This book takes place in two time periods: 1930s Berlin narrated by Freya and 2024 Los Angeles narrated by Maddie. The book opens in Berlin with the death of Freya's beloved mother who tells her to leave home and make her way in the world. Freya ends up as a seamstress in a cabaret club where she meets Violet, a popular British dancer. This time period moves forward with the advent of the Nazi takeover and all things Freya holds dear threatened, including all of the literature she's grown to love.

In 2024, Maddie returns home to L.A. from Portland after she's been attacked online over a story she's written about a zoo. In L.A. she learns that her grandfather is planning for his death, by cleaning out his apartment and participating in a "death cafe."

The two timelines continue as we learn that Freya is Maddie's great grandmother, whose diary, written in German, Maddie discovers.

The compelling aspect of this novel is the story about Freya in Berlin. Maddie's story pales in comparison until possibly her final chapters, which could have just been told by Freya. I know the author needed Maddie to bring Freya's work to light, but it just felt like there was a lot of unnecessary work put into the Maddie portion of the book.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

I have read several of these authors previous novels and enjoyed the lost bookshop of Paris and the Royal librarian therefore when the publisher email to say this book was available on NetGalley UK I requested it right away
It’s a very enjoyable read elements of the Sally Bowls Cabaret Story intertwined with a modern day story.
In Berlin in 1933, we meet Freya and her family watching as the Nazi party gain followers and the country moves towards war. She takes on a job working as a costume designer and maker in a small cabaret club. We meet the British socialite who is escaping family responsibilities by singing in the cabaret .
The Title of the novel refers to the burning of books by authors in persecuted group such as Jews. This was carried out in Berlin in mass burning parties.
The story is contrasted by a modern day story when we meet Freya’s great granddaughter living in America and investigating her family
Tree.

The author has a beautifully writing style which is a pleasure to read despite the potentially traumatic subject matter. The book is a relaxing enjoyable read.
The characters in the book are described well and feeling entirely like real people the way that they behave given the stresses in their life also seems natural and real.

I read an early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK in return for an unbiased review. The book is published in the UK on the 10th of April 2025 by Avon books UK .

This review will appear on NetGalley UK, StoryGraph, and my book blog bionicSarahS books.wordpress.com. After publication will also appear on Amazon UK.

From the description of this book you could be forgiven for thinking it’s just another book about the atrocities of the Second World War and to an extent it is but it is also so much more. The story dips between two timelines and countries, pre-war Berlin and modern day America.

Without giving any spoilers, anyone who loves a family saga with secrets galore or loves a historical fiction book with brave heroines and hero’s, or just wants to learn more about pre-war Germany and what it was like for Germans at that time, particularly young adults

I loved the book and it did give me another perspective of the Second World War, one that is not really thought of before

This is my 1st book by Daisy Wood and I was pleasantly impressed and would be interested in reading more of her books.
The Banned Books of Berlin is a dual timeline story that opens in Berlin, 1933 with Freya Amsel, in her early 20's dealing with her mother's illness and the beginning rise of Hitler in Germany. The 2nd story is set in New York in 2024 with Maddie, a writer, struggling with a work issue, who goes home and finds a diary regarding her grandfather past.
The author's descriptive writing engages you with rising tension as acts of fear mongering about "others" taking away jobs, immigrants, and the erosion of freedoms of speech, news, educational material and restrictions like curfews and lockdowns take place in Freya's timeline. She is appalled by her father and brother's embracing the Nazi, subsequently moving out to a theater where she revels in the freedom she finds, until the Nazi's states to inhabit her place of refuge. When she hears about a book burning, it's the spark that lights her active resistance against the controlling regime. Freya and her friends are increasing danger as they look for ways to resist.
In the meantime, Maddie's family struggles include media attacks, aging and death, special needs young adults, and a budding romance as well as investigating family history. The emotional situations are relatable and feel authentic., keeping the reader engaged in the outcomes of the various situations.
There is some violence in Freya's story, with 1 sexual near assault, some foul language and racism that is commiserate to the story and the historical context. The title is a bit misleading as the banned books were a more minor event in the book that happened about 2/3rds into the book.
Overall, I would definitely recommend reading this well researched historical novel that is engaging and suspenseful with strong female character's, that are inspiring in both timelines.
A big thank you to Avon UK and NetGalley for the privilege of the ARC, it was a wonderful opportunity. All opinions expressed are my own.

Great characters good storyline. Hooked from the first chapter. Thanks for letting me review. Would continue the series

Beautiful. A poignant story. I loved the cross over of past and present - I tend to enjoy books that do this, and this one does it particularly well. Beautifully written. Important. Just a joy to read

We meet Freya in 1930 in Berlin as she struggles to survive and as Hitler starts to get his power.

Then we meet Maddie in 2024, the great granddaughter of Freya, when she returns home to Los Angeles after an awful incident at work.

While helping her grandfather throw out things, Maddie finds a diary that her grandmother had written. What an incredible find!!

What does Maddie find?

You will love Freya and Maddie, and the storyline will keep you glued to the pages with both timelines holding your interest.

Freya keeps you biting your nails as she tries to hide books along with other ordeals.

Maddie will have you rooting for her to succeed at what she is wishing for.

THE BANNED BOOKS OF BERLIN is a tribute to how important books are and will have you reading non-stop. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Such a great book! If you enjoy books about WWII and finding a lost diary, you will love this! I’m continually fascinated by WWII stories.

Such a lot of great research went into this book. It captured my attention from the start. A dual timelined read, with well crafted characters. Very enjoyable

Daisy Wood has become one of my favorite Historical Fiction writers. She always takes me on a journey back to the time of World War 2. I close every book knowing more, understanding more and wanting to know more.

Once Again she has taken me on a journey I will not soon forget. The dual time line allows the reader to learn about Freyal Amsel, Maddie's great-grandmother, and her life in 1930's Berlin. Maddie collects a few things while helping her grandfather clear out his apartment. A few items soon becomes a obsession to learn of Freya's life before arriving in America.

Freya is not living her best life. Her mother has died and she now has more responsibilities. She finds herself taking care of a home. She is trying to keep a business running and failing. She soon finds herself working outside the home taking care of costumes for performers. It isn't enough. Still struggling financially; they take in a boarder, Walther Grube.

The more Walther Grube talked about Hitler, the more her brother and father sided with the Nazis. Freya did not see things the same way. She could not comply. She could not stay in the same place as Walther Grube. Living in a small room in the theater is better than living at home.

Through her eyes; the reader witnesses the beginnings of Hitler's influence and control. Experience the horrors inflicted by the Brownshirts. Feel the heat caused by banned books being burned. My heart broke over Freya's struggles. What was happening in Berlin was atrocious. Knowing it was just the beginning had me in tears. I couldn't hope but wish for her to find happiness. I soon learn that the war might have ended, but struggles still remain.

The Banned Books of Berlin by Daisy Wood is a dual timeline novel set in early Nazi-controlled Berlin and present day. It follows Freya’s struggles in the 1930s and Maddie’s perspective in 2024, revealing their interconnected lives. If you’re a fan of WW2 fiction, read it.

I received an ARC of The Banned Books of Berlin by Daisy Wood from the publisher and from Netgalley.

I always love picking up historical fiction books and this one is no different. I've read The Clockmaker's Wife from this author and thoroughly enjoyed it like I did this one.

I love how this book flips between the 1930's with Freya and present time while Maddie undertakes a journey after discovering a pre-war German diary amongst her Grandpa’s things.

This story pays important attention to books and the need prevent censorship as done by the Nazis during WWII. It shocked me a little when the author shared PEN America’s report that more than 10,000 books were banned in public schools in the academic year 2023-24.

Freya is horrified to find that 25,000 books by Jews and gays were destroyed in flames on May 10, 1933. The author perfectly wrote the jolting history of Hitler's power shaking Germany in the post WWI era with his rise to power.

I was immersed in the story from the beginning and could not get enough of it. I needed to follow the story to see where Maddie's journey into her family's past brought her and to find out what happened for Freya in the years following 1933.

I will defiantly be picking up more books from this author!

I felt like after a bit of a slow start, this book too off and truly showed the hardships of WW II, but also the beauty of books in times of hardship. The characters find a way into your heart, and the complexity of the time period reminds the reader to hold onto hope, resilience, family, and books! The power of a good book is priceless.

This was another winner from Daisy Wood. I love historical fiction and having visited Berlin, the story was even more interesting to me personally.

This novel has a dual timeline from 1930’s Berlin to present day LA. I love how a lot of our history defines us, and how Maddie in the present day, finds clues and uncovers her family’s history . This took me on a journey to 1930’s Berlin where Freya’s fascinating story had me reading with tears in my eyes.

Although I had heard of the burning of books in Berlin this novel really makes you think deeper with such insightful descriptions, uncovering the horrors which many people experienced WW11.

The story was expertly crafted, both timelines were bursting with wonderful characters. A story of bravery, sacrifice, family, and love. I didn’t want the book to end. Leaving me thankful that I have the freedom to enjoy and read anything I want to.

This book will keep you enthralled throughout.
It is the story of Freya Amstel who lives at home with her parents and brother, when her mother is dying she pleads with Freya to get out. Not quite understanding what is meant by this this Freya stays put, keeping house for the men, that is until with war looming and not liking how her brother Otto is coming under the spell of the nazis she decides it’s time to go and sets up accommodation in her workplace Zaubergarten, where she is in charge of the costumes. The only drawback with this is that one of the girls Violet appears to be getting close to Leon Kohl who Freya has had a crush on for years, how will affect their friendship? Freya is one brave lady who defies the Nazis by hiding books and going about dropping cardboard bombs.
She has secret talents that others either ridicule or only to happy to take advantage of, but the Freya uses this to get someone close to her to safety.

Present day is the story of Maddie who is helping her grandad death cleansing, which leads to the finding of documents that send her on a search. This is helped when she visits the death cafe with her grandad and meets Eva and grandson Daniel,
Daniel offers to help her , which leads to some amazing discoveries.

Favourite character was Freya for being so helpful & trusting. Least favourite was Rupert for being a cad.
Enjoyed that while you maybe worked out some things, others came as a surprise.

The banned books of Berlin is wonderful book to read.

Daisy Woods' latest novel The banned books of Berline is a book with two timelines. The story begins with young Freya growing up in pre-war Germany. When her mother dies, she is left with her brother and father. The crisis makes things difficult for them and brother Otto feels attracted to the new Nazi regime. When a tenant who idolizes Hitler is also taken in, Freya leaves home. She goes to work in a theater, but there too changes are coming, partly because of the Jewish colleagues. Freya does not leave it at that and starts her own resistance, which ends in a dramatic moment.

In the second timeline, it is about Maddie in America who is bothered by internet trolls and goes back home from Boston to distance herself for a while. Then she discovers something about her grandfather and great-grandmother and starts researching the past. What she discovers is an impressive story about a special woman.

Woods has a nice way of writing. It is very compelling and visually elaborated. As a reader, you can see all the locations in front of you, you feel the changing atmosphere in pre-war Germany and the characters are well portrayed. The story that takes place in America also comes into its own, although this is more of a counterpart to the historical part, it still has a message through being online and the negative reactions that can result.

The choice to tell a historical story that is not about WWII, but about the period before that, means that it is not just another war story, but rather brings to the fore a history that is well-known but receives less attention, namely the book burnings and the changes in Germany in the 1930s.

The banned books of Berlin is a beautiful and impressive novel, with a historical part and a contemporary part, which provides variety and is woven into a complete story. With well-developed characters and an interesting history, it is a wonderful book to read.

A brilliant historical dual time line story which had me fully engaged from start to finish. Great characters and written so well it kept me turning the pages at speed.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

This deeply moving historical novel weaves together two timelines in a compelling and emotional journey of courage, resilience, and the power of the written word. The contrast between 1930s Berlin, where Freya is forced to make impossible choices under the rise of fascism, and the present-day search for truth through a forgotten diary, creates a rich and immersive narrative. The way past and present intertwine keeps the story gripping, with each revelation adding layers of depth and meaning.
The emotional weight of the story is beautifully balanced with moments of hope and connection, making it both heartbreaking and inspiring. The historical details feel vivid and well-researched, adding to the authenticity of Freya’s struggles and Maddie’s discoveries. This is a story that lingers long after the last page, reminding us of the enduring impact of bravery, books, and the voices that refuse to be silenced. A must-read for fans of dual-timeline historical fiction with strong, unforgettable heroines.

This book takes place during two different time periods and from the point of view of two different main characters. The 1930s tells the tale of Freya and her struggles, whereas 2024 is from Maddie's perspective. As the book progresses, we find out how the lives of Freya and Maddie are connected.

This book is different from most books I've read that take place during that time period. Hitler was just coming into power, and the world was changing. It ended up being a "feel good" story and didn't address the cruel, devastating events in detail that took place during the 1930's.

This book was an easy read, and I would totally recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

Enjoyed reading this historical fiction novel. Seemed far too close to some current news events. Loved the mix of the historical events and the internet trolls - a reminder that each generation has different challenges.