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War Girls #1
Blonder Engel
Von der Autorin der “Liebe und Widerstand im Zweiten Weltkrieg“-Trilogie kommt nun das herzzerreißende erste Buch in der Reihe „Kriegsjahre einer Familie“.
Blonder Engel ist die bittersüße Liebesgeschichte zwischen einer Deutschen und einem britischen Piloten. Eine Geschichte über Mut und Gewissen, Liebe und Überleben im Dritten Reich
In Berlin, 1943, ist Mitgefühl ein Verbrechen.
Die frischverheiratete Ursula Hermann ist eine einfache Frau, die sich nichts weiter wünscht, als dass der Krieg zu Ende geht und ihr Ehemann heil von der Ostfront nach Hause kommt.
Aber manche Dinge sollen nicht sein.
Die Obrigkeit hat bestimmt, dass Ursulas Kriegsbeitrag darin bestehen soll, Wärterin in einem Gefängnis für politische Gegner der Nazis zu werden.
Eines Tages passiert das Undenkbare: Ein zum Tode verurteilter Gefangener, der Royal Air Force Pilot Tom Westlake, flüchtet und Ursula schaut weg.
Falls dieser Akt des Mitgefühls entdeckt wird, ist ihr eigenes Leben keinen Pfifferling mehr wert.
Als der verletzte Mann sie um Hilfe bitte, ist dies ihre Chance ihn auszuliefern und sich selbst zu retten.
In einer Welt, wo Recht zu Unrecht geworden und Falsches plötzlich richtig ist, muss sie eine Entscheidung treffen: Führer und Vaterland gehorchen, oder ihrem Gewissen folgen.
Inspiriert von wahren historischen Begebenheiten, ist Blonder Engel die unvergessliche Geschichte einer jungen Frau, die sich zwischen Moral und Gehorsam entscheiden muss.
Blonder Engel ist die bittersüße Liebesgeschichte zwischen einer Deutschen und einem britischen Piloten. Eine Geschichte über Mut und Gewissen, Liebe und Überleben im Dritten Reich
In Berlin, 1943, ist Mitgefühl ein Verbrechen.
Die frischverheiratete Ursula Hermann ist eine einfache Frau, die sich nichts weiter wünscht, als dass der Krieg zu Ende geht und ihr Ehemann heil von der Ostfront nach Hause kommt.
Aber manche Dinge sollen nicht sein.
Die Obrigkeit hat bestimmt, dass Ursulas Kriegsbeitrag darin bestehen soll, Wärterin in einem Gefängnis für politische Gegner der Nazis zu werden.
Eines Tages passiert das Undenkbare: Ein zum Tode verurteilter Gefangener, der Royal Air Force Pilot Tom Westlake, flüchtet und Ursula schaut weg.
Falls dieser Akt des Mitgefühls entdeckt wird, ist ihr eigenes Leben keinen Pfifferling mehr wert.
Als der verletzte Mann sie um Hilfe bitte, ist dies ihre Chance ihn auszuliefern und sich selbst zu retten.
In einer Welt, wo Recht zu Unrecht geworden und Falsches plötzlich richtig ist, muss sie eine Entscheidung treffen: Führer und Vaterland gehorchen, oder ihrem Gewissen folgen.
Inspiriert von wahren historischen Begebenheiten, ist Blonder Engel die unvergessliche Geschichte einer jungen Frau, die sich zwischen Moral und Gehorsam entscheiden muss.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2019
1846 people are currently reading
1174 people want to read
About the author
Marion Kummerow
117 books424 followersMarion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to "discover the world" and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she's now living with her family.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime.
It's a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime.
It's a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
May 28, 2018
The book’s startling opening scene, once one appreciates the unusual nature of the event taking place, plunges the reader into the atmosphere of wartime Germany. Frequent Allied bombing raids on Berlin are making the city a dangerous place for its citizens who are also coping with food shortages and the increasingly authoritarian measures of the Nazi government. ‘During these awful times, death lingered around every corner, and nobody could trust to live to the next day.’ In addition, informers are everywhere. In the case of Ursula, her sisters Anna and Lotte, and their mother, very close to home indeed.
In Ursula, the author creates a believable picture of someone who has always followed rules unquestioningly and has a strong streak of patriotism. ‘She prided herself in accepting her fate with grace. She did what was expected of her.’ However, as events unfold, even Ursula finds herself questioning the harsh measures introduced by Hitler’s government and wondering if the things taking place can be justified, even in time of war. Working as a prison guard she sees firsthand the awful treatment meted out to those who dare to oppose the government – imprisonment, torture and execution. ‘Days turned into weeks, and with every personal story Ursula came to know, her faith in the infallibility of the Führer and the Party was hacked away blow by blow.’
When Ursula finally acts as she does it has even greater significance because it is against her natural instincts and involves an agonising moral decision. As local priest, confidante and ally, Pfarrer Bernau observes, ‘...things aren’t black and white. Right has become wrong, and wrong has become right.’ However, it turns out that beneath that quiet, respectable exterior, Ursula possesses an inner core of steel. Isn’t true courage facing up to your worst fears and trying to do the right thing anyway?
Ursula’s story is a timely reminder that there were plenty of Germans who became appalled by the actions of the Nazi government and demonstrated exceptional bravery in trying to help to escape Jews and other people made the focus of the government’s prejudice and hatred.
At the end of the book, the author skilfully sets up the story for the next in the series -War Girl Lotte - with some dramatic news for Ursula, her sister and mother. War Girl Ursula is a slim novel but it is packed full of period detail and references to actual historical events that makes it feel completely authentic whilst at the same time being a thoroughly entertaining read. It has two central characters, Tom and Ursula, that this reader found it easy to root for. I was fascinated to read in the Author’s Notes that some of Marion Kummerow’s own family history also inspired part of the story.
I received a review copy courtesy of the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
In Ursula, the author creates a believable picture of someone who has always followed rules unquestioningly and has a strong streak of patriotism. ‘She prided herself in accepting her fate with grace. She did what was expected of her.’ However, as events unfold, even Ursula finds herself questioning the harsh measures introduced by Hitler’s government and wondering if the things taking place can be justified, even in time of war. Working as a prison guard she sees firsthand the awful treatment meted out to those who dare to oppose the government – imprisonment, torture and execution. ‘Days turned into weeks, and with every personal story Ursula came to know, her faith in the infallibility of the Führer and the Party was hacked away blow by blow.’
When Ursula finally acts as she does it has even greater significance because it is against her natural instincts and involves an agonising moral decision. As local priest, confidante and ally, Pfarrer Bernau observes, ‘...things aren’t black and white. Right has become wrong, and wrong has become right.’ However, it turns out that beneath that quiet, respectable exterior, Ursula possesses an inner core of steel. Isn’t true courage facing up to your worst fears and trying to do the right thing anyway?
Ursula’s story is a timely reminder that there were plenty of Germans who became appalled by the actions of the Nazi government and demonstrated exceptional bravery in trying to help to escape Jews and other people made the focus of the government’s prejudice and hatred.
At the end of the book, the author skilfully sets up the story for the next in the series -War Girl Lotte - with some dramatic news for Ursula, her sister and mother. War Girl Ursula is a slim novel but it is packed full of period detail and references to actual historical events that makes it feel completely authentic whilst at the same time being a thoroughly entertaining read. It has two central characters, Tom and Ursula, that this reader found it easy to root for. I was fascinated to read in the Author’s Notes that some of Marion Kummerow’s own family history also inspired part of the story.
I received a review copy courtesy of the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
November 19, 2018
2.5 stars. Grabbed this at a discount because of the cover and description. However, didn't end up being very good in my personal opinion.
First, NONE of the German citizens we met were deluded at all. They were all like, "THOSE STUPID NAZIS I HATE THEM SO MUCH AND I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT'S GOING ON ... YOU'D THINK I READ A HISTORY BOOK ON THE SUBJECT OR SOMETHING."
Seriously. Do your research not just on what happened but what the average citizen knew and believed and even if they did know and believe the stuff, on how openly they were state their opinions without finding themselves suddenly dead.
Second, I felt that Ursula got over her grief a bit quickly, but I guess in times of war things speed up a bit, so it made some sense. It would've been nice to see her dwell on that a bit more.
Third, just a bit more language than I'm comfortable with. Also didn't feel particularly realistic for the characters? But yeah, whatever.
Fourth, badly edited/written! So many typos and mistakes ...
Language: s***, h*ll, d**n, and taking God's name in vain
Sexual: sex is hinted at but never happens on screen; characters are attracted to each other, sometimes inappropriately so
Violence: nothing graphic, but there's a war going on and some disturbing Nazism things are mentioned
First, NONE of the German citizens we met were deluded at all. They were all like, "THOSE STUPID NAZIS I HATE THEM SO MUCH AND I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT'S GOING ON ... YOU'D THINK I READ A HISTORY BOOK ON THE SUBJECT OR SOMETHING."
Seriously. Do your research not just on what happened but what the average citizen knew and believed and even if they did know and believe the stuff, on how openly they were state their opinions without finding themselves suddenly dead.
Second, I felt that Ursula got over her grief a bit quickly, but I guess in times of war things speed up a bit, so it made some sense. It would've been nice to see her dwell on that a bit more.
Third, just a bit more language than I'm comfortable with. Also didn't feel particularly realistic for the characters? But yeah, whatever.
Fourth, badly edited/written! So many typos and mistakes ...
Language: s***, h*ll, d**n, and taking God's name in vain
Sexual: sex is hinted at but never happens on screen; characters are attracted to each other, sometimes inappropriately so
Violence: nothing graphic, but there's a war going on and some disturbing Nazism things are mentioned
August 13, 2020
Thrilling war novel
The story is about Ursula, a normal German who looks beyond the Nazi propaganda during the days of the war. Getting steadily disillusioned with the violent Nazi regime, she plans to help people out of it and this is her story. She is helped by her own sisters as she is plotting against the regime which has taken over their lives.
The descriptions of the book were vivid and the end makes it clear and even in the most inhuman times, even the people from the enemy lines have a heart and act out of humanity – that is what makes all people so precious.
Loved the story.
The story is about Ursula, a normal German who looks beyond the Nazi propaganda during the days of the war. Getting steadily disillusioned with the violent Nazi regime, she plans to help people out of it and this is her story. She is helped by her own sisters as she is plotting against the regime which has taken over their lives.
The descriptions of the book were vivid and the end makes it clear and even in the most inhuman times, even the people from the enemy lines have a heart and act out of humanity – that is what makes all people so precious.
Loved the story.
May 26, 2018
A human story set in war-torn Germany. I love WWII books, especially those with a Resistance theme, and Kummerow's portrayal of Ursula and the turmoil she went through in her thoughts and acceptance of Hilter's Reich, must have been all too common as the war dragged on. Fast-paced, I found myself willing her mission to succeed to the very end. Highly recommended
February 12, 2020
I enjoyed this book
I didn't realise this book is part of a series I now have to get the follow on I enjoyed it
I didn't realise this book is part of a series I now have to get the follow on I enjoyed it
February 23, 2020
Review of; WAR GIRL: URSULA
Here is another gem from the pen of Marion Kummerow the best-selling author of numerous historical fiction books about world war 2. Many of her stories are based on individuals that her grandmother described as being disillusioned with the Nazi system and propaganda. One of these is Ursula, a young widow who turns a blind eye to an escaping British POW, RAF officer Tom Westlake.
As Ursula begins to see with her own eyes the duplicity of the Nazi regime, its violence, and cruelty to certain segments of its own population, she becomes inexplicably caught up in the planning and execution of Westlake’s efforts to be spirited out of Germany back to England. At first, her efforts to help are involuntary but gradually the planning and execution of the plan becomes a determined mission, both from her growing disillusionment of the Nazi regime, and her growing fondness of her English protégé.
Her own sister Anna is able to provide moral support to Ursula as she gathers increasing courage over her terror and anxiety of what she is doing.
The author’s descriptive ability and her elegant prose provides the reader with a graphic and clear image of the fear and suspicion the German authorities, secret police, treacherous and suspicious neighbor’s, even from anyone who might hold a grudge and who can cause someone to disappear forever.
Marion Kummerow has yet again brought into focus, that among the population of a despotic and cruel regime, there are still many elements of society who would gladly sacrifice themselves for the better good of humanity when circumstances are more dire.
This book is another essential element to her series and which I highly recommend.
David E. Huntley
Here is another gem from the pen of Marion Kummerow the best-selling author of numerous historical fiction books about world war 2. Many of her stories are based on individuals that her grandmother described as being disillusioned with the Nazi system and propaganda. One of these is Ursula, a young widow who turns a blind eye to an escaping British POW, RAF officer Tom Westlake.
As Ursula begins to see with her own eyes the duplicity of the Nazi regime, its violence, and cruelty to certain segments of its own population, she becomes inexplicably caught up in the planning and execution of Westlake’s efforts to be spirited out of Germany back to England. At first, her efforts to help are involuntary but gradually the planning and execution of the plan becomes a determined mission, both from her growing disillusionment of the Nazi regime, and her growing fondness of her English protégé.
Her own sister Anna is able to provide moral support to Ursula as she gathers increasing courage over her terror and anxiety of what she is doing.
The author’s descriptive ability and her elegant prose provides the reader with a graphic and clear image of the fear and suspicion the German authorities, secret police, treacherous and suspicious neighbor’s, even from anyone who might hold a grudge and who can cause someone to disappear forever.
Marion Kummerow has yet again brought into focus, that among the population of a despotic and cruel regime, there are still many elements of society who would gladly sacrifice themselves for the better good of humanity when circumstances are more dire.
This book is another essential element to her series and which I highly recommend.
David E. Huntley
October 21, 2021
This book is the first one in a series that focuses on three sisters and how they coped during World War Two Germany. At the outset of the book, Ursula, the oldest of the 3 sisters, was having a form of marriage ceremony which was fairly common in Germany at the time. She made her vows to a steel helmet as her husband to be was a soldier fighting in Russia who wanted her to be provided for should anything happen to him. Ursula comes off as rather young and naive initially. She and her husband were never actually "lovers". She believes in the propaganda that the Nazi's have spread and is a rule follower who believes in duty to her country whether she likes it or not. Her job is working as a prison guard and she is eventually transferred to a well-known German prison where inmates are those who have spoken out or worked against the government in some way. As Ursula recognizes that the women are not the monsters that she has been told they are, her heart softens towards them and she does what she can to make life a little easier for them in small ways which earns her the nickname the "blonde angel". After a devastating night of bombing which led to severe damage to large parts of the prison, four prisoners some how manage to escape. When Ursula spots one of them in hiding, she is forced to make a decision. Will she turn him in or turn a blind eye?
This book was a very quick read for me finished in less than a day and I feel that it would make an excellent book for young adult readers. It provides a good introduction to wat life was like in Berlin, how the average German felt about the enemy and how one could never feel safe from neighbours or anyone who might be around. I really enjoyed this.
This book was a very quick read for me finished in less than a day and I feel that it would make an excellent book for young adult readers. It provides a good introduction to wat life was like in Berlin, how the average German felt about the enemy and how one could never feel safe from neighbours or anyone who might be around. I really enjoyed this.
June 30, 2017
War changes people. Ursula has just married her fiancé Andreas in a Steel Helmet ceremony and awaits his return from the Front so they can be a real wedded couple and perhaps even have a family. But it is not to be.
Then she is transferred from her job at one prison to another housing traitors, spies and anyone objecting to Hitler's Nazi leadership. Here, through random acts of compassion and generosity, she gets the nickname "The Blonde Angel", a name which sees her begin to question the events going on around her.
When British bombers launch an attack on the prison and 4 prisoners escape ( a true event), Ursula's life changes in ways she could never have foreseen. No longer happy to follow the rules, she now sees the real atrocities behind the propaganda and is determined to help.
This is an amazing story that portrays the bravery of so many who fought back in astonishing ways to save the lives of those doomed to die under the Nazi regime.
Although this is a fictionalised account, it is based on many truths. People like Ursula and Pfarrer Bernau existed and resisted throughout the war and thankfully their stories survived to be told.
I'm so looking forward to more by this author. Lotte's story promises to be equally as fascinating.
Then she is transferred from her job at one prison to another housing traitors, spies and anyone objecting to Hitler's Nazi leadership. Here, through random acts of compassion and generosity, she gets the nickname "The Blonde Angel", a name which sees her begin to question the events going on around her.
When British bombers launch an attack on the prison and 4 prisoners escape ( a true event), Ursula's life changes in ways she could never have foreseen. No longer happy to follow the rules, she now sees the real atrocities behind the propaganda and is determined to help.
This is an amazing story that portrays the bravery of so many who fought back in astonishing ways to save the lives of those doomed to die under the Nazi regime.
Although this is a fictionalised account, it is based on many truths. People like Ursula and Pfarrer Bernau existed and resisted throughout the war and thankfully their stories survived to be told.
I'm so looking forward to more by this author. Lotte's story promises to be equally as fascinating.
June 28, 2017
Fascinating story
I am fascinated with the stories of how life was for the people who lived in Germany and other countries affected by WWII.
I am fascinated with the stories of how life was for the people who lived in Germany and other countries affected by WWII.
June 30, 2017
What a fun little book! And I say little not because of the content, but because it was a lovely reprieve from some of the larger tomes I seem to have been reading lately. At 190 pages I sat down to read the first few chapters, found myself enthralled, and was suddenly infuriated by the cliff-hanger ending and desperate for the next instalment in the series. It was so good!
Despite being a shorter novel, Kummerow manages to pack in a good deal of heavy hitting history, some serious soul searching and moral dilemmas, and a sweet little romance. I love the backstory for the Blonde Angel in Kummerow’s grandparent’s letters, and think that she has done a wonderful job breathing imagination into a passing character from her family’s past. It is heartening to consider the stories of those who quietly resisted and opposed the Nazi regime, the depth of their bravery when it came to assisting those who were being unjustly persecuted.
Despite being a shorter novel, Kummerow manages to pack in a good deal of heavy hitting history, some serious soul searching and moral dilemmas, and a sweet little romance. I love the backstory for the Blonde Angel in Kummerow’s grandparent’s letters, and think that she has done a wonderful job breathing imagination into a passing character from her family’s past. It is heartening to consider the stories of those who quietly resisted and opposed the Nazi regime, the depth of their bravery when it came to assisting those who were being unjustly persecuted.
January 18, 2021
WWII story
Lately I like to read historical fiction books, specially WWII stories. This one gives us another point of view. We see how normal people who work to survive and see the truth what is happening. Ursula is working in prison, one night they were a target of bombing and some prisoners run away. During search she doesn't say where one of the prisoners is hiding...what happened next you will Have To read it. I'm going to read the next instalment of the series
Lately I like to read historical fiction books, specially WWII stories. This one gives us another point of view. We see how normal people who work to survive and see the truth what is happening. Ursula is working in prison, one night they were a target of bombing and some prisoners run away. During search she doesn't say where one of the prisoners is hiding...what happened next you will Have To read it. I'm going to read the next instalment of the series
October 13, 2022
I read the series War Girls books 1-4. As always, my stomach turns and I find myself in disbelief of the tragic, horrific actions that occurred.
These are short stories, and I found that the plots mirrored other books I have read in this time period. I enjoyed them but did feel a higher star rating was deserved.
These are short stories, and I found that the plots mirrored other books I have read in this time period. I enjoyed them but did feel a higher star rating was deserved.
August 12, 2023
I like my historical fiction gut-wrenching and this short story did it!!
I like that Ursula felt that helping Tom out changed her outlook. She went from never questioning to doing what was morally right because everyone is the same; everyone is trying to stay alive.
I like that Ursula felt that helping Tom out changed her outlook. She went from never questioning to doing what was morally right because everyone is the same; everyone is trying to stay alive.
September 20, 2020
Intriguing and evocative of German citizenry during WWII.
June 9, 2018
I seem to gravitate to books about World War 2, and found this one to be interesting and absorbing. The war impacted people of so many nationalities and situations. This one interested me because it was from the perspective of a “good” German girl in Berlin who is assigned job as a prison worker. She gradually begins to see beyond the Nazi rhetoric and starts to question what she has always believed. She finds the imprisoned women dissidents to be kind and caring people, instead of the dangerous, evil subversives she was told about.
Things get complex when a bomb strike on the prison allows four male prisoners to escape. For Ursula, things becomes increasingly dangerous as she makes difficult decisions of what to do.
An engrossing read. I look forward to read8ng the next book in the series.
Things get complex when a bomb strike on the prison allows four male prisoners to escape. For Ursula, things becomes increasingly dangerous as she makes difficult decisions of what to do.
An engrossing read. I look forward to read8ng the next book in the series.
December 15, 2018
From the first to the last page, I found myself entranced and couldn't put this book down. I even snuck my tablet onto my desk at work...reading a paragraph or two when I had a spare moment. The book is part of the War Girl series, but as a story stands alone. Marion's writing is easy reading and her characters are well-developed with realistic dialogue. I particularly liked the twists and turns the story took during the nail-biting moments of the story......knowing that this period of time in Germany was a life and death situation made it all the more intriguing. All I can say is, if you have a couple of hours of 'me' time and want to lose yourself in another time and place, I recommend you read this book....you won't regret it!
February 4, 2020
A very good read....Ursula who works a German prison guard starts to have negative feelings regarding the Nazi regime....she takes a very big chance on helping a Britsh pilot escspe.
August 9, 2019
Excellent
As an historian, and totally without being an apologist for Nazis, it’s always been difficult to explain to people that there were in fact, large numbers of Germans who risked their to save others. There have been numerous biographies and history books written about the subject, but this author has taken the medium of fiction, an easier read and more ‘user friendly’ genre
Ursula’s character and personality shine through. A good and dutiful daughter, fiancée, wife, she behaves as expected by her parents & German society. She reflects both her sister’s deviation from the normal behaviour and attitudes expected of women.
I thought that the plot and characters might be very black and white, I’m delighted that all are awash with grey. In other words, the book faces and shows the realities while still being a readable work of romantic historical fiction.
The author had me roller-coasting between sadness, joy, fear, and heart-ache, and glued to every page throughout the ride.
I’ve been fascinated by WW2 since primary school when I walked across ‘the bomb site’ to get to my school gate. It’s a fascination and interest that has never diminished. Books of this nature have in the past been very few, that is from a German point of view, and what makes this book all the more poignant, is that it has its foundation in fact; Marion Kummerow uses her grandparents’ lives and experiences.
As an historian this is important to me; there is nothing worse in my reading pleasure than silly historical inaccuracies. They’re usually the result of lazy or no research. I found none here.
I heartily recommend reading it, and I will be sticking to the series.
As an historian, and totally without being an apologist for Nazis, it’s always been difficult to explain to people that there were in fact, large numbers of Germans who risked their to save others. There have been numerous biographies and history books written about the subject, but this author has taken the medium of fiction, an easier read and more ‘user friendly’ genre
Ursula’s character and personality shine through. A good and dutiful daughter, fiancée, wife, she behaves as expected by her parents & German society. She reflects both her sister’s deviation from the normal behaviour and attitudes expected of women.
I thought that the plot and characters might be very black and white, I’m delighted that all are awash with grey. In other words, the book faces and shows the realities while still being a readable work of romantic historical fiction.
The author had me roller-coasting between sadness, joy, fear, and heart-ache, and glued to every page throughout the ride.
I’ve been fascinated by WW2 since primary school when I walked across ‘the bomb site’ to get to my school gate. It’s a fascination and interest that has never diminished. Books of this nature have in the past been very few, that is from a German point of view, and what makes this book all the more poignant, is that it has its foundation in fact; Marion Kummerow uses her grandparents’ lives and experiences.
As an historian this is important to me; there is nothing worse in my reading pleasure than silly historical inaccuracies. They’re usually the result of lazy or no research. I found none here.
I heartily recommend reading it, and I will be sticking to the series.
July 1, 2017
Great Insight to the German View of WWII
I met the character Ursula, when she played a minor role in the authors earlier novels. She was a prison guard at the Plotzensee Prison in Berlin which during World War II was used to house prisoners sentenced to execution. I enjoyed reading this novel that focused on her life , and how she as a loyal German responded to the Nationalist Socialist government of Hitler, but began, like many Germans , to question certain things.
An obedient person all her life, Ursula wanted to be a true, loyal German. As a loyal German, she responded to the positive changes national Socialism brought to her nation in the early years. After her country went to war, and the conflict wore on, she questioned some of the things she saw happening within her country. The war was personally devastating to members of her family. She hated the English for sending their bombers to destroy her city and nation. The death of her husband on the Eastern front changed her.
The author masterfully wrote of the emotional roller coaster Ursula found her cell phone, her fears, and her decision to follow her moral compass instead of blindly following the rules dictated to her. She faced several challenges, and in spite of setbacks and her feelings of inadequacy, overcame them.
The romance elements in this book were bittersweet. It ended with a hopeful ending as opposed to a happily ever after ending. The story was thoughtful, insightful and well-written.
I met the character Ursula, when she played a minor role in the authors earlier novels. She was a prison guard at the Plotzensee Prison in Berlin which during World War II was used to house prisoners sentenced to execution. I enjoyed reading this novel that focused on her life , and how she as a loyal German responded to the Nationalist Socialist government of Hitler, but began, like many Germans , to question certain things.
An obedient person all her life, Ursula wanted to be a true, loyal German. As a loyal German, she responded to the positive changes national Socialism brought to her nation in the early years. After her country went to war, and the conflict wore on, she questioned some of the things she saw happening within her country. The war was personally devastating to members of her family. She hated the English for sending their bombers to destroy her city and nation. The death of her husband on the Eastern front changed her.
The author masterfully wrote of the emotional roller coaster Ursula found her cell phone, her fears, and her decision to follow her moral compass instead of blindly following the rules dictated to her. She faced several challenges, and in spite of setbacks and her feelings of inadequacy, overcame them.
The romance elements in this book were bittersweet. It ended with a hopeful ending as opposed to a happily ever after ending. The story was thoughtful, insightful and well-written.
October 12, 2020
I made it halfway through this book and had to stop. Set in Nazi Germany, this book is told from the POV of Nazis. Kummerow goes to great lengths to not call them that directly, but addresses the surrounding characters as such with her main characters being complicit to the Nazi regime.
I stopped reading, because there was a heavy feel that we should understand Ursula because she has a good heart. No. She does not. She doesn't mind what she's doing until the cute prisoner she likes needs help. Using a power control move like that to motivate her humanity is gross.
The other reason I stopped was the glossing over and forgiveness of German citizens who participated with Nazis. Ursula was more worried about the man she wanted to marry, barely cared about his death, then went on to her prison job, carelessly supporting the ill treatment to the POWs. She is noted as being beloved because she used politeness. But there was no point (before the halfway point in the book) where she actually cared about the POWs. Not until she saw a cute guy and she was commenting how she was worried about being single and not having kids.
Again, gross.
I'd hoped this book was going to turn for the better, but it never did. It's horrible to history in muting the atrocities of a genocide that was actively taking place for those characters. I highly recommend you do NOT read this book.
I stopped reading, because there was a heavy feel that we should understand Ursula because she has a good heart. No. She does not. She doesn't mind what she's doing until the cute prisoner she likes needs help. Using a power control move like that to motivate her humanity is gross.
The other reason I stopped was the glossing over and forgiveness of German citizens who participated with Nazis. Ursula was more worried about the man she wanted to marry, barely cared about his death, then went on to her prison job, carelessly supporting the ill treatment to the POWs. She is noted as being beloved because she used politeness. But there was no point (before the halfway point in the book) where she actually cared about the POWs. Not until she saw a cute guy and she was commenting how she was worried about being single and not having kids.
Again, gross.
I'd hoped this book was going to turn for the better, but it never did. It's horrible to history in muting the atrocities of a genocide that was actively taking place for those characters. I highly recommend you do NOT read this book.
May 23, 2021
It could have been me
...if I had been born a few years earlier. Growing up in a small village about 50 Kilometers from Berlin, we sat in a ditch after the siren announced the bombers flying over us to drop their deadly cargo in Berlin. We could hear the rumble in the distance, and the sky over our mill hill turned red. Hundreds of those phosphor bombs would be dancing in the sky, and we kids called them Christmas trees and tried to count them. The story the author, Marion Kummerow, has been weaving was so intense for me, I finished this book in one day. I felt with her heroine being on the train to Stralsund - as I had been with my mother and three younger siblings after being evicted from our homeland in 1945 - we walked across the Ruegendamm and encountered several check points manned by Russians who demanded gifts. The Red cross had given us food, we lost it to get to the island. The last one demanded us to turn back. We could see our aunts house, and my mother lost it. She wanted to throw us all over the railing... This book brought all the memories back. To live through war time is hard, but for people who did not, this book gives you a new prospective. Read it, it is well written, and even regarded as „fiction“ - I tell you, a lot of it is true.
...if I had been born a few years earlier. Growing up in a small village about 50 Kilometers from Berlin, we sat in a ditch after the siren announced the bombers flying over us to drop their deadly cargo in Berlin. We could hear the rumble in the distance, and the sky over our mill hill turned red. Hundreds of those phosphor bombs would be dancing in the sky, and we kids called them Christmas trees and tried to count them. The story the author, Marion Kummerow, has been weaving was so intense for me, I finished this book in one day. I felt with her heroine being on the train to Stralsund - as I had been with my mother and three younger siblings after being evicted from our homeland in 1945 - we walked across the Ruegendamm and encountered several check points manned by Russians who demanded gifts. The Red cross had given us food, we lost it to get to the island. The last one demanded us to turn back. We could see our aunts house, and my mother lost it. She wanted to throw us all over the railing... This book brought all the memories back. To live through war time is hard, but for people who did not, this book gives you a new prospective. Read it, it is well written, and even regarded as „fiction“ - I tell you, a lot of it is true.
May 12, 2018
Really good read
Once I got past mutter being used as word for mother, I settled in to a gripping story of young German girls getting their eyes opened to realize that leaders can have their own warped agenda, surround themselves with minions who help the government tells lies and issue propaganda distorting the truth. We should all learn from history and make America great again.
Once I got past mutter being used as word for mother, I settled in to a gripping story of young German girls getting their eyes opened to realize that leaders can have their own warped agenda, surround themselves with minions who help the government tells lies and issue propaganda distorting the truth. We should all learn from history and make America great again.
December 21, 2017
The beginning of a series of historical fiction set during WWII. This book deals with a young woman who has always followed the rules and accepts the life of soldiers, surveillance, and hyper-vigilance. She works at a prison with women prisoners and becomes very close to them. But it is an escaped male prisoner who challenges her preconceptions. Not only is he a prisoner, but he is a British airman -- one of the men who continually bomb her home town. What will Ursula decide to do?
September 5, 2022
I've got mixed thoughts on this. You see, my own mother also happened to experience something on this vein and she told me stories, stories that she and her 3sisters survived from and just how they managed. Damn near parallel to this.
And then I compared to modern day environs that we all are experiencing. The politics in comparison are enormous.
All in all,I enjoyed the read. Grab that cuppa something, get settled in and open the book. You too just might enjoy it! --P/
And then I compared to modern day environs that we all are experiencing. The politics in comparison are enormous.
All in all,I enjoyed the read. Grab that cuppa something, get settled in and open the book. You too just might enjoy it! --P/
December 20, 2019
Excellent read.
Marion Kummerow is by far my favorite Author.
I am in the process of reading all of her books.
This Author has done a beautiful job of defining
what actually went on during WW2. I am saddened by all of the sorrow that was involved, but this Author was able
to pick out some of the happy times as well. Good job!!
Marion Kummerow is by far my favorite Author.
I am in the process of reading all of her books.
This Author has done a beautiful job of defining
what actually went on during WW2. I am saddened by all of the sorrow that was involved, but this Author was able
to pick out some of the happy times as well. Good job!!
January 1, 2020
Love lost!
Excellent story of lost love during the war. Ursula fights hard for the two lives in her life. Only to have both disappear to the horrors of war. One can only hope they survive to find each other when the war ends. Nice story with characters that are real and believable.
Excellent story of lost love during the war. Ursula fights hard for the two lives in her life. Only to have both disappear to the horrors of war. One can only hope they survive to find each other when the war ends. Nice story with characters that are real and believable.
August 16, 2019
Engaging and riveting
This series of books by Marion Kummerow builds layer by layer of the devastation of WW on families surviving that lengthy war. I'm on my second reading of the whole series.
This series of books by Marion Kummerow builds layer by layer of the devastation of WW on families surviving that lengthy war. I'm on my second reading of the whole series.
December 29, 2019
A page turner
I just finished reading the first book by Marion Kummerow and to me it makes you feel as you were right there, living inside the story. War girl Ursula had me captivated from the first chapter. I already know that I will read the whole series.
I just finished reading the first book by Marion Kummerow and to me it makes you feel as you were right there, living inside the story. War girl Ursula had me captivated from the first chapter. I already know that I will read the whole series.
August 19, 2017
Nice quick read . Gives a quick glance at how it was in ww11 Germany for the average woman . Great teen read.
September 24, 2017
Excellent
Although a fictional account of people during WWII, the moral dilemmas they face must have been very real for thousands.
Although a fictional account of people during WWII, the moral dilemmas they face must have been very real for thousands.
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