That Summer in Berlin
That Summer in Berlin is unique and compelling historical fiction novel set in Germany as Hitler begins his rise to power and the world is on the verge of WWII.
Synopsis: In the summer of 1936, while the Nazis make secret plans for World War II, a courageous and daring young woman struggles to expose the lies behind the dazzling spectacle of the Berlin Olympics.
German power is rising again, threatening a war that will be even worse than the last one. The English aristocracy turns to an age-old institution to stave off war and strengthen political bonds—marriage. Debutantes flock to Germany, including Viviane Alden. On holiday with her sister during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Viviane’s true purpose is more clandestine. While many in England want to appease Hitler, others seek to prove Germany is rearming. But they need evidence, photographs to tell the tale, and Viviane is a genius with her trusty Leica. And who would suspect a pretty, young tourist taking holiday snaps of being a spy?
Viviane expects to find hatred and injustice, but during the Olympics, with the world watching, Germany is on its best behavior, graciously welcoming tourists to a festival of peace and goodwill. But first impressions can be deceiving, and it’s up to Viviane and the journalist she’s paired with—a daring man with a guarded heart—to reveal the truth.
But others have their own reasons for befriending Viviane, and her adventure takes a darker turn. Suddenly Viviane finds herself caught in a web of far more deadly games—and closer than she ever imagined to the brink of war.
What appealed to you the most in this story?
I liked the unique aspect of a story taking place during the build-up to WWII and not the drawn-out tragedy of the actual war while seeing it through the eyes of Vivianne, who was part of the British Aristocracy. She embodied courage and determination as she saw those in power and serving Hitler for who they truly were.
Also, I had no idea that the British Aristocracy sent young women to Germany to try and heal relations with Germany and create a “status” for themselves before the war while Hitler was in power. It’s hard to believe as we look back that those traveling to Germany for the Olympics and for a possible marriage had no idea how horribly devastating the situation was in Germany.
Is this just “another” WWII historical fiction novel?
No! Cornwall has created a very realistic and unique story as the reader follows the lives of two young English women living with a German family in the late 1930s in Berlin during the Olympics. It is not often that an author is willing to tackle the points of view of aristocratic German women living amongst the SS and the upper echelons of Hitler’s regime.
I know a lot of people avoid this time period in historical fiction books. It is a hard subject to read about, but I promise you that this story is different. At no time did I feel “bogged down” by their lives and situations as I read.
How was the pace?
This story held a steady pace which swept me away from the very beginning and at the end it went warp speed and had me holding my breath! Both Kaley and I were hooked on this story and had quite a few theories it and could not wait to see how everything came together in the end. Each chapter was short, and I loved how Cornwall was able to masterfully weave both a male and female point of view together to create a fascinating and unforgettable story.
Do you recommend this book?
This is a beautifully written story that goes beyond the surface of everyday life in late 1930s Germany and takes the reader into the lives of the characters in order to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the rising German upper echelons and the behind-the-scenes inner workings of Hitler’s close social circles. Definitely one to grab if you are a fan of historical fiction.
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Yesterday
I just have to share one of my favorite Halloween cookie recipes that I used to make with my grandma when I was a little girl.
I made these for my spin class and for the Senior locker at my son’s school (all three seniors have a special locker full of desserts and goodies). Hope you get a chance to make them too!
