Daughter of The Reich - Louise Fein

Rating 4 / 5 Stars

** Thank you to Netgalley, William Marrow, and of course, Louise Fein for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am the first to admit, I am exhausted with the massive new popularity of World War II historical fiction. What started with The Nightingale, something I raved about for its emotional pulls and relations to the actual history, to The Tattooist of Auschwitz where true stories are exploited and I shout in anger about a terrible author trying to gain off of popularity, I was not sure where Daughter of The Reich would fall on my scale.

I study Holocaust and Genocide studies for a living. I enjoy reading exceptional novels from authors who successfully bring fiction into reality and do their research in order to provide an excellent narrative. Louise Fein has successfully done this with Daughter of The Reich.

Hetty Henrich is the daughter of a high ranking Nazi officer. She is deep in the ideology of Nazism when she comes across her old friend, Walter who happens to be Jewish. Walter confuses Hetty until she is conflicted between the feelings she has for him and the country she has learned to support. As they dive into a dangerous affair, Fein creates a story where extreme measures must be taken in order to come out alive.

Is there love strong enough to survive the wrath of one of the evilest men in Modern History? As a love story set in World War II, Daughter is nothing new. But what is different is Fein’s ability to build her characters beyond their love story, something that is often a failure. By showing Hetty as someone not only characterized by her romantic feelings for Walter but also for her strength during a horrific time in history, Fein makes a novel you will not want to put down.

Daughter of The Reich gives me hope that future World War II historical fiction will follow its lead.

The tagline says so much 'She must choose between loyalty to her country or a love that could be her destruction…"
Imagine pre-WW II Germany, where Hitler was alluring to so many. Imagine every thing you think you believe in is based on hate filled lies that you must unweave yourself. Imagine being told one of the people who not only truly saved your life as a child but has never shown you anything but true friendship is evil based solely on his religion. Imagine discovering the father you thought you knew was truly a man of poor character and evil actions.
Hetty Heinrich must learn not to imagine but to see all of these facts as her life becomes overtaken by the evil Hitler brought and a family that follows so blindly. That blind faith leads to so much loss. To say too much more would be spoiler-y. I definitely recommend for looking into how the non-Jewish German citizens managed as Hitler took power. .
This book also rings so true to some of what we are seeing today where blind hatred runs rampant and people try to fight it.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

Daughter of the Reich is a World War 2 story set in Germany.. Hetty, a daughter of a high ranking Nazi and a socialite mother is anxious to do her part for the German war effort. However, Hetty, becomes confused when she encounters a Jewish friend from her past. At this point, it was difficult for me to put the book down. The characters are well drawn, and the depiction of Nazi Germany appears to be realistic and frightening. I thought the ending was somewhat rushed, but but that did not distract much from the bulk of the novel.
As an educator, I think Daughter of the Reich, along with supplemental nonfiction could contribute to an excellent discussion for high school age students. I truly enjoyed the book on two levels. As I read it for my own interest and enjoyment, I was constantly thinking how it could become part of a curriculum on the treatment of Jews during the war. Combing historical fiction into a history lesson and discussion usually makes for a spellbinding discussion.

I enjoyed this book. I’ve been reading a lot of WW2 novels in the last few years and this I would say is in the top 5. It was interesting to look at the war from the view point of a child growing up in Nazi Germany. It was hard to put down. I cant believe we are still living with people in 2020 who are filled with bigotry and hate. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in historical novels.

I have not read a lot of WWII fiction but this was so good. Hetty is the narrator and is a bit naive being a German girl living in the time of Hitler's rise. Her brother's best friend, Walter is a close confident since he saved her from drowning when she was 7. He is a Jew and is trying to educate Hetty on what is going on outside her bubble. The story follows Hetty though the age of seventeen as she has to make some tough decisions that will effect her future and the people she cares about. If you're a fan of WWII fiction this is a must read that should be added to your list. Tough time to read about but the characters will draw you in.

This book is written from the point of view of the daughter of a German official. It is the first time I've read a WWII era book from the Nazi perspectives and I have to admit it was hard. It was also hard considering the current climate of continued racism that still exists today in spite of history.

Hetty is a pretty remarkable young woman. She had a mind of her own and doesn't seem to be afraid of anyone. It was interesting to watch her grow up and to read her inner most thoughts in her journal entries and letters.

Walter was amazing. A true hero.

The glimpses into the home of a Third Reich official were so interesting. From the prominent picture of Hitler to the constant tattling on anyone who did anything for or with a Jew. It was a lot to take in. But I think it is good to see these families for what they were.

My heart aches for everything the Jews were put through.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. One of my preferred eras of history to learn about is the time period from 1900-1950. The world was in such a continual state of flux and crisis. This book fits right in with this statement. A book that pulls you in right away with a thought provoking and melancholy air. I recommend it.

Daughter of the Reich by Louise Fein is a heartbreaking novel. This historical fiction takes me back to WWII. I could feel everything the characters felt and saw. An eye opener of what happened back then and how even the Germans felt about it. In this particular story, a young German girl is raised to hate Jews. But as she grows older and she sees the treatment of the people she once called friends...her mind changes. She bravely still befriends the Jews and does what she can. She is torn between surviving the Nazis within her own home and trying to protect those she loves. Her own family is just like Hitler. Their treatment of the Jews was despicable! Not many who grew up in families like hers open their eyes to the dangers and mistreatment of the Jews. It was sad, dangerous, and intense all the way to the ending.

Just when I say, I can't read another World War II novel, along comes _Daughters of the Reich_ and I'm off on another emotional, gut-wrench ride as people look for love during wartime and the story is still pertinent in today's politics.

Sat on the edge of my seat for most of this story as the risks the characters take are heart pounding and unnerving.
Amazing what those will do to keep hope in the world when everything seems hopeless.
Heartbreaking and powerful.

*I received this NetGalley ARC from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

In "Daughter of the Reich," Louise Fein explores coming of age in Germany during the Nazi era. Hetty and Karl, children of a high ranking SS officer, are proud of their father, their new home, and the success their family is enjoying under Adolf Hitler. But eventually Hetty realizes that her family's advances have come at the expense of others, especially German Jews.

Hetty has always had a crush on Walter, a childhood family friend, By the time she realizes he is 'not appropriate' in her parents' eyes because of his religion, she is already in love with him. As anti-Antisemitism becomes the official government policy, the two have some difficult and dangerous issues to face.

Readers of 'All the Light You Cannot See,' and other WWII stories will find this thought provoking, especially in light of current world events.

This is a great story about World War II. It is definitely interesting and different because it is from the view of a German girl. She falls in love and it changes her world. Really enjoyed this book and the different view it portrayed!

My Hitler, I devote my life to you. Make your plan for me clear, because from now on, everything I do, it is for you and you alone. I will make you proud that I'm your child. Oh great, great Fuhrer...


Hetty Heinrich is a daughter of a prominent Newspaper Editor. With the help of her father's newspaper, Germany has put their loyalty to Hitler. Jews are losing their business, their families, and their dignity. Hetty and her brother Karl have big plans to serve in the Reich. However, Hetty plans begin to unravel when she is faced with a childhood friend Walter. Walter is a Jewish. He is blond, blue eyed and the most tender of young men. Hetty cannot believe both Hitler and Walter. Walter not only awakens her heart but her mind to the evil of of Hitler. Starting with her own families short comings, she maneuvers her life to be with Walter.

When Walter's life is faced with danger, she must chose love and with that the cost of love.

As a reader and the love of historical fiction, I enjoy reading the wrong side of history. What fortitude it took to do a 180 in beliefs and to step away from your family. How love overcomes evil and gives strength.

A Special Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

After probably reaching the saturation point on WWII stories, I was hesitant to read yet another, but this had an interesting point of view. This is a story about a young German girl who initially is passively accepting of the Nazi party line until she becomes more aware of what is truly happening around her. The story line was a bit predictable - no surprise twists or turns. The simple narration made me think it was intended for a YA audience, but I had to keep reminding myself that it's told from the viewpoint of a young teenage girl. All in all, it was a good read. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this new book!

By far one of my favorite reads this year!! This is not your typical WWII book! Told from the point of view of a young girl coming of age in Germany with a high ranking SS father. She takes us through her school years learning about Hitler and how "good" he is and events that play out that change her view. Truly one of my favorite books. I have no doubt as the bookstores re-open this summer that this will be a favorite of bookclubs and historical fiction fans!

It's so hard to figure out how to review this book, because it is just so stupid good and to say something like "it's just so stupid good" doesn't seem fitting enough a description for how stupid good this book actually is.

I was amazed at how quickly almost 600pgs flew by, and at the fact that I could have stood for another 100pgs. The overall premise of a girl whose father is a member of the Nazi party slowly opening her eyes to the reality of what is happening around her was riveting and so poignant.

There were so many well written and incredibly moving portraits of women during war time - the servants, the wives, the mistresses, the friends, the daughters, the mothers, the believers, the doubters. More than anything else, that's what will stick out to me for a long time in regards to this book - how many different stories there were to tell.

Also, one last thing that was so pervasive and terrifying - the way that the Nazi Party used propaganda and fear and discontent to mold a country into something completely unrecognizable - and the roles that once everyday men, like Hetty's father - played in the deception. Below is an excerpt where he talks about the importance of his job at the newspaper:

…there is no such thing as news per se. News is power, wrapped in a message, presented, told and retold. With this newspaper…I have the power to put into the world what I want, and in the way I would have the masses understand. Do you realize what supremacy, what authority that gives me?

This is a book that I HIGHLY recommend - and if you loved it, I would also recommend Jennifer Cody Epstein's Wunderland. (SO. GOOD.)

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow Paperbacks, & HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this digital ARC.

I regret that when I requested this book, I didn't realize just how utterly weary I am of reading about the rise of fascism. To be clear, this novel is on the side of the Resistance. You'd think that would help, but it didn't. It isn't a bad book at all. The writing is competent and this is a story with mass appeal that many people probably need or ought to read. It just wasn't for me. Not right now, at any rate.

But would I like it better in a different headspace? I'm not sure I would. For one, there is a major plot device that was super predictable and really put me off the story. Then there is my feeling that Hetta was just really stupid. That moves us into "there but for the grace of God" territory, which I just don't have the spoons for right now, but I'm going to be arrogant enough to hold firm in my belief that in 1930s Germany, I would have behaved a little more intelligently than that. Finally, I felt like this book didn't really bring anything new to the genre.

But clearly, I am not typical for the market right now. If you're craving some WWII lit, and reading something that seems to be trying to be The Diary of Anne Frank meets Jojo Rabbit appeals to you, this could be just the thing. And for a debut novel, the writing was really solid. I think Fein is planning something significantly different for her next novel, and I will probably give it a try.

Daughter of the Reich was a heartbreaking but wonderfully written story set during the time of World War II. Hetty Heinrich is the daughter of a rising Nazi officer. They’ve moved into a new big house, she’s joined the Hitler Youth and Germany is changing. A chance encounter with Walter, a boy who saved her life when she was younger, starts to change her perspective and her heart. This book was an interesting read because it is written from the perspective of a girl raised in the rise of Hitler. Even if the view is a hard one to swallow, it is also a great reminder of how people can be swept up by one person’s agenda that could change the course of history. This is a great book for anyone who has a love of history and forbidden romance.

I really enjoyed the different perspective with this novel. It seemed very well researched and the writing style flowed nicely and was easy to follow throughout thw story.

Daughter of the Reich by Louise Fein is historical fiction but left me with tears streaming down my face but not for the reasons you might think. Yes there was tragedy, violence, bigotry and yet there was also so much resilience, bravery, compassion and hope!

Hetty is the only daughter of a high ranking Nazi officer. She believes all the rhetoric Hitler spews and thinks of him as a god and keeps his picture in her room.But when she falls in love with a blue eyed blond young man that is the perfect example of pure German blood no one is more shocked than her to learn he is Jewish.

As Hetty deals with her inner turmoil from what she has been told all her life about the Jewish conspiracy to take over Germany and what she knows in her heart is true; that the Jews are just people not demons, not filth, not the scourge of the earth, the world around her slowly collapses leaving her few choices for her and the man she loves to survive. What she didn't see coming was kindness, fortitude and a spirit of resistance that saved many lives.

There is a somewhat minor character in the last act of this story, Anna, who I feel is a true heroine. She does not meet Hetty until the end of the book but she is the reason their is hope in human kind and why my tears were shed so easily at the end.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.