An act of desperation divides a mother and her child. Only an act of faith can reunite them.
Trudy Hulst has no idea if her husband survived his ... read full description
reviews
Jun 11, 2008
Heather
rated it: 
This story is set just after the Berlin Wall went up. It is about a woman who ends up separated from her little boy by the wall. It is a very touching story that deals with freedom and the love of a mother. I think I was particularly moved by the story because I have a little boy myself, and cannot imagine being separated from him.
0 comments
like
(3 people liked it)
Jun 30, 2009
Megan
rated it: 
This book follows Trudy, a woman who escapes communist East Germany following the death of her husband. However, as she flees, she has to leave her only family behind: her aging mother-in-law and baby son. The story focuses on her efforts to reunite her family and securing freedom for them all. While the story is enjoyable, it does require quite a bit of suspension of reality. After all, it's highly unlikely that that someone like Trudy would have met an American politician and immediately b
More...
Sep 13, 2011
CeeAnne
rated it: 
I was drawn to this book because I haven't really read any fiction based on the Berlin Wall before. This story focuses on life on both sides and one woman's need to escape to West Berlin while leaving her baby on the other side. The characters are very well developed, and although you get a few different points of view it isn't jumping all over the place. I loved Trudy and Gisela. My only problem with the book was the section that took place in America. It was pretty far fetched, and I wish she
More...
Nov 27, 2011
Rachel
rated it:
Marcia Preston invested her soul in this book, and it shows. This is a powerful subject, set during a time when so many people were separated from their loved ones, and in this story, so was Trudy.
Torn from her son because of her husband's flight to freedom, Trudy has to save herself or risk ending up in prison for the rest of her life.
The only downside to this book, in my opinion, is the late in the book, abrupt segue to another character's POV. I didn't understand why More...
Torn from her son because of her husband's flight to freedom, Trudy has to save herself or risk ending up in prison for the rest of her life.
The only downside to this book, in my opinion, is the late in the book, abrupt segue to another character's POV. I didn't understand why More...
Nov 20, 2008
george
rated it:
The Berlin Wall hasn't been up for very long and Trudy is wondering whether her husband has made it safely across. She is stuck in East Berlin with her mother-in-law and young son. Then she receives word that she is to be interrogated as the wife of a defector and most likely thrown into prison. She has a choice: attempt to cross the wall herself, or go to prison; both of which will take her away from her son. Getting to West Berlin is only the beginning of her struggles, especially when she fin
More...
Nov 16, 2010
Erica
rated it:
My mother-in-law and sister-in-law bought this book for me and I've finally gotten around to reading it. It takes place in Berlin after the wall goes up. I'm a big fan of historical fiction books. I've never read a WWII historical fiction book that takes place just after the wall went up. It's about a mother who sneaks across the wall from East to West Berlin but has to leave her infant son and her journey to try and get him back. There was one section of the book that seemed totally unrealisti
More...
Mar 14, 2009
Amber
rated it:
I don't normally read these types of books, but after so many chic lit books in a row I welcomed this recommendation from a friend. It was a great read, and I learned a little about history in the process. While books like this aren't the funest to read, I don't want to ever forget what has happened in the past --so that I am always grateful for the freedoms I have now.
May 16, 2010
Roberta
rated it:
Trudy Hulst has no idea if her husband survived his attempted escape past the newly constructed Berlin Wall. But she knows too well the consequences of his actions. Now branded the wife of a defector, she faces a life in prison. With no real choice, she is forced to follow, praying she can find a way to claim their child once she's in West Berlin.
Oct 15, 2009
Karen
rated it:
I need goodreads to add half stars - this one is a 3 1/2. My only qualm with the book is the trip to America, which seems a little disjointing, but does somewhat serve a purpose in the book. I have read many books about WWII and Germany, but few that take place after the war. This book with it's setting in both East & West Berlin describes the contrast beautifully.
Nov 24, 2008
Jacquelyn
rated it:
This was a very well written story about a family in East Berlin during Stalin's reign of communism and while the Berlin wall was still standing. I felt for the family and their hardships. Very good read and the story flows well and keeps the reader entertained.
Dec 10, 2008
Adaire
rated it:
I chose this book because I like the author, not knowing the subject. I usually don't go for this kind of story because I know it is going to be heartbreaking, but I am glad that I read it. It made me want to know more about Berlin and the history of the wall.
Jan 31, 2011
Connie
rated it:
Whenever I read books like this I am reminded of how grateful I am to be living in this wonderful nation! I can't imagine how it would have been to live in Berlin during the time of "The Wall"...my heart just went out to the characters in this book and what they had to endure.
Mar 04, 2009
Tricia
rated it:
I really enjoyed this story, but hated the ended. The author spent a long time developing characters but then it ended abruptly. It was a compelling story from start almost to the finish...but the ending was disappointing.
Nov 27, 2008
Kalee
rated it:
This was a good book, there is some language in it that I would not like my children to read but over all I really liked it. This book is about the berlin wall and how it seperated a family and how they try to get back together.
Aug 08, 2009
Penelope
rated it:
read on mexico vacation i.e. in the sun with lots of cold beer
incredible story. another one that makes me count my blessings including the only thing that really matters .... kissing my loved ones good night every night.
incredible story. another one that makes me count my blessings including the only thing that really matters .... kissing my loved ones good night every night.
Sep 13, 2009
Denise
rated it:
Three and a half stars. This was an easy, quick read. I liked the setting of this story. It was interesting to read a fictional story set in a time and place that I've heard about, but never understood very well.
Jan 10, 2009
Favolaetavola
rated it:
I had read "The Butterfly House" by Preston and was impressed as I always am at female writers who write intriguing but decidedly female books. Both are very good and would read anything else of hers.
Jul 19, 2011
Lewestover
rated it:
Interesting story about a young family trapped by the Berlin wall ... physically, politically and emotionally. It explores the depths of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. A sad but good read.
Jul 30, 2010
Camille
rated it:
This book was a wonderful read about a mother's struggle to get her son across the Berlin wall after she had escaped the East side without him. It is an easy read, but really interesting.
Jan 24, 2010
Jkmays
rated it:
Really good, a page-turner.... until I got to the America part. That third of the book was totally unbelievable to me, and unnecessary. That brought it down from a 4-star to a 3-star.
Feb 19, 2011
Kw
rated it:
Just a fabulous story of a family torn apart by the Berlin wall. Very well-written, very informative, and very much a page-turner for me. Hope to read more by this author.
Nov 24, 2009
Pure
rated it:
This is a wonderful book and a must read, it is a touching story of a mother and her love for her son and her determination and courage plus bravy to be reunited with him.
Apr 20, 2009
Leciajo
rated it:
I really enjoyed reading this book. I couldn't put it down. It gave me much to think about- freedom, country, children, etc. It was very good.
Jan 23, 2009
Julie
rated it:
I LOOOOOOOVED this book! I could hardly put it down! I love books set in history. This book is set right after the Berlin Wall was put up. The heroin in the story is such a strong character who has such determination and courage. It is a wonderful story.
Apr 23, 2009
Kim
rated it:
One can only imagine what it was like to live behind The Wall. It is quite another to read about trying to cross it. Great book!
Jan 19, 2012
Carolyn
rated it:
An easy read, Trudy's Pomise tells the story of a young mother separated from her young son by the Berlin Wall. Her determination to be reunited leads her to encounter challenging choices on a journey that takes her far from home.
Jul 06, 2010
Jeannette
rated it:
Loved this book! Good characters that I cared about. Once I got about half-way, I couldn't put it down.
Mar 05, 2009
Lots of nice history of the early 1960's in East Berlin. The story seemed a little contrived.....
Jul 18, 2009
Stephanie
rated it:
I enjoyed this book. The setting was interesting because it was during the period after WWII and set in East/West Berlin. I don't believe I have ever read about this time and place.
Nov 22, 2008
Sandra
rated it:
Okay, the author is a friend of mine. But it's a solid, readable, interesting book.
