Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
2 Stars is me being generous.
Where do I even begin?
I read from somewhere (I can't remember what book) that when someone says a book has so much potential, it's not a good sign. THIS BOOK HAS SO MUCH POTENTIAL.
You know that feeling you get when you're reading historical fiction? Like you're being transported back to a different era? That's what I love about this genre. Sadly, I didn't get that feeling reading this book. When I was reading it, it feels as if I was looking through a window from afar and not part of the story at all. I felt detached from the characters most of the tine. I didn't care for them at all especially our main character Gretchen. Yes, she's one of the strongest heroine in YA but I didn't connect with her at all.
It was the writing style that dropped the ball. The world building was info-dumpy I rolled my eyes a lot. Some passages are unnecessary, like the writer was just stating the obvious about what happened. The plot is nothing spectacular. Just the main character falling in love with a Jewish reporter in the midst of finding out who killed her father in the failed revolution during The Putsch.
It was brave of the writer to interweave factual historical events that happened into her own fictional story. That was interesting. The ending really did it for me. It was a bit stand-off-ish and unreal.
I wouldn't recommend it. Read at your own risk.
Where do I even begin?
I read from somewhere (I can't remember what book) that when someone says a book has so much potential, it's not a good sign. THIS BOOK HAS SO MUCH POTENTIAL.
You know that feeling you get when you're reading historical fiction? Like you're being transported back to a different era? That's what I love about this genre. Sadly, I didn't get that feeling reading this book. When I was reading it, it feels as if I was looking through a window from afar and not part of the story at all. I felt detached from the characters most of the tine. I didn't care for them at all especially our main character Gretchen. Yes, she's one of the strongest heroine in YA but I didn't connect with her at all.
It was the writing style that dropped the ball. The world building was info-dumpy I rolled my eyes a lot. Some passages are unnecessary, like the writer was just stating the obvious about what happened. The plot is nothing spectacular. Just the main character falling in love with a Jewish reporter in the midst of finding out who killed her father in the failed revolution during The Putsch.
It was brave of the writer to interweave factual historical events that happened into her own fictional story. That was interesting. The ending really did it for me. It was a bit stand-off-ish and unreal.
I wouldn't recommend it. Read at your own risk.
Gretchen and Daniel were my favorite characters, no one else even comes CLOSE.
An interesting look at Hitler's inner circle during the 1930s. I loved the mystery and romance. It never felt like the history was more important than the characters or the story, which is something I always look for when reading historical fiction. I can't wait to read the next one.
For more visit The Sirenic Codex
Blankman has joined the troop of story weavers whose writing makes me shudder with a mixture of emotions yet keeps me so riveted that I can't bear a moment away from it. Evidently, I was glued to my copy of Prisoner of Night and Fog and for good reason; it is a gold mine.
I adore historical fiction and I feel that I haven't read enough. Those that I have, I remember commenting on their realism and the authors' dedication to staying on point with history. But I've never read something like Prisoner of Night and Fog. This book is the perfect example of a masterful intermingling of real life events and people into fictitious works. To me it is a sign of fantastic things to come.
Blankman managed to not only bring her added characters to life but she breathed a new air to many real life characters. All I've read about Hitler are Wikipedia articles and a few chapters in my Canadian History textbook; not much besides evil! In this book, Blankman showed us a personality, a real life person to which we can attach all our past knowledge. He fascinated me the way a wild beast fascinates curious onlookers. I was always awaiting the breaking point, the time when Blankman would stray from her story and add a little bias, but she never did.
A big part of this book was the Muller family. Gretchen hales from a regular family of shoemakers who by a force of luck (or bad luck) become acquainted with Adolf Hitler in his early days. Their familial struggles were so pure in nature. The everyday struggles of making a living, the expectation of women and the troubles that came with not having a patriarch in the house. I enjoyed reading about Gretchen and her brother Reinhard's relationship. It was fascinating to read as not many authors have tackled a psychopath before. I was thoroughly engrossed and once again horrified.
As for Gretchen, I adored having her as a narrator. She was so young, alive, brave and intelligent. She taught us that one shouldn't just agree to everything they are told without question. To a girl who has never seen anything different, being told that a Jew is a monster isn't hard to believe. But without questions and a need to make our own opinions on things the atrocities would've worsened. Gretchen, albeit being a loyal daughter and follower, is also someone who is true to herself and only that truth and her love for her family helped her find the truth.
Her partner in crime, the sweet Daniel Cohen was a force to be reckoned with. He was so open and eager to help. His dedication to his dreams made him an inspiration. Put him together with Gretchen and the two fit perfectly. Their romance was the slow and deep type. No night of raw passion, just a sweet pure adoration and need to always protect the other on equal footing.
I honestly have not read a novel of this calibre in a long time and it makes me want to stop, take a break from reading and just skim through its pages remembering my favourite parts, the revelation and resolutions. Prisoner of Night and fog is sure to be a book that will stay with me and I shall recommend it to all lovers of a great story.
Blankman has joined the troop of story weavers whose writing makes me shudder with a mixture of emotions yet keeps me so riveted that I can't bear a moment away from it. Evidently, I was glued to my copy of Prisoner of Night and Fog and for good reason; it is a gold mine.
I adore historical fiction and I feel that I haven't read enough. Those that I have, I remember commenting on their realism and the authors' dedication to staying on point with history. But I've never read something like Prisoner of Night and Fog. This book is the perfect example of a masterful intermingling of real life events and people into fictitious works. To me it is a sign of fantastic things to come.
Blankman managed to not only bring her added characters to life but she breathed a new air to many real life characters. All I've read about Hitler are Wikipedia articles and a few chapters in my Canadian History textbook; not much besides evil! In this book, Blankman showed us a personality, a real life person to which we can attach all our past knowledge. He fascinated me the way a wild beast fascinates curious onlookers. I was always awaiting the breaking point, the time when Blankman would stray from her story and add a little bias, but she never did.
A big part of this book was the Muller family. Gretchen hales from a regular family of shoemakers who by a force of luck (or bad luck) become acquainted with Adolf Hitler in his early days. Their familial struggles were so pure in nature. The everyday struggles of making a living, the expectation of women and the troubles that came with not having a patriarch in the house. I enjoyed reading about Gretchen and her brother Reinhard's relationship. It was fascinating to read as not many authors have tackled a psychopath before. I was thoroughly engrossed and once again horrified.
As for Gretchen, I adored having her as a narrator. She was so young, alive, brave and intelligent. She taught us that one shouldn't just agree to everything they are told without question. To a girl who has never seen anything different, being told that a Jew is a monster isn't hard to believe. But without questions and a need to make our own opinions on things the atrocities would've worsened. Gretchen, albeit being a loyal daughter and follower, is also someone who is true to herself and only that truth and her love for her family helped her find the truth.
Her partner in crime, the sweet Daniel Cohen was a force to be reckoned with. He was so open and eager to help. His dedication to his dreams made him an inspiration. Put him together with Gretchen and the two fit perfectly. Their romance was the slow and deep type. No night of raw passion, just a sweet pure adoration and need to always protect the other on equal footing.
I honestly have not read a novel of this calibre in a long time and it makes me want to stop, take a break from reading and just skim through its pages remembering my favourite parts, the revelation and resolutions. Prisoner of Night and fog is sure to be a book that will stay with me and I shall recommend it to all lovers of a great story.
After thinking over Prisoner of Night and Fog for a bit, I think 2 stars is a far more fitting rating for this book.
If you have me as a friend on here, I think it's fairly obvious that I tend to gravitate towards historical fiction novels, so it shouldn't be a surprise that I was lured in by the synopsis of this book. (Yes, it's been sitting on my bookshelf since I bought it two years ago, but my point still stands.) I should also make it clear that I am quite critical of historical fiction books, mainly because I have very high standards when it comes to this genre and have absolutely no patience for tropes, undeveloped characters, or shitty romances--and guess what! Prisoner of Night and Fog had all of the above, and then some. It helped me discover that I really am a snob when it comes to this genreor maybe this was just a terribly written novel.
First off: kudos to the author for even attempting to write a novel set during WWII that neither antagonizes nor demonizes Hitler; in fact, it portrays him as a fatherly figure, which had to have been a difficult feat for anyone. Moreover, Gretchen, our main character, was in the inner circles of the Nazi party, and it was interesting to get a somewhat intimate look into the party. Blankman's characterization of Hitler was pretty believable and realistic--you can tell that the author knew her stuff when it came to painting his personality.
I'm afraid that that's about where my praise for the book ends. There are several glaring problems within this book, one of which is the lack of characterization of anyone aside from Hitler. Gretchen was so unnervingly undeveloped that I honestly don't even know what to say about her. She had no personality whatsoever, and maybe my memory is failing me but there wasn't much said about her hobbies, her likes, her dislikes, anything to give me some hint of who the hell Gretchen is. She was as bland as stale bread and she's probably one of the most uninteresting characters I've read of, and I've come across some pretty damn boring characters. I truly would have rather had a developed, annoying protagonist than an undeveloped one like Gretchen.
Moving on to the main love interest, Daniel. I have to admit that he was far more intriguing that Gretchen, but to be fair I would have found a fly more intriguing than her. I found their romance unnecessary at best, but at the same time, I've read of far worse romances, especially in historical fiction, so I'm glad that that wasn't a main part of the plot. Speaking of, the plot was terrible. Like Gretchen, it was extremely bland and not very entertaining. I wasn't very invested in the mystery behind Gretchen's father's death, so I think that contributed to my overall disinterest in the plotline.
Most reviews I've read rave about the deep research that went into Prisoner of Night and Fog, but aside from the portrayal of Hitler, I don't think that the author did a good job of integrating history into this book. At some points it felt as if I was reading excerpts from a textbook, and that is definitely not a good presentation of historical info. Anyone can do some research and throw it into a book; the key is to weave it into your story-line in a way that would neither bog down your readers nor distance them from the main plot. Blankman's uninspired writing also left a lot to be desired, resulting in a poorly written attempt at a clever, unconventional novel.
The amount of potential this book had is saddening, and if put in more capable hands, I believe that this would have been a stellar novel, perhaps even a favorite. If you really want a good, emotionally-investing book about World War II, you're better off reading [b:Code Name Verity|11925514|Code Name Verity (Code Name Verity, #1)|Elizabeth Wein|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388161911s/11925514.jpg|16885788] or [b:The Book Thief|19063|The Book Thief|Markus Zusak|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1390053681s/19063.jpg|878368].
If you have me as a friend on here, I think it's fairly obvious that I tend to gravitate towards historical fiction novels, so it shouldn't be a surprise that I was lured in by the synopsis of this book. (Yes, it's been sitting on my bookshelf since I bought it two years ago, but my point still stands.) I should also make it clear that I am quite critical of historical fiction books, mainly because I have very high standards when it comes to this genre and have absolutely no patience for tropes, undeveloped characters, or shitty romances--and guess what! Prisoner of Night and Fog had all of the above, and then some. It helped me discover that I really am a snob when it comes to this genre
First off: kudos to the author for even attempting to write a novel set during WWII that neither antagonizes nor demonizes Hitler; in fact, it portrays him as a fatherly figure, which had to have been a difficult feat for anyone. Moreover, Gretchen, our main character, was in the inner circles of the Nazi party, and it was interesting to get a somewhat intimate look into the party. Blankman's characterization of Hitler was pretty believable and realistic--you can tell that the author knew her stuff when it came to painting his personality.
I'm afraid that that's about where my praise for the book ends. There are several glaring problems within this book, one of which is the lack of characterization of anyone aside from Hitler. Gretchen was so unnervingly undeveloped that I honestly don't even know what to say about her. She had no personality whatsoever, and maybe my memory is failing me but there wasn't much said about her hobbies, her likes, her dislikes, anything to give me some hint of who the hell Gretchen is. She was as bland as stale bread and she's probably one of the most uninteresting characters I've read of, and I've come across some pretty damn boring characters. I truly would have rather had a developed, annoying protagonist than an undeveloped one like Gretchen.
Moving on to the main love interest, Daniel. I have to admit that he was far more intriguing that Gretchen, but to be fair I would have found a fly more intriguing than her. I found their romance unnecessary at best, but at the same time, I've read of far worse romances, especially in historical fiction, so I'm glad that that wasn't a main part of the plot. Speaking of, the plot was terrible. Like Gretchen, it was extremely bland and not very entertaining. I wasn't very invested in the mystery behind Gretchen's father's death, so I think that contributed to my overall disinterest in the plotline.
Most reviews I've read rave about the deep research that went into Prisoner of Night and Fog, but aside from the portrayal of Hitler, I don't think that the author did a good job of integrating history into this book. At some points it felt as if I was reading excerpts from a textbook, and that is definitely not a good presentation of historical info. Anyone can do some research and throw it into a book; the key is to weave it into your story-line in a way that would neither bog down your readers nor distance them from the main plot. Blankman's uninspired writing also left a lot to be desired, resulting in a poorly written attempt at a clever, unconventional novel.
The amount of potential this book had is saddening, and if put in more capable hands, I believe that this would have been a stellar novel, perhaps even a favorite. If you really want a good, emotionally-investing book about World War II, you're better off reading [b:Code Name Verity|11925514|Code Name Verity (Code Name Verity, #1)|Elizabeth Wein|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388161911s/11925514.jpg|16885788] or [b:The Book Thief|19063|The Book Thief|Markus Zusak|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1390053681s/19063.jpg|878368].
Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman read almost like a car chase scene. It started out slow then sped up with a giant finale. The only problem: A car chase scene is just a car chase scene. At the end of the day, you're watching cars speed after one another and nothing more.
The novel caught my attention due to its potential "originality." It takes a different approach to 1930s-1940s literature especially among young adult novels. Therefore, I felt a need to read it. Gretchen is a school girl dreaming of attending university to become a doctor. She lives in Munich amongst political turmoil. Gretchen plays a part in the image of the National Socialist German Workers' Party. There she plays into the role of "pet" to her Uncle Dolf, Hitler, after the death of her father who is framed as a martyr of the political party.
Gretchen felt distant. It might of been the third person limited narrative or her overall character development. Her character needs to come to terms with an important choice: Does she or does she not fully agree with Hitler? This process starts when she meets a handsome Jewish boy, Daniel, who works at the Munich Post.
I hoped to read a book about complicity and collaboration or a slow realization to the world on Gretchen's part. To be honest, I felt underwhelmed. Meanwhile, I felt enthralled by parts of the plot and intrigued by the writing style. The novel did not disappoint. I always wanted to know what happened next plot-wise, but not character-wise.
It's a book that I would recommend to somebody interested in a plot that gradually builds into an action paced mystery thriller. There are even some hints of noir. This or if somebody is looking into a different approach to the historical fiction genre then this is an alright book.
The novel caught my attention due to its potential "originality." It takes a different approach to 1930s-1940s literature especially among young adult novels. Therefore, I felt a need to read it. Gretchen is a school girl dreaming of attending university to become a doctor. She lives in Munich amongst political turmoil. Gretchen plays a part in the image of the National Socialist German Workers' Party. There she plays into the role of "pet" to her Uncle Dolf, Hitler, after the death of her father who is framed as a martyr of the political party.
Gretchen felt distant. It might of been the third person limited narrative or her overall character development. Her character needs to come to terms with an important choice: Does she or does she not fully agree with Hitler? This process starts when she meets a handsome Jewish boy, Daniel, who works at the Munich Post.
I hoped to read a book about complicity and collaboration or a slow realization to the world on Gretchen's part. To be honest, I felt underwhelmed. Meanwhile, I felt enthralled by parts of the plot and intrigued by the writing style. The novel did not disappoint. I always wanted to know what happened next plot-wise, but not character-wise.
It's a book that I would recommend to somebody interested in a plot that gradually builds into an action paced mystery thriller. There are even some hints of noir. This or if somebody is looking into a different approach to the historical fiction genre then this is an alright book.
“If you think love means secrecy, then you don’t understand what love is at all.”
I'm a bit 50/50 of how I feel about the book.
I like it but not love it.
I love historical fiction.
And usually most historical fiction books centers on the main character that is somehow involve in the war but indirectly.
However in Prisoner of Night and Fog, Gretchen is so involved directly because she is Hitler's "niece"
Reading the synopsis I expected a love story knowing Gretchen was involved with a Jewish reporter, Daniel Cohen.
The story however evolves around more than just romance.
It's like a murder mystery.
And the journey of Gretchen finding out the truth about the war and about Hitler.
Maybe that was why I was 50/50 of the story.
Not that I don't like it but I was expecting heavy romance.
But I do still like the story of Gretchen of finding out the truth.
It was a different light to see a side of the war so close to Hitler.
Though I know such events are not true to real stories but reading it just feels true.
Anne Blankman did a great job of portraying this side of Hitler together with the story.
Of how he treats people, his actions.
You can feel the scariness, creepiness and sadness towards everything.
The story indirectly shows different actions or portrayal of people who was influence by Hitler and the war in general.
The story was very heavy dependent on Gretchen more as compared to Daniel. I really would like to know his side of story.
As the story set in 1931, we can see some stereotypes that we in reality are trying to tackle and solve today that has been going on since then.
Such as different in beliefs, equality of men and women. Betrayal, power , being silent and not voicing out opinions and more.
I always have to remind myself that I am in reading such things that is being tackles in the 19s hence reaction will be different if people were to see it happening today.
Though the book I feel will be okay to be a standalone, I am interested to find out what happens in the next one!
I do applaud Anne Blankman of this beautiful book which mixes fiction and the hardwork of research in putting whatever truth that she can find and did happen in the war with Hitler.
“You and I are impossible." she said.
"No." Gently, he brushed the hair back from her face. "We are what's real and true.”
I'm a bit 50/50 of how I feel about the book.
I like it but not love it.
I love historical fiction.
And usually most historical fiction books centers on the main character that is somehow involve in the war but indirectly.
However in Prisoner of Night and Fog, Gretchen is so involved directly because she is Hitler's "niece"
Reading the synopsis I expected a love story knowing Gretchen was involved with a Jewish reporter, Daniel Cohen.
The story however evolves around more than just romance.
It's like a murder mystery.
And the journey of Gretchen finding out the truth about the war and about Hitler.
Maybe that was why I was 50/50 of the story.
Not that I don't like it but I was expecting heavy romance.
But I do still like the story of Gretchen of finding out the truth.
It was a different light to see a side of the war so close to Hitler.
Though I know such events are not true to real stories but reading it just feels true.
Anne Blankman did a great job of portraying this side of Hitler together with the story.
Of how he treats people, his actions.
You can feel the scariness, creepiness and sadness towards everything.
The story indirectly shows different actions or portrayal of people who was influence by Hitler and the war in general.
The story was very heavy dependent on Gretchen more as compared to Daniel. I really would like to know his side of story.
As the story set in 1931, we can see some stereotypes that we in reality are trying to tackle and solve today that has been going on since then.
Such as different in beliefs, equality of men and women. Betrayal, power , being silent and not voicing out opinions and more.
I always have to remind myself that I am in reading such things that is being tackles in the 19s hence reaction will be different if people were to see it happening today.
Though the book I feel will be okay to be a standalone, I am interested to find out what happens in the next one!
I do applaud Anne Blankman of this beautiful book which mixes fiction and the hardwork of research in putting whatever truth that she can find and did happen in the war with Hitler.
“You and I are impossible." she said.
"No." Gently, he brushed the hair back from her face. "We are what's real and true.”
I could not put this book down. Absolutely gripping. I do not read very much historical fiction but it is books like this that make me want to read more. From the first page, I was swept into this world. There are some moments in this book that were difficult to read but I understand they were necessary to fully round out these characters. I appreciate how much research the author did and how they wove the fictional characters in so beautifully that I, at times, found myself thinking that they surely just have been real.
I will be reading the second book as soon as I am able to. Highly recommend.
I will be reading the second book as soon as I am able to. Highly recommend.