A review by xangemtheelibrarian
Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams by Shari Green

hopeful informative reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I will readily admit WWII era historical fiction is NOT my cup of tea. But the premise was so interesting I wanted to give it a chance. The writing felt so dry to me, but I couldn't find it in me to put down Helene's story. I'm glad I finished this one. I was expecting Helene to run away; to try and escape the GDR like all her friends had. I didn't expect her to want to stay. I adored this turn of events where the main character chooses to demand change by staying. 

It made me consider that there was no one-size-fits-all correct way of dealing with the Berlin Wall and East Germany cutting itself off from the rest of the world. What was right for Helene's friend was not right for Helene or her family. And I love that.