This is the first time I read a YA historical fiction set in GDR (German Democratic Republic or East Germany, time before the Berlin Wall falls). The verse format makes it digestible to read despite the heavy theme. Though there is no 'war scene', the mood of the book is thick with tension, finding myself rooting for Helena to be safe and somehow also reaching for her dreams. It is centered around Leipzig peaceful protests and I like how the message about fighting with what we have is delivered here.

Since the setting is new to me, in the beginning I kinda struggle to grasp what the atmosphere is like, how the city landscape and the neighborhood is like, how the political climate is like in a broader, exposition sense. Maybe because I get used to historical fiction prose that's detailed and elaborated rather than in-verse snippets. At first I thought Helena's mission is to find Katrin and reunite again along with their families, since Helena doesn't show any strong support in protests that her father participates. She mainly cares about music, and that's where her fight begins.

If you like music-inspired fiction, historical setting that's more 'modern' yet still reminds us that there's more to do for justice, and are a fan or want to try a novel-in-verse, you may like this one. I've done this in two sittings so page turner is definitely guaranteed.

Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams is a book told in verse through a series of poems that touch on the idea of uncertainty, dreams, and freedom. This book would be great for any advanced reader looking to broaden their vocabulary or comprehension of poetry.
This book is written really beautifully with verses that tug on your heartstrings.

Spare, aching, and hopeful. Perfect for those who enjoyed Ruta Sepetys’ “I Must Betray You”. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams is a powerful novel in verse from Shari Green that explores life in East Germany in the 1980s in the run up to the fall of the Berlin wall and the reunification of Germany. The book tells the story of Helena, a sixteen year old girl who is growing up in the authoritarian German Democratic Republic, where there is limited freedom of movement and the watchful eye of the Stasi (State Police) seems to be every where. Helena and her best friend Katrin study music together and Helena dreams of becoming a conductor so that she can bring the joy of music to the people , but this is a dream that she may never achieve given the current political climate. When Katrin and her family escape while on a holiday, Helena feels more alone than ever before and worries more than ever about her family, especially because of her father's increasing involvement in peaceful demonstrations and rallies to protest the lack of freedom in the state. She is forced to face some very difficult choices about who she really is and who and what matters most to her.
This was a stunningly beautifully written book, lyrical yet propulsive and I found myself really feeling for Helena as she navigated the loss of her best friend, falling in love and being forced to make some really tough decisions.
I loved how Helena related to music, and how that love was translated to the page for the reader.
" Everyone deserves
to experience music in a way
that awakens their souls
that astounds with beauty
that strengthens them for
whatever battles lie within
and without "
I devoured this book, totally transported to another place and time, and I found myself thinking about it for days after I read the last page.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Written in verse, this book is still very easy to read. It's also comforting. As the title suggests the experience of reading this book truly feels lyrical, as if listening to the hopes of people who feel that the world is not yet doomed. It also shows different dreams and different situations: some people wish for a revolution, while some simply want food on their table. Furthermore, the book also takes you on the dangers of rebelling, and why it's done anyways. Shari Green really merges all the elements of a great book, in this hopeful tale of change, a sort of rebirth. It's an empowering story, a great message of resilience, and the will to never stop fighting.