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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
This book was really good!! I was very impressed with the historical accuracy about the events leading to Hitler's reign and the people in his inner circle. I discovered a lot of information about Hitler's regime and World War II, which was all extremely fascinating to me. I also enjoyed Gretchen as the main protagonist and instantly fell in love with Daniel. I'm really excited to read the sequel!
Tell Me More: Sympathy for 1945 Germany may be a stretch for many people. History books and documentaries focus on the horrors committed by the Nazis, and understandably so. But in Prisoner of Night and Fog, Anne Blankman asks readers to see the rise of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany through the eyes of a young girl, and it's the kind of the story worth reading alongside history books.
Gretchen does not start as a sympathetic character. On my first read, I actually found her a difficult character to understand, because she didn't seem to care or be attached to anything. The second time around was easier, and much of the story also takes on new layers in a reread. She isn't worldly or street-smart, relying on what she's told to consider right versus wrong. There is nothing wrong with that, of course, but it does later highlight how she begins to grow up. This isn't a book about Hitler, but his presence does weigh heavily on Gretchen's life, and it's his actions in the past that drive Gretchen's search for the truth about her father. What she does learn doesn't have to change her life, and indeed, she chooses to ignore the truth at first. But Gretchen is stronger than that, and while I initially found her back-and-forth frustrating, it makes sense for her character's eventual growth.
While the book is still written for a young audience, Blankman doesn't shy away from illustrating the horrors of the Nazi Party. Hitler's benevolent behaviour isn't quite enough to mask his ruthlessness, and even Gretchen is uncomfortable with him at times before she discovers the truth. The story asks both Gretchen and the reader to examine the idea of trust and loyalty to people and one's country, without overwhelming them with philosophical questions.
The Final Say: Anne Blankman's debut novel is a stark look at a girl growing up in the midst of shadows, and her choice to turn on the light to face them. Prisoner of Night and Fog will give readers an excellent and rarely seen perspective of the country and events that changed the world stage forever.
Gretchen does not start as a sympathetic character. On my first read, I actually found her a difficult character to understand, because she didn't seem to care or be attached to anything. The second time around was easier, and much of the story also takes on new layers in a reread. She isn't worldly or street-smart, relying on what she's told to consider right versus wrong. There is nothing wrong with that, of course, but it does later highlight how she begins to grow up. This isn't a book about Hitler, but his presence does weigh heavily on Gretchen's life, and it's his actions in the past that drive Gretchen's search for the truth about her father. What she does learn doesn't have to change her life, and indeed, she chooses to ignore the truth at first. But Gretchen is stronger than that, and while I initially found her back-and-forth frustrating, it makes sense for her character's eventual growth.
While the book is still written for a young audience, Blankman doesn't shy away from illustrating the horrors of the Nazi Party. Hitler's benevolent behaviour isn't quite enough to mask his ruthlessness, and even Gretchen is uncomfortable with him at times before she discovers the truth. The story asks both Gretchen and the reader to examine the idea of trust and loyalty to people and one's country, without overwhelming them with philosophical questions.
The Final Say: Anne Blankman's debut novel is a stark look at a girl growing up in the midst of shadows, and her choice to turn on the light to face them. Prisoner of Night and Fog will give readers an excellent and rarely seen perspective of the country and events that changed the world stage forever.
3.5
This book was addicting. But I'm not sure that I really, really liked it. I found the plot intriguing but I had trouble getting into the characters and their storylines.
I thought that the story was intriguing and I was invested in the characters. But the characters didn't seem very believable to me a lot of the time and I felt that their dialogue didn't always feel natural. A lot of the "twists" to me, were predictable.
That's not to say that I didn't enjoy this book. I did. But I don't think that I enjoyed it as much as I could have, hence the 3.5.
Although I would not, by any means consider this a favorite of mine, I would definitely recommend it to people who are looking for a quick historical fiction read.
This book was addicting. But I'm not sure that I really, really liked it. I found the plot intriguing but I had trouble getting into the characters and their storylines.
I thought that the story was intriguing and I was invested in the characters. But the characters didn't seem very believable to me a lot of the time and I felt that their dialogue didn't always feel natural. A lot of the "twists" to me, were predictable.
That's not to say that I didn't enjoy this book. I did. But I don't think that I enjoyed it as much as I could have, hence the 3.5.
Although I would not, by any means consider this a favorite of mine, I would definitely recommend it to people who are looking for a quick historical fiction read.
"Maybe there's hope for you yet. There's a city hidden beneath the one your National Socialists want you to see - music and culture and art and dancing, all the things they're trying to blind you to."
This book is very unique and tells its story with a very strong heroine. I really liked Gretchen as she was able to question the things that she had been told all her life. I liked how she was open to see the truth and how she was willing to find it. It's a great story, filled with true facts, and characters that were easy to admire. However, I was feeling so...disconnected from the characters, and that really took away from my enjoyment. I wasn't really bored, but I wasn't very entertained either. I'll probably pick up the sequel because I want to know how it ends, but I'd expected something different from this book.
This book is very unique and tells its story with a very strong heroine. I really liked Gretchen as she was able to question the things that she had been told all her life. I liked how she was open to see the truth and how she was willing to find it. It's a great story, filled with true facts, and characters that were easy to admire. However, I was feeling so...disconnected from the characters, and that really took away from my enjoyment. I wasn't really bored, but I wasn't very entertained either. I'll probably pick up the sequel because I want to know how it ends, but I'd expected something different from this book.
Oh my goodness, this was amazing!! The amount of research Anne Blankman did for this book really pays off. I was completely blown away by how great Prisoner of Night and Fog was, I'm so glad I picked it up. The main character Gretchen went through so much character development. I enjoyed getting to see her grow and become stronger as the story moved on, I also enjoyed Daniel's character as well. Thankfully the romance between them wasn't rushed or fake feeling, everything felt very natural. I can't believe this was Anne Blankman's first book! What a wonderful debut. I would recommend this to everyone. 5 out of 5 stars.
- This was a slight disappointment as I spent two years wanting to read this
- However, intriguing story and characters and overall enjoyable
- will continue with series
- sometimes felt that the historical events were kind of listed to sort of show off the author’s knowledge of the time period, but I don't know. It kind of bothered me.
- However, intriguing story and characters and overall enjoyable
- will continue with series
- sometimes felt that the historical events were kind of listed to sort of show off the author’s knowledge of the time period, but I don't know. It kind of bothered me.
Interesting story of a girl who grew up calling Adolf Hitler uncle Dolf. Set before WWII has started, Gretchen has grown up being told how terrible the Jews are. But one night, a chance encounter with a Jewish boy leads her took reconsider everything she has been told her whole life, including the story of how her own father died.
The cover of this book completely drew me in. It’s very eye catching. After reading the synopsis I knew I HAD to read this book. I was so happy that I did.
Gretchen is an amazing character. She is able to show fear, strength, and everything in between. Her main priority is to get to the bottom of how her father died years before. She finds herself trying to figure out who she can trust in the circle she’s always grown up around. Sometimes even the people closest to you have secrets. I absolutely adored Daniel. Gretchen shouldn’t even be talking to him, but she can’t help it. What I like best about Gretchen is that she starts to question everything. She also shows sympathy for those that are in a bind.
The drama that unfolds in this book is full of awesome. There are so many secrets, and a few of the characters are terrifying. I also love how Blankman used real people as part of the story. It makes the actions that unfold more believable. I think my favorite aspect of this book is how close Gretchen’s ties with Adolf Hitler are. This is my second historical fiction I’ve read from this time, and it’s definitely my favorite.
This may be one of my favorite books of the year, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of Anne Blankman’s work.
Gretchen is an amazing character. She is able to show fear, strength, and everything in between. Her main priority is to get to the bottom of how her father died years before. She finds herself trying to figure out who she can trust in the circle she’s always grown up around. Sometimes even the people closest to you have secrets. I absolutely adored Daniel. Gretchen shouldn’t even be talking to him, but she can’t help it. What I like best about Gretchen is that she starts to question everything. She also shows sympathy for those that are in a bind.
The drama that unfolds in this book is full of awesome. There are so many secrets, and a few of the characters are terrifying. I also love how Blankman used real people as part of the story. It makes the actions that unfold more believable. I think my favorite aspect of this book is how close Gretchen’s ties with Adolf Hitler are. This is my second historical fiction I’ve read from this time, and it’s definitely my favorite.
This may be one of my favorite books of the year, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of Anne Blankman’s work.
I LOVED this. I got so INTO it. The romance was SO GOOD. The murder mystery meshed into Hitler's rise to power was just SO COOL I still cannot handle it. The characters are SO GOOD. Gretchen was relatable; Daniel was delightful; Reinhard was terrifying. I just CANNOT HANDLE HOW MUCH I LIKED THIS. Even reading the description for book two makes me squeal with joy.