this book who cares!
October 25, 2021
Midwood never dusappoints!
As usual, with Ellie Midwood's books, I could not put this down. It is extremely well written. I can tell there was a lot of research put into this book; and she really makes these characters, who were actual people, come alive. It brought me to tears, a few times. Midwood is an incredibly talented author. I highly recommend reading this book.
As usual, with Ellie Midwood's books, I could not put this down. It is extremely well written. I can tell there was a lot of research put into this book; and she really makes these characters, who were actual people, come alive. It brought me to tears, a few times. Midwood is an incredibly talented author. I highly recommend reading this book.
October 24, 2021
Amazing story
Love reading about all of the hero’s from World War 2. This book gives great perspective about how evil Hitlers regime was.
Love reading about all of the hero’s from World War 2. This book gives great perspective about how evil Hitlers regime was.
November 8, 2021
Another great story by Ellie Midwood, this time we get to meet Harro and Libs, Based on the true story of Libertas and Harro Schulz two resistance fighters, who did everything to help in any way they could to end the madness of the Nazis.
Berlin 1939, The story of Harro and Libs begins in the first years of WW2, I haven't read any book, or at least that I recall around those years when everything was starting, this was a very pleasant book to read and learn more about those days.
Libs was working for the very famous MGM studios, making films as she love but things started to get very complicated when the Nazis didn't want those movies to even see the light, Libertas had to change many things in order to satisfy the Germans, so she could continue making what she likes the most but at the same time helping with the cause of ending the terrible situation most of Europe was living under Germans hands.
Without giving too much away Harro and Libs started the Red Orchestra a resistance group that was very successful during those days helping bring down many of the Germans by giving a lot of secrets to the Soviets. Harro and Lib's story is very unique but at the same time it was very enjoyable to read about their love and how much in tune they were, looking for the same ideals and goals to end this war.
The story of Harro and Libs is the story of many during those times, the sacrifices, their strength was always out to at test making us at some point believe that at one point either Harro or libs will break down, I really thought one of them was going to abandon their idea, as they were constantly put to a test but Harro and Libs were two strong characters that didn't take anything for granted and they always knew somehow or another they both were in this together no matter the circumstances.
This was a good book, I enjoy it, it was different from what I've read.
Berlin 1939, The story of Harro and Libs begins in the first years of WW2, I haven't read any book, or at least that I recall around those years when everything was starting, this was a very pleasant book to read and learn more about those days.
Libs was working for the very famous MGM studios, making films as she love but things started to get very complicated when the Nazis didn't want those movies to even see the light, Libertas had to change many things in order to satisfy the Germans, so she could continue making what she likes the most but at the same time helping with the cause of ending the terrible situation most of Europe was living under Germans hands.
Without giving too much away Harro and Libs started the Red Orchestra a resistance group that was very successful during those days helping bring down many of the Germans by giving a lot of secrets to the Soviets. Harro and Lib's story is very unique but at the same time it was very enjoyable to read about their love and how much in tune they were, looking for the same ideals and goals to end this war.
The story of Harro and Libs is the story of many during those times, the sacrifices, their strength was always out to at test making us at some point believe that at one point either Harro or libs will break down, I really thought one of them was going to abandon their idea, as they were constantly put to a test but Harro and Libs were two strong characters that didn't take anything for granted and they always knew somehow or another they both were in this together no matter the circumstances.
This was a good book, I enjoy it, it was different from what I've read.
October 17, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Girl In The Platform' by Ellie Midwood.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Ellie Midwood, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 13th October 2021.
This is the fifth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Girl Who Escaped Auschwitz', 'The Girl In The Striped Dress', 'The Girl Who Survived' and 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz' which I also recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover, its intriguing synopsis and title and its extremely talented author. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Lilac Girls will be utterly gripped by this heartbreaking page-turner. ' I am a huge fan of 'The Tattooist Of Aushcwitz' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Ellie and if this is half as good as' The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz', 'The Girl Who Survived', 'the Girl In The Striped Dress' and 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz ' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 35 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is set mainly in Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Libby Schulze-Boysen . The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Girl On The Platform' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Ellie discusses/includes the persecution of the Jews, murder and death.
Well, what can I say but wow!!! This story is definitely not going to leave my head anytime soon. Firstly I must congratulate Ellie Midwood for yet another extraordinary novel that seriously needs to be made into a movie which I assure would be best selling!!!
This book is very powerful and extremely well written. It is devastatingly heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. The storyline of this book is based on a true story which is another thing that drew me to read it. It is absolutely rammed with emotions that will make you smile, cry and laugh on the roller-coaster ride to hell that is World War 2 and the persecution and murder of the Jews and many others. Nothing is left out and the author has done an immense amount of research and brings Liberta and Harro's story to life. Liberta, Harro and their comrades are such powerful, strong and kind hearted heroes and I am looking forward to reading more about them. I had never heard of either before reading this but have read 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz', 'Celia' s Journey', 'The tattooist of Aushcwitz', 'The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz,' The Girl Who Survived' and 'The librarian of Aushcwitz', all of which I enjoyed so when I seen this I was intrigued to discover the ongoing of the war through another person's eyes and from a different perspective also. All of Ellie's books that I have read so far are based in holocaust camps, mainly Auschwitz, so I was intrigued when I read this book to see what was going on in Germany and how some brave German's were doing their part to try and stop the slaughter and war by becoming a part of the resistance. I have now also added many books to my wish list thanks to Ellie, her own and ones that she recommends at the end of this story. This story is particularly unique as it is not one I have ever come across before seeing things from the German resistance side of the war.
This book did not disappoint. Some people believe that these stories should not be written but I am a strong believer that these victims earned the right for their stories to be told and to not be forgotten and this book does just that. I loved discovering not just Liberta and Harro's stories but those who surrounded them also. This amazing group of people who supported and lifted each other up during these dark times and helping them see the light are absolutely... Words can't really describe but I will go with angelic. This book was very hard to read as a whole but there were certain parts that will stay with me for a very long time and that we're soul destroying. What the Nazi's did to these innocent people makes me absolutely sick to my soul. I enjoyed learning about the loves of not only Liberta and Horro but the life's and parts of the resistance that Ricci, Gisela, Hans Coppi, Lisl, Kurt, Arvid, Günther Weisenborn, Martin and many more played.
Again congratulations Ellie Midwood on all your research and for writing this amazing story of both Libertas and Horro and other resistance members who deserved to have their stories told in a way that did them justice and you have done that. I would say this book is on par with the likes of 'The' diary of Anne Frank' which left me with the same feelings your novel has of not even more emotional.
Overall an unputdownable, heart wrenching, absolutely beautifully devastating story of lesser known heroes of the war.
Genres covered in this novel include War Story, Romance Novel and Jewish History amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Ellie Midwood, The Tattooist of Aushcwitz, The Librarian of Aushcwitz, 'Celia's Journey', 'The Diary of Anne Frank' and anyone interested in the holocaust and its history.
351 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheGirlOnThePlatform #Bookouture #EllieMidwood #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EllieMidwood @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
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Review for 'The Girl In The Platform' by Ellie Midwood.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Ellie Midwood, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 13th October 2021.
This is the fifth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Girl Who Escaped Auschwitz', 'The Girl In The Striped Dress', 'The Girl Who Survived' and 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz' which I also recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover, its intriguing synopsis and title and its extremely talented author. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Lilac Girls will be utterly gripped by this heartbreaking page-turner. ' I am a huge fan of 'The Tattooist Of Aushcwitz' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Ellie and if this is half as good as' The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz', 'The Girl Who Survived', 'the Girl In The Striped Dress' and 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz ' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 35 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is set mainly in Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Libby Schulze-Boysen . The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Girl On The Platform' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Ellie discusses/includes the persecution of the Jews, murder and death.
Well, what can I say but wow!!! This story is definitely not going to leave my head anytime soon. Firstly I must congratulate Ellie Midwood for yet another extraordinary novel that seriously needs to be made into a movie which I assure would be best selling!!!
This book is very powerful and extremely well written. It is devastatingly heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. The storyline of this book is based on a true story which is another thing that drew me to read it. It is absolutely rammed with emotions that will make you smile, cry and laugh on the roller-coaster ride to hell that is World War 2 and the persecution and murder of the Jews and many others. Nothing is left out and the author has done an immense amount of research and brings Liberta and Harro's story to life. Liberta, Harro and their comrades are such powerful, strong and kind hearted heroes and I am looking forward to reading more about them. I had never heard of either before reading this but have read 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz', 'Celia' s Journey', 'The tattooist of Aushcwitz', 'The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz,' The Girl Who Survived' and 'The librarian of Aushcwitz', all of which I enjoyed so when I seen this I was intrigued to discover the ongoing of the war through another person's eyes and from a different perspective also. All of Ellie's books that I have read so far are based in holocaust camps, mainly Auschwitz, so I was intrigued when I read this book to see what was going on in Germany and how some brave German's were doing their part to try and stop the slaughter and war by becoming a part of the resistance. I have now also added many books to my wish list thanks to Ellie, her own and ones that she recommends at the end of this story. This story is particularly unique as it is not one I have ever come across before seeing things from the German resistance side of the war.
This book did not disappoint. Some people believe that these stories should not be written but I am a strong believer that these victims earned the right for their stories to be told and to not be forgotten and this book does just that. I loved discovering not just Liberta and Harro's stories but those who surrounded them also. This amazing group of people who supported and lifted each other up during these dark times and helping them see the light are absolutely... Words can't really describe but I will go with angelic. This book was very hard to read as a whole but there were certain parts that will stay with me for a very long time and that we're soul destroying. What the Nazi's did to these innocent people makes me absolutely sick to my soul. I enjoyed learning about the loves of not only Liberta and Horro but the life's and parts of the resistance that Ricci, Gisela, Hans Coppi, Lisl, Kurt, Arvid, Günther Weisenborn, Martin and many more played.
Again congratulations Ellie Midwood on all your research and for writing this amazing story of both Libertas and Horro and other resistance members who deserved to have their stories told in a way that did them justice and you have done that. I would say this book is on par with the likes of 'The' diary of Anne Frank' which left me with the same feelings your novel has of not even more emotional.
Overall an unputdownable, heart wrenching, absolutely beautifully devastating story of lesser known heroes of the war.
Genres covered in this novel include War Story, Romance Novel and Jewish History amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Ellie Midwood, The Tattooist of Aushcwitz, The Librarian of Aushcwitz, 'Celia's Journey', 'The Diary of Anne Frank' and anyone interested in the holocaust and its history.
351 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheGirlOnThePlatform #Bookouture #EllieMidwood #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EllieMidwood @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
October 2, 2021
Would you be willing to risk everything for freedom?
In 1933, Libertas is fresh out of boarding school and simply wanted to work. But in 1933, Germany…in order to obtain a job…Libertas had to join the Nazi party. At first, she was just grateful to have a job and didn’t realize just what was happening until Hitlers control. Then she befriends a journalist and little by little, her eyes are opened to the horrors unraveling on the streets of Berlin and beyond. Then she meets, falls in love and marries Harro. Together, they use their inside information to spread the word of the atrocities that threaten Germany’s freedom.
Based on a true story of Libertas, Harro and their efforts to stop the Nazi regime in its tracks….The Girl on the Platform introduces us to the unsung heroes of WWII. They’re bravery is incredible. My only issue with this story is that for me, as a fan of the author, it lacked the emotional connection to the characters that I’ve come to love from Midwood’s writing. It was very dry and it didn’t leave me on the edge of my seat. Having said that, I’m always grateful for the history lesson and the knowledge that I took with me when I closed the book.
Thank you NetGalley? Bookouture and Ellie Midwood for early access to this story. I look forward to the authors next story.
In 1933, Libertas is fresh out of boarding school and simply wanted to work. But in 1933, Germany…in order to obtain a job…Libertas had to join the Nazi party. At first, she was just grateful to have a job and didn’t realize just what was happening until Hitlers control. Then she befriends a journalist and little by little, her eyes are opened to the horrors unraveling on the streets of Berlin and beyond. Then she meets, falls in love and marries Harro. Together, they use their inside information to spread the word of the atrocities that threaten Germany’s freedom.
Based on a true story of Libertas, Harro and their efforts to stop the Nazi regime in its tracks….The Girl on the Platform introduces us to the unsung heroes of WWII. They’re bravery is incredible. My only issue with this story is that for me, as a fan of the author, it lacked the emotional connection to the characters that I’ve come to love from Midwood’s writing. It was very dry and it didn’t leave me on the edge of my seat. Having said that, I’m always grateful for the history lesson and the knowledge that I took with me when I closed the book.
Thank you NetGalley? Bookouture and Ellie Midwood for early access to this story. I look forward to the authors next story.
October 8, 2021
This one is difficult for me to review because I liked it but I didn't love it. Definitely not as much as Ellie's other stories.
I liked that we followed a story from a German perspective and see how differently the war affected the Germans.
I liked the fierce bond between Libertas and Harro...and that's about it.
I felt I could not really connect to the characters. Maybe it's because it's written in third person but I felt detached from the characters and the story.
I felt quite a few things were glossed over so I, as the reader, could not get a feel for their experience and what they went through. We saw it all from Libertas perspective but if we could have seen it from Harro's perspective as well so we could delve into the innerworkings of his workplace then maybe the suspense would have been more prevalent. However, seeing it just from Libertas' perspective made every obstacle and defeat come across as lukewarm.
I liked that we followed a story from a German perspective and see how differently the war affected the Germans.
I liked the fierce bond between Libertas and Harro...and that's about it.
I felt I could not really connect to the characters. Maybe it's because it's written in third person but I felt detached from the characters and the story.
I felt quite a few things were glossed over so I, as the reader, could not get a feel for their experience and what they went through. We saw it all from Libertas perspective but if we could have seen it from Harro's perspective as well so we could delve into the innerworkings of his workplace then maybe the suspense would have been more prevalent. However, seeing it just from Libertas' perspective made every obstacle and defeat come across as lukewarm.
November 4, 2021
The story of a little-known World War II heroine that will make you question what your own thoughts about living in Berlin during Hilter’s rise.
This is not your typical World War II historical fiction. This is about Libertas Schulze-Boysen, a French woman who came to Berlin chasing a dream and found herself, love, purpose and what we can only describe today as our worst nightmares. Libertas “Libby” was brought to Berlin to work for MGM in 1933 because all their staff had been fired. (Jewish decent) By 1934 Libby meets Harro a liberal publisher who had barely escaped the SS because of his publications. Midwood takes you through Libby’s journey by filling in the details in the areas for which we have none. From her Jewish nanny to how Libby and Harro became a part of the Red Orchestra, the story is very detailed and impactful.
What I found to be different than most historical fiction novels is how the book makes you question yourself and what your motives would have been. Libby has several opportunities within the book to walk away and get out of Germany and in theory, away from the battlefields. I honestly don’t know if I would have stayed in Germany during 1938-1942 trying to warn others of Hilter’s actions sacrifice my own safety on a daily basis. Libby was 29 when she was executed with Harro and never got to see or know the impact of her work and dedication.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read an E-ARC of this novel. The following is my honest and unbiased book review.
This is not your typical World War II historical fiction. This is about Libertas Schulze-Boysen, a French woman who came to Berlin chasing a dream and found herself, love, purpose and what we can only describe today as our worst nightmares. Libertas “Libby” was brought to Berlin to work for MGM in 1933 because all their staff had been fired. (Jewish decent) By 1934 Libby meets Harro a liberal publisher who had barely escaped the SS because of his publications. Midwood takes you through Libby’s journey by filling in the details in the areas for which we have none. From her Jewish nanny to how Libby and Harro became a part of the Red Orchestra, the story is very detailed and impactful.
What I found to be different than most historical fiction novels is how the book makes you question yourself and what your motives would have been. Libby has several opportunities within the book to walk away and get out of Germany and in theory, away from the battlefields. I honestly don’t know if I would have stayed in Germany during 1938-1942 trying to warn others of Hilter’s actions sacrifice my own safety on a daily basis. Libby was 29 when she was executed with Harro and never got to see or know the impact of her work and dedication.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read an E-ARC of this novel. The following is my honest and unbiased book review.
October 12, 2021
Berlin, 1939 and World War II has just begun. Libby moves to Berlin, to be as far away from her family as possible. She doesn’t like that her family has an alliance with the Nazis. She wants no part of that life. But when Libby’s friend vanishes, she decides that she has to do something. Then Libby meets fellow anti-Nazis and she is introduced to Harro. Harro persuades Libby to join the resistance, she does, and then she begins to fall in love with Harro. She and Harro smuggle classified documents during the day and at night they hold meetings to plot the fall of Hitler’s regime. Soon Libby and Harro are afraid that they are being watched by the Gestapo. Then, one day Harro disappears. Libby is terrified that she will never see him again. This amazing story of survival during some of the darkest days is so heart-wrenching. The fact that it is a true story tears at your heartstrings, so, reading with a box of Kleenex is a must. The fears that people overcame during this time and the hope that they held on to, is always so amazing to me. They never gave up, and they relied on each other so much. This beautifully written and powerful story is sure to be a favorite.
Thank you Ellie Midwood for such a phenomenal story. This is one that will continue to resonate in me for a very long time. It is a wonderful, phenomenal must read and I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Ellie Midwood for such a phenomenal story. This is one that will continue to resonate in me for a very long time. It is a wonderful, phenomenal must read and I highly recommend this book.
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