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German Wives #1
The First Spark of Fire
Germany, 1938. ‘No,’ she cries out as she falls to the floor, fear clutching desperately at her chest, ‘They can’t have taken him, they can’t have taken my husband.’ As her tear-filled eyes dart wildly around the empty room, she realises she has no one to turn to. She is his only hope. But how can she possibly save him?
When shy, beautiful Edith first met Jewish-born Julius it was love at first sight. Julius swept her off her feet, whisking her from humble beginnings into the sparkling society and glittering ballrooms of Berlin’s powerful elite. It felt like all her dreams had come true.
But her perfect world begins to crack with rumblings of the Nazi party growing in power and influence. Every day there are new laws to strip Jews of their money and their freedom. And there are even more frightening rumours, of horrifying camps, and people disappearing in the night…
Then when Edith’s own brother Joseph enlists as an SS officer, and her whole family turn their backs on them, she knows that it is only a matter of time before they come for her husband. She pleads with Julius that their only chance is to run away and start again. Who cares about worldly possessions if they can still be together, their lives intact? But despite everything, he refuses to believe he is in danger.
Then one terrible night, the sounds of cries and breaking glass ring out across the city as the Nazis wreak their destruction. Edith’s worst fears have been realised—Julius has been taken.
For so long, Edith has led a sheltered life, secluded from the real world. But the only way to save her beloved husband is to defy the Nazis and put herself in grave danger. Can she draw on every bit of strength she has to fight for love and save him… or is she already too late?
A totally devastating, powerful, and ultimately uplifting story, perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, My Name is Eva and Sold on a Monday.
When shy, beautiful Edith first met Jewish-born Julius it was love at first sight. Julius swept her off her feet, whisking her from humble beginnings into the sparkling society and glittering ballrooms of Berlin’s powerful elite. It felt like all her dreams had come true.
But her perfect world begins to crack with rumblings of the Nazi party growing in power and influence. Every day there are new laws to strip Jews of their money and their freedom. And there are even more frightening rumours, of horrifying camps, and people disappearing in the night…
Then when Edith’s own brother Joseph enlists as an SS officer, and her whole family turn their backs on them, she knows that it is only a matter of time before they come for her husband. She pleads with Julius that their only chance is to run away and start again. Who cares about worldly possessions if they can still be together, their lives intact? But despite everything, he refuses to believe he is in danger.
Then one terrible night, the sounds of cries and breaking glass ring out across the city as the Nazis wreak their destruction. Edith’s worst fears have been realised—Julius has been taken.
For so long, Edith has led a sheltered life, secluded from the real world. But the only way to save her beloved husband is to defy the Nazis and put herself in grave danger. Can she draw on every bit of strength she has to fight for love and save him… or is she already too late?
A totally devastating, powerful, and ultimately uplifting story, perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, My Name is Eva and Sold on a Monday.
270 pages, ebook
Published April 11, 2023
2689 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
About the author
Marion Kummerow
116 books410 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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March 23, 2023The First Spark of Fire by Marion Kummerow is a hard-hitting story that highlights the issues people faced in the run-up to WW2 when married to someone Jewish. Thought provoking and emotional, this is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
September 5, 2023
Once again Marion Kummerow focuses on Germany during World War II. Her historical research is always impeccable; and it is very evident in this well written novel that traces the rise of Hitler and the horrible passage of regulations, one after another, against the Jewish population basically leading them to a life of subjugation during his early years.
April 15, 2023
Whenever I think of World War II and the Third Reich, I think of the 1940s. This book by Marion Kummerow begins two decades before, actually in 1923. This was when Hitler’s rise and his growing plans became more and more evident to those living in Germany.
This captivating historical fiction shows how the Nazi reign grew exponentially and what things lead up to the second world war. In fact, the lives of families of Jewish dissent were examined, including how they lost their homes and businesses, to make way for those who were serving the impending war effort. Families were divided, lives were destroyed, and tragedy ensued over and over again.
The story continues with the characters Edith and Julius in Germany during the year 1938. While their lives started off in an idyllic fashion, the Germans became really focused on those in the Jewish community, and this included Julius. More than that, Edith’s brother Joseph became an SS officer, and with her husband, being a Jewish descent, their lives were going to be at risk.
What a deep and introspective book. It was impossible not to feel for all of those affected by the pre-war days, which included the harsh prejudices and laws that were created in order to eliminate as many Jews as possible. This is a powerful story, one that shows courage and hope even in the darkest of times.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
This captivating historical fiction shows how the Nazi reign grew exponentially and what things lead up to the second world war. In fact, the lives of families of Jewish dissent were examined, including how they lost their homes and businesses, to make way for those who were serving the impending war effort. Families were divided, lives were destroyed, and tragedy ensued over and over again.
The story continues with the characters Edith and Julius in Germany during the year 1938. While their lives started off in an idyllic fashion, the Germans became really focused on those in the Jewish community, and this included Julius. More than that, Edith’s brother Joseph became an SS officer, and with her husband, being a Jewish descent, their lives were going to be at risk.
What a deep and introspective book. It was impossible not to feel for all of those affected by the pre-war days, which included the harsh prejudices and laws that were created in order to eliminate as many Jews as possible. This is a powerful story, one that shows courage and hope even in the darkest of times.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 12, 2025
Everyone in the lower stars because “there was no ending”. Relaxxxxx. It’s a series! Almost sprained my ankle running to the kindle store to buy the next books. So far, love the series and reading about people who were pro-Nazi and how evil and brainwashed they were. Onto #2!
March 30, 2023
“Bravery against the odds”
This was a different historical fiction in that it takes us to a time period in history we do not hear about often. The story begins in 1923 before the rise of Hitler had become a reality to Germany.
The authors historical information brings to light more about what went on before the Nazi reign as well as during the reign.
The information about the beer hall coup, the fire at the Reichstag, the Night of the Long Knives were a few of the prominent historically accounts the author expanded on,
The ending left me wanting to know about the fate of the characters I had gotten to know so well. Hopefully the next book in the series will be just as good as this one was.
The First Spark of Fire is truly a heart wrenching, powerful and insightful story that I highly recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was a different historical fiction in that it takes us to a time period in history we do not hear about often. The story begins in 1923 before the rise of Hitler had become a reality to Germany.
The authors historical information brings to light more about what went on before the Nazi reign as well as during the reign.
The information about the beer hall coup, the fire at the Reichstag, the Night of the Long Knives were a few of the prominent historically accounts the author expanded on,
The ending left me wanting to know about the fate of the characters I had gotten to know so well. Hopefully the next book in the series will be just as good as this one was.
The First Spark of Fire is truly a heart wrenching, powerful and insightful story that I highly recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 8, 2023
A Look at the Past & Perhaps the Future
This novel moves at a breakneck speed and I couldn't stop reading it although I often wanted to, just for some emotional relief. Set in Germany post WWI to 1938, you know with certainty what's to come for Edith and Helga, being married to Jewish men. Both women are such sympathetic characters that you know your heart will be broken. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" kept flashing through my brain as I read, with some parts feeling eerily current. This book is beautifully written and I look forward to the next one.
This novel moves at a breakneck speed and I couldn't stop reading it although I often wanted to, just for some emotional relief. Set in Germany post WWI to 1938, you know with certainty what's to come for Edith and Helga, being married to Jewish men. Both women are such sympathetic characters that you know your heart will be broken. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" kept flashing through my brain as I read, with some parts feeling eerily current. This book is beautifully written and I look forward to the next one.
April 21, 2023
This book gives an inside look at what it must have been like in the years leading up to Hilter rule and after it took hold. Beforehand people were going about their lives, some struggling much more than others. Even those more influential such as Julius, one of the main characters, was quick to dismiss Hilter as an actual threat. With that said, we have the benefit of hindsight to know that danger and extreme hardship was coming, especially to Jewish people and any who resisted the new movement.
This story moves along at a good pace and is told through a few people's points of view. You have a wealthy couple, who haven't experienced any financial hardship, though their marriage is growing increasingly distant. They belong to the top echelons of society. This is Edith and Julius, a born jew but baptized Protestant, who owns a bank. Then there's Edith's brother, Joseph, who believes Hilter is the solution to a better Germany. The third perspective belongs to an old classmate of Edith's. Her and her husband have felt the financial impact of an unstable economy. They have two young children to provide for, and he is of Jewish background.
It's so sad to see how blinded people were by Hilter's point of view and outlook. It blows me away that so many just fell in line to blindly follow after him. Just because Hilter said something, it must be true. How sad to think of all the horrendous acts conducted at this time in history under the guise of improving the world. Beyond violent acts, people lost their jobs and their homes. Equally sad is how it pitted family members against each other and tore marriages apart.
I recommend this read for deep thinkers because it does get one thinking--and angry. But, sadly, history has taught us little. Even though Hilter is long dead, prejudice and hate crimes still exist and those seen as "different" are persecuted and outcast. This can be for any reason, no matter how slight. It may be due to a person's background, lifestyle, religion, appearance... Essentially anything that makes a person uncomfortable has the potential to wreck havoc. Honestly, in the present day, there is much more prejudice and stereotyping than most want to admit.
I also saw the reflection of history repeating itself with the recent pandemic. While it wasn't stereotyping, people back then tamped down Hitler's impact at the beginning, refusing to see what was coming even when it was right in front of their faces. With Covid-19, the warning signs were there and ignored or dismissed as being of little consequence. As a whole, humankind tends to downplay our instincts. Where would the world be if more of us listened to our voice inside and followed reason? Then who is to say what is right and wrong? But what if we decided to stand in our own power, thinking for ourselves rather than blindly following the masses?
The above line of thoughts are only only two I'm sharing. This book would be an excellent choice for a book club. I can only imagine the colorful and lively discussions. While this book didn't have a neat and tidy ending, we know from the history books where it was heading, and still recommend.
This story moves along at a good pace and is told through a few people's points of view. You have a wealthy couple, who haven't experienced any financial hardship, though their marriage is growing increasingly distant. They belong to the top echelons of society. This is Edith and Julius, a born jew but baptized Protestant, who owns a bank. Then there's Edith's brother, Joseph, who believes Hilter is the solution to a better Germany. The third perspective belongs to an old classmate of Edith's. Her and her husband have felt the financial impact of an unstable economy. They have two young children to provide for, and he is of Jewish background.
It's so sad to see how blinded people were by Hilter's point of view and outlook. It blows me away that so many just fell in line to blindly follow after him. Just because Hilter said something, it must be true. How sad to think of all the horrendous acts conducted at this time in history under the guise of improving the world. Beyond violent acts, people lost their jobs and their homes. Equally sad is how it pitted family members against each other and tore marriages apart.
I recommend this read for deep thinkers because it does get one thinking--and angry. But, sadly, history has taught us little. Even though Hilter is long dead, prejudice and hate crimes still exist and those seen as "different" are persecuted and outcast. This can be for any reason, no matter how slight. It may be due to a person's background, lifestyle, religion, appearance... Essentially anything that makes a person uncomfortable has the potential to wreck havoc. Honestly, in the present day, there is much more prejudice and stereotyping than most want to admit.
I also saw the reflection of history repeating itself with the recent pandemic. While it wasn't stereotyping, people back then tamped down Hitler's impact at the beginning, refusing to see what was coming even when it was right in front of their faces. With Covid-19, the warning signs were there and ignored or dismissed as being of little consequence. As a whole, humankind tends to downplay our instincts. Where would the world be if more of us listened to our voice inside and followed reason? Then who is to say what is right and wrong? But what if we decided to stand in our own power, thinking for ourselves rather than blindly following the masses?
The above line of thoughts are only only two I'm sharing. This book would be an excellent choice for a book club. I can only imagine the colorful and lively discussions. While this book didn't have a neat and tidy ending, we know from the history books where it was heading, and still recommend.
April 10, 2023
This book starts in 1920s Germany and follows the lives of two women: Edith and Helga.
The two couldn’t be further apart when it comes to their stance in society, however, a commonality will bring them together…
Edith Falkenstein is married to Julius, a man 15 years her senior, and a prominent banker, owner of the Falkenstein Bank. Julius is of Jewish heritage, however, he converted to Christianity and doesn’t consider himself to be Jewish.
Edith (who according to Hitler’s standards is a pure Aryan) fell in love with Julius and entered a high society life. She has everything a woman can wish for, apart from a child. It’s fair to say that her miscarriages had put a strain on their marriage.
Helga, on the other hand, is happily married to Heinrich Goldmann, a qualified accountant. The couple have two children, David and Amelia. With 1920s Germany being in dire straits after the WWI, Helga’s family are living hand to mouth.
Helga’s husband is Jewish, whereas she isn’t. With Hitler rising to power and hate towards the Jewish population growing each day, Edith and Helga will have to remain strong and fight for their marriages.
I adored this book so much I read it in two sittings. I loved the historical backdrop: hyperinflation following the Treaty of Versailles, stark poverty in Germany, Hitler’s slow but sure rise to power and the increasing Jewish oppression.
Julius, like majority of the Jewish population didn’t think that Hitler would stay in power for so long. He resisted the idea of leaving Germany because of his job, despite having all the cash in the world. On the other hand, Helga was desperate for her family to leave, but they didn’t have the financial means.
This is the first book in the German Wives series. It finishes in 1938, however, it is not the end yet, as we know that WWII is coming. I cannot wait for another book in this series – I am desperate to find out what’s in store for Helga and Edith.
The two couldn’t be further apart when it comes to their stance in society, however, a commonality will bring them together…
Edith Falkenstein is married to Julius, a man 15 years her senior, and a prominent banker, owner of the Falkenstein Bank. Julius is of Jewish heritage, however, he converted to Christianity and doesn’t consider himself to be Jewish.
Edith (who according to Hitler’s standards is a pure Aryan) fell in love with Julius and entered a high society life. She has everything a woman can wish for, apart from a child. It’s fair to say that her miscarriages had put a strain on their marriage.
Helga, on the other hand, is happily married to Heinrich Goldmann, a qualified accountant. The couple have two children, David and Amelia. With 1920s Germany being in dire straits after the WWI, Helga’s family are living hand to mouth.
Helga’s husband is Jewish, whereas she isn’t. With Hitler rising to power and hate towards the Jewish population growing each day, Edith and Helga will have to remain strong and fight for their marriages.
I adored this book so much I read it in two sittings. I loved the historical backdrop: hyperinflation following the Treaty of Versailles, stark poverty in Germany, Hitler’s slow but sure rise to power and the increasing Jewish oppression.
Julius, like majority of the Jewish population didn’t think that Hitler would stay in power for so long. He resisted the idea of leaving Germany because of his job, despite having all the cash in the world. On the other hand, Helga was desperate for her family to leave, but they didn’t have the financial means.
This is the first book in the German Wives series. It finishes in 1938, however, it is not the end yet, as we know that WWII is coming. I cannot wait for another book in this series – I am desperate to find out what’s in store for Helga and Edith.
April 14, 2023
When Edith first met Julius in Germany, it was love at first sight. Though she had always been shy and quiet, Julius whisks Edith into a world of elegance and wealth. But it’s 1938, and as the Nazis rise to power, there are whispers of things being done to take away the freedom of Jewish people. And Julius, Edith’s beloved new husband, is Jewish. She begs him to leave everything behind and to start over elsewhere together, but it is too late; the Nazis take him away. Can Edith find her husband or is it too late?
I love historical fiction, especially set in the World War II era. The backdrop for this story was so well written and reminded me a bit of The Nightingale, which is one of my favorite books of all time. The emotions Edith (and also Helga, another main character affected by Hitler’s rise to power), experienced - doubt, fear, heartbreak - were palpable as the unimaginable happened. I have read quite a few books about World War II but not as many about how The Nazis came into power. This was a unique perspective. I am happy to see this is the first book in the series of The German Wives, so there will be more to come in this saga.
Thank you to Bookouture, Marion Kummerow and Netgalley for the ARC! “The First Spark of Fire” released April 11th.
This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.
I love historical fiction, especially set in the World War II era. The backdrop for this story was so well written and reminded me a bit of The Nightingale, which is one of my favorite books of all time. The emotions Edith (and also Helga, another main character affected by Hitler’s rise to power), experienced - doubt, fear, heartbreak - were palpable as the unimaginable happened. I have read quite a few books about World War II but not as many about how The Nazis came into power. This was a unique perspective. I am happy to see this is the first book in the series of The German Wives, so there will be more to come in this saga.
Thank you to Bookouture, Marion Kummerow and Netgalley for the ARC! “The First Spark of Fire” released April 11th.
This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.
April 13, 2023
Most of us are more than aware of the events of the Second World War, however I’m not sure many of us know of Hitler’s rise to power, and the lead up to the outcast and mass extermination of the Jewish population.
Based on real-life events, Marion Kummerow gives a huge insight into this, in The First Spark of Fire (German Wives #1), the first in a new series, from this incredible author. We follow two very different families, Edith and Julius, who are wealthy, want for nothing and have always been at the forefront of society. Our other family is Helga and Heinrich, who often struggle to keep themselves and their young family afloat, and that doesn’t get any easier once Hitler is in charge. Edith and Helga are German, whilst their husbands are Jewish and they both stand by and support their family as a difficult time approaches.
As in her other books, Marion Kummerow deals with extremely sensitive issues throughout with compassion and empathy. I found the book slow to begin with, but it soon picked up pace and now I can’t wait for the second book in the series to discover how Edith and Helga deal with the next decade.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review a copy of The First Spark of Fire by Marion Kummerow.
Based on real-life events, Marion Kummerow gives a huge insight into this, in The First Spark of Fire (German Wives #1), the first in a new series, from this incredible author. We follow two very different families, Edith and Julius, who are wealthy, want for nothing and have always been at the forefront of society. Our other family is Helga and Heinrich, who often struggle to keep themselves and their young family afloat, and that doesn’t get any easier once Hitler is in charge. Edith and Helga are German, whilst their husbands are Jewish and they both stand by and support their family as a difficult time approaches.
As in her other books, Marion Kummerow deals with extremely sensitive issues throughout with compassion and empathy. I found the book slow to begin with, but it soon picked up pace and now I can’t wait for the second book in the series to discover how Edith and Helga deal with the next decade.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review a copy of The First Spark of Fire by Marion Kummerow.
June 12, 2023
Was a great informative story ! I can hardly wait until part 2 is out !
August 24, 2025
I was disappointed and did not realize this book was meant to be before Hitlers invasion. Mh reading is preferably after the time period in this book.
August 1, 2025
Good story but would have given it a higher rating if there was an actual ending!!
April 14, 2023
The First Spark of Fire Marion Kummerow
Today is my stop on the book tour for The First Spark of Fire by Marion Kummerow. A very informative and historically accurate account of the rise of Nazism in Germany. This book takes place in Germany in 1923 up to 1938, just before the start of World War II. I found it very interesting to learn more about this time period, as most of the historical literature I read takes place during the second world war. I found it of particular interest to learn more about Hitlers rise to power through attempted coups, corruption, coercion, the disgusting mistreatment of Jewish people and the annihilation of anyone who got in his way.
This story follows the lives of Helga Goldman and Edith Falkenstein. Both women were childhood classmates and are now married to men that were born Jewish. But this is where their similarities end. Edith is married to Julius, a wealthy bank owner. She lives a sheltered life of luxury and privilege. She has almost everything she wants except a husband who loves her passionately and children. Helga, on the other hand, has two children and a husband, Heinrich, who adores and loves her with all his heart. But unlike Edith, Helga lives a life of financial hardship, even more so after her husband lost his job, merely because he was a Jew. The First Spark of Fire follows these two brave and courageous German wives as they struggle to navigate life in Germany during the rise of Nazism. Both women share the determination and commitment to do what ever it takes to keep their families safe.
Such an excellent book. Well researched, thought provoking and heartfelt. It can be so difficult to write about such a horrific time in History in such a thoughtful and compassionate manner. But Marion Kummerow did just that. The only negative thing I have to say about The First Spark of Fire is the abrupt ending that has left me hanging. I don’t know that I can wait until book two in the series comes out to find out what happens to Edith, Julius and Helga, Heinrich and their children. Hopefully I don’t have to wait too long.
Thank you Bookouture, Netgalley and Marion Kummerow for my advanced electronic copy of The First Spark of Fire and having me on this book tour.
Today is my stop on the book tour for The First Spark of Fire by Marion Kummerow. A very informative and historically accurate account of the rise of Nazism in Germany. This book takes place in Germany in 1923 up to 1938, just before the start of World War II. I found it very interesting to learn more about this time period, as most of the historical literature I read takes place during the second world war. I found it of particular interest to learn more about Hitlers rise to power through attempted coups, corruption, coercion, the disgusting mistreatment of Jewish people and the annihilation of anyone who got in his way.
This story follows the lives of Helga Goldman and Edith Falkenstein. Both women were childhood classmates and are now married to men that were born Jewish. But this is where their similarities end. Edith is married to Julius, a wealthy bank owner. She lives a sheltered life of luxury and privilege. She has almost everything she wants except a husband who loves her passionately and children. Helga, on the other hand, has two children and a husband, Heinrich, who adores and loves her with all his heart. But unlike Edith, Helga lives a life of financial hardship, even more so after her husband lost his job, merely because he was a Jew. The First Spark of Fire follows these two brave and courageous German wives as they struggle to navigate life in Germany during the rise of Nazism. Both women share the determination and commitment to do what ever it takes to keep their families safe.
Such an excellent book. Well researched, thought provoking and heartfelt. It can be so difficult to write about such a horrific time in History in such a thoughtful and compassionate manner. But Marion Kummerow did just that. The only negative thing I have to say about The First Spark of Fire is the abrupt ending that has left me hanging. I don’t know that I can wait until book two in the series comes out to find out what happens to Edith, Julius and Helga, Heinrich and their children. Hopefully I don’t have to wait too long.
Thank you Bookouture, Netgalley and Marion Kummerow for my advanced electronic copy of The First Spark of Fire and having me on this book tour.
July 25, 2025
Not A Stand Alone Novel. I always deduct stars for this. Unforgivable for authors to do this. Readers deserve a full novel, not an episodic story. I am all for series n novels as long as I can finish one and not absolutely have to read the next one or two (or ?) to get the whole story.
April 13, 2023
The First Spark of Fire is the first in a brand new series, German Wives, by Marion Kummerow and what a brilliant start it was. If this is only the beginning, I can’t wait to see what is to come in future books. It tells the story of two German women, Edith and Helga, who were once school mates but whose lives have split into two very different paths. The story opens in Munich in 1923 and takes us right up to 1938. Right from beginning the author provides us with a fascinating insight into Germany in the years following World War One, detailing how the country suffered an economic depression and also showing the rise of Hitler and his party through to the many absurd laws forced upon the Jewish population. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book quite like it and it really gave me a much deeper understanding of the lead up to World War Two and how ordinary German citizens were so deeply affected by the beliefs and actions of one mad man.
Munich 1923, and the situation is desperate for the citizens of Germany. Desolation is taking hold with hyperinflation and many struggle to put food on the table. The Great War had ruined the country with reparations to be paid which only increases the awful economic situation. A man named Hitler is rumoured to be their saviour and he has recently formed the National Socialist German Workers Party. Reading of the rise of Hitler and initially people’s innocence believing this man will solve all their problems, well it was just heart-breaking. I felt this way because I knew what was to come in future years and you want to reach into the pages of the book and tell the characters what is ahead of them so in that some way they could possibly prepare for it. But sadly that couldn’t happen and the further the story develops the more you feel such sadness and worry for the people you have become invested in.
Edith is married to Julius who owns one of the most important banks in Germany. Julius’s family are Jewish but he converted to Protestantism when he came of age. Edith and Julius have a somewhat strained relationship as she is unable to give him an heir to his business following numerous miscarriages. The love they had for one another when they married has diminished but I sensed underneath it all when the bad times do come that they would be there for each other. That Edith, despite being desperately lonely in Munich away from her family and friends, will always be there for Julius and this sentiment is tested more than ever as the political situation grows unsteady. I loved how we had numerous chapters from Julius’ point of view. Too often it’s only the female characters who are given a voice but here Julius is able to express his opinions and it made me feel some empathy towards him fairly early on.
Given Julius had such a high powered and important job he could have come across as untouchable and invincible but the author gave him a voice and one which I found very interesting. You could see that he did love Edith and as things became worse in Munich he moved them back to Berlin. Both of them were kind and caring when it came to helping others and I loved how Edith wasn’t afraid to ask him for what she wanted in order to aid people. There was no air of arrogance surrounding Julius although I did think he thought he was untouchable in terms of him having Jewish heritage.That the laws that were introduced curtailing the rights of Jews would not affect him given the crucial role he occupied in society. But the author showed how every person with Jewish heritage no matter how fragile was affected. No one was spared and whether you had money or power it made not a scant difference.
An incredible picture was built up of the marriage between Edith and Julius and how they operated in society and as the years pass and the political climate alters you see how they are tested and the reign of terror and its influence spreads and comes closer and closer to their door. As Edith’s family are Jewish, she is encouraged to divorce Julius but I loved how she showed such allegiance to her husband. When family, laws and threats are forcing you to do one thing and you have the ability to stand form and do the opposite that shows a remarkable strength of character. I sense that this trait of Edith’s will be tested time and time again.
Edith’s brother Joseph is the character you will love to hate. He is firm in his views that Hitler is a man for good who will rid Germany of the undesirables who have caused such economic pain and hardship. He becomes a member of Hitler’s SS group and Edith is appalled and firmly against what he stands for and his actions. He is sucked deeper and deeper into the hotbed of pure evil and as the years pass by and Hitler’s party and domination grows in strength Joseph only becomes further entrenched in the worst that has fallen Germany. It’s hard to fathom how two siblings could hold such opposing views and that Joseph could venture down such a twisted path but again this is where the well balanced view portrayed by the author comes into play. As it does with the character of Helga.
Helga is the polar opposite to Edith in terms of where she lives and her family set up. She doesn’t have an endless amount of money at her disposal and when we are introduced to her, her family are struggling to survive the economic depression with her husband Heinrich unable to find work. Her two children Amelie and David suffering cruelty at the hands of friends and teachers in their school all thanks to the laws introduced by Hitler. As with Edith, Helga shows her devotion and love for her husband and family and she will always stand by her man and do anything to help her family survive. She herself is not Jewish but her family members are and as the net tightens around them, she shows her strength, grit and determination time and time again. I did think I would liked to have read more of Helga’s story but as this is only the first book there is plenty more time to discover what fate has in store for Helga and her family.
The First Spark of Fire was a brilliant read filled with honesty and intensity and one which provided the reader with an extremely well balanced view as to how all sections of German society were dealt a deck of cards which would go on to have desperate repercussions for many years. The themes explored and the history detailed were fascinating. Writing this kind of book, there was a danger that it could have read as if it was a history textbook as various events we have all learned about in school are detailed but thankfully it didn’t feel like this at all. The raw, emotional and human side of both Edith and Helga’s story was explored in a considerate, fair and just manner and it allowed you to appreciate both their stories. It showed how no sector of the population was spared. That any connection to being Jewish was ceased upon and therefore those people were marginalised from society no matter what role they held. The story asks many questions – what made the two women stick with their husbands given they could have easily done something which would have meant they were safe? Here love, devotion, bravery and loyalty are words that come to mind. How did their relationships develop and shift over the years as Hitler ruthlessly supressed all critics and made the Jewish population outcasts?
This story highlighted two courageous women who became the people who were to protect their husbands. Traditional roles were reversed in a world that became increasingly fraught with tension and danger with a safe and secure outcome not at all assured. As the book ended on what I would call somewhat of a sombre and uncertain note it only whetted my appetite for what is yet to come. There is so much left unsaid, so much still to happen as the war had not yet begun. There is an awful lot more upheaval, desperation and torment to come for thess characters. I am anxious as to what awaits them but am eager to read the next instalment which I hope I won’t be waiting too long for. It has certainly been one of the best historical fiction books that I have read so far this year.
Munich 1923, and the situation is desperate for the citizens of Germany. Desolation is taking hold with hyperinflation and many struggle to put food on the table. The Great War had ruined the country with reparations to be paid which only increases the awful economic situation. A man named Hitler is rumoured to be their saviour and he has recently formed the National Socialist German Workers Party. Reading of the rise of Hitler and initially people’s innocence believing this man will solve all their problems, well it was just heart-breaking. I felt this way because I knew what was to come in future years and you want to reach into the pages of the book and tell the characters what is ahead of them so in that some way they could possibly prepare for it. But sadly that couldn’t happen and the further the story develops the more you feel such sadness and worry for the people you have become invested in.
Edith is married to Julius who owns one of the most important banks in Germany. Julius’s family are Jewish but he converted to Protestantism when he came of age. Edith and Julius have a somewhat strained relationship as she is unable to give him an heir to his business following numerous miscarriages. The love they had for one another when they married has diminished but I sensed underneath it all when the bad times do come that they would be there for each other. That Edith, despite being desperately lonely in Munich away from her family and friends, will always be there for Julius and this sentiment is tested more than ever as the political situation grows unsteady. I loved how we had numerous chapters from Julius’ point of view. Too often it’s only the female characters who are given a voice but here Julius is able to express his opinions and it made me feel some empathy towards him fairly early on.
Given Julius had such a high powered and important job he could have come across as untouchable and invincible but the author gave him a voice and one which I found very interesting. You could see that he did love Edith and as things became worse in Munich he moved them back to Berlin. Both of them were kind and caring when it came to helping others and I loved how Edith wasn’t afraid to ask him for what she wanted in order to aid people. There was no air of arrogance surrounding Julius although I did think he thought he was untouchable in terms of him having Jewish heritage.That the laws that were introduced curtailing the rights of Jews would not affect him given the crucial role he occupied in society. But the author showed how every person with Jewish heritage no matter how fragile was affected. No one was spared and whether you had money or power it made not a scant difference.
An incredible picture was built up of the marriage between Edith and Julius and how they operated in society and as the years pass and the political climate alters you see how they are tested and the reign of terror and its influence spreads and comes closer and closer to their door. As Edith’s family are Jewish, she is encouraged to divorce Julius but I loved how she showed such allegiance to her husband. When family, laws and threats are forcing you to do one thing and you have the ability to stand form and do the opposite that shows a remarkable strength of character. I sense that this trait of Edith’s will be tested time and time again.
Edith’s brother Joseph is the character you will love to hate. He is firm in his views that Hitler is a man for good who will rid Germany of the undesirables who have caused such economic pain and hardship. He becomes a member of Hitler’s SS group and Edith is appalled and firmly against what he stands for and his actions. He is sucked deeper and deeper into the hotbed of pure evil and as the years pass by and Hitler’s party and domination grows in strength Joseph only becomes further entrenched in the worst that has fallen Germany. It’s hard to fathom how two siblings could hold such opposing views and that Joseph could venture down such a twisted path but again this is where the well balanced view portrayed by the author comes into play. As it does with the character of Helga.
Helga is the polar opposite to Edith in terms of where she lives and her family set up. She doesn’t have an endless amount of money at her disposal and when we are introduced to her, her family are struggling to survive the economic depression with her husband Heinrich unable to find work. Her two children Amelie and David suffering cruelty at the hands of friends and teachers in their school all thanks to the laws introduced by Hitler. As with Edith, Helga shows her devotion and love for her husband and family and she will always stand by her man and do anything to help her family survive. She herself is not Jewish but her family members are and as the net tightens around them, she shows her strength, grit and determination time and time again. I did think I would liked to have read more of Helga’s story but as this is only the first book there is plenty more time to discover what fate has in store for Helga and her family.
The First Spark of Fire was a brilliant read filled with honesty and intensity and one which provided the reader with an extremely well balanced view as to how all sections of German society were dealt a deck of cards which would go on to have desperate repercussions for many years. The themes explored and the history detailed were fascinating. Writing this kind of book, there was a danger that it could have read as if it was a history textbook as various events we have all learned about in school are detailed but thankfully it didn’t feel like this at all. The raw, emotional and human side of both Edith and Helga’s story was explored in a considerate, fair and just manner and it allowed you to appreciate both their stories. It showed how no sector of the population was spared. That any connection to being Jewish was ceased upon and therefore those people were marginalised from society no matter what role they held. The story asks many questions – what made the two women stick with their husbands given they could have easily done something which would have meant they were safe? Here love, devotion, bravery and loyalty are words that come to mind. How did their relationships develop and shift over the years as Hitler ruthlessly supressed all critics and made the Jewish population outcasts?
This story highlighted two courageous women who became the people who were to protect their husbands. Traditional roles were reversed in a world that became increasingly fraught with tension and danger with a safe and secure outcome not at all assured. As the book ended on what I would call somewhat of a sombre and uncertain note it only whetted my appetite for what is yet to come. There is so much left unsaid, so much still to happen as the war had not yet begun. There is an awful lot more upheaval, desperation and torment to come for thess characters. I am anxious as to what awaits them but am eager to read the next instalment which I hope I won’t be waiting too long for. It has certainly been one of the best historical fiction books that I have read so far this year.
June 12, 2023
A great read! What I particularly enjoyed about this novel is that it takes place in 1920 up to the Second World war. That is, a time not often thematic in novels. I found really interesting to follow the political development through different kinds of families: non Jewish, half Jewish, practicing Judaism, converted Jewish people to another religion, or just uninterested in religion. The psychological development of the characters appeared to me very credible: the way it took to realise that religion actually did not so much to do with anything.... The conclusion was surprising in the sense that it was not a conclusion as such, but rather a harsh ending of book 1! Meaning I can't wait for book 2!
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
May 4, 2024
not gripping but disappointing
I love WWII based books especially ones grounded in truth and depicting the plight of the Jews. It’s so important to understand.
This book was interesting and indeed helped paint a fuller picture of the gradual loss of Jewish rights in Germany and the inter family struggles. The main problem is that this entire book is act 1 of a series abba has no arc itself that is gratifying. Once it gets going-, it ends and tells you to buy the second book!
I will not
That’s dishonest and I refuse to encourage this sort of writing.
But, even without that issue, I’d still give it 2 stars for any real story arc.
I love WWII based books especially ones grounded in truth and depicting the plight of the Jews. It’s so important to understand.
This book was interesting and indeed helped paint a fuller picture of the gradual loss of Jewish rights in Germany and the inter family struggles. The main problem is that this entire book is act 1 of a series abba has no arc itself that is gratifying. Once it gets going-, it ends and tells you to buy the second book!
I will not
That’s dishonest and I refuse to encourage this sort of writing.
But, even without that issue, I’d still give it 2 stars for any real story arc.
August 6, 2023
Whyyyyyyyy?! How does this book have such high ratings? It literally doesn’t have an ending!
April 16, 2024
The year is 1923, and it has been just a few years since the First World War ended. After agreeing to pay massive reparations to the Allied forces, Germany is left impoverished. With rampant hyperinflation, there is poverty, a lack of resources, and job losses. People with low incomes and the middle class feel the brunt the most.
Edith is a young woman living a comfortable life, away from all the world’s worries, with her husband, Julian, in Munich. Julian owns Falkenstein Bank and is successful, rich, and well-connected in his circles. They both live in a lovely mansion and have enough money to buy all the luxuries in the world.
Although Edith lives a luxurious life now, this was not the case in the past. Edith comes from a middle-class working family. After Julian and she fell in love and got married, her life changed. Edith’s family, which comprises her parents, two brothers, and a sister, live in modest conditions, like many other people from working backgrounds, and face the same problems that millions like them face in a country that is in depression.
The story starts in 1923 and ends around 1938. During this course of time, Germany goes through many landmark events such as the Beer Hall Coup, which was a failed attempt by Hitler to gain power, Hitler’s time in prison and his early discharge, The fire in the Reichstag Building, The night of long knives or Operation Hummingbird, Political executions to consolidate power, and the signing of the Enabling Act by the then president Paul von Hindenburg which gave the ultimate power to Hitler to become the supreme leader and the most influential person in Germany. With Hitler becoming more and more powerful each day, the Jews face discrimination on all fronts. They lose jobs and their civil rights, their children are discriminated against in schools, and they are humiliated in public by the SS men.
Hatred for the Jews spreads far and wide and starts affecting families and friendships. Although Edith is a Christian, Julian comes from a Jewish lineage. While Edith’s family encourages her to divorce Julian and break all ties with him, Edith is sure she will stand by her husband and do whatever is in her power to protect him. All these years, Edith had played the role of a good wife, one who cares and dotes on her husband, and Julian had played the typical male role of providing for the family and protecting them. Now, with the changing atmosphere in the country, they witness a change in their roles, too.
Julian stays confident for a very long time that, with his wealth and connections, he and his family cannot be harmed. Slowly, as the situation becomes more and more dangerous, many from their circles plan to emigrate, leaving their businesses in someone else hands. Julian has a sharp business mind and focuses on protecting his business and family wealth. He considers everything from converting cash to jewellery, moving his assets to Swiss banks, and opening a new branch in a neutral country. But emigrating from Germany is missing from his cards. He does not, for once, imagine that a person of his stature, power and wealth can be subject to the same treatment rendered to others. Moreover, although his parents were Jews, Julian converted to Christianity long ago. This boosts his confidence even more. Unfortunately, his thinking doesn’t match with the Nazi logic, In the eyes of the Nazis, Jewish blood in the veins is good enough to qualify someone as vile, someone who is responsible for the situation that the country faces and, hence must be punished.
But the storm that has taken the country wipes off everything on its way, and no one is spared. With a country in turmoil, every citizen is affected.
Finally, one day, when the SS men burn Julian’s office and he is herded to the concentration camp at Sachsenhausen, Julian realizes that things have already gone out of control. He is released, but the water has already reached above their noses. The duo must find a way out. Luck may not be in their favour the next time.
This book is the first book of the Berlin Wife series, with the second and third being The Berlin Wife’s Choice and The Berlin Wife’s Resistance. It was an incredible and educative journey for me to read this book. Although it is fiction, it takes inspiration from real-life events. The critical events that shaped things in Germany are narrated in chronological order. These events are then knitted with the lives of the main characters in the story. As I read the book, I found myself referring to these events through a glance at the internet, checking our wiki pages, and seeing documentaries. This made the experience even more enriching for me. The historical facts and events that led up to the rise of Nazi power in Germany, thereby impacting the lives of its people, are narrated cleverly and engagingly. It is an exciting book and a sure-shot page-turner. I am already on to the next book 🙂
Edith is a young woman living a comfortable life, away from all the world’s worries, with her husband, Julian, in Munich. Julian owns Falkenstein Bank and is successful, rich, and well-connected in his circles. They both live in a lovely mansion and have enough money to buy all the luxuries in the world.
Although Edith lives a luxurious life now, this was not the case in the past. Edith comes from a middle-class working family. After Julian and she fell in love and got married, her life changed. Edith’s family, which comprises her parents, two brothers, and a sister, live in modest conditions, like many other people from working backgrounds, and face the same problems that millions like them face in a country that is in depression.
The story starts in 1923 and ends around 1938. During this course of time, Germany goes through many landmark events such as the Beer Hall Coup, which was a failed attempt by Hitler to gain power, Hitler’s time in prison and his early discharge, The fire in the Reichstag Building, The night of long knives or Operation Hummingbird, Political executions to consolidate power, and the signing of the Enabling Act by the then president Paul von Hindenburg which gave the ultimate power to Hitler to become the supreme leader and the most influential person in Germany. With Hitler becoming more and more powerful each day, the Jews face discrimination on all fronts. They lose jobs and their civil rights, their children are discriminated against in schools, and they are humiliated in public by the SS men.
Hatred for the Jews spreads far and wide and starts affecting families and friendships. Although Edith is a Christian, Julian comes from a Jewish lineage. While Edith’s family encourages her to divorce Julian and break all ties with him, Edith is sure she will stand by her husband and do whatever is in her power to protect him. All these years, Edith had played the role of a good wife, one who cares and dotes on her husband, and Julian had played the typical male role of providing for the family and protecting them. Now, with the changing atmosphere in the country, they witness a change in their roles, too.
Julian stays confident for a very long time that, with his wealth and connections, he and his family cannot be harmed. Slowly, as the situation becomes more and more dangerous, many from their circles plan to emigrate, leaving their businesses in someone else hands. Julian has a sharp business mind and focuses on protecting his business and family wealth. He considers everything from converting cash to jewellery, moving his assets to Swiss banks, and opening a new branch in a neutral country. But emigrating from Germany is missing from his cards. He does not, for once, imagine that a person of his stature, power and wealth can be subject to the same treatment rendered to others. Moreover, although his parents were Jews, Julian converted to Christianity long ago. This boosts his confidence even more. Unfortunately, his thinking doesn’t match with the Nazi logic, In the eyes of the Nazis, Jewish blood in the veins is good enough to qualify someone as vile, someone who is responsible for the situation that the country faces and, hence must be punished.
But the storm that has taken the country wipes off everything on its way, and no one is spared. With a country in turmoil, every citizen is affected.
Finally, one day, when the SS men burn Julian’s office and he is herded to the concentration camp at Sachsenhausen, Julian realizes that things have already gone out of control. He is released, but the water has already reached above their noses. The duo must find a way out. Luck may not be in their favour the next time.
This book is the first book of the Berlin Wife series, with the second and third being The Berlin Wife’s Choice and The Berlin Wife’s Resistance. It was an incredible and educative journey for me to read this book. Although it is fiction, it takes inspiration from real-life events. The critical events that shaped things in Germany are narrated in chronological order. These events are then knitted with the lives of the main characters in the story. As I read the book, I found myself referring to these events through a glance at the internet, checking our wiki pages, and seeing documentaries. This made the experience even more enriching for me. The historical facts and events that led up to the rise of Nazi power in Germany, thereby impacting the lives of its people, are narrated cleverly and engagingly. It is an exciting book and a sure-shot page-turner. I am already on to the next book 🙂
April 11, 2023
This book starts with those years leading to Hitler’s rise, highlighting the struggles for many, who lacked food, shelter and most importantly hope. It shows us how Hitler was able to take advantage of that environment and manipulate it to serve his own ends.
‘Hitler won’t last two months,’ they said, ‘his ideas are too radical.’ For banker, Julius and his wife Edith, their privileged life was unaffected for a long time, until “they came for him”. Dismissing Hitler’s rise to power as nothing to fear was easier from a position of wealth. Julius’s own sisters, unlike him had not converted to Christianity, and saw the threat coming. Julius felt that conversion offered him immunity… how wrong he was.
Yet, elsewhere, Hitler’s boldness was welcomed, people cheering on his determination to see through his promises, sensing hope after the country had been ravaged by WW1 and the ensuing reparations that bound Germany to years of austerity where inflation raged, the Reichsmark became worthless, and their futures looked bleak and uncertain. Edith’s own family, much less well off than her husband’s, however, saw things differently. Her brother Joseph rose in the ranks of the SS in support of Der Führer, putting a strain on family bonds from the start, bonds that could only stretch so far before snapping.
Caught in the middle, the Mischlings - Edith’s schoolfriend, Helga, who’d married a non-practising Jew, lived a happy life with their two children, but who could now only look on in horror as their lives unravelled.
With the benefit of hindsight, we can see the traps set to take the German people along with him. As the saying goes, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in the world is that good men do nothing.” Yet what could be done when raising your head above the parapet made you a marked man?
What a pace this story moves at, switching between main viewpoints that deftly show how one’s life experiences and personal circumstances affected everything. The speed of change was beyond comprehension, new laws making life harder for those who opposed while being cheered on by those who saw their own prospects improving.
This story, so well researched, reminds us of those early atrocities and how unimpeded Hitler’s path to power became. Violence, sowing hatred and division, pitting citizen against citizen, family members against each other, employees against employers, and even wives against husbands, all tactics that worked in his favour.
It was impossible not to get drawn into this story, to not feel despair for the characters who could not believe what was happening to their country, nor could they understand how little time it took for family and friends to turn against them. Yet, to those in support of the regime, in their shoes, how might we have reacted?
Knowing what awaited those who fell foul of the Aryan dream, their stories are even more compelling. And yet, given what w know, it’s so sad to acknowledge how little we’ve learnt from the past, for are we not seeing similar seeds of division being sown in current times, pitting people against each other and stirring up tensions?
So compelling, moving, despairing and heart-breaking, yet the flicker of hope never went out.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. I’m all in for the next in the series.
‘Hitler won’t last two months,’ they said, ‘his ideas are too radical.’ For banker, Julius and his wife Edith, their privileged life was unaffected for a long time, until “they came for him”. Dismissing Hitler’s rise to power as nothing to fear was easier from a position of wealth. Julius’s own sisters, unlike him had not converted to Christianity, and saw the threat coming. Julius felt that conversion offered him immunity… how wrong he was.
Yet, elsewhere, Hitler’s boldness was welcomed, people cheering on his determination to see through his promises, sensing hope after the country had been ravaged by WW1 and the ensuing reparations that bound Germany to years of austerity where inflation raged, the Reichsmark became worthless, and their futures looked bleak and uncertain. Edith’s own family, much less well off than her husband’s, however, saw things differently. Her brother Joseph rose in the ranks of the SS in support of Der Führer, putting a strain on family bonds from the start, bonds that could only stretch so far before snapping.
Caught in the middle, the Mischlings - Edith’s schoolfriend, Helga, who’d married a non-practising Jew, lived a happy life with their two children, but who could now only look on in horror as their lives unravelled.
With the benefit of hindsight, we can see the traps set to take the German people along with him. As the saying goes, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in the world is that good men do nothing.” Yet what could be done when raising your head above the parapet made you a marked man?
What a pace this story moves at, switching between main viewpoints that deftly show how one’s life experiences and personal circumstances affected everything. The speed of change was beyond comprehension, new laws making life harder for those who opposed while being cheered on by those who saw their own prospects improving.
This story, so well researched, reminds us of those early atrocities and how unimpeded Hitler’s path to power became. Violence, sowing hatred and division, pitting citizen against citizen, family members against each other, employees against employers, and even wives against husbands, all tactics that worked in his favour.
It was impossible not to get drawn into this story, to not feel despair for the characters who could not believe what was happening to their country, nor could they understand how little time it took for family and friends to turn against them. Yet, to those in support of the regime, in their shoes, how might we have reacted?
Knowing what awaited those who fell foul of the Aryan dream, their stories are even more compelling. And yet, given what w know, it’s so sad to acknowledge how little we’ve learnt from the past, for are we not seeing similar seeds of division being sown in current times, pitting people against each other and stirring up tensions?
So compelling, moving, despairing and heart-breaking, yet the flicker of hope never went out.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. I’m all in for the next in the series.
April 11, 2023
THE FIRST SPARK OF FIRE is the first novel in the German Wives series by MARION KUMMEROW and I am really looking forward to the follow up novels.
The story starts in 1923 and goes right through to 1938, following the rise of Hitler and the Nazis and the escalation of their horrific treatment of the Jews.
We follow two women who are married to Jews, Edith Falkenstein, whose husband Julius converted to prostentism when he turned twenty one, and Helga Goldman whose husband Heinrich is a non practising Jew. Julius and Edith are extremely wealthy with Julius being a brilliant businessman and owning the Falkenstein bank, and Heinrich and Helga, with their two children, struggling first of all with the effects of inflation and then with Heinrich, a hardworking accountant, losing one job after another. The Nazi answer to their problem would be for them to divorce their husbands and save themselves!
We see the incredible courage of these two school friends as they determine to do all they can to keep their husbands safe. Their families have turned their back on them and agree with the Nazis that they should divorce them and keep themselves safe……..
We will have to wait until the next book in the series to see what happens next!
This author really knows her WW11 history and has written an interesting and enlightening account of the horrors of the time.
I highly recommend The First Spark of Fire to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
The story starts in 1923 and goes right through to 1938, following the rise of Hitler and the Nazis and the escalation of their horrific treatment of the Jews.
We follow two women who are married to Jews, Edith Falkenstein, whose husband Julius converted to prostentism when he turned twenty one, and Helga Goldman whose husband Heinrich is a non practising Jew. Julius and Edith are extremely wealthy with Julius being a brilliant businessman and owning the Falkenstein bank, and Heinrich and Helga, with their two children, struggling first of all with the effects of inflation and then with Heinrich, a hardworking accountant, losing one job after another. The Nazi answer to their problem would be for them to divorce their husbands and save themselves!
We see the incredible courage of these two school friends as they determine to do all they can to keep their husbands safe. Their families have turned their back on them and agree with the Nazis that they should divorce them and keep themselves safe……..
We will have to wait until the next book in the series to see what happens next!
This author really knows her WW11 history and has written an interesting and enlightening account of the horrors of the time.
I highly recommend The First Spark of Fire to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
April 12, 2023
Germany, 1938: Edith and Julius fall head over heels in love with each the very moment they meet. It was love at first sight, and Julius would do anything for Edith, including marrying her at the very first opportunity they have. They are enjoying their new life together as husband and wife, with grand ballrooms and the high society parties for Berlin’s elite. But when the Nazi’s begin to close in on the Jewish community, Edith and Julius’ life begins to crumble. Edith’s brother Joseph enlists as an SS Officer and soon her entire family abandons them. Edith knows she will eventually lose her husband to the custody of the Nazi’s, but she is bound and determined to protect him no matter what the cost is.
Wow what a whirlwind of a story. I was so enamored with this wonderful book I can’t even begin to describe it. First of all, it was completely unputdownable. Do not start reading this book if you can’t finish it at once. I completely lost track of time as I was pulled into this story, flipping through the pages at such a rapid speed, that I couldn’t stop. This emotional book so descriptive of Germany that I felt like I was actually in Germany. My heartbeat was faster and faster as my breath stopped completely while waiting to read what was going to happen next. This phenomenal read will definitely keep your attention while cheering on Edith and Julius. Thank you Marion Kummerow for a wonderful story of courage, hope and faith during one of the darkest times in history. I was very inspired from beginning to end and I highly recommend it!!
Wow what a whirlwind of a story. I was so enamored with this wonderful book I can’t even begin to describe it. First of all, it was completely unputdownable. Do not start reading this book if you can’t finish it at once. I completely lost track of time as I was pulled into this story, flipping through the pages at such a rapid speed, that I couldn’t stop. This emotional book so descriptive of Germany that I felt like I was actually in Germany. My heartbeat was faster and faster as my breath stopped completely while waiting to read what was going to happen next. This phenomenal read will definitely keep your attention while cheering on Edith and Julius. Thank you Marion Kummerow for a wonderful story of courage, hope and faith during one of the darkest times in history. I was very inspired from beginning to end and I highly recommend it!!
April 30, 2023
Found the book through an Instagram review and decided to give it a try. I’ve been in a bit of a book slump for a few days and have DNF so many books I was starting to feel discouraged and then I decided to open this one up.
I was extremely surprised. The story is wonderful. All the characters are beautifully flawed, well except for the poor couple—I will call them packaged cinnamon rolls. They were downright impossible to dislike.
Anyway, I felt like I was on a rollercoaster ride even though I knew for the most part what would happen on a large historical scale. I was never bored.
The author did a good job of creating characters I cared about, well except for Joseph. I hate him but that’s the point after all.
I liked all the strong female characters and I like that there was a balance of different types of women that were all with a strong mind and heart. The children, were brief in the story, but still held a presence.
Julius I was conflicted because he had the personality of everything I dislike about stuffy rich men. However, that didn’t stop me from not feeling compassion for him in his personal situation and the greater scale story.
The story weaves together beautifully and I was vaguely disappointed and surprised when I realized the story ended. I think that was my only issue. It felt like an abrupt ending, but not enough for me to drop a star. I will patiently wait for book 2 on the edge of my seat, while I binge her other books.
All I have say after all of that is read it. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I was extremely surprised. The story is wonderful. All the characters are beautifully flawed, well except for the poor couple—I will call them packaged cinnamon rolls. They were downright impossible to dislike.
Anyway, I felt like I was on a rollercoaster ride even though I knew for the most part what would happen on a large historical scale. I was never bored.
The author did a good job of creating characters I cared about, well except for Joseph. I hate him but that’s the point after all.
I liked all the strong female characters and I like that there was a balance of different types of women that were all with a strong mind and heart. The children, were brief in the story, but still held a presence.
Julius I was conflicted because he had the personality of everything I dislike about stuffy rich men. However, that didn’t stop me from not feeling compassion for him in his personal situation and the greater scale story.
The story weaves together beautifully and I was vaguely disappointed and surprised when I realized the story ended. I think that was my only issue. It felt like an abrupt ending, but not enough for me to drop a star. I will patiently wait for book 2 on the edge of my seat, while I binge her other books.
All I have say after all of that is read it. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
April 13, 2023
The First Spark of Fire follows the lives of two women, Edith and Helga from the 1920's up until the start of WWII and is the first book in the German Wives series.
It is a thought-provoking and emotional novel highlighting the difficulties the Jewish people faced with Hitler's slow but sure rise to power and what it meant for German wives who were married to Jews and their children.
Edith was married to Julius, a prominent banker and converted Christian who did not consider himself a Jew. He did not think that he would be in danger and refused to emigrate while he could.
Helga on the other hand was married to Heinrich Goldmann, a Jew and a qualified accountant but without a job. She desperately wanted to emigrate with her husband and two children but was unable to do so without sufficient funds.
The author has done a great job of providing insights about historical events before and during the Nazis came to power. Both Edith and Helga are brave, courageous and strong and will go to any lengths to protect their loved ones.
The book ends in 1938 and we are left speculating the fates of Edith and Helga and their families. I am so looking forward to Book 2 now.
Thank you @bookouture and @netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC for me to read and review.
It is a thought-provoking and emotional novel highlighting the difficulties the Jewish people faced with Hitler's slow but sure rise to power and what it meant for German wives who were married to Jews and their children.
Edith was married to Julius, a prominent banker and converted Christian who did not consider himself a Jew. He did not think that he would be in danger and refused to emigrate while he could.
Helga on the other hand was married to Heinrich Goldmann, a Jew and a qualified accountant but without a job. She desperately wanted to emigrate with her husband and two children but was unable to do so without sufficient funds.
The author has done a great job of providing insights about historical events before and during the Nazis came to power. Both Edith and Helga are brave, courageous and strong and will go to any lengths to protect their loved ones.
The book ends in 1938 and we are left speculating the fates of Edith and Helga and their families. I am so looking forward to Book 2 now.
Thank you @bookouture and @netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC for me to read and review.
August 1, 2023
THE FIRST SPARK OF FIRE is a historical novel I couldn't put down. Intense without resorting to heavy sensationalism, the book presents the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party in Germany through the impact on one upper-class German family in which the husband, Julius, is of Jewish descent and the wife, Edith, is not. As new laws and edicts affecting the Jewish population emerge from the Nazi government, Julius and Edith react from their training and their personalities: Julius feels the waves of violence will blow over; Edith is fearful that their family will be pulled into the undertow and thinks they should leave the country. We, the readers, are allowed into their mindsets to witness how their drama plays out. The paperback copy of the novel I received in the mail said nothing about a series or the alternate title THE GERMAN WIFE. As a result, I was surprised at the abrupt and inconclusive ending. With some research, I learned that more is coming, and I look forward to the next chapter. I highly recommend the book for fans of WWII history, especially the roles played by women during the war.
September 5, 2023
Life in Germany in the lead up to World War II
The Berlin Wife has a focus on what it was like in Germany for its citizens, and specifically for those who were Jewish. It covers the 1930's from prior to Hitler coming to power to his rule over the country and the laws the Nazis put into effect to take away the rights of the Jews, along with their persecution.
The story focuses on two families, one well to do, and one of humble means, and how the Nazi power affected their thoughts, feelings and actions.
The story was slow to develop, and I kept waiting for the plot to fully develop - and then I discovered once I got to the end of the story, that this was only part one of a three part series - so the reader needs to continue into volume two in order to find out what happened in the ongoing story - and I assume then to volume three to get the complete story.
This is a good book, and gets into many conflicting actions and feelings as people try to deal with situations over which they have no control.
The Berlin Wife has a focus on what it was like in Germany for its citizens, and specifically for those who were Jewish. It covers the 1930's from prior to Hitler coming to power to his rule over the country and the laws the Nazis put into effect to take away the rights of the Jews, along with their persecution.
The story focuses on two families, one well to do, and one of humble means, and how the Nazi power affected their thoughts, feelings and actions.
The story was slow to develop, and I kept waiting for the plot to fully develop - and then I discovered once I got to the end of the story, that this was only part one of a three part series - so the reader needs to continue into volume two in order to find out what happened in the ongoing story - and I assume then to volume three to get the complete story.
This is a good book, and gets into many conflicting actions and feelings as people try to deal with situations over which they have no control.
September 29, 2025
This is a powerful historical novel that offers a compelling look at life in Berlin as the Nazi party rose to power. The story centers on two non-Jewish German wives married to Jewish men, skillfully illustrating how the tightening noose of Hitler's laws affected people across the class spectrum.
We follow the wealthy banker Julius and his wife Edith, alongside a less-affluent couple, Helga and Heinrich. The novel's greatest strength is its heartbreaking depiction of one tragic truth: money, social status, or even religious conversion meant nothing. The narrative vividly shows how Hitler successfully alienated Jewish citizens and how the ruthless ideology cut through all previous societal protections.
The author does an excellent job of portraying the intense personal sacrifices and the extraordinary courage required by these women to stand by their husbands. While the pacing dragged slightly in a few spots, the emotional core and the historical insight are top-notch.
A must-read for fans of WWII historical fiction that focuses on the domestic fight against tyranny.
We follow the wealthy banker Julius and his wife Edith, alongside a less-affluent couple, Helga and Heinrich. The novel's greatest strength is its heartbreaking depiction of one tragic truth: money, social status, or even religious conversion meant nothing. The narrative vividly shows how Hitler successfully alienated Jewish citizens and how the ruthless ideology cut through all previous societal protections.
The author does an excellent job of portraying the intense personal sacrifices and the extraordinary courage required by these women to stand by their husbands. While the pacing dragged slightly in a few spots, the emotional core and the historical insight are top-notch.
A must-read for fans of WWII historical fiction that focuses on the domestic fight against tyranny.
April 11, 2023
The author once again writes about her beloved Germany.
One thing I've noticed while reading this authors books, how impeccably researched they are.
This book is written in the time period preceding and during Hitler's rise to power. His followers were already rabidly devoted.
Set between 1923 and 1938 it follows the rise of Hitler and the Nazis and the escalation of the mistreatment of anyone with even a slight bit of Jewish blood. The Nazis want the women to divorce their Jewish husbands. What ensues is the women refusing and doing whatever it takes to save their men. These are women of bravery who would give up family relationships to stand by their man. Heartbreaking and realistic. A look at history we don't hear much about.
This is the first in the series and I look forward to reading more in this series to see what these brave women do next.
Pub Date: 11 Apr 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
One thing I've noticed while reading this authors books, how impeccably researched they are.
This book is written in the time period preceding and during Hitler's rise to power. His followers were already rabidly devoted.
Set between 1923 and 1938 it follows the rise of Hitler and the Nazis and the escalation of the mistreatment of anyone with even a slight bit of Jewish blood. The Nazis want the women to divorce their Jewish husbands. What ensues is the women refusing and doing whatever it takes to save their men. These are women of bravery who would give up family relationships to stand by their man. Heartbreaking and realistic. A look at history we don't hear much about.
This is the first in the series and I look forward to reading more in this series to see what these brave women do next.
Pub Date: 11 Apr 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
April 29, 2023
The years prior to World War II in Germany.
This was a story giving back the mentality of the various people. Persons that didn't feel Jewish and weren't following the Jewish traditions expected to be save till it was to late. Married couples had to decide if they stood by their spouse or divorce often under high pressure from their families. How the calm self controlled emotional banker eventually lost it when the Nazis started a fire in his bank.
This book shows a lot of different aspects of was going on prior to World War II.
A lot of people assumed things would get better. That the German people would not stand for Hitler’s maniac politicks. They were proving wrong. Hitler had a natural way about him to convince a lot of people that he could correct a lot of wrongs and make Germany great again. The actions taken against Germany after World War I made it easy for Hitler to convince the German population that he was their savior.
This was a story giving back the mentality of the various people. Persons that didn't feel Jewish and weren't following the Jewish traditions expected to be save till it was to late. Married couples had to decide if they stood by their spouse or divorce often under high pressure from their families. How the calm self controlled emotional banker eventually lost it when the Nazis started a fire in his bank.
This book shows a lot of different aspects of was going on prior to World War II.
A lot of people assumed things would get better. That the German people would not stand for Hitler’s maniac politicks. They were proving wrong. Hitler had a natural way about him to convince a lot of people that he could correct a lot of wrongs and make Germany great again. The actions taken against Germany after World War I made it easy for Hitler to convince the German population that he was their savior.
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