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theliterateleprechaun 's review for:
A Light in the Window
by Marion Kummerow
I love those books that REALLY make you think! It’s not just a story. It’s a moral compass check-in point or calibration.
I can always count on Marion Kummerow to pen a compelling historical fiction novel that grabs my attention, holds it and rewards me with a plethora of knowledge learned!
This tale centers around a moral dilemma - a philosophical question about whether one human is worth more than another one. Set against the backdrop of Berlin 1941, Margarete Rosenbaum is forced to make some difficult decisions. A Jewish maid in a high-ranking Nazi officer’s home, Margarete discovers that during the bombing she’s the only one in the house to survive. Around her lay the bodies of her boss, his wife and their daughter. Encouraged by the gardener’s son she pulls from the rubble, Margarete swiftly exchanges her coat with the yellow star for Annegret’s coat. Tucked in the pocket is her ticket to freedom – Annegret’s identification papers. In a spur of the moment decision, Margarete Rosenbaum becomes Annegret Huber.
I learned about how the Nazis forbade the Jews from using public libraries, from shaking hands with Aryans, held public book burnings and created lists of books to be burned. I was unaware that the Gestapo had their national headquarters in Leipzig in the national library where they oversaw the banned book business and kept a meticulous record of those who requested banned books. I was in awe when I read that a book from my Grade 9 English curriculum was on the list – All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque!
In addition to the fantastic tension created surrounding the identity switch, the plot is well-paced and the characters well fleshed out. Although the ending might not have been what my heart was aching for, it was representative of the times, and I was pacified with the knowledge that a sequel is in the works.
Interesting to note that the inspiration for the book came from within Kummerow’s own family. Her grandfather fought over the same issue when he planned to assassinate propaganda minister Goebbels. He wondered if saving many would erase his guilt for killing one. You’ll have to read to find out if Margarete is accepting of her situation or if she’s willing to make sacrifices.
Publishes July 20, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Marion Kummerow, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I can always count on Marion Kummerow to pen a compelling historical fiction novel that grabs my attention, holds it and rewards me with a plethora of knowledge learned!
This tale centers around a moral dilemma - a philosophical question about whether one human is worth more than another one. Set against the backdrop of Berlin 1941, Margarete Rosenbaum is forced to make some difficult decisions. A Jewish maid in a high-ranking Nazi officer’s home, Margarete discovers that during the bombing she’s the only one in the house to survive. Around her lay the bodies of her boss, his wife and their daughter. Encouraged by the gardener’s son she pulls from the rubble, Margarete swiftly exchanges her coat with the yellow star for Annegret’s coat. Tucked in the pocket is her ticket to freedom – Annegret’s identification papers. In a spur of the moment decision, Margarete Rosenbaum becomes Annegret Huber.
I learned about how the Nazis forbade the Jews from using public libraries, from shaking hands with Aryans, held public book burnings and created lists of books to be burned. I was unaware that the Gestapo had their national headquarters in Leipzig in the national library where they oversaw the banned book business and kept a meticulous record of those who requested banned books. I was in awe when I read that a book from my Grade 9 English curriculum was on the list – All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque!
In addition to the fantastic tension created surrounding the identity switch, the plot is well-paced and the characters well fleshed out. Although the ending might not have been what my heart was aching for, it was representative of the times, and I was pacified with the knowledge that a sequel is in the works.
Interesting to note that the inspiration for the book came from within Kummerow’s own family. Her grandfather fought over the same issue when he planned to assassinate propaganda minister Goebbels. He wondered if saving many would erase his guilt for killing one. You’ll have to read to find out if Margarete is accepting of her situation or if she’s willing to make sacrifices.
Publishes July 20, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Marion Kummerow, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.