While looking for my next WWII fix, I was happily granted this ARC to read. I downloaded it and began the page. I did not stop reading until I turned the last page. This was an extraordinary story of courage and love that began with a single inscription found by a librarian as she works alongside the infamous Monuments Men. Intrigued? You should be. I could not put this book down and as the pages flew by I was drawn deeper and deeper into this cleverly layered story. I don't want to give too much away, so all I will say is this: do yourself a favor and buy this book. You won't be able to stop reading until the very end. If I could give it 100 stars I would!

Post WWII is such a fascinating time and I’m always excited when a book explores it. The Lost Book of Bonn toggles between three timelines, 1938 Bonn Germany, 1943 Berlin Germany and 1946 Berlin and explores the power of resistance in the face of fierce opposition and the near unbreakable bonds of human connection in the face of atrocities. While it was historical fiction story elements were based on real groups and events and it was eye opening, particularly when reflecting on the current state of national and world events.

What struck me was the Nazis use of alienation, and creation of otherness to stoke fear and hatred to gain and maintain power. Of course, this has come up in numerous other books but for some reason it really stood out here. It may be that it is centered in this story due the character arc of one of the main protagonist. At the start she is a participant in Hitler’s youth program while her older sister is a budding resistance fighter. Her changing reality and insight provide a view I hadn’t come across before.

I found myself highlighting many passages in this book as they ring as true today as then. The banning of books and the slow erosion of the rights of certain groups feels like we have forgotten the power of and the lasting consequences of them.

Needless to say this was a read I’m glad I picked up. Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow books for my DRC in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.5 stars
Very compelling historical fiction.
The author paints a vivid picture of what life was like in Germany after Hitler came into power. His “promises” made German citizens hopeful for the future, eager to have their children involved in Hitler Youth activities, and very willing to look the other way when Jews and other “different” people were persecuted. There were some brave youths who preferred to think for themselves, however, and chose to push against the spouted Nazi ideology. Their acts of resistance were small and prank-like, at first. But as the madness spread throughout their beloved country, these young people took bold stands and did their best to create havoc, often performing dangerous acts of defiance, which put them at great risk…
I would have given this a higher rating, but the jumping between different timelines did get confusing. Still, very much worth the read for historical fiction lovers.

This was a good book and helped me learn about parts of the war I didn’t know about . The story was expertly woven and very believable. Overall it was a good book .
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for letting me review this book

Very good! I love the intertwining stories of the 3 women. I feel like I learned about parts of the war I wasn’t aware of: the pirates, the book warehouse, the protest, the preferential treatment of Jewish men married to Aryan women. I loved the mystery of what happened to Annelise and Eitan. I loved that both sisters had love stories. This was well written and very engaging. I would highly recommend!

I’ve enjoyed this author’s previous work. Her historical fiction and mystery novels have been amazing. And I’m happy to say her upcoming title was just as great!
The Lost Book of Bonn by Brianna Labuskes was phenomenal. I really enjoyed this story. I love how the reader is able to really get to know the characters and be drawn into the story. The characters are likable, and their storylines evolve throughout the book.
Labuskes weaves a beautifully written story that will draw readers in and captivate the soul.

Thank You NetGalley and William Morrow for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

The Lost Book of Bonn
By Brianna Labuskes
March 19, 2024
William Morrow and Company
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I highly recommend this book to fans of The Rose Code and The Librarian Spy. I love books about books and this one is great!
On Emmy’s first day of work she finds a poetry collection by Rilke, and on the title page is a handwritten dedication. She instantly becomes interested and determined to find what happened?..
5 stars

I was drawn to this book by the topic, Nazi-looted books and the work of Allies, including the Library of Congress, to return (and plunder) the books. However,, that was largely a framework for three timelines of connected stories about Germans who were resisters. It centers their stories as heroes, marginalizes Jewish stories and characters, and gives explanations for why many were forced into participating in Nazi groups.
Overall, not what I expected and I'm disappointed in the focus.