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ciggystardust's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-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? No
3.75
bubblewombat's review
4.0
I think Mandy Robotham's writing style suits me. It's comforting, in a way, and makes it easy to read her books in one go.
The shorter chapters are exactly what I needed today. I did take a few small breaks even though I kept saying "okay, only one more chapter and then I'll take a break" and then one turned to ten...
The Girl Behind the Wall tells the story of two sisters, twins, who found themselves on opposite sides of the Berlin Wall due to some unfortunate circumstances.
Jutta is free on the western side while Karin is trapped on the eastern side with seemingly no way back. But Jutta isn't giving up. She's determined to bring her sister home and when there's a will, there's a way. But what if Karin doesn't want to go back?
The start was a bit slow. It picks up when Karin is trying to establish a life for herself on the other side, but it gets even better later, when Jutta finds "her way".
I liked both sisters and their love for each other as well as for their love interests, Otto and Danny. Both romances were very wholesome (if we exclude that one time Karin was scared and did a silly thing) which is always welcome.
I wish we saw more of the side characters / family members because it was hard to care about them.
The story was a little unbelievable in parts. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll leave it at that. But overall, it was interesting.
I haven't read a book set during the construction of the Wall, from what I can remember, so it was nice to see something new.
I think the author managed to capture the atmosphere well. And the fear too.
There's a slight whodunit element, and I honestly didn't guess who it was, even though I noticed the person. I also enjoyed the, how do I word this...rescue with the car, and the pre rescue part too.
I have an issue with the ending. The last chapter ends abruptly, and even though the epilogue is satisfying, there's room for more.
I'd recommend this to all historical book fans who want to experience divided Berlin through a good novel.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
The shorter chapters are exactly what I needed today. I did take a few small breaks even though I kept saying "okay, only one more chapter and then I'll take a break" and then one turned to ten...
The Girl Behind the Wall tells the story of two sisters, twins, who found themselves on opposite sides of the Berlin Wall due to some unfortunate circumstances.
Jutta is free on the western side while Karin is trapped on the eastern side with seemingly no way back. But Jutta isn't giving up. She's determined to bring her sister home and when there's a will, there's a way. But what if Karin doesn't want to go back?
The start was a bit slow. It picks up when Karin is trying to establish a life for herself on the other side, but it gets even better later, when Jutta finds "her way".
I liked both sisters and their love for each other as well as for their love interests, Otto and Danny. Both romances were very wholesome (if we exclude that one time Karin was scared and did a silly thing) which is always welcome.
I wish we saw more of the side characters / family members because it was hard to care about them.
The story was a little unbelievable in parts. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll leave it at that. But overall, it was interesting.
I haven't read a book set during the construction of the Wall, from what I can remember, so it was nice to see something new.
I think the author managed to capture the atmosphere well. And the fear too.
There's a slight whodunit element, and I honestly didn't guess who it was, even though I noticed the person. I also enjoyed the, how do I word this...rescue with the car, and the pre rescue part too.
I have an issue with the ending. The last chapter ends abruptly, and even though the epilogue is satisfying, there's room for more.
I'd recommend this to all historical book fans who want to experience divided Berlin through a good novel.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
lakelandreader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
venusreader's review
5.0
Be prepared for late night reading - it’s un-put-downable!
I can’t put into words how much I enjoyed this book - I am suffering now with a book hangover and can’t bring myself to start anything else!
A story of two halves, one with the freedom of the West which we truly take for-granted and one with the dreary bleakness of a life controlled by fear.
The history of Berlin and it’s amazing people really interests me and this book gave me a real insight into life on both sides of “the wall”. The plight of Jutta and Karin is heartbreaking and one can only imagine the helplessness families felt by solid division that came without warning.
I loved the characters and I really felt the grief of Jutta and the confusion of Karin when she learns she is trapped on the wrong side.
I have read all Mandy Robotham’s books and every one leaves me wanting more!
Highly, highly recommended!
I can’t put into words how much I enjoyed this book - I am suffering now with a book hangover and can’t bring myself to start anything else!
A story of two halves, one with the freedom of the West which we truly take for-granted and one with the dreary bleakness of a life controlled by fear.
The history of Berlin and it’s amazing people really interests me and this book gave me a real insight into life on both sides of “the wall”. The plight of Jutta and Karin is heartbreaking and one can only imagine the helplessness families felt by solid division that came without warning.
I loved the characters and I really felt the grief of Jutta and the confusion of Karin when she learns she is trapped on the wrong side.
I have read all Mandy Robotham’s books and every one leaves me wanting more!
Highly, highly recommended!
ash87's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bandysbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
This is an interesting story based on two sisters being stuck on either side of the Berlin Wall. It does a good job of making the splitting of Germany and what follows easy to understand and engaging.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content and Confinement
rhodaj's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of this book to review!
When the Berlin Wall goes up, Jutta on the west side is distraught as her beloved sister Karin is in hospital on the east side. Consoling herself with the thought that once Karin is released from hospital she will be permitted to return home to West Berlin, the family are shocked to discover that will not be happening and that all of their formal requests to go to East Berlin are denied.
I’ve read two other books by this author and loved them, so was quite looking forward to reading this one, although I do have to say that I didn’t love this book quite as much as the other two.
The comparison of the lives that Jutta and Karin were living on either side of the Wall was interesting and I enjoyed reading about how quite different their daily lives were. I didn’t find either character particularly engaging though and as such, I never felt completely immersed in the story. Overall I would still say this is a solid book if you’re interested in this subject, but one I liked rather than loved. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of this book to review!
When the Berlin Wall goes up, Jutta on the west side is distraught as her beloved sister Karin is in hospital on the east side. Consoling herself with the thought that once Karin is released from hospital she will be permitted to return home to West Berlin, the family are shocked to discover that will not be happening and that all of their formal requests to go to East Berlin are denied.
I’ve read two other books by this author and loved them, so was quite looking forward to reading this one, although I do have to say that I didn’t love this book quite as much as the other two.
The comparison of the lives that Jutta and Karin were living on either side of the Wall was interesting and I enjoyed reading about how quite different their daily lives were. I didn’t find either character particularly engaging though and as such, I never felt completely immersed in the story. Overall I would still say this is a solid book if you’re interested in this subject, but one I liked rather than loved. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
hope_elizabeth_rose's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
prairiegirlreading's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-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? No
2.5
laurahastoomanywips's review against another edition
4.0
A very descriptive and atmospheric story about life for two identical twin sisters who were divided by the creation of the Berlin wall due to a twist of fate. Karin, took ill with appendicitis whilst visiting friends in East Berlin. This is the story of her sister Jutta and her attempts to get Karin back to West Berlin, whilst under constant threat of the Stasi.
Will Karin agree to follow her back to West Berlin or will Karin's love for Otto make her stay?
This was so well described, you felt for each sister in their individual agony and were rooting for them to succeed. It definitely evoked the fear that was felt for the Stasi.
Thanks to the Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this thought provoking story.
Will Karin agree to follow her back to West Berlin or will Karin's love for Otto make her stay?
This was so well described, you felt for each sister in their individual agony and were rooting for them to succeed. It definitely evoked the fear that was felt for the Stasi.
Thanks to the Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this thought provoking story.