A review by sassypantsreading
The Berlin Girl by Mandy Robotham

5.0

I was provided with a copy of The Berlin Girl via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed this book. I love reading about World War II from different perspectives, and The Berlin Girl delivered for me. The story is centered around Georgie, a female correspondent stationed in Berlin in the year before the war. We meet some really interesting members of the press from across the world, most notably Max, with whom Georgie initially has a contentious relationship. We also meet the Ansels, a Jewish family, who have a tragic, but ultimately happy journey. I think the most interesting character is Kasper, a German SS officer who eventually plays a pivotal role in everyone’s lives. The author did a great job of showing Kasper’s growth as an evil, sadistic officer who delighted in destroying people.

Mandy Robothem really brought pre-war Berlin to life. She so vividly described the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells that it was easy to place oneself in the city. She also conveyed the mood - of the characters and the city - perfectly. The Berlin Girl has a perfect mix of drama and anxiety.

Finally, I was really intrigued by and interested in reading about the Nazi propaganda machine. Seeing how obviously false the information from press conferences was, and the reporters knew it, is totally mind-boggling. I think the propaganda machine is one of the most unbelievable things about the war.

Overall, I would absolutely recommend The Berlin Girl. It is very well-written and interesting to the end.