4 stars

An interesting story that delves into life during such a difficult time in history that pulls you in.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

This book is a poignant, important must-read book for everyone, not just historical fiction fans. It is a powerful, dual-timeline cross-generational novel telling the story of a young woman, Freya, coming to adulthood in pre-WWII Berlin and her descendants in California, 2024. It tells a narrative of the importance of story-telling, reading books and broadening your mind, challenging your ideas, and yes, the tragedy of the Nazis coming into power. These were some of my favorite quotes:

"Read as widely as you can and then make up your own mind, that was her philosophy."

"'You must carry home in your heart wherever you go,' Frau Brodsky said. 'That's what life has taught me, and it's the only advice I can give.'"

Is it a difficult read? Emotionally, yes. But writing wise, the story was extremely approachable and I devoured it in two sittings. I couldn't look away and was extremely curious about how, exactly, Freya, was going to escape.

When you first start to read a new book, you don't really know how the story will affect you. The title of course gave me clues. This story would feature books that had been banned by the Germans and as a reader and book lover, this would be hard for me to accept. The author chose to do something quite different from what most authors do by setting up the story in advance through an authors note. One typically finds this comes at the end of the story, but here it was at the beginning. The setting was Berlin in the early 30's just as Hitler is beginning to come into power . The Nazi Student Association came up with a list of books that they felt to be "un-German" and held ceremonial bonfires throughout the country where over 25,000 books were burned while onlookers cheered and listen to speeches about how Germany needed to be purified. This is factual, and sadly, banning books is still a thing in the year 2025. This is chilling and reading Woods novel of these times, brought to mind current events happening not so far away from my country even now.

This novel is told in two timelines. It begins in 1930 as Freya sits vigil while her mother is dying. As some of her final words, her mother warns her that she must get away from her father and brother and find her own voice. She leaves to tell her father that her time of death is near and finds him in a pub drinking. Life has been hard for him as a painter. Work has been rare and hard to find and his hopes lie with the new party who are promising a better life.That better life does not include further education for his daughter but rather that she take on the household roles that had belonged to her mother. This includes running a dressmaking business that supports the family. In an effort to break away from these constraints, Frey finds herself a job as a dressmaker for a cabaret club with a less than stellar reputation. A bona fide Nazi moves into the spare bedroom in their house, and her father and brother listened carefully to his ideology. Freya just wants to get away.

Enter Portland Oregon in April 2024. Maddie has become burned out in her job as a reporter due to social media attacks and on advice from her editor is taking some time to head home to her mother, brother and grandfather to recoup her zest for living. Her beloved grandfather is working on Swedish death cleaning which feels to her rather a morbid process. She loves him though and when he asks her help, she can't say no. As they work together, they find an old book, partially singed, that his mother had brought with her from Germany. Could it have been a banned book from Germany? It seems there is family history that needs researching.

I loved the relationship that Maddie had with her grandfather. She loved him and didn't want to lose him, but her love took her with him to a death cleaning party, where they met up with others, including someone who just might be able to help them find out more about the book.

Back in the 30's, life is getting harder for Freya. Her values don't mesh with her father, brother or their tenants, but saying anything could only lead to severe trouble for her.

Each story is a fascinating one. Daisy Woods has a way of describing things that brings the reader right into the story. How the two stories will link together is a bit of a mystery with twists and turns a long the way.

The earlier timeline was difficult to read in many respects- not because there was anything wrong with it (There wasn't), but because the events happening seemed all too real in the light of present disturbances around the world. The modern timeline was more comfortable. Learning more about your family history can be fascinating and in the process, new relationships may develop. Another thing that I really enjoyed was the story within a story about Maddie and her brother with Down syndrome. I have a sister who has been mentally handicapped since birth. I felt Daisy Wood's depiction of the feelings and desire for independence were very realistic and tactfully managed.

I am very thankful to #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for allowing me to read an advance copy of this compelling story. All opinions are my own. I will definitely be recommending this book to others.

I was really surprised at how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It begins with Freya living with her father and brother in Berlin in the aftermath of the Great War. Alongside Freya's story is the history of Germany with the rise of Hitler and it gives good insight into why and how Hitler came to power. This is also the story of Maddie, a journalist who returns to the family home to de-stress after work and personal issues. It seems that her grandfather, sorting and de-cluttering his home, begins to look back at his relationship with his German mother and the reason why she came to America. I didn't mind flipping between the present and the past and the characters, especially in Berlin, were so true to life. I really couldn't put this book down once I had started reading it but was disappointed when I reached the end! Just the sign of a good book!

The book is dual timeline and goes back and forth between two main characters, Maddie and Freya. Freya is a young woman who sees the tell tale signs of authoritarianism grow in Nazi Germany. Maddie is her great granddaughter who is a journalist in 2024. The two never met and as Maddie works to transcribe Freya's journal she has more questions than answers about her great grandmother. Freya is a young woman who begins her young adult life in the throws of 1930s Germany, she sees first hand the new expectations of women & how she no longer fits what an ideal German woman does. Freya is an artist and like many of her friends is threatened by what can be if she stays in Germany for too long.

This was a dual-timeline book that transports readers from the scary rise of Nazi Germany to the present day of New York, as two women’s lives twist together through a forgotten diary.

In 1933 Berlin, Freya’s life is turned frantic as her city gives way to the horrors of fascism.

As she watches books burn and her freedom crumbles, she must decide whether to stay safe or risk everything to do what’s right.
Freya’s bravery was very emotional.

Now, Maddie’s discovery of Freya’s diary among her grandfather’s belongings leads her to search for answers. Then, she reveals the past and learns how far-reaching Freya's courage was.

This story was emotional and packed with tension. The secrets revealed left my jaw dropping.

A must-read for fans of historical fiction
#HistoricalFiction #WWIIFiction #BookReview #Bookstagram #DualTimeline #WomenInHistory #MustRead #HistoricalReads #BookLover #ReadersOfInstagram #BookRecommendation #StoriesThatStayWithYou #BookCommunity #BookishPost

This is an emotional story that takes place in two different times, in 1930s Germany and in modern-day America, where a family is trying to find out about their family and their past. What I liked about this story is that it focused on the 1930s and the Nazi's rise to power and how it affected the citizens of Berlin. Freya was a great character, and she showed great bravery in her actions throughout. The portrayal of what it was like to live in Germany at the time was really interesting, and from what I know about the events at the time, it seems accurate as well. The modern-day story was also touching as well, and seeing a family discover more about Freya. This felt like a historical fiction and also a character study of Freya. I did enjoy this book, and I thought the inclusion of the modern-day was a good way to switch up telling the story. The characters were all developed, and their motivations were clear. The focus on what was happening in Germany before the war broke out set this book apart from others I've read. Please check trigger warnings for this story.

Thank you to Avon Books UK and the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is about the downtrodden, those who don’t get respect in society, those who are thought to be incapable and inferior. It’s about finding your voice and using it to stand up for what you believe in. It’s about courage.

There are three narratives: Freya, a costume maker in 1930’s Berlin, is against Nazism and decides to start her own little resistance preserving the stories that matter to her the most. Maggie, her great granddaughter is being trolled on social media despite being a successful journalist. She too, finds resilience and a way to develop her own quiet response. Finally, there is Ben, her great grandson, born with Down syndrome, who yearns to be independent. His story is an absolute delight full of hope an$ it brought me some joy.

But most of all, this is a story about family secrets. Maggie finds an old diary belonging to to her grandmother whirl helping her grandfather downsize and the contents are shocking. The question is, will her family read it?

This is an excellent dual timeline story with intrigue, suspense and just the right amount of tension.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC

The night skies are burning bright with huge bonfires of banned books. The Nazi party is swelling in number and Berlin is no longer a safe place for young Freya.
She can only watch on, horrified, as her beloved city falls to fascism – and the usually law-abiding Freya is forced to make a choice: continue being a bystander, or sacrifice herself to save the lives of others…

This is an interesting read. Successfully using a dual timeline which not all novels do. The characters are believable and well rounded. The story is well paced, the writing is excellent.

The Banned Books of Berlin is a compelling, dual-timeline novel that takes readers from the terrifying rise of fascism in 1930s Berlin to the present-day struggle for truth and memory. In the face of Nazi book burnings, Freya grapples with the consequences of living under a regime bent on erasing dissenting voices. Decades later, her great-granddaughter Maddie uncovers Freya’s diary, unlocking a legacy of resistance, moral courage, and the enduring power of stories.

The historical context is vividly brought to life, plunging readers into the suffocating atmosphere of Berlin on the brink of World War II. The novel’s exploration of censorship—both the literal burning of books and the metaphorical silencing of truth—is timely and harrowing, reminding us that the fight for intellectual freedom is far from over. This book serves as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked power.

Freya’s resilience is inspiring, and Maddie’s journey to uncover her family’s hidden history is poignant. Their stories intersect seamlessly, emphasizing the universal themes of family, sacrifice, and standing up for what is right. However, while the plot is gripping, the prose sometimes falls short of matching the emotional weight of the narrative. Long, dense paragraphs make the reading experience laborious at times, detracting from the novel’s otherwise powerful themes of resistance and moral courage.

Despite these issues, The Banned Books of Berlin remains an important and thought-provoking read. It’s a timely reminder of why we must protect our freedom to read, speak, and remember. Highly recommended for anyone who believes in the power of stories to resist tyranny and oppression.

Freya is a young girl trying to find her way before everything changes in Germany. She’s strong and determined along with Violet who’s a friend.
This story was told with dual timelines. It’s full of surprises and some secrets. It’s a good historical fiction story.

My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I am happy to give my thoughts on this very impactful book. I liked that the story was set in the years leading up to WWII, as what I find to be the most interesting, is the many factors that contribute to Germany being taken over by Hitler and the Nazi’s. Reading about the seeds of hatred and mistrust being sown early, combined with the perfect environment of economic distress, unemployment, anger from the previous war, and overall discontent with their current leadership, was eye-opening and, unfortunately, too relevant today.

Freya was an interesting character, caught between the roles and expectations for women at that time and her developing values and beliefs. I felt for her, and I enjoyed her growth arc. I related to her struggle to want to feel like she is making a difference even though it feels like any action she takes won’t impact her country’s path. This was a challenging read on some levels because it feels as if many parallels are occurring in the US. I see the seeds of hate being sown for immigrants and LGBTQIA+ people (especially trans folks); I see claims of our problems being solved by removing other populations. I see books being banned and library funding being cut, I see the threats to education and diverse perspectives. Freya put it best, saying, “‘Why do I need protecting from ideas? How can they hurt me?’”.

I enjoy a well-done dual timeline story, and the author slowly tied them together quite well. I was invested in finding out how exactly Freya immigrated to California, being resistant to the idea. I liked the mystery of familiar history slowly being unraveled in the modern timeline. The 2024 storyline did seem like it had a few too many focuses that weren’t always related to the overall messaging in the book, but I still enjoyed reading about Maddie and her family. I thought the characters were well flushed out, and I loved Gramps.

The Banned Books of Berlin is a captivating dual-timeline novel that masterfully intertwines past and present. In 1930s Berlin, Freya struggles to survive amidst the rise of Hitler and the growing threat of censorship. Fast forward to 2024, where Maddie, Freya’s great-granddaughter, returns to Los Angeles after a traumatic incident at work. While helping her grandfather sort through old belongings, Maddie uncovers her grandmother’s diary, which sets her on a journey to uncover their shared family history.
The novel beautifully blends historical fiction with contemporary issues, focusing on the power of books and the dangers of censorship, a theme that remains relevant today. The connection between Freya’s and Maddie’s timelines is seamless, with both stories equally gripping. The rich historical detail brings Berlin in the 1930s to life, while Maddie’s emotional journey in the present-day adds depth.
The characters are wonderfully developed, and I quickly became invested in their lives. The pacing flows effortlessly, with each shift between timelines adding new layers to the narrative. Themes of love, friendship, and family are at the heart of the story, making it both poignant and thought-provoking. Daisy Wood’s writing is engaging and evocative, creating a novel that is fictional yet entirely believable. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving history and the stories that shape us.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed this book.

It’s a dual timeline story. In 1930, in Berlin, Freya is noticing how the Nazi’s are now taking charge of the country.

Then, in 2024, Maddie who is Freya’s granddaughter finds a diary and reads about her family and the secrets from the past.

I liked the period in history when Berlin was slowly under the Nazi regime. They then made it law to stop any books other publications that didn’t agree with how they operated.

I highly recommend this book.

It was early 1930s in Berlin, and Freya was devastated when her mother, Ingrid, died. Life at home changed, with Hitler on the horizon, her father and brother, supporters, and their tenant a full-blown Nazi. Freya knew she needed to leave the house, and staying in the theatre where she'd been working since her mother died proved to be her salvation. But gradually the situation worsened and when the huge bonfires with the banned books were lit, and something happened to Freya that shattered her fragile confidence, she and her friends knew they needed to leave Berlin.

2024 in New York, and Maddie was helping her grandfather sort through his belongings when they came across items which had belonged to his mother, Freya. Gramps didn't know a lot about his mother, only that he'd loved her dearly, so Maddie set out to research the past. What would they discover?

The Banned Books of Berlin is another exceptional historical novel by Daisy Wood. I've read all the author's historicals and enjoy her meticulous research as she turns her writing into a well written novel. Freya was a courageous, determined young woman, easy to like and cheer on, which I did! Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for my digital ARC to read and review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

📚✨Daisy Wood's The Banned Books of Berlin is a thrilling, intelligent historical novel that I feel is more relevant and needed today than ever.

Set in Nazi Germany, it explores the power of words, the bravery of their protectors, and the devastating harm that censorship and tyranny can do. Again, truly relevant to current times.

Wood's tale is dense, engaging the reader in a world in which books are seen as threats and knowledge is an arm. The double timelines add richness, weaving past and present into a blend that makes the pages turn. The characters—particularly the brave book lovers who risk their lives to preserve history—are human and fully realized, making their struggles and sacrifices even more impactful.

The novel is a powerful reminder of the dangers of wiping out history, manipulating information, and muzzling voices. While some moments seemed a bit predictable, the emotional impact and significance of the story far outweighed any minor drawbacks.

A must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts and readers who believe in the enduring power of books. A solid 4-star read that will stay with me for some time to come. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A dual time line novel that moves between Freya in pre-WWII Berlin and her gradndaughter Maddie in 2024 Los Angeles. Know that banned and burned books are only small part of Freya's story, which is focused on all the horrors the Nazis brought as they rose to power. Her story is more interesting than Maddie's (as is so often the case with this conceit). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Good storytelling and an interesting character in Freya made this a good read.

Banned books! Words to make any obsessive reader cringe! Unfortunately this happened and still happens far too often. Daisy Wood's latest book is set in early 1930s Berlin and present day USA and what a heartrending and totally fascinating book it is. I usually stay clear of WW2 books for some reason I don't fully understand myself but recently have read two both based in Berlin. Needless to say I have learnt a lot!
As always Daisy Wood has researched her topic impeccably. You get a real feeling of the constant state of terror the ordinary people of Berlin must have felt for years before the war started. The characters in the book are well rounded - both the likable and the not so nice - and it is easy to imagine them living their lives in this horrible time. The storyline has family members in the US researching a complicated family connection that allows the narrative to look back on the Berlin period to discover the truth. A brilliant story. Beautifully written. A must for any lover of historical fiction or just if you like a really good story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

in Berlin in 1933 Hitler decrees all the books are to be burnt. The Nazis are gaining power and Freya doesn't feel safe there anymore.
Should she stay or run whilst there is time?

Present Day and Maddie is having a turbulent personal life so goes home to decide on her next move. Helping her grandfather to declutter she finds a pre war German diary and starts looking into it and finding out about Freya.

1930s, Germany- Freya watches in shock as Berlin begins to descend into chaos with the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party. She is forced to make a choice - turn a blind eye to the destruction around her or fight back against evil.

Present day, Los Angeles- Maddie’s life is in turmoil so she retreats to her family home to lick her wounds. While there she helps her grandfather clear out his home and discovers his mother’s wartime journal. As the journal is translated by new friends, questions emerge about the past.



Title: The Banned Books of Berlin
Author: Daisy Wood
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Rating: 4⭐️

Dual POVs and timelines can be a tricky balance - both have to be equally as engaging. What kept this from being a 5 ⭐️ read was the second timeline - Maddie’s POV.
I could not put down Freya’s chapters - I kept saying “one more chapter” and reading another after that. Watching the world fall apart and the tension as Freya tries to figure out who to trust was breathtaking. Seeing this timeframe from the perspective of a German artist, who could easily have gone along with the status quo but chose to fight back, was incredibly captivating.

Maddie’s timeline took a little longer to resonate though it did by the end. The work problems that sent her home felt a little forced so it took me longer to care about her struggle. It was ultimately her grandfather and brother’s struggles that brought me into her story and made me care.

A worthwhile read that brings to light that you never really the truth about those to whom you’re close - either for better or worse.

Thank you @netgalley and @avonbooks for the ARC.