A beautiful telling of what the German citizens went through when Hitler came into power (hint: not everyone supported him and his causes).

This was one of the best written historical fiction novels I’ve read in awhile. It expertly weaves together true events that serve as the backbone to this story in a way that rings true with other historical sources I’ve come across. This includes the transition of Hitler into power, how fear was used to keep people in check, the White Rose, the rise of concentration camps, and the way people (Jews, those with disabilities, and the Germans) were treated.

But this is far from a dry historical book. The story starts with Franka, ready to end her life in the woods, only to stumble across a man, with two broken legs in a German uniform. Something about him makes her think he is more than he seems. Not turning him into authorities is an offense punishable by death, and yet she decides to bring him back to her cabin and nurse him back to health. Meanwhile she discovers that her suspicions are true and his reason for coming is so much bigger than she could have imagined.

Definitely recommend for those who enjoy a good WWII historical fiction novel.

Note: I spent a summer in Munich and learned a lot about these events while there so some of my sentiment comes from nostalgia too