Reviews

The Girl Behind the Wall by Mandy Robotham

denae1234's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

fnlovestoread's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

agustinap's review against another edition

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4.0

The Berlin wall was knocked down in 1989, I was 14 years old and I remember crying while watching it on tv. I never gave much thought of how that divided families/friends. Once again, Mandy Robotham wrote a beautiful story. I admit to sharing a few tears at different parts of the book. I’ll be definitely recommending this book to my historical fiction friends.

alice94's review against another edition

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5.0

The book was one I got for Christmas and although it was not one I would normally pick out myself I am glad that it is not apart of my collection.

It's a story, fictional although from experience I find that stories like the one described in this book are far from fiction despite the fact they should be. It is a story of two sisters, separated by the Berlin wall through no fault of their own and no way to see each other. That is until they find a way and are finally able to communicate, be with each other and find a way for them to be together on the West Side of Berlin Wall. This book was a good example of what life was in those times and how the choices of family members effected everyone around them. In this case it was the decision of an uncle effecting the lives of two sisters who did nothing wrong, but were born on the wrong side of Berlin.

I like the book enough to be able to finish it in just one day. The story of the sisters left you at the edge of your seat to the very end. The whole book you are left wondering 'will they, won't they' until the very last pages of the book and even then you hope that it's not the end and that there will be more. I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, so I won't tell you how it ends but honestly until the very last pages you are wondering if there will be more and if it was all a quick dream.

I will definitely be recommending the book to others, especially since it does show you a side of history that you may not always consider. Most history books are written from the eyes of the politicians and historians and not the average people of the country which has managed to tear itself apart without even realising when it happened. I will definitely be reading the rest of the collection and if you enjoy reading a book that is written as though it was a first person perspective but actually turns you into a spectator, then this book is made for you.

She's physically and emotionally exhausted, and the thought of letting Mama and Gerda down gently while facing their inevitable inquisition makes her crave sleep. Still, she's surprised that Hugo hasn't warned her off going again, or that he's not more shocked - and impressed - by her bravery in going at all.

sparklymoom's review against another edition

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Took too long to tell the story
I lost interest so DNF
The depiction of the wall going up and finality of the border closures was stark & I enjoyed learning about 

mrsjdoc's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A

4.0

The Girl Behind the Wall is a historical fiction novel set in  Germany when the Wall is built.  It  divides Berlin and families are torn apart.  Gives some perspective on life during this time.  Enjoyable read.

versky8's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

lilbt2003's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional medium-paced

3.5

sophieemcdonell's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

k8eb's review against another edition

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The subject matter of the Berlin wall was interesting but I couldn't care about the characters, the build was very slow. I might return to it eventually.