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.

Book banning is a divisive topic, one which is unfortunately relevant today as well as other times throughout history. But before and during World War II, it was particularly alarming and severe as huge fires were built for book burning. The only course of action was to hide/transport books in secret which meant risking lives. This dual timeline novel takes place mostly in Berlin, before the war in the 1930s and in the present time. The Nazis grew in power alarmingly fast and brutally and any book which was un-German was banned and/or burned, including many beloved Classics.

Before dying, Freya's mother told her to get out and do what she wanted to and was good at rather than being stuck with something she hated. Her mother was an incredible seamstress who taught her daughter the painstaking and beautiful work. Though it was not where Freya's heart was, she had to work to contribute to her family financially. She found a seamstress job at a theatre but starting writing as well. Disgusted with the book burning, she participated in the "rescue" of books which at times meant pretense on her part.

In present day America, Maddie discovers her grandpa kept a diary from the time of the war, jam packed with lots of secrets pertaining to her great grandmother. Maddie was eager to learn more about her family's history, especially during the war. What she found out surprised her.

For me one of the most interesting aspects about the novel was reading more about the pre-war era and Hitler's terrifying rise to power. I enjoyed the 1930s timeline more than the current one with the importance and preciousness of books highlighted, including some of the titles of books I've had the pleasure of reading. It is impossible to comprehend the sheer numbers of works pointlessly destroyed. This novel is moving and powerful and I really enjoyed my time with it.

✨4 stars✨

This was a really enjoyable historical fiction with dual timelines: one in 1930s Germany and the other in the US in 2024.

I read this book really quickly as I found the writing really engaging! I especially empathised with the character of Freya but there were a plethora of interesting characters that felt incredibly real.

I would definitely recommend this book!

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I loved this book. Daisy Wood writes really readable and engaging historical fiction. I loved switching between two different time periods, and how Maddie uncovered Freya’s story with us. This book was excellent in describing the Nazi’s rise to power, and how terrifying it must’ve been to see such a dramatic change in your home country. Sometimes I feel like the information was a little on the nose, and it felt like a simplified guide to the third reich, but then if other readers aren’t as knowledgeable able Germany in the thirties this would’ve been helpful.

Overall I thought this was a thrilling and moving historical fiction.

A dual timeline set mostly in Berlin in the 1930s and Los Angeles 2024. In Berlin in 1930 Freya, was looking forward to going to teacher training college but everything changes when her mother dies, and Freya has to give up her studies and dreams of being a writer and find work to help out her family.

Life is not easy for Freya, she has a few friends but is always afraid of being betrayed, especially when she starts trying to save books from being burnt.

In the United States in 2024, Maddie is a journalist, she travels to Los Angeles to help her grandfather who is downsizing and clearing out clutter in his house. Among his precious items, is a diary that was his mother’s written in German, a burnt book and a typewriter.

I loved the way Maddie researches her grandfather’s life and her great grandmother’s life in Germany and United States.

This was about burning of banned books, WW2, families and friendships. Secrets and lots of action as Freya in Germany tries to save books from being burned in 1933.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Avon, a division of HarperCollins for a chance to review this E-Book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a great read by an author who was new to me. It is the type of historical fiction that I like the best. Strongly rooted in fact, with a dual timeline bringing the story into the present day.

The novel follows two females, Freya in 1930's Berlin and Maddie in 2024 in the USA. There is no immediate obvious link between the two females, but as their stories are gradually told, alternating between the two timelines, the link is revealed.

Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Emotional read that really makes you think. I loved it! Can't complain about it a bit! I devoured it!

If I could give this book 10 stars I would. I cannot recall having read such an interesting novel in a very long time and I have read and reviewed many. This books seeps into your blood and wont let you go until you have turned the last page. Riveting and mysterious this book will keep you guessing and I guarantee you will be unable to guess the ending! This novel will give you a different look at the war that I am unsure you will have read anywhere else or in any other book. With a dual timeline one during the actual war the other in modern day America, both timelines keep you intrigued and their timing is impeccably matched to the general theme of the book. This way of writing keeps you totally engrossed in each chapter and will have you interested in one era then when you have to give that timeline and go to the other its with deep conflict as you want to know more about what is happening in that era then when you get back to that era you will still be wrapped into the other era.. The authors way of writing this story was above reproach and how she pieced it together to it's final climax will leave you breathless. The novel will give you a total understanding how Germany tore up families and ripped them apart and how mercilessly they hunted the ones they didn't agree with, how they burned the works of great artists so that they young would not be swayed by other ideals and how bad the German people had it prior to the war. All in all a must read if you enjoy historical fiction during the war the way that I do. I would highly recommend that you place this book on your TBR shelf. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

What an amazing story! The story interweaves the narrative between modern day LA and early 1930s Germany beautifully. The story pays attention to the importance of books and the need to prevent censorship which is such a topical and needed discussion in today's world. I particularly enjoyed the rich descriptions and exploration of Germany as the Nazi State rises pulling apart the beauty, liberty and cultural awareness of the Weimar Republic. Centered within the history is a beautiful story of love, friendship and family which I was absolutely captivated by. The characters were well developed and I immediately felt connected to them and was eager to find out the journey they had taken over the 90 year gap between narratives. I also enjoyed the nods to scholarly works whether it was the books burned by the Nazis' or the links to the rising medium of film; it was great to see some of my favorites pop up between the pages. Thank you Daisy Wood for a wonderfully written and researched book!

In Berlin in the 1930s, Freya is coming to realise that her life is about to change, following the death of her mother Ingrid, with the realisation that she is expected to give up her dreams in order to get a job and look after her family. Add to that the way that life in Germany was changing, with attacks against the Jewish community, the rise of Hitler and the collapse of her relationship with her father and brother, she needs to do something for herself.

In present day Maddy is reeling from a hateful campaign on social media about an article she wrote, so heads to her family home for some breathing space.

This is another skilfully written book by Daisy Wood, successfully capturing the atmosphere of pre war Berlin, where hatred of anything different is being stamped out, persecution is everyday and the party line is the only thought that is allowed. I really enjoyed a dual time line story, and this is so atmospheric, a compulsive read with relatable characters. You can tell the author is passionate about her subject

Freya is determined not to be sidelined and also wanting to make her own, albeit small, stand against the new regime, a dangerous thing to do but one she feels she needs to do. Maddies family are close but in for a few shocks. I loved the real twist at the end, never saw that coming. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

First I want to thank Netgalley and Avon Books UK for this copy of The Banned Books of Berlin.

I LOVED this book! It was fantastic! I loved the setting of this book, the writing was fantastic. I’m definitely going to read more from this author. I also want to reread this at some point as I just fell in love.

I was immersed in this from the beginning. I just loved how the story flowed so well and I found the characters so likeable. This was amazing. Definitely would recommend picking this book up!

This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last, I absolutely loved it and couldn't put it down. The writing is so engaging and the story was so compelling. I loved it.

Another wonderful book from Daisy Wood. Going between 1930’s Germany and 2024 America the storyline follows Freya and Violet and their family and friends leading up to WW2 and Maddie and her family and friends as they try to find out more about their relatives. Although I love this genre I did wonder why the book is called what it is as I was 2/3rds through before the book banning became an issue. Thanks to Daisy and her publisher Thanks also to NetGalley

An chilling but engaging book firstly set in Berlin in the early 1930s as Hitler and the Nazi party come into power. It was interesting to read some of the background from this period from the point of view of Freya, who was an ordinary German girl. Whilst not in one of the groups in direct danger from the new regime, Freya nonetheless sees the dangers with many friends under threat and becomes involved in her own way with the resistance against the rising tide distancing herself from her family. The second time frame is in America in 2024, with a family tracing their family's past. Well researched and made very readable about this time in history with Daisy's style of writing.

A dual time line story from one of my favourite authors, Daisy Wood. This book is set in Berlin during the 1930’s and present day in the United States. It is 1930 and Freya’s mother has passed away leaving Freya afloat. She is expected to give up her studies and look after her father and brother as well as earn a wage to assist with the household budget. The Nazi party is gaining power and Freya watches on in horror as ‘banned’ books are being burnt.
In present day Maddie returns to her childhood home to take some time out from her work. She assists her grandfather in clearing his attic where they come across a diary written by Maddie’s great grandmother, Freya. This sets Maddie and her grandfather on a quest to find out more about this woman.
I love how the past and future weave together to tell a wonderful story. It is heartbreaking in parts but a story of love, family and bravery. An emotional historical fiction read. Another 5/5 read by Daisy Wood

This was just such a beautiful read. It follows two timelines; Freya is a young women in 1930s Berlin watching as the Nazi regime begins to take hold, and Maddie (Freya’s granddaughter) who in 2024 discovers Freya’s diary and uncovers the mysteries of her family.

I loved the historical aspects of the book, and watching as the Nazi regime takes a gradual hold on Freya’s beloved city was fascinating. One of the first laws was the banning of any books or publications which didn’t match their policies, and definitely has modern day implications.

The timelines are beautifully intwined and made it a very easy, enjoyable read.

Thankyou NetGalley and Daisy Wood for the chance to review.