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A review by bubblewombat
The Girl Behind the Wall by Mandy Robotham
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*