This is the second book I’ve read by Daisy Wood, and once again, she’s done it! Another beautifully told, captivating story that had me hooked from the very start.

This was an easy five-star read for me. I absolutely loved the dual timeline – both stories were engaging, and I really warmed to the characters in each. It’s such a touching story, and I have to admit, it left my eyes brimming with tears. I have a feeling this one will stay with me for a long time.

Daisy Wood’s writing is stunning – so atmospheric and immersive. The mystery element kept me turning the pages, eager to piece everything together. And I’m happy to say I didn’t quite manage to work it all out, so the ending took me by surprise!

The story is set in 1930s Berlin and present-day America. I found the contrast between the two timelines fascinating – from Freya’s struggles against the rising Nazi regime and the heartbreaking censorship of books, to Maddie’s modern-day work crisis and the discovery of her grandfather’s hidden family history. As Maddie helps her grandad sort through his belongings, they come across a diary written in German by his mother, leading them on a journey to uncover her past.

The way the story came together was seamless, and the pacing flowed effortlessly. The historical details gave such a vivid insight into life in Berlin during that era, and I really appreciated how the novel explored different viewpoints at the time. I often think I might struggle with historical fiction, but Daisy Wood always makes it feel so intriguing, heartfelt, and relevant.

The characters were wonderfully developed, and I genuinely cared about their journeys. Both timelines felt equally compelling, which isn’t always the case with dual narratives, but here it worked perfectly.

Overall, this was an emotional, thought-provoking read that felt very relevant. I highly recommend it – an easy 5 stars from me!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Daisy Wood is fast becoming an auto-buy author for me!

I am absolutely in LOVE with this book! The Banned Books of Berlin by Daisy Wood is a beautifully written story filled with mystery, intrigue, love, family, scandal, and so much more. Set in Berlin in the 1930's and the present-day US, the book tells the story of Freya, a young German woman who watches in horror as the Nazi party gains power, her home no longer safe. Freya cannot sit back and watch the censorship of people, burning of books, and the brutal attacks in the streets and decides to take a stand, soon finding her own life in danger.

The book flashes forward to Maddie who in present day is dealing with a work crisis. She decides to take some time away and goes back home to be with her family where she spends time with her grandfather who is downsizing his belongings. While helping him purge the attic, the two come across a diary belonging to her great grandmother. Intrigued, she begins researching and is shocked by what she discovers.

I was captivated by the story from the very beginning. As the story shifted back and forth from one generation to the other, I could not decide which portion intrigued me the most. In many cases with books written in this style, I will connect with one or the other, but with this book, I was equally captivated. The history and fiction were tied so effortlessly together. While I was aware of the burning of books and the other ongoings that took place, this book told the story from a different angle than other historical fiction novels I have read and gave me a different viewpoint which I appreciated.

This story was woven together brilliantly. With such rich and identifiable characters, it flowed so easily. A story of family, love, bravery, strength, sacrifice and hope. It was inspiring, heartbreaking, and completely fulfilling.

There are SOOOOOO many more things I would like to say about this book, but I do not want to give away any potential spoilers and take away from the experience. So, I guess for now all I can say is........This book is a must read!! If you are thinking, "do I want to read this one or not" don't think....Just read!!!!

A huge thank you to Avon for allowing me the honor to read an ARC of this book. I will be purchasing a copy for my bookshelf on release day. To the author, you have an amazing gift. Thank you for this wonderful piece of work!

this book was an incredible read. it kept me Hooked all the way through. just when I thought I had everything figured out, something unexpected happened making it impossible to put down. the ending was a complete surprise, leaving me both shocked and satisfied.

what made the story even more engaging was how its felt incorporated so many present day topics, making it feel relevant and thought provoking. the mix of suspense, surprises and real world themes. this is a must read book.

The past can affect us emotionally when it starts to feel a bit like the present.

It was startling in the beginning 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. It’s huge.

This was an original WWII historical novel of a how Freya Amsel in her 20s had to adjust to the dire circumstances. Like her mother, she loved to read and when she heard that 25,000 books by Jews and gays were destroyed in flames on May 10, 1933 she was horrified.

This story was well written with a jolt of history reminding us of Hitler’s power shaking up the world. It started in Berlin with his dishonest rhetoric in the early 1930s when he told bold lies to the people of Germany. It was the beginning of the gruesome tactics that caused fear and hate towards the Jews.

There were two timelines: one which took the reader back to Berlin before the war, and the other in 2024 with a family in LA trying to make sense of boxes in the attic with old records. When digging deep, they discovered past family secrets.

Even though much of the history is known, there was enough suspense to keep the pages moving quickly. It was encouraging to read how a few brave characters challenged evil corruption when it could have been easier and safer in many cases to take a back seat.

It’s fiction but believable with those who were willing to take risks. It was deeply felt and gives us a glimpse of the past we hope will never return and inspiration we all need especially now.

My thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of July 15, 2025.

Wow. This moved between 1931 and present day. Set between Berlin and America. A very moving story at times. I did enjoy it but it makes you hate what happened between the wars in Germany .It was a clever story with some good twists. A very clever neat ending. Loved it

Daisy Wood does it again! She’s written an absolutely incredible historical fiction that I devoured, I couldn’t put it down, I was so fascinated by Freya’s story and also by Maddie and her grandpa’s stories. This book was a really good one and if you are a fan of WW2 fiction, you definitely need to read it.

This book was an incredible read! It kept me hooked from start to finish with its many twists and turns. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, something unexpected would happen, making it impossible to put down. The ending was a complete surprise, leaving me both shocked and satisfied.

What made the story even more engaging was how it incorporated so many present-day topics, making it feel relevant and thought-provoking. The mix of suspense, surprises, and real-world themes made this book a must-read. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a story full of excitement and unexpected moments!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

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

The historical strand of "The Banned Books of Berlin" is the story of Hitler's rise to power in 1930's Germany. On the one hand are the fanatical supporters who would sell out their own families, and on the other are the more enlightened people who can see the potential of this man to destroy their country, it's culture and many lives. We see developments through the eyes of Freya; her father lost his is original business in the Depression, her mother dies and her brother becomes a Nazi supporter.

The modern strand features journalist Maddie who is taking a break from work as she suffers from online trolls. A discovery whilst helping her grandfather to declutter his apartment leads to her investigating her family history.

The historical strand stops, unusually, before the outbreak of WW2, making for a more interesting read, especially as the characters are ordinary Berliners from different backgrounds.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was absolutely thrilled to receive an advanced read of The Banned Books of Berlin by Daisy Wood from Netgalley and Avon Books. This was my second read by Daisy Wood, and this book exceeded my expectations (which were high to begin with!).

Set in the 1930’s and 2024, this book has a dual timeline, both of which I found to be incredibly engaging.

In the late 1930’s Freya is a young woman in Berlin, watching in horror as the Nazi regime begins its ascent to power, both in and outside of her home. In 2024, Maddie, Freya’s great-granddaughter, is uncovering her heritage through the discovery of Freya’s diary while sorting through her grandfather’s belongings with him by her side. Freya’s love of books, writing, and her country leads her in directions she never saw coming. Through her story and the pieces put together by her descendants, everyone learns more about who they are than they (and I!) could have possibly expected.

I have read many WWII era books, but very few with so much of the book focused on the early days of Hitler’s rise. Wood does a fabulous job of engaging the reader in both timelines while sharing a story of historical fiction that not only teaches the reader about this important time in history, but also pulls them in from the very first page. While at some points I felt this book was challenging to read given our current state of affairs, this challenge only makes it even more important to pick this book up and get lost in its words. I was totally captivated and truly enjoyed this read!

Daisy Woods alternates between two timelines, 1930's Berlin and the present day in New York, the intertwined stories of Freya, an avid reader in Nazi Germany and Maddie, a modern day young woman who has taken time off work to visit her family.

This read is a captivating novel that highlights the enduring power of books and the courage of those who fight to protect them.

In 1933 Berlin, Freya, a passionate reader, watches in horror as the Nazi regime tightens its grip on Germany, targeting "un-German" literature. Freya has been a gifted student and her teacher had recommended university but with her father's attitude and the declining economic conditions of the country she knows that this dream is impossible. Her mother near to death from illness implores her to leave home, to start a new life. She was a successful seamstress but knows that Freya does not have this talent. Circumstances dramatically change after her mother's death, a boarder is taken in, a passionate Nazi and Freya senses his ever watchful eye. She decides to leave and ends up at a nightclub where she manages to obtain employment. This is such an eye opener, a different world, new and colourful friends.

Determined to resist the destruction of books Freya puts a plan into place and secretly hides banned books, risking everything to preserve the voices the regime wants silenced. Her story is one of bravery, sacrifice, and the heartbreaking choices faced under a dictatorship. After an incident that puts her in extreme danger she has no choice but to leave the country, which in itself holds great risk.

In present-day New York, Maddie while visiting and sorting some of her grandfather's possessions stumbles upon a mysterious collection tied to pre-war Berlin. As she unravels the story behind these lost treasures, she uncovers secrets that connect her to Freya’s past. Maddie’s journey is equally compelling, as she navigates her own struggles while piecing together a history that was almost erased.

The read masterfully weaves both narratives, immersing readers in the oppressive atmosphere of 1930s Berlin while keeping them engaged with a contemporary mystery. The novel’s themes, resistance, the importance of literature, and the impact of the past on the present are beautifully explored. The characters are richly developed, and the historical details are well-researched, making the story both educational and emotionally resonant.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for this advanced reading copy and for the opportunity to comment and review.

I received a free copy of, The Banned Books of Berlin, by Daisy Wood, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Freya lives in Berlin in 1933, during the war, she is saddened by her city being destroyed, and has tough choices to make. Maddie lives in New York in present day, she finds out about Freya, and her story. This was a really good read.

What a beautifully written story! The way Daisy Woods writes is incredible, making you feel like you are in the story. I loved the two different timelines, and it wasn’t hard to follow along. The character development is well done, and I was invested in their story. If historical fiction is your thing, I believe you’ll love this book. I definitely recommend this one.

The Banned Books of Berlin is a fantastic and interesting read .Set in the 1930's in Berlin just before Hitler became rose to power .Written in two timelines 1930's and 2024 when a Family in Los Angeles find a box in the attic and discover past Family secrets .There are two main characters Freya in Berlin and Maddie in America. I do enjoy when a story is told in two timelines I think the reader gets more of the story this way .Freya was very strong in a time that was dangerous to be brave .I think the ending was very good with all ends being tied up nicely .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

This is the second book I’ve read by Daisy, and it did not disappoint. The dual timeline was expertly crafted, weaving past and present together in a way that felt seamless and engaging. The storylines intertwined beautifully by the end, making for a satisfying and emotional read.

Freya was a standout character—I felt deeply connected to her journey, experiencing her joy, pain, determination, and resilience along the way. Her story was compelling and heartfelt, making it easy to root for her throughout the book.

I’d highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly those who appreciate rich character development and well-executed dual timelines.

I received a copy of the book "The Banned Books of Berlin" from NetGalley. This book takes place in two eras. The 1930s in Berlin. and 2024 in the USA. Freya lives in Berlin in 1933 she is witnessing the slow changes that is happening. Hitler is starting his evil hatred in Germany. she sees her own relatives siding with Hitler. She takes a job in a cabaret sewing costumes. Meets new friends. while there she hears about book burning that Hitler has ordered. She helps to save these books by hiding them. She faces danger with many more Germans siding with Hitler becoming Nazis. She is not Jewish but has Jewish friends including Leon who she loves. It becomes more dangerous for her and soon needs to find a way to escape the country she loved to go to England.
In 2024 Maddie who is the great granddaughter of Freya comes to visit her grandfather the son of Freya. she is helping him clear out the attic. While cleaning she finds a diary written in German from Freya. When she has the book translated she learns more of her greatgrandmother's life and the decisions she made all those years ago. she reads of the secrets kept and more of what happened to her. The stories from each era come together good. It took awhile to get to the part of Freya helping to save the books. Otherwise I found this to be a very good read.

The Banned Books of Berlin is a gripping read that is beautifully written that has it all: mystery, intrigue and family.

The book is told in a duo timeline.

Present day we meet Maddie who has returned home for a visit and along with her grandfather they find a diary written by her great grandmother.

Its Berlin in the 1930's just as Hitler is coming into popularity and Freya like most of Berlin are struggling to adapt to their new reality.

There is danger around every corner and you dont know who you can trust.

Books are being banned and Freya feels the only thing she can do to contribute is to save the books.

The two timelines come together easily and its fascinating to compare the two eras. Some things like banned books are the same sadly.

Daisy Wood takes the reader on an unforgetable journey and simply put has written historical fiction at its very best.

I highly recommend you get your copy of The Banned Books of Berlin and settle in for an unforgettable read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK/Avon for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Banned Books of Berlin.

What a fantastic book. A completely fictional story set in Berlin in the 1930’s, pre WWII, and using factual events such as the book burnings in 1933. The prologue opens in Oxfordshire, November 1946, where two women are talking - no names, no details. In the 1930’s our main protagonists is Freya, a young German woman who wants to write, but only her mother supports her dreams. After the death of her mother she is treated as a skivvy and ends up leaving her home and her Nazi supporting family. Working and living in a cabaret theatre Freya watches in horror as her beloved city is gradually overtaken by the fascists.

Briefly, in the present, USA, Maddie goes to see her family as her mother is worried about Maddies grandfather who is clearing his home of unwanted stuff in preparation for his death! Maddie offers to help him and during their clearing they find a diary belonging to her grandfather’s mother. Written in German, they ask a new friend to help translate it, and a shocking story emerges.

I’m sure everyone will see the similarity between the book banning in Germany and the current issues in USA where many books have been banned in recent years. It’s very scary! The book is an enthralling read and whilst I enjoyed both timelines the historical one really touched me. Such a terrible time in history and the treatment of those Hitler decided were enemies of the state was beyond appalling. Freya is a wonderful character and her actions were brave and far reaching. A fabulous read. I enjoyed it a lot.

This book was an amazing read. It was filled with scandal, love, mystery, bravery, despair, and strength. It had so many good twists and turns; the ending was a complete surprise, leaving me hooked to the very end. I loved the dual timeline; both stories were engaging. It’s such a touching story.

The historical details gave such a good insight into life in Berlin during that era, reminding us of Hitler's lies and power shaking up the world. The story started in Berlin in the early 1930s; it was the beginning of Hitler's rise to power and the start of gruesome tactics that caused hate and fear towards the Jews. Though the story is fiction, it gives us a glimpse into the past and a reminder of mistakes we should never repeat.

The beginning was a little slow, but once the story progressed, I couldn’t put it down. Daisy Wood is an amazing writer and I can’t wait to read more of her books. All in all, this book was beautifully written and is a must-read.

The Banned Books of Berlin is a dual timeline story, with the first timeline taking place in the 1930s in Berlin with the Nazi party taking power and Freya Amstel's mother has just died, telling her to leave Berlin and live her life. Freya tries to stay with her father and brother but when they take in a pro-Nazi border, she finds her life changing. She gets a job at the Zaubergarten, which is a cabaret, taking care of their costumes. Daisy Wood writes Freya as a strong, independent woman, and the supporting characters are quirky and interesting. The descriptions of the Zaubergarten made me feel like I was there beside Freya and her friend Violet. The second timeline in 2024 features Maddie, a writer who has been experiencing Internet bullying after writing a story about a zoo (apparently the Internet crazies didn't like the idea that she was writing positively about a zoo because they considered them controversial) and heads back to her roots in Los Angeles to stay with her mother, brother, and grandfather to start to escape from the abuse she experienced. The story went back and forth between the two timelines, with the author weaving the two timelines of the tale skillfully, until almost the final chapter when the true surprising connection between the timelines was revealed. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Daisy Wood is turning into a must read author for me. I really enjoy her dual timeline novels, that are always so well researched.

This dual timeline in this novel covers early Nazi controlled Berlin, pre-war, and the burning of the banned books. Freya is desperate to make a stand for what she believes in, but how can she, a single female, do that? In the modern day, Maddie returns to her family home after an issue with work, and finds herself drawn into a mystery when she discovers a German diary in her Grandfather's home. Can Maddie work out how Freya is linked to her own life?

I must admit to finding the early sections in Berlin hard to get into, but as the story progressed it became faster paced. Once the story was linked between the two timelines, it was a quick read - I really enjoyed how the details were slowly pieced together.

This story takes a look at the lead up to WWII. Many events took place in Germany before Hitler gained worldwide notice.
As restrictions tightened, so did the attack upon certain books. Only Nazi approved books could be read. So many books were burned and destroyed. I disagree with the author’s thoughts on America’s recent banning of books. There is a place to protect our children from inappropriate books. That is much different than destroying history.
The main characters are well developed. There are many twists and turns to this story.
There is a dual timeline. The actual characters living in the 1930’s in Germany and their descendants in 2024.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.