sharada_mohan 's review for:

Cradles of the Reich by Jennifer Coburn

4.0

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 A unique historical fiction that had a very interesting premise, but sadly fell short of my expectations.  

Synopsis -
 
We follow three young women - Gundi a student in Berlin and currently pregnant, Hilde, a firm believer of the Nazi principles, enthusiastic to do anything for the Fatherland & Irma, a middle aged nurse who is looking for a fresh start. It is in Heim Hochland, at the Lebensborn society of maternity - the Nazi breeding home that these women will meet to change the course of their lives.  

Review -

Initially the three different POVs worked very well providing insights into these women's backgrounds and the circumstances that lead them to Lebensborn.  
 
I really appreciate the author's efforts to spotlight a lesser known part of the Nazi regime. The very idea that this kind of a highly organized breeding program existed and managed to produce thousands of children that they considered "racially fit" makes us shudder with repulsive shock. Some of the information was just so unfathomable and gave me goosebumps.  
 
The author deserves credit for all the research surrounding this and has managed to create a great storyline around it.  
 
However, it is the writing that didn't work for me. It felt dull at times with unnecessary details and even some cringe-worthy wordings.  
 
While there was a lot of focus of Gundi, I felt the other two women weren't getting enough attention. Also, Hilde's thread seem to go nowhere and Irma's concluded a little too conveniently. I was also unable to really connect with any of them and that's very important for me with historical fiction. 
 
The ending was underwhelming and so many questions remained unanswered. As I mentioned, it could've been so much better, but unfortunately lost it's direction & momentum.  
 
Thanks Netgalley & Source books Landmark for the ARC in exchange of an honest review!