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The Librarian of Burned Books
Berlin 1933. Following the success of her debut novel, American writer Althea James receives an invitation from Joseph Goebbels himself to participate in a culture exchange program in Germany. For a girl from a small town in Maine, 1933 Berlin seems to be sparklingly cosmopolitan, blossoming in the midst of a great change with the charismatic new chancellor at the helm. Then Althea meets a beautiful woman who promises to show her the real Berlin, and soon she’s drawn into a group of resisters who make her question everything she knows about her hosts—and herself.
Paris 1936. She may have escaped Berlin for Paris, but Hannah Brecht discovers the City of Light is no refuge from the anti-Semitism and Nazi sympathizers she thought she left behind. Heartbroken and tormented by the role she played in the betrayal that destroyed her family, Hannah throws herself into her work at the German Library of Burned Books. Through the quiet power of books, she believes she can help counter the tide of fascism she sees rising across Europe and atone for her mistakes. But when a dear friend decides actions will speak louder than words, Hannah must decide what stories she is willing to live—or die—for.
New York 1944. Since her husband Edward was killed fighting the Nazis, Vivian Childs has been waging her own war: preventing a powerful senator’s attempts to censor the Armed Service Editions, portable paperbacks that are shipped by the millions to soldiers overseas. Viv knows just how much they mean to the men through the letters she receives—including the last one she got from Edward. She also knows the only way to win this battle is to counter the senator’s propaganda with a story of her own—at the heart of which lies the reclusive and mysterious woman tending the American Library of Nazi-Banned Books in Brooklyn.
As Viv unknowingly brings her censorship fight crashing into the secrets of the recent past, the fates of these three women will converge, changing all of them forever.
Inspired by the true story of the Council of Books in Wartime—the WWII organization founded by booksellers, publishers, librarians, and authors to use books as “weapons in the war of ideas”—The Librarian of Burned Books is an unforgettable historical novel, a haunting love story, and a testament to the beauty, power, and goodness of the written word.
Paris 1936. She may have escaped Berlin for Paris, but Hannah Brecht discovers the City of Light is no refuge from the anti-Semitism and Nazi sympathizers she thought she left behind. Heartbroken and tormented by the role she played in the betrayal that destroyed her family, Hannah throws herself into her work at the German Library of Burned Books. Through the quiet power of books, she believes she can help counter the tide of fascism she sees rising across Europe and atone for her mistakes. But when a dear friend decides actions will speak louder than words, Hannah must decide what stories she is willing to live—or die—for.
New York 1944. Since her husband Edward was killed fighting the Nazis, Vivian Childs has been waging her own war: preventing a powerful senator’s attempts to censor the Armed Service Editions, portable paperbacks that are shipped by the millions to soldiers overseas. Viv knows just how much they mean to the men through the letters she receives—including the last one she got from Edward. She also knows the only way to win this battle is to counter the senator’s propaganda with a story of her own—at the heart of which lies the reclusive and mysterious woman tending the American Library of Nazi-Banned Books in Brooklyn.
As Viv unknowingly brings her censorship fight crashing into the secrets of the recent past, the fates of these three women will converge, changing all of them forever.
Inspired by the true story of the Council of Books in Wartime—the WWII organization founded by booksellers, publishers, librarians, and authors to use books as “weapons in the war of ideas”—The Librarian of Burned Books is an unforgettable historical novel, a haunting love story, and a testament to the beauty, power, and goodness of the written word.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2023
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October 11, 2023
The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes
Althea James is thrilled to participate in a culture exchange program in Germany after she is invited by Joseph Goebbels. But that thrill dies once she escapes her handler and gets to see what is really going on in Berlin. There is the nightmarish feeling of being in a pleasant dream only for that dream to become an unbelievable and very real nightmare.
Hannah Brecht has escaped Germany and persecution but finds that Paris is no safe haven. Her work at the German Library of Burned Books is a way to keep living despite having lost everything dear to her back in Germany. But she isn't going to be fading into the background and she once again is in the midst of the turmoil.
Since Vivian Childs' husband was killed in the fighting overseas she has thrown herself into the work of providing Armed Service Editions to millions of soldiers overseas. Thanks to all the letters she gets from the men that the books reach, she knows that she has brought reading to many people who had never considered the power of books in one's life. Now she has to fight a powerful politician who is gutting the program.
Three countries, three timelines, and three women, this story tells of the events that move the women to take the stands they take and how they eventually come together to make lasting change. I enjoyed the story but I do think I would have enjoyed it more if the three timelines were presented in chronological other rather than interspersing the three timelines over and over. I appreciate getting to learn about the Armed Service Editions, something I wasn't aware of before reading this story. I should have paid more attention to the title of this story because I had thought this would be more about books but instead, true to the title, the story is more about the librarian and those who surround her through the years. Overall, 3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars.
Pub February 21, 2023
Thank you to William Morrow/William Morrow Paperbacks and NetGalley for this ARC.
Althea James is thrilled to participate in a culture exchange program in Germany after she is invited by Joseph Goebbels. But that thrill dies once she escapes her handler and gets to see what is really going on in Berlin. There is the nightmarish feeling of being in a pleasant dream only for that dream to become an unbelievable and very real nightmare.
Hannah Brecht has escaped Germany and persecution but finds that Paris is no safe haven. Her work at the German Library of Burned Books is a way to keep living despite having lost everything dear to her back in Germany. But she isn't going to be fading into the background and she once again is in the midst of the turmoil.
Since Vivian Childs' husband was killed in the fighting overseas she has thrown herself into the work of providing Armed Service Editions to millions of soldiers overseas. Thanks to all the letters she gets from the men that the books reach, she knows that she has brought reading to many people who had never considered the power of books in one's life. Now she has to fight a powerful politician who is gutting the program.
Three countries, three timelines, and three women, this story tells of the events that move the women to take the stands they take and how they eventually come together to make lasting change. I enjoyed the story but I do think I would have enjoyed it more if the three timelines were presented in chronological other rather than interspersing the three timelines over and over. I appreciate getting to learn about the Armed Service Editions, something I wasn't aware of before reading this story. I should have paid more attention to the title of this story because I had thought this would be more about books but instead, true to the title, the story is more about the librarian and those who surround her through the years. Overall, 3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars.
Pub February 21, 2023
Thank you to William Morrow/William Morrow Paperbacks and NetGalley for this ARC.
February 22, 2023
4 bookish stars
*now available
Another WWII historical fiction read! I always learn something from books like these and I keep finding new ones to read. This one was based on a real organization, the Council of Books in Wartime. “The WWII organization founded by booksellers, publishers, librarians, and authors to use books as "weapons in the war of ideas".
This one has three storylines, each featuring a strong female character. We meet Althea, an American writer, as she travels to Germany as part of an exchange program. She’s in Berlin in 1933 and things are heating up politically. At first, she is sympathetic to her German hosts until she sees the much darker side of their actions.
Then we meet Hannah in Paris a few years later. She’s German, trying to escape the war. However, Paris isn’t far enough away and the darkness creeps into her life there as well. She loves books and works at the German Library of Burned Books.
And finally, there is Vivian in New York in 1944. She recently lost her husband at war and a senator is threatening her program to send books to the men at war in Europe. She mounts a campaign to keep the program going, organizing a big event to get public sentiment on her side. The fight against censorship is unfortunately still an issue today.
The three women’s stories and lives interconnect, they are all trying to make a difference in a world that is in upheaval. I did enjoy this one, but I did struggle a bit to keep the timelines straight, three timelines are a lot to keep organized! It did come together for me in the later parts of the book.
My thanks to the Book Club Girls program of William Morrow for the chance to read and honestly review this one.
*now available
Another WWII historical fiction read! I always learn something from books like these and I keep finding new ones to read. This one was based on a real organization, the Council of Books in Wartime. “The WWII organization founded by booksellers, publishers, librarians, and authors to use books as "weapons in the war of ideas".
This one has three storylines, each featuring a strong female character. We meet Althea, an American writer, as she travels to Germany as part of an exchange program. She’s in Berlin in 1933 and things are heating up politically. At first, she is sympathetic to her German hosts until she sees the much darker side of their actions.
Then we meet Hannah in Paris a few years later. She’s German, trying to escape the war. However, Paris isn’t far enough away and the darkness creeps into her life there as well. She loves books and works at the German Library of Burned Books.
And finally, there is Vivian in New York in 1944. She recently lost her husband at war and a senator is threatening her program to send books to the men at war in Europe. She mounts a campaign to keep the program going, organizing a big event to get public sentiment on her side. The fight against censorship is unfortunately still an issue today.
The three women’s stories and lives interconnect, they are all trying to make a difference in a world that is in upheaval. I did enjoy this one, but I did struggle a bit to keep the timelines straight, three timelines are a lot to keep organized! It did come together for me in the later parts of the book.
My thanks to the Book Club Girls program of William Morrow for the chance to read and honestly review this one.
July 16, 2023
3.5 stars
A fresh and insightful WWII novel.
Berlin. Paris. New York City. Spanning from 1933 to 1945. This novel showcases three strong and courageous women whose lives and goals converge powerful ways. This is a story that unveils the power of books.
WWII stories have become common and overdone in the last several years. It’s not often I find a unique story or take on this wartime era. This novel challenged that while exploring fresh and unique wartime aspects that I knew little or nothing about. I was pleasantly surprised to learn a lot from this book.
One of the characters is a successful American author who receives an invitation from the Nazi party to join a cultural exchange program in Germany in 1933. Through her eyes, I was able to see a genuine portrayal of someone swept up in the initial excitement of Hitler and all the change the Nazi party would bring but also questioning the ethics and integrity of the decisions the Nazis were making. It was an eye-opening and thought-provoking perspective.
Another main character dedicates her time to working at the German Library of Burned Books in 1936. A brave and dangerous job to stand up against fascism and try to spread word and teach others during a time of desperation and uncertainty.
The last main character dedicates her life to running the Armed Services Editions (ASE) in New York City in 1944 after losing her husband in battle. This program ships millions of books to soldiers overseas. Her belief is that these portable paperbacks bring joy and escape to the men in their darkest time of need. Nazi leaders challenge the program and fight to censor which books are “allowed” to be shipped.
All three women were determined and inspiring. A well researched book with root-worthy characters.
The romance aspect took away from my enjoyment and connection. There were times I found myself skim reading to get past the romantic elements.
Overall, an eye-opening and unique novel that I am glad to have learned from.
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
A fresh and insightful WWII novel.
Berlin. Paris. New York City. Spanning from 1933 to 1945. This novel showcases three strong and courageous women whose lives and goals converge powerful ways. This is a story that unveils the power of books.
WWII stories have become common and overdone in the last several years. It’s not often I find a unique story or take on this wartime era. This novel challenged that while exploring fresh and unique wartime aspects that I knew little or nothing about. I was pleasantly surprised to learn a lot from this book.
One of the characters is a successful American author who receives an invitation from the Nazi party to join a cultural exchange program in Germany in 1933. Through her eyes, I was able to see a genuine portrayal of someone swept up in the initial excitement of Hitler and all the change the Nazi party would bring but also questioning the ethics and integrity of the decisions the Nazis were making. It was an eye-opening and thought-provoking perspective.
Another main character dedicates her time to working at the German Library of Burned Books in 1936. A brave and dangerous job to stand up against fascism and try to spread word and teach others during a time of desperation and uncertainty.
The last main character dedicates her life to running the Armed Services Editions (ASE) in New York City in 1944 after losing her husband in battle. This program ships millions of books to soldiers overseas. Her belief is that these portable paperbacks bring joy and escape to the men in their darkest time of need. Nazi leaders challenge the program and fight to censor which books are “allowed” to be shipped.
All three women were determined and inspiring. A well researched book with root-worthy characters.
The romance aspect took away from my enjoyment and connection. There were times I found myself skim reading to get past the romantic elements.
Overall, an eye-opening and unique novel that I am glad to have learned from.
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
May 5, 2023
3.5/4 stars rating.
" To librarians, the guardians of books" This is a wonderful dedication page!
After finishing the book yesterday evening, I'm still not sure how to find the right words to write this review. I still have mixed emotions about it. So I'll just keep praying and writing what is in my heart.
Even though I am disappointed with the book, I'm glad that I read it for the educational value alone. Some things that I learned is that the first time the Nazis burned the books it was a big frenzy. Pushing, shoving and cheering in the pouring rain 🌧️...it was started by students. Thousands of books were burned even though they had a hard time keeping the fire lit. Most people there were just curious and caught up in what was happening. What books were saved ended up in The Library Of Burned Books years later. What Hitler didn't realize is that once a book is read, it can't be unread!! Those who read the books still carry the knowledge of what was written!
I learned a lot about ASE books ( Armed Service Editions). Viv's fight in 1944 was to put books in the hands of those fighting for our country, while Senator Taft wanted to censor & ban these books. Viv points out that these are grown men who can decide what to read!! 📖 She also fights for the right of soldiers to vote fairly because the first election wasn't fair for them! I admire her courage, wisdom and strength! She is the only character I could relate to. I learned a lot more but I can't recall it this morning.
Word of caution: I didn't realize that this touched same sex relationships. I wasn't prepared for that. I really had to skim through those parts.
I only recommend this book to those who have this one on their reading list. Remember that this is only my opinion.
Happy Reading and Enjoy your day!!
" To librarians, the guardians of books" This is a wonderful dedication page!
After finishing the book yesterday evening, I'm still not sure how to find the right words to write this review. I still have mixed emotions about it. So I'll just keep praying and writing what is in my heart.
Even though I am disappointed with the book, I'm glad that I read it for the educational value alone. Some things that I learned is that the first time the Nazis burned the books it was a big frenzy. Pushing, shoving and cheering in the pouring rain 🌧️...it was started by students. Thousands of books were burned even though they had a hard time keeping the fire lit. Most people there were just curious and caught up in what was happening. What books were saved ended up in The Library Of Burned Books years later. What Hitler didn't realize is that once a book is read, it can't be unread!! Those who read the books still carry the knowledge of what was written!
I learned a lot about ASE books ( Armed Service Editions). Viv's fight in 1944 was to put books in the hands of those fighting for our country, while Senator Taft wanted to censor & ban these books. Viv points out that these are grown men who can decide what to read!! 📖 She also fights for the right of soldiers to vote fairly because the first election wasn't fair for them! I admire her courage, wisdom and strength! She is the only character I could relate to. I learned a lot more but I can't recall it this morning.
Word of caution: I didn't realize that this touched same sex relationships. I wasn't prepared for that. I really had to skim through those parts.
I only recommend this book to those who have this one on their reading list. Remember that this is only my opinion.
Happy Reading and Enjoy your day!!
March 17, 2023
This is a conflicted rating, and I’ve rounded up from a 2.5. Sections of the book were outstanding and well written. It is a powerful and pertinent commentary on book censorship and its danger to society. A chapter describing a welcome relief in a child’s game from the tension of the war was beautiful and worth reading twice. The historical information was fascinating. There were definitely five star moments.
The story needed to be told in multiple timelines to provide the reveals; however, the similarities between the characters, the purpose of the libraries, the close timelines, and the plethora of named support characters across the three settings made the characters blur together and the story difficult to follow, especially at the beginning. I always finish every book I start, but I thought about quitting after I had to look back several times to get things straight.
The author’s notes state this is “a joyful queer romance” which seems a big omission in the book’s description given the LGBTQ historical information and sensual nature of many passages. Unfortunately, it often does not feel dual genre or seamlessly integrated but like two different educational goals with plot lines that interrupt. The multiple social gatherings introduce many people who add nothing to the library plot. The events could have been introduced but minimized.
There are interesting facts and treasured passages hidden in these pages. The amount of research and effort is obvious. This book would be a perfect candidate for a Reader’s Digest version. If the timelines, characters, and events were streamlined, this book could be at least a four, perhaps a five.
The story needed to be told in multiple timelines to provide the reveals; however, the similarities between the characters, the purpose of the libraries, the close timelines, and the plethora of named support characters across the three settings made the characters blur together and the story difficult to follow, especially at the beginning. I always finish every book I start, but I thought about quitting after I had to look back several times to get things straight.
The author’s notes state this is “a joyful queer romance” which seems a big omission in the book’s description given the LGBTQ historical information and sensual nature of many passages. Unfortunately, it often does not feel dual genre or seamlessly integrated but like two different educational goals with plot lines that interrupt. The multiple social gatherings introduce many people who add nothing to the library plot. The events could have been introduced but minimized.
There are interesting facts and treasured passages hidden in these pages. The amount of research and effort is obvious. This book would be a perfect candidate for a Reader’s Digest version. If the timelines, characters, and events were streamlined, this book could be at least a four, perhaps a five.
October 13, 2022
The more that I read The Librarian of Burned Books, the more difficult it was to put down this novel. Brianna Labuskes creates a novel that recalls some of the most painful aspects of the multiple periods described in her novel. 1932/33, 1936/7, 1944 are years of turmoil and destruction, and Labuskes uses those years to her advantage in weaving together this complex web of history into the lives of fictional characters..
The Librarian of Burned Books is narrated by three women. Initially each woman, Althea, Hannah, and Vivian narrates a different time period, but by the end of the novel, all three women are able to tie together their separate stories. This final connection is so beautifully written, with elements of such emotional intensity, that I was in tears. I have not often read a piece of prose that is written with the beautiful intensity of poetry, but Labuskes achieves that beauty in The Librarian of Burned Books.
I spent a career teaching about the Holocaust and censorship, and so admittedly, I am biased about these topics, but for the first time since I retired, I find myself wishing for students with whom to discuss The Librarian of Burned Books. Luckily I am now the volunteer librarian at a Holocaust museum, and so I will be able to create opportunities to discuss and recommend The Librarian of Burned Books with student groups and other visitors.
I want to thank Labuskes and William Morrow for providing this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. I will be recommending this novel for my book club and for the library. Historical fiction has a home in the Holocaust narrative. Thank you also to NetGalley for bringing this novel to my attention.
The Librarian of Burned Books is narrated by three women. Initially each woman, Althea, Hannah, and Vivian narrates a different time period, but by the end of the novel, all three women are able to tie together their separate stories. This final connection is so beautifully written, with elements of such emotional intensity, that I was in tears. I have not often read a piece of prose that is written with the beautiful intensity of poetry, but Labuskes achieves that beauty in The Librarian of Burned Books.
I spent a career teaching about the Holocaust and censorship, and so admittedly, I am biased about these topics, but for the first time since I retired, I find myself wishing for students with whom to discuss The Librarian of Burned Books. Luckily I am now the volunteer librarian at a Holocaust museum, and so I will be able to create opportunities to discuss and recommend The Librarian of Burned Books with student groups and other visitors.
I want to thank Labuskes and William Morrow for providing this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. I will be recommending this novel for my book club and for the library. Historical fiction has a home in the Holocaust narrative. Thank you also to NetGalley for bringing this novel to my attention.
March 18, 2023
Enjoyed learning about this program from our nations history. I had no idea. I Would have rated this book much higher with 2 exceptions: 1) story jumped between time periods in a crazy manner. It was very Distracting. 2) author obviously had an agenda with the featured love story which is so annoying. Would have been better to focus on Hannah and Otto’s relationship.
March 31, 2023
My last read for March
The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes. Follows 3 ladies on 3 timelines starting in 1933 with American Althea James who travels to Germany and sees first hand the rising of the Nazis
1936 Hannah leaves Berlin to go to Paris and spends her time at the German Library of banned books.
1944 Vivian Childs goes against Senator Taft to fight against censorship of books shipped to America soldiers
This books has drama, romance and history rolled into one. A riveting tale during preWW2 and during WW2. See how these women’s lives intertwine across 3 countries and timelines.
The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes. Follows 3 ladies on 3 timelines starting in 1933 with American Althea James who travels to Germany and sees first hand the rising of the Nazis
1936 Hannah leaves Berlin to go to Paris and spends her time at the German Library of banned books.
1944 Vivian Childs goes against Senator Taft to fight against censorship of books shipped to America soldiers
This books has drama, romance and history rolled into one. A riveting tale during preWW2 and during WW2. See how these women’s lives intertwine across 3 countries and timelines.
Read
June 8, 2025Huge fan of historical fiction, so I’ve read quite a few WWII books. 🤓 Couldn’t connect with this one, timeline jumps around too much to connect with any character…. Adding to my DNF list- made it about 50% through- it might get better, so I’m not leaving a rating but I am moving on…. ✌️
April 10, 2023
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE LIBRARIAN OF BURNED BOOKS by Brianna Labuskes is an emotionally moving and provocative story that is about the important topics of censorship, the loss of freedoms and hate during this period from history that is as important today as it was then. Three women narrate their very different stories from pre-WWII Germany to Paris and then the United States in 1944.
Young American writer Althea James and Hannah Brecht meet in Berlin in 1933 and their story is told by Althea. Hannah Brecht is Jewish and a lesbian who has fled Germany and in 1936 is in Paris working at the German Library of Burned Books before the Germans invade. Vivian Childs is in New York in 1944 and working to fight an amendment to a bill that censors Armed Service Editions shipped to the millions of service men overseas. As Vivian works to set up a rally to fight censorship and gain attention to her battle, she unknowingly is about to shine a light on other’s secrets and change all their lives forever.
I am surprised this is the debut novel from this author. Even carrying three different storylines at different times and locations, the narratives never seemed to lose focus. The historical research is evident, and I was checking out actual pictures on-line of the Book Burning Memorial in Germany when I finished. And when I finished, I was so moved I had tears in my eyes and had to grab a tissue. Each of the women in this story are believable characters with very different journeys and yet their love of books brought them all together. There is a budding lesbian romance in this book and descriptions of the liberal cabarets in pre-WWII Germany which some may find offensive as well as some graphic violence.
This is a intriguing historical fiction tale that I could not put down. If you love books and abhor past and present censorship, I believe you will love this book as much as I did. I will be looking for future books by this author.
THE LIBRARIAN OF BURNED BOOKS by Brianna Labuskes is an emotionally moving and provocative story that is about the important topics of censorship, the loss of freedoms and hate during this period from history that is as important today as it was then. Three women narrate their very different stories from pre-WWII Germany to Paris and then the United States in 1944.
Young American writer Althea James and Hannah Brecht meet in Berlin in 1933 and their story is told by Althea. Hannah Brecht is Jewish and a lesbian who has fled Germany and in 1936 is in Paris working at the German Library of Burned Books before the Germans invade. Vivian Childs is in New York in 1944 and working to fight an amendment to a bill that censors Armed Service Editions shipped to the millions of service men overseas. As Vivian works to set up a rally to fight censorship and gain attention to her battle, she unknowingly is about to shine a light on other’s secrets and change all their lives forever.
I am surprised this is the debut novel from this author. Even carrying three different storylines at different times and locations, the narratives never seemed to lose focus. The historical research is evident, and I was checking out actual pictures on-line of the Book Burning Memorial in Germany when I finished. And when I finished, I was so moved I had tears in my eyes and had to grab a tissue. Each of the women in this story are believable characters with very different journeys and yet their love of books brought them all together. There is a budding lesbian romance in this book and descriptions of the liberal cabarets in pre-WWII Germany which some may find offensive as well as some graphic violence.
This is a intriguing historical fiction tale that I could not put down. If you love books and abhor past and present censorship, I believe you will love this book as much as I did. I will be looking for future books by this author.
May 5, 2023
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**3.5 stars**
The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes. (2023).
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 May 2023**
Berlin, 1933. After her successful first novel, American writer Althea is invited to a cultural exchange program in Germany. Berlin seems cosmopolitan and in the midst of great change with a charismatic new chancellor. Althea is drawn to a group of resisters who make her question everything. Paris, 1936. Hannah has escaped Berlin for Paris but there's still anti-Semitism and Nazi sympathisers. She believes books can help counter the ride of fascism as well as atone for her mistakes. New York, 1944. Vivian is attempting to prevent the censorship of the Armed Services Editions - paperbacks for soldiers. She thinks the way to win the battle is to have a story, and a mysterious librarian may be able to help.
This book has many elements that are intriguing to me - WWII historical fiction, librarians, books and even some romance, just to name a few. I did enjoy it, however I also found it quite easy to put down as I was easily distracted while reading; I felt like the flow wasn't quite right at times, particularly in the first half. The storyline alternates between the perspectives of three women and timelines: Althea in 1933, Hannah in 1936, and Vivian in 1944. All three are intelligent and brave women. I found the focus on controversial books quite interesting - still a timely issue that occurs today with censorship or attempted censorship going strong in certain locations. I thoroughly enjoyed the event near the end that connects all three women fighting against book censorship.
Overall: I would recommend this one for anyone interested by the synopsis, with primarily positive reviews it has been enjoyed by many.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**3.5 stars**
The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes. (2023).
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 May 2023**
Berlin, 1933. After her successful first novel, American writer Althea is invited to a cultural exchange program in Germany. Berlin seems cosmopolitan and in the midst of great change with a charismatic new chancellor. Althea is drawn to a group of resisters who make her question everything. Paris, 1936. Hannah has escaped Berlin for Paris but there's still anti-Semitism and Nazi sympathisers. She believes books can help counter the ride of fascism as well as atone for her mistakes. New York, 1944. Vivian is attempting to prevent the censorship of the Armed Services Editions - paperbacks for soldiers. She thinks the way to win the battle is to have a story, and a mysterious librarian may be able to help.
This book has many elements that are intriguing to me - WWII historical fiction, librarians, books and even some romance, just to name a few. I did enjoy it, however I also found it quite easy to put down as I was easily distracted while reading; I felt like the flow wasn't quite right at times, particularly in the first half. The storyline alternates between the perspectives of three women and timelines: Althea in 1933, Hannah in 1936, and Vivian in 1944. All three are intelligent and brave women. I found the focus on controversial books quite interesting - still a timely issue that occurs today with censorship or attempted censorship going strong in certain locations. I thoroughly enjoyed the event near the end that connects all three women fighting against book censorship.
Overall: I would recommend this one for anyone interested by the synopsis, with primarily positive reviews it has been enjoyed by many.
May 7, 2023
I had high hopes for this book. I saw it on the shelf of my local bookstore and was immediately intrigued by the title. Nothing irritates a book-lover more than someone burning them, right?
I read the back cover. It promised the story of three women. Two in pre-war Europe (France and Germany) and one in war-weary New York City. All of them were involved in one way or another with battling the censorship of the Nazis (and Americans) of books they deemed by any stretch of the imagination to be counter to their political ideology. Wow - just the kind of thing I love to read about!
But, this being 2023, the author decided to inject some gay entanglements and questionable relationships. They added nothing to the story. Of course any straight woman went weak in the knees at the sight of a tall, strong, blond man - even if he was a member of the Nazi Party - and the mere touch of his hand caused them to swoon. Why not throw in a love triangle and some broken hearts to the mix? The author certainly did.
So instead of creating a compelling, enlightening work of historical fiction, Brianna Labuskes wrote yet another hot-for-love romance novel that is disguised as something more meaningful. I was sorely disappointed and cannot recommend this novel.
I read the back cover. It promised the story of three women. Two in pre-war Europe (France and Germany) and one in war-weary New York City. All of them were involved in one way or another with battling the censorship of the Nazis (and Americans) of books they deemed by any stretch of the imagination to be counter to their political ideology. Wow - just the kind of thing I love to read about!
But, this being 2023, the author decided to inject some gay entanglements and questionable relationships. They added nothing to the story. Of course any straight woman went weak in the knees at the sight of a tall, strong, blond man - even if he was a member of the Nazi Party - and the mere touch of his hand caused them to swoon. Why not throw in a love triangle and some broken hearts to the mix? The author certainly did.
So instead of creating a compelling, enlightening work of historical fiction, Brianna Labuskes wrote yet another hot-for-love romance novel that is disguised as something more meaningful. I was sorely disappointed and cannot recommend this novel.
February 8, 2023
Couldn't read more than 30-40 pages. It may be just me, but it came across as a YA novel like The Book Thief or a dumbed-down version of the Holocaust like The Lilac Girls. I turned to In The Garden of the Righteous: The Heroes Who Risked Their Lives to Save Jews During the Holocaust instea and I am enjoying that a lot more. Sorry, this is just my opinion and I'm sure others will enjoy this book.
March 6, 2023
I wanted this book to be more about libraries, books and librarians.
April 30, 2023
If you want a good novel about censorship, read Fahrenheit 451. If you want a good WW2 novel, read something else.
February 13, 2025
Цікаво, чи сприйняв би я аж так близько — у саме серце — книгу Бріанни Лабускес "Бібліотека спалених книг", якби й сам зараз — під час війни — не займався ініціативою по забезпеченню військових книжками "Книга на фронт".
Якби я вірив у трансцендентне, то міг би припустити, що видання такої книги саме зараз — це знак із певним символічним впливом на мене, моральна підтримка від самого осердя буття: мовляв, все це вже було раніше, а зараз повторюється знову, тож не зупиняйся.
Лише пів року тому, в тій же "Лабораторії" вийшла "Книга на війні" Ендрю Петтіґрі — нон-фікшн від шотландського дослідника історії літератури про значення і вплив книг, бібліотек, читання на людей під час обох світових воєн і в повоєнний період. Вона досі підтримує мене щодня і не дозволяє втомитися, здатися або перегоріти.
Історичний роман Бріанни Лабускес будується на двох значних та яскравих епізодах з історії ХХ ст.: спалення книг нацистами в травні 1933 року та легендарному проєкті "Видання збройних сил", завдяки якому американським воякам на всіх фронтах Другої світової війни були доставлені майже 123 мільйони примірників книг у м'яких обкладинках.
Героїнями "Бібліотеки спалених книг" є три жінки — працівниця програми "Видання збройних сил" Вів'єн, німецька єврейка та активістка Ханна і американська письменниця Алтея, котра опинилася в Берліні завдяки сприянню пропагандистської машини Геббельса.
Вів'єн живе у 1944 році в Нью-Йорку, вона вдова американського військового і активна борчиня за права американських вояків на доступ до книг. Один з конгресменів саме протягнув у законі про голосування військових поправку про цензуру, через яку більшість книг, які відправляють на фронт, потраплять під заборону. Ханна в 1936 році опікується в Парижі Бібліотекою спалених книг і сподівається такою "м'якою силою" протистояти нестримній хвилі фашизму, яка почала отруювати Європу. Алтея ж приїжджає в Берлін в 1933 році за програмою культурного обміну і спочатку навіть захоплюється красою та силою "надлюдей", котрі починають здобувати владу в Німеччині...
Три жінки, три непростих долі, три часи, кохання, смерть, і роль книжкок в самісінькому епіцентрі світової історії — наратив рухається трьома часовими потоками, аж доки не зливається переплітаючись в одну сильну та глибоко емоційну розповідь, котра захоплює, бентежить і надихає.
Авторка роману якісно дослідила джерела і завдяки цьому "Бібліотека спалених книг" перетворюєт��ся для читача у "машину часу". Можна відчути огиду і жар від палаючих книг в Берліні, здивуватися наказу Ейзенхауера, за яким кожен військовий у День "Д" (D-Day) висадки в Нормандії повинен був мати з собою якусь книжку з "Видання збройних сил", обуритися тим, як безвідповідальність політиків руйнує найуспішніші ініціативи.
Навіть якщо ви ніколи не вірили в те, що військові теж люди і хотіли б мати легкий доступ до книг, цей роман просто цікаво прочитати усім, хто любить книги і вірить в силу розказування історій.
Я ж сподіватимусь, що кожна людина, яка його прочитає, більше не зможе ігнорувати плакати в книгарнях із закликом: "Подаруй книгу на фронт".
Якби я вірив у трансцендентне, то міг би припустити, що видання такої книги саме зараз — це знак із певним символічним впливом на мене, моральна підтримка від самого осердя буття: мовляв, все це вже було раніше, а зараз повторюється знову, тож не зупиняйся.
Лише пів року тому, в тій же "Лабораторії" вийшла "Книга на війні" Ендрю Петтіґрі — нон-фікшн від шотландського дослідника історії літератури про значення і вплив книг, бібліотек, читання на людей під час обох світових воєн і в повоєнний період. Вона досі підтримує мене щодня і не дозволяє втомитися, здатися або перегоріти.
Історичний роман Бріанни Лабускес будується на двох значних та яскравих епізодах з історії ХХ ст.: спалення книг нацистами в травні 1933 року та легендарному проєкті "Видання збройних сил", завдяки якому американським воякам на всіх фронтах Другої світової війни були доставлені майже 123 мільйони примірників книг у м'яких обкладинках.
Героїнями "Бібліотеки спалених книг" є три жінки — працівниця програми "Видання збройних сил" Вів'єн, німецька єврейка та активістка Ханна і американська письменниця Алтея, котра опинилася в Берліні завдяки сприянню пропагандистської машини Геббельса.
Вів'єн живе у 1944 році в Нью-Йорку, вона вдова американського військового і активна борчиня за права американських вояків на доступ до книг. Один з конгресменів саме протягнув у законі про голосування військових поправку про цензуру, через яку більшість книг, які відправляють на фронт, потраплять під заборону. Ханна в 1936 році опікується в Парижі Бібліотекою спалених книг і сподівається такою "м'якою силою" протистояти нестримній хвилі фашизму, яка почала отруювати Європу. Алтея ж приїжджає в Берлін в 1933 році за програмою культурного обміну і спочатку навіть захоплюється красою та силою "надлюдей", котрі починають здобувати владу в Німеччині...
Три жінки, три непростих долі, три часи, кохання, смерть, і роль книжкок в самісінькому епіцентрі світової історії — наратив рухається трьома часовими потоками, аж доки не зливається переплітаючись в одну сильну та глибоко емоційну розповідь, котра захоплює, бентежить і надихає.
Авторка роману якісно дослідила джерела і завдяки цьому "Бібліотека спалених книг" перетворюєт��ся для читача у "машину часу". Можна відчути огиду і жар від палаючих книг в Берліні, здивуватися наказу Ейзенхауера, за яким кожен військовий у День "Д" (D-Day) висадки в Нормандії повинен був мати з собою якусь книжку з "Видання збройних сил", обуритися тим, як безвідповідальність політиків руйнує найуспішніші ініціативи.
Навіть якщо ви ніколи не вірили в те, що військові теж люди і хотіли б мати легкий доступ до книг, цей роман просто цікаво прочитати усім, хто любить книги і вірить в силу розказування історій.
Я ж сподіватимусь, що кожна людина, яка його прочитає, більше не зможе ігнорувати плакати в книгарнях із закликом: "Подаруй книгу на фронт".
July 10, 2023
Started slow and jumped to several different years and characters too often but if you love books and brave women it may be worth the read.
March 27, 2023
4.5 stars, rounded up. I am still thinking about this book days after finishing it.
The book description is worth reading, as it does a very good job of setting out the story's basic points.
A few thoughts:
--I loved all three women--Althea, Hannah, and Vivian--so different, so well delineated, so real to me.
--I had no trouble following the story as the author skipped between the three time frames. She did a good job of setting up a suspense thread in each time frame to tempt the reader to keep reading. I was driven to stay up waaay too late in order to find out what happened next to Althea and Hannah. I wasn't as worried about Viv--she was firmly safe in the US (and I was already familiar with the program she was involved in, so I knew how that conflicted ended.)
--I appreciated that the story took us to Berlin in 1933 and Paris in 1936 to give us a good sense of some of the attitudes present in the pre-WWII era. In contrast, the actual fighting of the war is merely background to the 1944 New York story.
--The author knows how to pack an emotional punch. Keep the tissues handy.
--The Author's Note and reading lists are worth a look. There are all sorts of historical tidbits therein.
The book description is worth reading, as it does a very good job of setting out the story's basic points.
A few thoughts:
--I loved all three women--Althea, Hannah, and Vivian--so different, so well delineated, so real to me.
--I had no trouble following the story as the author skipped between the three time frames. She did a good job of setting up a suspense thread in each time frame to tempt the reader to keep reading. I was driven to stay up waaay too late in order to find out what happened next to Althea and Hannah. I wasn't as worried about Viv--she was firmly safe in the US (and I was already familiar with the program she was involved in, so I knew how that conflicted ended.)
--I appreciated that the story took us to Berlin in 1933 and Paris in 1936 to give us a good sense of some of the attitudes present in the pre-WWII era. In contrast, the actual fighting of the war is merely background to the 1944 New York story.
--The author knows how to pack an emotional punch. Keep the tissues handy.
--The Author's Note and reading lists are worth a look. There are all sorts of historical tidbits therein.
March 17, 2024
A contender for best book of 2024, The Librarian of Burned Books held me captive for an entire spring break afternoon. I even locked myself in the bathroom for 30 minutes so no one would talk with me while reading. If there is one WWII-era book I would encourage fellow readers to add to their 2024 TBR, it is this one. I thought I was burned out by this theme in my reading, but I feel quite rejuvenated.
Three women( Althea, Vivian and Hannah)- one in Nazi Germany, one in Paris, and one in New York City, teach us about love, loss, friendship, and forgiveness. This was my first time reading any material about ASE books( Armed Service Edition) and learning about the American government's battle with censorship during the war. There is a central focus on the topic of book banning that in the present makes it very relevant.
Goodreads Review 17/03/24
Three women( Althea, Vivian and Hannah)- one in Nazi Germany, one in Paris, and one in New York City, teach us about love, loss, friendship, and forgiveness. This was my first time reading any material about ASE books( Armed Service Edition) and learning about the American government's battle with censorship during the war. There is a central focus on the topic of book banning that in the present makes it very relevant.
Goodreads Review 17/03/24
January 16, 2023
It's a well-researched historical fiction novel that has you looking up the history and memorials as you are reading, I confess, I did not wait until I finished the book. This story rotates chapters revolving around the lives of three women. It begins in New York City in 1943, with Vivian, who is trying to prevent book censorship. The second woman we meet is an author, who is invited to Berlin, Germany, in 1932. The third woman, Hannah, lives in Paris and the year is 1936, Hannah is a librarian. You can see the three women are connected through books. The way their stories intersect makes for some very interesting reading for almost 400 pages. I would recommend this one to anyone interested in WW2, books, historical fiction, and how people might have lived in these locations during these years. Feb 2023 Pub Date HarperCollins
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March 27, 2023
I tried and gave up. Some lovely writing and sentences but so much jumping across 3 close timelines before we really got to connect with or enjoy the characters or their motives. Many side characters did not help and the love stories seemed forced, possibly as characters and motives weren’t established or the atmosphere of war that may have created the jump into bed attitudes. I wanted the historical elements eg the books to soldiers and politics around censorship better explored. Found myself saying do I care about any of these characters or the resolution? The answer was no.
March 29, 2023
I give this book 4.5 stars.
As a lover of books, remembering the Nazi book burnings of the 1930s is a painful feeling. So many stories, so much intelligence and information, lost in the flames of willful ignorance and this book portrayed it beautifully.
This book was beautiful in that it told the stories of three women, all of whom made their own mark on the world during a time when it was very difficult for women to do so. They fought for books, to keep stories alive, despite what their content was, and to keep free speech alive. People should be able to read what they want, when they want and the government should not be able to take that away.
A really wonderful, well-written story.
As a lover of books, remembering the Nazi book burnings of the 1930s is a painful feeling. So many stories, so much intelligence and information, lost in the flames of willful ignorance and this book portrayed it beautifully.
This book was beautiful in that it told the stories of three women, all of whom made their own mark on the world during a time when it was very difficult for women to do so. They fought for books, to keep stories alive, despite what their content was, and to keep free speech alive. People should be able to read what they want, when they want and the government should not be able to take that away.
A really wonderful, well-written story.
June 25, 2025
Тут чудова лінія кохання між жінками під час війни по різні сторони моральних виборів. Мені сподобалось, хороша книжка.
September 19, 2024
A powerful and timely novel that resonates today.
The book follows the stories of 3 characters- Hannah, Althea and Vivian with 2 different timelines about 10 years apart that are woven together to create a memorable narrative about censorship and love.
The book begins in Berlin 1933. The author effectively captures how Berlin, the vibrant hub of modernity, quickly became a staunch city in step with Nazism. She conveys this using character dialogue, careful descriptions of clandestine cabarets and high class dinners, snippets from Goebbels’ speeches and ultimately the vivid portrayal of the Student Union book burning.
It is the profound impact of the book burning and censorship both in Germany and the United States that shapes the lives and choices of these characters and ultimately draws them together each becoming a hero of their own story.
A highly recommended read not for the writing (4 stars) but for the message which bumps this up to 5 stars.
Okay now a soapbox moment:
As I read this book it underscored the importance of preserving our past whether it be history, literature, art or cinematography.
In Berlin, the Student Union burned books viewed as subversive or representing ideologies opposed to Nazism on May 10, 1933 at Opernplatz. It was the beginning of an era of unprecedented state censorship and while, initially, books written by Einstein, Mann, Marx, Hirschfeld were burned this then expanded to the likes of Keller, Hugo, Lawrence, Fitzgerald, Tolstoy and Wilde. Effectively any book incompatible with Nazi ideology was targeted. This truly should be a reminder. Can you imagine a world without these books?
As the author herself so eloquently said: “books were sacred, even the ones she didn’t agree with or enjoy”. As is our art and history.
We should not erase or ban it; we should learn from it.
The book follows the stories of 3 characters- Hannah, Althea and Vivian with 2 different timelines about 10 years apart that are woven together to create a memorable narrative about censorship and love.
The book begins in Berlin 1933. The author effectively captures how Berlin, the vibrant hub of modernity, quickly became a staunch city in step with Nazism. She conveys this using character dialogue, careful descriptions of clandestine cabarets and high class dinners, snippets from Goebbels’ speeches and ultimately the vivid portrayal of the Student Union book burning.
It is the profound impact of the book burning and censorship both in Germany and the United States that shapes the lives and choices of these characters and ultimately draws them together each becoming a hero of their own story.
A highly recommended read not for the writing (4 stars) but for the message which bumps this up to 5 stars.
Okay now a soapbox moment:
As I read this book it underscored the importance of preserving our past whether it be history, literature, art or cinematography.
In Berlin, the Student Union burned books viewed as subversive or representing ideologies opposed to Nazism on May 10, 1933 at Opernplatz. It was the beginning of an era of unprecedented state censorship and while, initially, books written by Einstein, Mann, Marx, Hirschfeld were burned this then expanded to the likes of Keller, Hugo, Lawrence, Fitzgerald, Tolstoy and Wilde. Effectively any book incompatible with Nazi ideology was targeted. This truly should be a reminder. Can you imagine a world without these books?
As the author herself so eloquently said: “books were sacred, even the ones she didn’t agree with or enjoy”. As is our art and history.
We should not erase or ban it; we should learn from it.
May 27, 2023
Yesterday, 4/24/23, a co-worker placed this book in my hands and asked me to let her know what I thought of it! So, here goes....
Updated: 5/27/23 - I have visited the Book burning memorial at Bebelplatz, which gave me an added reason to want to read this book. It's taken me a lot longer to finish than I expected. Each time I put it down, I found I didn't feel very motivated to pick it up again. I think it was a combination of the writing style and not being able to connect with the characters.
As others have mentioned there is a lot of movement backwards and forwards in time, which added to my disconnection. However, I truly appreciated the sentiment that runs throughout the book that "books [are] sacred, even the ones [we] don't agree with or enjoy."
Favorite lines:
"Is your little library not a symbolic beacon to the world that words are more powerful than flames?"
"Under the Third Reich, hope only existed as a weapon."
"Burning books about things you do not like or understand does not mean those things no longer exist."
"This was gleeful destruction of knowledge, of science, of poetry, of love. The students who should have cherished such things were giddy as they watched all of it burn."
"Every culture, every country, every type of person in the world tells stories. They've been whispered and sung and written down on scraps of paper and they have always, always been an indelible part of our very humanity."
Updated: 5/27/23 - I have visited the Book burning memorial at Bebelplatz, which gave me an added reason to want to read this book. It's taken me a lot longer to finish than I expected. Each time I put it down, I found I didn't feel very motivated to pick it up again. I think it was a combination of the writing style and not being able to connect with the characters.
As others have mentioned there is a lot of movement backwards and forwards in time, which added to my disconnection. However, I truly appreciated the sentiment that runs throughout the book that "books [are] sacred, even the ones [we] don't agree with or enjoy."
Favorite lines:
"Is your little library not a symbolic beacon to the world that words are more powerful than flames?"
"Under the Third Reich, hope only existed as a weapon."
"Burning books about things you do not like or understand does not mean those things no longer exist."
"This was gleeful destruction of knowledge, of science, of poetry, of love. The students who should have cherished such things were giddy as they watched all of it burn."
"Every culture, every country, every type of person in the world tells stories. They've been whispered and sung and written down on scraps of paper and they have always, always been an indelible part of our very humanity."
March 20, 2023
This was such a great WWII historical fiction book that didn't conform to the typical mold. Told through the alternating perspective of three different women whose lives intersect in fascinating ways over their shared love of books and opposition to the war against censorship.
Berlin 1933: sees American writer Althea James traveling to Germany to participate in a cultural exchange program. Once there she falls for another woman and has her eyes opened to the horrors of the rising Nazi party.
Paris 1936: German native Hannah Brecht, narrowly escaped Berlin after a family tragedy and is now living in Paris tending to The German Library of Banned Books, while also nursing a broken heart.
New York 1944: widow Vivian Childs takes up the fight against a senator who is trying to censor what books get shipped to the American soldiers serving overseas.
This book was full of drama, romance and was oh so timely to our lives today where book banning and censorship is on the rise again and does an amazing job showing the power that determined women can have on effecting change when they put their minds to it.
Great on audio narrated by Caroline Hewitt, Eleanor Caudill and Karissa Vacker and HIGHLY, highly recommended! Many thanks to Librofm for my ALC!
Berlin 1933: sees American writer Althea James traveling to Germany to participate in a cultural exchange program. Once there she falls for another woman and has her eyes opened to the horrors of the rising Nazi party.
Paris 1936: German native Hannah Brecht, narrowly escaped Berlin after a family tragedy and is now living in Paris tending to The German Library of Banned Books, while also nursing a broken heart.
New York 1944: widow Vivian Childs takes up the fight against a senator who is trying to censor what books get shipped to the American soldiers serving overseas.
This book was full of drama, romance and was oh so timely to our lives today where book banning and censorship is on the rise again and does an amazing job showing the power that determined women can have on effecting change when they put their minds to it.
Great on audio narrated by Caroline Hewitt, Eleanor Caudill and Karissa Vacker and HIGHLY, highly recommended! Many thanks to Librofm for my ALC!
February 21, 2023
A love of books, a fight against injustice and a yearning to help end the war led three women in three cities to band together and take on book banning. In New York Viv has just become a war widow and is fighting political roadblocks to save the program she has worked on tirelessly. She is fighting censorship of books that are sent to servicemen in Europe as a way of escaping the horrors of war. In Paris Hannah runs a bookshop that houses banned books that have been burned in Germany for being against new German principles. In Berlin Althea came from the U.S. at the beginning of the war enamored with the city and one of the new Chancellor Hitler's officers in particular. Soon enough her eyes are opened to the atrocities and injustice and her heart opened up to Hannah. They fought book censorship both in Europe and in the states. They fought the loss of great literature and against the loss of freedom of religion, love and ideas. On a sad note this is historical fiction that takes place in WWII but you will see many parallels to the censorship issues we are facing today. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
February 2, 2024
1,5
Lo primero que quiero recalcar es que no es una novela histórica, vale si, porque está ambientada en la Segunda Guerra Mundial, pero creo que debería ser romance histórico (algo importante a la hora de querer o no queer leerlo)
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De primeras y viendo la sinopsis pinta muy bien, tres mujeres en diferentes lugares que piensan diferente, y en años diferentes… durante la Guerra y después.
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Pero lo que vas a encontrar es un triángulo amoroso, con dos mujeres (que como está de moda pues lo metemos con calzador), y ya de fondo y como trama secundaria, los libros, la censura y los libros prohibidos.
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Si buscas libros quemados no los vas a encontrar, para empezar la mala traducción del título y ya no solo del título sino de la novela entera , asique creo que habría que darle una vuelta.
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Tiene críticas muy buenas, pero claro supongo que si te gusta el romance y ese mamarracheo te gustará, para mi ha sido un poco (mucho) decepción.
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Lo primero que quiero recalcar es que no es una novela histórica, vale si, porque está ambientada en la Segunda Guerra Mundial, pero creo que debería ser romance histórico (algo importante a la hora de querer o no queer leerlo)
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De primeras y viendo la sinopsis pinta muy bien, tres mujeres en diferentes lugares que piensan diferente, y en años diferentes… durante la Guerra y después.
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Pero lo que vas a encontrar es un triángulo amoroso, con dos mujeres (que como está de moda pues lo metemos con calzador), y ya de fondo y como trama secundaria, los libros, la censura y los libros prohibidos.
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Si buscas libros quemados no los vas a encontrar, para empezar la mala traducción del título y ya no solo del título sino de la novela entera , asique creo que habría que darle una vuelta.
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Tiene críticas muy buenas, pero claro supongo que si te gusta el romance y ese mamarracheo te gustará, para mi ha sido un poco (mucho) decepción.
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May 9, 2023
Reading books like 'The Rose Code' helped me develop a taste for historical fiction and I would have to say this book is that genre at its best. Set in the backdrop of WWII in the nineteen thirties and forties it is a fascinating account based on one historical event. It is a sapphic book so be prepared to 'judge' it but if you can get past that the events themselves are gripping and the women involved are no less interesting.
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