A stunning historical fiction novel.. Based on true events during WW2 and the horrors of the holocaust but with some great poetic justice thrown in. I so wish this had been true - it certainly reads as though it is! A wonderful main character - a political prisoner who was a midwife. Anke is incredibly brave during her time at the camps. the horror of what happens will stay with you for a long time. She then ends up in a completely different environment where she has to hide her hatred for the nazi's to save her own family. Not all are who they seem and a wonderful love story evolves. A really good read with an aspect of the horror of this period I did not know about.

This is not my typical type of book. It was kind of a let down. I read some good reviews and hoped it would live up to the standards but it did not. I think the story could have been much grander and more in depth.

This story can be read under the title of The German Midwife or A Woman of War. It is the fictional story of Anke, a midwife, who delivers babies in the concentration camp. Once her abilities are revealed, she becomes the midwife to Ava Braun. The historical “what-ifs” of a relationship that produces a child between real life, Ava Braun and Hitler. The fictional story is nicely interspersed with factual details from that historical time period.

I am an avid reader of World War II novels in which the premise is based upon strong female characters. I could not, however, fully immerse myself in this novel. I thought the writing was good but found the characters not fully examined. In reading the beginning involving a birth at a camp and the emotions experienced by the mother, I had high hopes for a satisfying read. I was surprised that it quickly jumped to Anke becoming the midwife for Eva Braun. Other sections dragged and were detailed to light boredom.

I believe that this book has great potential. It would help to tighten up some of the story and show the reader why we should care who Eva’s midwife is. I believe the author has good skills and instincts but the story may need some more polishing before publication.


I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinions or ratings of this book.

Alternate history: using real events and people and adding a smattering of ‘what if’ to explore other options – much like the ‘what if I went left on that day rather than right – what would happen? And here, adding to that concept with multiple flashback memories to the 1920’s, the story during World War II, and ending with the fall of the Berlin Wall, we get Anke’s story. A midwife in Berlin, determined to serve both the mother and baby, no matter their ‘station’ with the Reich, Anke was simply doing what she felt was right. And that put her straight into the hands of the SS, internment in a ‘work camp’ as a ‘political dissident’ – no yellow but a red star for her and her fellow outspoken women – ‘pests’. Through gripping and often harrowing tales of camp life and survival, Anke has come into the notice of the hierarchies in the Reich, and has been chosen to serve as midwife to Eva Braun.

Though still a prisoner, Anke is offered a small house, food and clothes, some freedom of movement and the friendship of an SS officer tasked with the ‘management’ of the Berghof, and most importantly, her camaraderie with Braun. Determined to do (as always) the best for mother and child, despite some serious moral questions she constantly finds demanding her attention and thought, Anke is single-minded in helping Eva through the birth – despite the obvious pitfalls and landmines.

While I’ve read other titles that manage to occupy the moral contradictions of those brought into service of a Reich that has taken much from them, and few who are wholly complicit or committed to the ‘ultimate plan’ of the Nazis and Hitler, few have managed to dive into the complexity of emotions and self-doubts that arise – pitting one’s will to survive against the repeated and often senseless atrocities that are occurring all around. From Anke’s early introduction and our recognition that she sees only mother and child in the labour room, her own questions about her own soul, her questions about choices and the ‘need’ for them, and her worries (not unfounded) that her life is more in danger with her improved circumstances than before, the entirety of the choices and the fact that the line between good and evil – and acts committed as those of a ‘lesser evil’ and the worry that regaining pieces of the humanity that is so degraded by what are, at the moment, simple choices for survival become a visceral punch to the gut for readers. Unless you are in the moment, you really haven’t any idea what you’d do – and that realization that facing horrible and often inhumane circumstances, where freedom of choice is a hope on the horizon so far away – Anke manages to maintain the best of intentions, even when actions are questionable. A stunning debut that is both gripping, prosaic and wholly engaging, more so for the frank honesty of the narrative voice in Anke, and the potential of this fictional story as plausible, if not entirely possible.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aeL/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Just when I think I've read every possible historical fiction angle on the WWII era, that there can't possibly be another tale to tell, a new one comes along and knocks my socks off.
Labeled a traitor, young Anke has been placed in one of Nazi Germany's camps. She uses her skills as a midwife to help women around her, providing what comfort she can. But when word of her skill reaches higher up, she finds herself being placed in a most unlikely situation. Her services are needed to serve the cause and the Fuhrer himself. You see, there's a baby on the way. And this baby is very important to the Nazi future.
Of course she doesn't want to do it, but her survival instincts kick in not only for herself but for her family back in the camps. And at the heart of it all, she's a midwife. So this is what she does.
This book...is so many things. It's historical and a love story and a story of friendship and hope and so much more. If you're a fan of the genre, don't pass this one up!

A lovely and heartbreaking story of survival. You will need tissues to get through this book. Sad and touching and a really lovely read

Not my usual genre but I found this an intriguing concept and enjoyed the ongoing story throughout this novel. I would definitely recommend and look forward to her next book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

An interesting story about a midwife in the darkest of time helping women in Nazi camps, and then having to go and help the most elite of Nazi women in the country. Written with true compassion and also real knowledge of the whole gamut of birthing experiences.

Mandy Robotham nous raconte ici l'histoire d'Anke Hoff, sage-femme allemande envoyée dans le camp de concentration de Ravensbrück - seul camp de concentration réservé aux femmes - pendant plusieurs années, pour en être enlevée un matin sur ordre de Hitler lui-même : elle doit aider à la naissance de l'enfant d'une de ses proches. Si elle n'obtempère pas, ses parents et le reste de sa famille, séparés les uns des autres dans les camps, seront exécutés.

Petit à petit, Anke s'adapte à son nouvel environnement, et a le temps de s'interroger à loisir : entre son devoir de sage-femme, de délivrer l'enfant en vie et en bonne santé, et son désir de combattre, à son échelle, le régime nazi, aucune décision n'est claire ou facile à prendre. L'écriture de l'auteure, parsemant ses chapitres de faits historiques précis et de détails concernant le travail de sage-femme dans les années 40, rend son travail de fiction presque réel, et on passe les pages sans s'arrêter du début à la fin. Les parties concernant les accouchements peuvent peut-être déranger certain·e·s, mais elles sont bien écrites et ne sont pas inutilement sanglantes ou dramatiques.

L'histoire d'amour est relativement simple et ne paraît pas forcée, même si j'aurais préféré qu'elle soit un peu plus développée vers la fin de l'histoire. Les amitiés entre femmes sont touchantes, et on s'attache au personnage principal sans souci. Un léger bémol serait la conclusion de l'ouvrage, qui me paraît un peu rapide et pas assez détaillée comparée au reste du livre, mais qui ne gâche pas le plaisir de la lecture.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Avon Books UK through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Mandy Robotham’s first novel “A Women of War was an exceptional piece of literature and an incredible story of courage, sacrifice and love during the horrific days of the Second World War. It tells the story of Anke, a Midwife, with great experience and renowned skill working in one of Berlin’s maternity wards at the beginning of the war.
The author tells her story in brief flashbacks throughout the novel. Anke’s character is never more apparent then when she is faced with a difficult decision within the hospital. She is to report to the authorities all babies born with disabilities. Anke knowing full well what happens if she does, she chooses to protect the innocent and eventually finds herself facing the consequences. She and her family are separated and Anke is sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp. Within the first few pages you are taken to this place, a place where the worst of humanity exists. What occurs is utterly heartbreaking and unimaginable. I have read countless books about the Holocaust and yet, I am always shocked at the utter depravity of man. If only this were pure fiction and not something that could have been quite real in our history.
In Mandy Robotham’s novel she tells a "what if” type of story. Eva Braun, the mistress of Adolf Hitler is pregnant. Anke is taken from the camp and brought to the Berghof, Hitlers mountain retreat, where she is charged with the care of Eva and her unborn baby. Here she finds that not all who abide in Hilter’s inner circle are as evil as he, and despite appearences, there are those that just want the same as she does.
Mandy Robotham’s “ A Woman of War” is exceptionally written; it is raw, emotional and beautiful, Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Review posted on Goodreads and Amazon.

Wow! What a cracking read. Following Anke, a midwife, through heartbreak, incarceration in labour camps, through multiple births, Nazi held Germany and friendships. This tells a tale you don't often think about. Heart rendering throughout the book, showing how strong you had to be to survive. I could not put it down.

I really did enjoy this book. It's definitely one to get you wondering! It's the story of Anke, a young German woman who has been a prisoner in a concentration camp during WW2 as a political prisoner. However, her growing reputation as a midwife in the camp sees her relocated and forced to act as a midwife to high ranking Nazi's wives, and she finds herself at the highest echelon of Nazi officialdom. Anke has conflicted views, struggling for working to help the regime that incarcerated her and her family, yet a desire to help any woman in need during childbirth. It's the innocent babies she's most concerned about. Yet there is always the threat of something going wrong during childbirth, where the regime will easily find a scapegoat in the midwife. Anke has no idea if she will survive this never ending war.
This is a little gem of a book, Mandy Robotham tells a tale that is so realistic that the reader is left asking 'What if...'. I recommend this book to all lovers of Historical Fiction.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book!!! The scenes with Anke in Ravensbrück were horrific and heartbreaking. What happened to the babies was awful and I can't imagine what those woman went through. I loved how Anke made the women feel while they were giving birth, she always thought about the mom and the baby. This was a wonderful story. Parts of it were extremely sad, but it was beautifully written. At times I even felt bad for Eva. I felt horrible for the decision that she had to make, but she knew what would happen if she didn't.

Anke is a midwife and finds herself in Ravensbrück. She helps the woman in the camp give birth. Anke is taken from the camp to become the midwife of someone in Hitler's inner circle. She ends up at the Berghof. Anke needs to make sure the mother to be is taken care of and the baby is born healthy. Anke doesn't expect to fall in love or have to make life saving decisions after the baby is born.

I loved the characters, story and writing style. Dieter was a welcomed surprise. I also enjoyed Anke's friendship with Christa. I know this book was fiction but it seemed so realistic and could have been something that actually occurred. Throughout the whole book I was just hoping Anke would survive and be reunited with her family.

Definitely recommend, especially if you love historical fiction with a little bit of romance. I can't wait to read more books by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author, Mandy Robotham, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.

This book was an amazing read. The author's writing was so stellar that it was easy to imagine the turmoil Anke was feeling as she had to decide between her loyalty to her family and her loyalty to her Country. As a midwife, you wouldn't expect to have to make such an emotional decision, but the author made this story so believable that it read like non-fiction vs the novel that it is.

Don't read this review if you are worried about spoilers. It's hard to write about this book without addressing the main event in this book and I was spoiled myself before I started this book. Although that just intrigued me...

Anka Hoff, a midwife sent to a camp is the "lucky" one to be selected to help a woman through her pregnancy and upcoming delivery. The woman is Eva Braun. Yup, she's expecting Adolf Hitler's love child. But, what you think now. Eva and Adolf did not have any children. Right, this is a "what if" story. Totally fiction. However, it's so very well written that you for the moment you read this book actually starts to think about what would have happened if this would have been the truth. An heir to Hitler. But, also an innocent child. This story is interwoven with flashbacks to Anka's time at Ravensbrück. How she came to be there and what she experiences there. It's a very strong story, with some tough moments. Anka herself falls in love with someone, but can their love last?

A Woman of War is a tough book to read, but well worth it. If you enjoy "what if stories" or like to read WW2 novels than I recommend this book warmly!

This novel got off to an excellent start with a compelling depiction of the challenges facing an ordinary "decent" midwife under the nazi regime. The descriptions of the births and murders in the concentration camps were truly horrific. I'm afraid when the Berghof storyline started was when my interest ended. We switched to a standard cheesy romance thriller with any attempt at historical authenticity abandoned.

All the excellent writing, story line and characters kept me going to the end. I am not sure about the actual, graphic birth of Hitler's fictional (?) baby as only a midwife could write, surely? What is compelling is the fact that Eva Braun was pregnant, and there is a possibility that other Hitler babies are out there somewhere!

Anyway, the German midwife (Anke Hoff) forced into the role of Eva's midwife is brilliantly portrayed., and there are plenty of emotional moments in the book to really have an impact.

However, all along I was comparing the book to V S Alexander's "Hidden Life" which I read earlier this year. This book featured Hitler's female food taster, and there are similar situations e'g life in Hitler's bunker. If I hadn't read and enjoyed it, this book would have gained five stars. As this is Mandy Robotham's first book I am certain we shall hear more from her in the future.

Many thanks to Net Galley, and Avon for the chance to read and review.

I love anything to do with life in WW2, fact or fiction so this was perfect for me.

This book was a real wow and Incredibly emotional. It’s a hard read in places, especially the births in the camps and I was in tears reading about them. Nothing is prettied up like so many fictional books are and I found it very factual. I actually felt I was seeing the story as well as reading it.

A Woman of War is most definitely one of my favourite reads of 2018. A great first novel from the author. More please.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest and unbiased opinion.

This is a really strong book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It's has a plotline that keeps you hooked. This WW2 novel is set in both the horror of the labour camps and the luxury of the Berghof, Hitler's private mountain retreat. Anke, the main character, is a sure-minded, lovable character and I found myself hoping that everything would work out of for her. I found the focus of the book - midwifery and childbirth in both settings - unique and powerful as well as distressing and (even though I am quite squeamish) thrilling to the end. It says that this is Mandy Robotham's first novel, and I will look out for more from this author.

Boy oh boy. I really wad bracing myself when reading this one. I always skip war stories and films because of human torture either mentally or physically but once I got the first chapter under my belt I was away!

I just wanted to read how this ended. Wow, I'm blown away by this. It has the same setting as "Her Hidden Life" by V S Alexander (Hitler's food taster) in Hitler's mountain retreat where private Third Reich meetings were held formally) but this story is based on a "what if" scenario. Eva Braun (Hitler's mistress & eventual wife) pregnant by Hitler.

It's one of my rare 5 stars for this (I gave the same to "Her Hidden Life"). Maybe I'm brave enough for "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" by Heather Morris after all.