5 stars

To some he was a saint.  To some he was a demon.

This book is a very good telling of the differing views of the German women whose fathers, husbands, friends and siblings fought the war. The views told are from a wide variety of both married and single women and a few children. 

Everyone had an opinion about the war. Some viewed it with despair and gloom while others practically rejoiced – at first.

At the beginning of the war, food was still plentiful. As time went by, meat was no longer available except on the black market. Vegetables were still plentiful, as the German citizens were encouraged to plant them. Many did not care for the vegetable stews, calling them disparaging names. People started to capture birds and other small animals to put in their pots. Of course, Hitler's inner circle of cronies did not suffer. They still gave lavish dinner parties and had plenty to eat – as evidenced by Goering's continuing expanding waistline. This double standard was obvious, and it did not go unnoticed by the populace.

By 1944, an aura of paranoia took over. Neighbors began telling tales about other neighbors, some of it was true, much was not. It didn't matter to the Nazis though, those accused were guilty whether true or not. People became far less sure that Hitler was the right man to lead the nation. But, of course, they had to keep their doubts to themselves. It was clear to many that Germany was losing the war. Fear became rampant.

“Women and girls were the bearers of our nation's pain.”

Very well written and put together, this book is a captivating read. I had not given much thought to the ordinary citizens (read: women), of Germany during the war. It was so overshadowed by the atrocities committed by the Nazis. This is an eye opening book and I encourage all WWII aficionados to read it. It is filled with the reality of how war touches the homefront and the courage of these women to go on in the face of adversity, pain and deprivation. 

I want to thank NetGalley and Pen & Sword/Pen & Sword History for forwarding to me a copy of this touching and informative book for me to read, enjoy and review.

This book was such a good read, I couldn't put it down! The story and the characters were so well written it felt as if you were actually in the story!