Another excellent historical fiction from Reay! Incredible history told through a father and daughter's stories with an added "there's only one bed" scene (it was only a bit romantic but I still loved it!).

The audio is amazing. Three incredible narrators, telling the story in American and German accents, as is appropriate. The perfect amount of emotion but still told at a steady pace and pitch.

I appreciate the insight and emotion now woven into my book-knowledge of this tragedy. It's easy to learn things without feeling them with sympathy, and I love how novels can transport us.

Thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for an audiobook to listen and review voluntarily.

Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC for this book. What a great read with a dual timeline to really depict the Berlin Wall/Cold War period and the inside to the code breakers. I really enjoyed this book and the audio version was well done. The narrator has such feeling and passion. You could hear the inner struggle in their voices.

I used to say that I'm not a fan of historical fiction, but it seems that when the author is Katherine Reay, I am. She writes engaging characters set in historical settings that are interesting and well-researched. She handles multiple POVs and dual timelines deftly. I won't go further into the plot than the summary, but if you're interested in Cold War era fiction, give this one a try!

The narration was excellent.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarperMuse for a free copy of #TheBerlinLetters by Katherine Reay. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

Synopsis: In 1961, 3 month old Luisa handed over to her grandparents in West Berlin just as the Berlin Wall is being built. In 1989, Luisa, now an adult, works for the CIA as a codebreaker. When she happens upon a covert symbol in a set of old letters, she begins to uncover old secrets that will bring her back to Germany in hopes of finding her father, who was assumed to be dead.

Thoughts: The Cold War is a time in history that I do not know a ton. about, so I welcomed the opportunity to read a book set during this time. Paired with stories of hidden messages, espionage, and suspense, this book immediately grabbed my interest. I also really enjoyed the dual timelines/POVs, as represented by the two narrators, and Saskia Maarleveld, in particular, is one of my favorite HF narrators. This is an excellent choice for readers who want to learn more about the Cold War through a fast-paced, genre-blending, book. The audiobook happens to be wonderful, for those who prefer to listen over reading!

I have truly enjoyed reading Reay’s previous publications, and A Shadow in Moscow found its way onto my lifetime favorite shelf last year. The Berlin Letters is another rich story full of heart, suspense and emotion that tells an unforgettable espionage story from the Cold War of a family torn apart because of the Iron Curtain.

What appealed to you the most in this story?

I loved the dual timelines in this story. Usually in a historical fiction book I tend to find myself engrossed in the one particular timeline and always wanting to get back to it. That was not the case in this book at all. I could not get enough of the tension, suspense, character growth, and of course the risks related to being a spy in Germany from post WWII to the late 1980s.

I also liked how Reay took a unique look at the Cold War and the erection of the Berlin Wall as the story was told through the alternating points of view from both father and daughter, as one struggles to live with the consequences of his allegiances while under a controlling and oppressive regime.

How was the audio version?

This is the perfect book to listen to! It was almost like a movie as I found myself walking, running, and holding my breath right along side the two lead characters. I also have to give the story credit for tacking on an extra few miles to my walks, because I just couldn't stop listening, since each chapter would leave you wanting more.

Read if you like:

Multiple POV
Dual Timelines
Espionage
Family Secrets
Cryptography
Historical fiction

How was the pace?

For me this was a fast-paced story that I was completely drawn into from the very beginning. There was so much atmosphere to go along with the tension as I moved from the beginning of the division of Germany in the 60s and the KGB’s authority and paranoia. There were so many times I found myself holding my breath as each new secret was revealed. This is the kind of historical fiction I love and learn so much from.

Do you recommend this book?

Yes! This story has everything - spies, family drama, secrets, hope, resilience and more!!

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Muse, for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is a beautifully written story of family, secrets, and espionage with the backdrop of the Cold War. The dual timeline helped build the characters’ history and reveal present missions. I enjoyed learning more about the Berlin Wall through this engaging, at times, nail-biting plot. I always love when a historical fiction book leads me down a path of learning more, which is exactly what this book has done.

Thank you Katherine Reay, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this audiobook! The sound quality was excellent, and the narrators, Saskia Maarleveld, Ann Marie Gideon, and P. J. Ochlan, were engaging to listen to. They brought the characters to life especially with the contrasting German and American accents. Saskia has narrated several other historical fiction books that I have read, and her narration was comfortingly familiar.

I’m a sucker for historical novels and this one immediately pulled me in.

The book talks about life in Berlin during the Iron Curtain era and is told is duel timelines allowing us to experience both the start and end of the Berlin Wall.

The main character is Luisa. She works for the CIA as a code breaker and one day while she’s at work, sees a symbol she remembers from her childhood.

Some days after, she finds a stash of letters her late grandfather kept. They are from her dad who she thought was dead all these years. The letters are written in code and offer a story much bigger than she could have ever imagined. She also learns about her family’s past and then embarks on a journey in hopes to save her father and be reunited with him.

The story that starts off slow and builds up. It’s suspenseful, intense and full of so much hope. I was engaged the entire time and felt like I was living through the experience.

This historical fiction grabbed me from the prologue and kept me engaged all throughout! It follows a codebreaker for the CIA that comes across some coded letters out of Berlin that may have a personal connection for her. Set over the course of the Berlin Wall it is a story of family secrets, political dilemmas, complicated relationships, and personal struggles to find the best way forward.

The rise and fall of the Berlin Wall made for a really poignant backdrop for a family's multi-generational struggle. I have read several books set during this time period but I learned some new elements to it in this book that I'd never heard about before.

I’ve been a Katherine Reay fan for years but this by far is my favorite of hers. I quickly became fascinated by this subject and time period rarely written about. I paused throughout to do a little research since I found it so intriguing. Her meticulous research and grasp of the different time periods flowed flawlessly rather than being confusing. Her characters were developed and believable with their own flaws and humanity. Unexpected twists throughout left me on the edge of my seat. I’d love to see this made into a movie, but in the meantime I eagerly look forward to her next book! The audio version was well-done with all the proper accents and multiple readers.

In the twilight of the Cold War, against the backdrop of a divided Berlin, Katherine Reay’s novel “The Berlin Letters” unfolds. This gripping historical fiction takes readers on a journey through secrets, lies, and division, ultimately leading to love, freedom, and reconciliation.

Here's a bit of a synopsis:
Near the end of the Cold War, CIA cryptographer Luisa Voekler stumbles upon a symbol from her childhood—a symbol that sets her on a perilous path. As she unravels a cache of letters containing hidden intelligence, Luisa discovers that her long-lost father is alive but imprisoned in an East German Stasi jail. Determined to free him, she seeks help from journalists Bran Bishop and Daniel Rudd. Their investigation leads her to confront her boss, Andrew Cademan, who reveals that nothing is coincidental.

Emptied bank account in hand, Luisa flies to West Berlin, where adrenaline and uncertainty collide. With alternating storylines between Luisa and her father, the novel paints a vivid picture of Berlin—the epicenter of the Cold War—just before the fall of the infamous wall.

I think the “The Berlin Letters” stands out because of the compelling historical context. Reay masterfully captures the tumultuous early days of the Berlin Wall. Readers are immersed in a city teeming with intrigue, danger, and hope.

I loved the complex characters, especially Luisa’s determination, Bran’s journalistic instincts, and with Daniel’s unwavering support - a dynamic trio is created. I felt their personal struggles mirrored the larger political landscape.

I found The Berlin Letters to be a compelling and absorbing book. Reay not only satisfies and entertains but also sheds light on a dark period in history. The emotional depth and meticulous research make this novel a standout. Whether you’re a historical fiction enthusiast or simply seeking a captivating read, The Berlin Letters won't disappoint. This book is available now, and I highly recommend adding it to your reading list.

This was a great historical fiction book to listen to. The narrators did a great job keeping my interest and portraying the characters.

I don’t think that I have ever read a historical fiction about the Cold War. Growing up in the 1980’s it was a constant on the news and I remember the stories of families being separated by the Berlin Wall. The Berlin Letters gave me a new look at these events, at a family separated by the wall and their lives on either side and one eventually moving to the US. This is a story about a tumultuous time in history, but also one about family, understanding generations past, and hidden family secrets. I can’t recommend it enough. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to listen to and review The Berlin Letters.

This was such an interesting read! I am not usually a big fan of historical fiction but since this one had a FMC who is a CIA code breaker I knew I had to pick it up. I adored this story so much. Told over years and from different POVs which gave a true picture of the entire story from start to finish.

Luisa is extremely smart and as a CIA code breaker, she has been decoding letters from past wars for some time. Little does she know that her job will become reality when she uncovers letters from her presumed dead father and her now deceased grandfather. Getting the POV from both Luisa and her father was wonderful. This is a time period I don’t know a lot about so I learned a lot from this one. Luisa’s adventure and mission in Berlin brought a pleasant anxiety and I was rooting for her the whole time.

As I immersed myself in this riveting audiobook experience, I was swept away on a journey through the turbulent landscapes of Cold War Germany. Through the skillful narration, I found myself traversing dual timelines, each intricately woven with threads of desperation, loss, and ultimately, hope.

The voices of the characters echoed in my mind, their struggles and triumphs brought vividly to life through the expertly crafted performances. From the tense atmosphere of espionage to the poignant moments of human connection, every emotion was palpable, every scene painted with clarity.

What struck me most deeply was the exploration of consequences—the ripple effects of past decisions felt keenly in the present. As the narrative unfolded, I was drawn into a world where the lines between right and wrong blurred, and where the specter of regret loomed large.

Yet, amidst the darkness, there shone a beacon of hope—a reminder that even in the darkest of times, resilience and determination can prevail. Through the evocative storytelling and immersive sound design, I found myself not only witnessing history but feeling it—its echoes reverberating within me long after the final chapter had ended.

In the end, this audiobook was more than just a tale of Cold War intrigue; it was a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. For anyone seeking an emotional and thought-provoking journey through the complexities of history, this audiobook is an absolute must-listen.

Cold war, code breaking, the CIA, the Berlin Wall.... This is a period of time that seems to be under-represented in historical fiction, the era of the separation of East and West Berlin and Germany. I absolutely loved this book and I look forward to more from this author. And hopefully more authors will take up this period of time.

I absolutely loved it! Another delightful read from Katherine Reay. Fast-paced, dual narrators, easy to follow. Historical fiction at its finest—the details don’t bore and the storyline keeps you wanting more. I’m also a sucker for a neat and tidy happy ending. 😍

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

✨ Review ✨ The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay

Thanks to Harper Muse, Uplit Reads and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

I loved Reay's last book A Shadow in Moscow, and apparently I have a secret unexplored love for Cold War spy thrillers featuring women! This one follows in the same line -- featuring multigenerational families and multiple timelines to bring together stories of Cold War espionage.

Featuring Luisa Voekler in 1989 (a CIA codebreaker in Washington DC) and her parents starting in 1961 as the Berlin Wall goes up. Luisa's mom is able to basically throw her to her own parents in West Berlin over the barbed wire that popped up overnight before a more permanent wall is put up.

The book really brings to light the sudden disruption to life caused by the creation of the wall. It was sneaky in how sudden it was able to come into being and break understandings of free movement throughout the sectors of Berlin.

The structure of the book really smartly is able to highlight key moments of change in Berlin and the Soviet world after the creation of the wall, and I loved how it showcased resistance through underground newspapers, punk, radio, etc., while also showing the brutal opposition of the Stasi. I also loved how it tied in Poland's Solidarity movement and the role of Pope John Paul II in undermining the Soviet empire.

This brought together so many of my long buried interests (seriously, I went to her bibliography on her website and wanted to read it all), that I was willing to forgive some of the underdeveloped areas. Some of the pacing was a little uneven toward the end and maybe required some suspension of disbelief. While I would have loved to see some of these things deepened a bit, ultimately, I didn't really mind because I just flew through this...I literally could not put this down (or wait for my fellow buddy readers to catch up). Can't wait for whatever is next for Reay!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: cold war spy thriller featuring women
Setting: Berlin (West and East) and Washington D.C.
Reminds me of: Reay's A Shadow in Moscow
Pub Date: March 5, 2024

Read this if you like:
⭕️ Cold War + CIA + espionage + codebreaking
⭕️ punk music and resistance
⭕️ multigenerational family stories
⭕️ multiple timelines

3.5 stars:

This book taught me a lot about a time in history that I didn’t know much about, despite the fact that it overlaps with my own lifetime! I can’t imagine living in fear, not being able to trust a single person that I interacted with. Even though the events were interesting, I had a hard time connecting to the characters. Some of that may have been one of the narrators, but I never felt fully immersed in the story. Read this book if you enjoy historical fiction and code breaking.

1961-1990 Berlin and Washington DC

Engaging approach to sharing the history of the Berlin Wall!

While born in East Berlin, Luisa Voekler is soon in West Berlin and later the United States. Growing up primarily in her grandparents' home, she knows the language, culture and food of East Germany. When she discovers details about her past, Luisa is faced with the decision to pursue her heart or follow the rules of her job in the CIA. As you can guess, her heart wins out. What an adventure!

The story unfolds through two points of view, one of which is Luisa's. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrators did a phenomenal job. And the cover...spectacular and right on the mark for this historical novel.

This extraordinary novel tells the story that begins and ends on the day when the Berlin Wall is erected and subsequently demolished. It traces the life journey of a family torn apart by political differences across three generations and their experiences during the tumultuous history on both sides of the wall. However, the story takes a thrilling twist when Luisa, the protagonist, uncovers her family's secret.

The author's focus on the characters' lives when the Berlin Wall separated Berlin and the surrounding countries into two worlds is a brilliant concept. Luisa's family's lives underwent a radical change on both occasions, and it is captivating to witness their journey through such turbulent times. The novel vividly highlights two crucial historical events. Even though it is a work of fiction, it impeccably captures the lives of many Germans during those significant moments in history.

The characters' bravery is commendable, and the novel's rapid yet detailed pace keeps you engaged throughout. It is a beautiful piece of historical fiction that is a must-read for enthusiasts of the genre. It inspires readers to research further and refresh their knowledge of the history of "the Iron Curtain."