I adored The Berlin Girl. I read the whole book in one sitting because I couldn't quite bear to put it down, it had my heart in my mouth from the first chapter. Georgie is a wonderfully human character, who I think will remain in my head for a long time to come.

This was an amazing book describing WW2 events that kept me fascinated throughout the entire journey. The characters were engaging and believable. Can’t recommend it enough!

Mandy Robotham's The Berlin Girl is a story about a 1930s female newspaper reporter who accepts an assignment covering Germany during the rise of the Nazis, only to uncover the country's darker realities. While I've read several of Robotham's earlier books, I find The Berlin Girl to be markedly different despite similarities of theme. The Berlin Girl is fascinating--a true page-turner with compelling characters and engaging suspense. While I do feel that a couple of loose ends were not resolved to my satisfaction, that is the most minor complaint. I deeply enjoyed enjoyed The Berlin Girl and feel it would be a stellar addition to any library's collection of World War II-era fiction.

The ARC of this book was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #TheBerlinGirl #NetGalley.

I enjoyed this book much more than I anticipated I would. Earlier in the year I read A Woman of War by Robotham and while I liked it, I wasn’t enthralled by it. This novel however, swept me off my feet. Within the first chapter I was already desperate to know what was next for our main character, Georgie. Who, might I add, was likeable and a resilient figure to spearhead this novel. Her reasoning and actions made sense to me and I found myself growing attached to more and more as the story progressed.

The pacing of this book was fast, almost a little too fast at times. Several subplots were unfolding in the background, all of them coming to a dramatic head towards the climax of the novel. Robotham does a good job of reminding both us as readers and the characters of our humanity, just when we fell swept up in the politics of Nazi Germany, we’re grounded by a scene in which we realise that there are real people caught up in these actions. The final few chapters were an absolute whirlwind, my heart was jumping as I read the pages in desperate hopes of finding out what was going to happen. The adrenaline of reading this book was perhaps my favourite aspect, it’s been a while since a historical fiction has gotten my heart beating quite like this book did.

The only reason I’ve marked this as a four star read and not a five is the ending. Whilst I was eager to find out how it would end, it all seemed to fall into place too perfectly. There was no real conflict after the final plot point, no final twist to leave me thinking. Although, I am aware that this is a personal preference and to some this might be the perfect ending. Regardless of my thoughts on the ending, I tore through this book and I eagerly await Robotham’s next work.

The Berlin Girl by Mandy Robotham is an excellent historical fiction novel that falls under the time period of WWII. The backdrop: Berlin late 1930s. This book takes the reader through the years just as the political upheavals and instabilities are coming to a head in Germany. The two main characters: Georgie Young and Max Spencer are both reporters that have been posted to Germany to help find out what is afoot at ground level for the media. What is uncovered, is far more treacherous, diabolical, and stunning then what was thought possible.

The author does a great job creating a gripping, suspenseful, and engaging plot, and added the angle of the story from the eyes of a reporter sent into the lion's den to help create a unique twist in events that we are now all too familiar with. I enjoyed the Georgie and Max and felt that they were like able, realistic, and interesting. I enjoyed the plot, pacing, and I felt that the ending was appropriate and satisfying. It definitely kept me interested from beginning to end.

4/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately (links added below) and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.

📖BOOK REVIEW📖⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#theberlingirl by @robothammandy @netgalley

OVERALL- time is needed for this book to reveal its secrets.

REVIEW-Berlin, 1938, and Germany is on the brink of war. When reporter Georgie Young is posted to Berlin, alongside fellow Londoner Max Spender, she knows they are entering the eye of the storm.
Arriving to a city swathed in red flags and crawling with Nazis, Georgie feels helpless, witnessing innocent people being torn from their homes. As tensions rise, she realises she and Max have to act – even if it means putting their lives on the line and in doing so the pair are pulled into a world darker than she could ever have imagined...
This book is a slow burn but that’s not a bad thing here. A lot of background and information is needed to make this story work and the book takes its time setting the scenes, allowing you to get to know the characters, their situation, locations and to understand the unrest in Hitlers Germany.
The lead character Georgie is excellent. She’s exciting, funny and really great to follow on her journey in Berlin. The story flourished under her narration as she describes the world she finds herself in. I also enjoyed the additional characters they all had great characteristics and were enjoyable.
The historical knowledge that has gone into this novel is on point and the time and effort put into the research is clearly depicted. I found it really interesting to visit, through Georgie, some of Hitlers rallies and dinner parties and seeing first hand the destruction that was reeked on Berlin during that time.
For me (and I could just be me because I’m finding this with all my books lately) it did drag a little. The main action is in the last 30% of the book and your more than ready for it to get there. In saying that it really picked up for the last 20% of the book and led to a satisfactory and enjoyable conclusion.
A thank you again for #mandyrobotham and #netgalley for allowing me to read this one early! Out 29th October 2020😊
-Emily

The Berlin Girl reveals the life of Georgina “Georgie” Young as she navigates her life as a journalist amidst the Nazi occupation in Berlin during World War II.

Georgie Young and fellow Londoner, Max Spendor are two journalists that are posted in Berlin in the middle of World War II, surrounded by the highest of Nazi’s and spies and betrayals. Through the adventures of Georgie and Max getting material for the news of Berlin, we slowly uncover the truths behind Nazi’s and Hitler’s reign.

I rated The Berlin Girl five stars, absolutely loving the way this book made me feel intrigued and pulled me in continuously. I felt as if I were in the story as well, alongside Georgie and Max as they discovered what was really happening to the Jewish people that resided in Germany and their discovery of the people that they thought they knew well.

I loved the way that even though Georgie and Max both came from London and would most likely have to work with each other in Berlin, they didn’t immediately become friends, it had taken them time to discover the truths about each other before they finally opened up to each other more about themselves personally and about work. They both care deeply about spreading the word about what is happening in Germany and that hopefully, through the articles that they write, people can realize the brutal occurrences that were happening in Berlin where they were.

They way they helped multiple people throughout the book and witnessed so many savage beatings toward the Jewish residents of Berlin made the story more intense because while you read it, you are expecting all these actions yet when you reach it, you feel completely shocked by the events.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of Georgie as she became more determined to prove that she can be a good journalist while also being a woman. The difficulties she had to endure while being a female journalist in Berlin in order to get information for the articles she had to write were something that females around the world had to go through but the way Georgie fought through it and was set on getting her information and leads to write the best article showed the way she powered through the stereotypes of a female worker.

Georgie was a powerful main character and I loved the way Max, while in the beginning was not so understanding of Georgie being a female journalist, came to terms with her power and future influence of the way she worked. Both of them worked well together and slowly became comfortable with each other and I loved their developments as characters and towards each other. Their relationship shined throughout this book and I loved that while they cared for each other deeply, they were understanding toward each other.

I wholly enjoyed reading The Berlin Girl, all the detail behind the history and behind each character was so well developed and created. The thoughtful descriptions and aspects throughout this book made it more intense and I enjoyed learning more about World War II and the Nazi occupation and the toll it took on history.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A big thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved The Berlin Girl. Like with The German Midwife and The Secret Messenger, Mandy Robotham did not disappoint. I personally feel that this is her strongest work yet.

The book follows up and coming journalist Georgie (Georgina) Young, who goes by the pen name of George Young, in her first foreign affairs posting in pre-WW2 Berlin. Along the way, she meets a cast of characters that will deeply impact her life and the world that she’s familiar with.

I am thoroughly content that this book was given an authentic perspective; a foreign female press correspondent situated within the Nazi regime. In addition, I appreciate all the detail that went in to describing not only the physical attributes of Germany at the time, but also the mood, culture, and environment. In doing so, I was able to feel the shift towards the impending war along with all of the characters.

What I adored most about the book was the personalities and spirit that all of the characters were given. They were all very distinct and pulled me into the story even more. I was especially pleased that Georgie was portrayed as such a relatable heroine. She was a strong, brave, and loyal friend and colleague who had to navigate though moral dilemmas of right and wrong, amid the possibilities of fierce consequences.

While the story is predominantly historical fiction, there are also elements of mystery, suspense, and romance. I thought all aspects were perfectly balanced and kept me turning the pages, wanting to know more. While I’m sad the book ended, I’m very happy with how it concluded. The epilogue was brilliant and gave the upmost closure to Georgie’s experiences. I highly recommend this book to all readers and will be buying a physical copy to enjoy again upon its publication.

Georgie Young is a British woman being sent to be a foreign correspondent in Berlin in 1938. Not only does her new posting involve breaking in to the good old boys club of male journalists it involves learning how to survive in pre WW2 Berlin. Constantly looking over her shoulder, trying to convince the English people of the horrors that she is seeing in Germany when they are vocal about not really wanting to know, and worrying about her Jewish friend and his family create an experience that is very high stress. Add to that the fact that Georgie attempts to date a Nazi officer to get information. This book is a beautifully done glimpse in to a changing Berlin, and is one of the best historic fictions set in this era that I've had the pleasure to read.

I love Mandy Robotham (Favorite historical fiction author by far!!) and was so excited to read an ARC by NetGalley. The Berlin Girl was absolutely amazing! I love when books are told from more than one character’s perspective and the author did a great job of doing that. This book is an emotional read as I loved the characters- especially the strong female lead. One of the best historical fiction books I’ve ever read!

I absolutely LOVED this book!

Georgie was such a fierce, I compromising and passionate main character. I love how her and Max’s relationship began as such a strong friendship and developed into something much stronger.

Georgie’s connection to Rubin and the Amsel family was so beautiful and human. I enjoyed their relationship and how their story came to a beautiful end.

Mandy Robotham beautifully writes the story of Georgie’s life as a foreign correspondent in Berlin during the war.

5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

**I received a complimentary copy of <i>The Berlin Girl</i> by Mandy Robotham. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

I requested a copy of this novel because I had read The Secret Messenger by Mandy Robotham and really enjoyed it. This book did not disappoint. It gave a different perspective of WW2 than other books I've read and I've read a lot! I found it really interesting to see that the Foreign Press was trying to get out stories that were more truthful in the way things were in Germany at this time, but none of the papers they were affiliated with would actually publish them. This has always been something I wondered about so I enjoyed seeing how this played out. I also liked how this book focused mainly on the years prior to the war actually starting. I don't think we always think of this time as being one of conflict. As well, I liked that it talked about less common Nazi concentration camps than ones normally written about in WW2 novels.

This book was similar to The Secret Messenger with its camaraderie between the reporters and how they were trying to help others during the war, often risking their life to do so. I like that all the ends were tied up neatly with the news stories at the end of the novel. I hate books that leave you wondering.

The atrocities that happened during WWII has been brought into the light of day. In The Berlin Girl, Mandy Robotham wanted to focus on the time leading up to the beginning of WWII. The journalist stationed in Berlin in the 1930s saw what was happened and repeatedly warned newspapers. This is their story. Robotham focuses on two, Max and Georgie, how they moved among some of the Natzis to learn the truth. The story builds and gets better as it progresses.

The Berlin Girl also tells the story of a Ruben, a Jewish man who was a driver and messenger for Georgie. In telling his story, the reader can feel the impact Hitler's hatred of the Jews had on this family. This is a work of fiction. All the characters are imaginary, but they seemed very real and human in the telling.

I was able to read this book on NetGalley. It is scheduled to be released October 29, 2020.

New war correspondent, Georgina Young, arrives in Berlin prior to the start of the war and chronicles for us the incidents leading up to the war. Under the name of George Young, we follow Georgie and her fellow press corps members as events unfold and she and fellow journalist Max Spender ultimately get involved in trying to uncover secrets.

I found the story compelling as a moving picture of life in Berlin and the horrors of the Nazi regime getting closer to war. While listed as historic fiction, there was also a layer of suspense and intrigue which I really enjoyed. The characters were well developed and the plot had twists and turns that held my interest. The ending was a bit too predictable for me and the epilogue was an interesting way to put closure to a lot of characters.

Thanks to netgalley for letting me read and review the Berlin Girl.

Wow! This book is beyond excellent! It needs to be turned into a movie or mini series!

Georgie Young is on the outside looking in. A young journalist from London is dispatched to Berlin in 1938. Days Eager to make a name for and prove herself, she arrives with her eyes wide open. What she sees is a lively town, full of life and full of boots...ready to fall in line with Hitler. Things are already falling apart for the German Jews and Georgie wants to find a way to tell there story so the rest of the world can see what’s really happening. With the help of a diverse group of international reporters, they work to find a way around the German propaganda and report the truth and hope someone is listening. Along the way, the group befriends a Jewish family and work together help them get to safety. The group uncovers a lesser known concentration camp and gets tangled up with a Nazi officer. All Georgie wants to do is tell someone’s story and she’s willing to put her life on the line for those she cares about and for what it right.

This story will get you from the get go. You’ll love the friendly banter of the journalists. You’ll admire the heroism of the main characters. You’ll be on the edge of your seat when the Gestapo comes knocking at the door. It’s a fresh perspective of WWII, through the eyes of a young, female, English journalist in a Berlin on the brink of war. A must read for WWII fans.

This was such a good read. I have read another one by this author, The German Midwife, that I enjoyed as well. Georgie Young is a British news correspondent who is working in Berlin, which is on the brink of war. She puts her life at risk several times to capture the lives of those in Berlin who are suffering and being treated unjustly. Max Spender is London reporter who is working alongside her. This story covers their trials and tribulations as they learn about Hitler and his unjust treatment of the Jews. Parts of the book I had to research to get a complete grasp on what was going on. I found the book sad at times but also very relevant and well told. I would highly recommend this one. Thanks so much to NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.

This book has a lot of relevance to today, and should be read by anyone who wonders how people can wake up one day and think, 'how did we get here?' Set in late 1930s Berlin, it follows a greenhorn journalist through her journey to pre-war Berlin. She has encounters with many different families and types of people, from all sides, and quickly hardens up to the reality of what it really going on around her. Written with such authenticity that it wonders me if the author didn't have some first-hand accounts to base the story on.

The Berlin Girl by Mandy Robotham
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: 29th October, 2020

I want to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

The story takes place in the year 1938 in Berlin. Our protagonist Georgie Young is a reporter who gets her posting in Berlin. In a job overly crowded with male colleagues, Georgie is determined to prove her worth by this project. Max Spender, another reporter from London joins Georgie in the flight to Berlin. Though they did not start on a good note, eventually they make peace and help each other. Arriving in a city swathed in red flags and crawling with Nazis, Georgie feels helpless, witnessing innocent people being torn from their homes. As tension rises, she realizes she and Max have to act- even if it means putting their lives on the line.

The Berlin Girl by Mandy Robotham takes you to the then German and plays with your emotion. The truth has been spoken here without making any drama. The title as well as the cover grabs your attention then and there. Once you get into the book, there is no way of returning.

The only drawback you will face while reading the book is that it takes an ample amount of time to build up the environment. The main story is not started until you finish almost one-third of the book. Though I get that in these kinds of stories, it is very necessary to set the background accordingly, it was too making me impatient.

Coming to the points I loved about the book are:
1) The storyline and the character development part was very nice.
2) Two stories were joined together and their progression makes you hooked to the story
3) The way Georgie came out as a strong character with Max by her side has my heart
4) The bitterness of truth is hard to digest but the author has written the story with utmost honesty that is bound to reach your heart.
I would definitely recommend the book to everyone who loves a concrete storyline.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of Robotham’s, The Berlin Girl, in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this story! Robotham did a wonderful job in placing readers in 1938-9 Berlin. Her world-building showed a city that on the one hand was opulent, orderly, and still evidenced a bit of the joie de vivre Georgie had observed only a couple of years earlier during the Olympics. While on the other hand, Berlin (and Germany as a whole) was a place of surmounting fear, censorship, and violence. Throughout, the reader can see this paradox.

Robotham’s writing style is beautiful, which gives the story a nice literary quality. Her descriptions and nuanced ways in describing the physical characteristics, interactions, and thoughts of her characters are creative and superbly done.

And speaking of the characters, they were well-developed, with my favorite being Georgie. She’s caring, hard-working, and perceptive to the world around her. Georgie’s insecurities are naturally always with her, but she doesn’t allow them to take over when she has a mission to accomplish. Her interactions with the other characters are very sincere and relatable. I also appreciated how Robotham created a love story between Georgie and Max that was built on friendship, a growing mutual respect, and professional camaraderie. I would’ve enjoyed just a smidgeon of more romance between them—just a little ;-).

So here is why I gave The Berlin Girl 4 stars as opposed to 5: the ending (inclusive of the epilogue). It was predictable, and the pacing was too fast (almost hurried), which didn’t allow for me to transition between the scenes as I would’ve wanted to. Sometimes I had to reread a few parts to make sure that I followed how the plot unfolded. Aspects of the final getaway seemed too “smooth”. For instance, how could Georgie steal the car of a Gestapo member and speed past a guarded checkpoint without even one gun shot being fired at her and Max? The car chasing them getting a flat tire? Okay, I’ll accept that. And then, the convenience of Georgie and Max (while they’re lost) coming across a farmhouse where they find a couple who just so happens to help them out in time seemed too lucky.

This was the first Robotham novel I’ve read, and I’m interested in reading more stories by her. Loved it :-).

Note: Just a minor editorial note I’d like to share, since this is an ARC: I believe the use of the anatomical term pupil(s) has, at times throughout the novel, been confused with the term, iris.

Thank you again Netgalley.

With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.
My kind of book this historically captivating story was truly wonderful warm and so engaging wonderful characters and an excellent plot I can highly recommend.

The Berlin Girl by Mandy Robotham is one of the most frightening stories that I have ever read. At one point it just. seemed to frightening and realistic for me to continue. The story takes place in Germany right before WW 2..It centers around a group of news reporters from England who are covering the Nazis imediately before the war.

Excellent story of a courageous American journalist stationed in Berlin before as as WWIi begins. A tough cookie with a huge heart embarks on helping a Jewish friends while risking her own life. So much of this story is based on real people who fought tooth and nail to get the true out to their readers. Well researched and I liked the insider perspective of how the Nazi’s ran their propaganda program. Also there were many unbelievable terrifying moments! By the Author of The German Wife. I’d like to thank Net galley and Harper Collins Publishers for an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

I was excited to read this new novel by Mandy Robotham having enjoyed her previous novels. Meet Georgie and Max, 2 reporters who having arrived in Berlin are drawn in to the dark world of the times in 1938.
The relationship of the pair and the characters come alive as you read the book.
Lots of tension and danger involved.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the advance copy
#TheBerlinGirl

This book is set in the summer of 1938 In Berlin. Germany is on the edge of war. The book is about a reporter named Georgie Young that is posted in Berlin close by Max Spender who is from London. They both know that this posting is very important and dangerous.

When arriving in Berlin Georgie sees the city is very dangerous and crawling with Nazis. She sees early on people getting taken out of there houses and how things escalate very quickly. She realizes that she and Max have to do something about this and do it quickly. Even is they put themselves at risk of danger.

Things get even darker if possible when Georgie does some research on Hitler's Germany.

I would like to give thanks to Netgalley, Mandy Robotham and Avon Books UK for giving me the chance to read and review this book.#TheBerlinGirl #NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the setting and darkness of it. By the end of the first chapter I was hooked I couldn't stop reading. I really like the character, Georgie. I loved how there were female characters where there wouldn't be in real life. being a female reporter in 1938 wasn't a normal thing. Georgie was the right character for the job. I really liked the relationship between Georgie and Max. The book was very well written. I love the details and how some of the events are true life.

I very much recommend this book to people that like General Fiction (Adult) | Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction.

This novel is about Georgie Young, a British reporter who is posted in Berlin with fellow reporter Max Spender. The novel takes place in 1938 Berlin. It's an excellent historical fiction novel. I enjAuthiroyed this book very much and I intend to read more books by the Author.

Novel is about Georgie who is a reporter from London who is sent to Berlin in 1939 for the paper she works for. It follows the events that Georgie reports on for a year. I enjoyed the story and found some new information about Hitler at that time. Ending was exciting and I am thankful to NetGalley and Mandy Robotham for letting me preview this book. I will be looking for more books by Mandy Robotham.

A lovely book with a great story line and strong characters that bring the book together,i can highly recommend this to readers.5*

Fascinating insight into Berlin just before the outbreak of world war 2. Very engaging characters but I felt there was not much of a plot but an interesting story.. very emotional ending

A totally engrossing story set at the beginning of the Second World War. Very different from other war books in that it is from the viewpoint of the Press. Hoe awful life must have been for those living under the eye of the SS and the fear they must have felt. These poor, innocent people despised and persecuted. I loved the characters in this story. George - such a strong and ultimately courageous reporter and Press colleagues Rob & Max.
This story had me so engrossed I had that rare feeling of wanting to peep at the end to see if all went well or would break my heart. I resisted and just read the book as quickly as I could to reach that point. I was so entranced by this story.
The epilogue truly wrapped it up and brought it to a heartwarming yet bittersweet conclusion.

Wow, such a marvellous story of courage and bravery. I was completely enthralled and captivated by the style of the writing. Really wonderful - a great book.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. Wow was this another amazing WWII historical fiction novel by this author. I loved every thing about this book from the characters, setting, and how it ended. Georgie is so full of spunk and is ready to take on the world smashing barriers before her. I love Max who tries to be tough but has a soft heart. I love how the author makes the press pack in Berlin a family. I am so glad little newspaper snippets wrapped up each character. Well written and researched. A cross between a spy novel thriller and pull at your heart strings tale. I fully recommend this one and can't wait for more!!

I was excited to read The Berlin Girl by Mandy Robotham as I had previously read, A Woman of War and had thoroughly enjoyed it. So, when I was asked to review this one, I jumped at the possibility!

The story centers around Georgina (Georgie/George) Young, a journalist for a newspaper set in her native England and the chance for her to gain traction and prove her reporting capabilities in Berlin at the onset of WWII. Hitler has gained quite a name for himself already and Georgie finds herself back in a city that doesn’t seem to be quite what she remembers from before. She encounters a prior Jewish man, Rubin that was her driver from a previous visit to Berlin to aid in the logistics of collecting information for stories, and it’s here where she really starts to see firsthand what the “New Germany” entails as things start to fall apart for Rubin and his family. The pursuance of a news story quickly begins to force Georgie to make life or death decisions for herself and for her friends.

Ms Robotham has done it again, but in this tale it weaves one that I’ve not quite encountered before with WWII historical fiction. The story of a female reporter, especially in late 30’s in pre-war torn Berlin, was a unique and powerful story that grasped my interest from the beginning. The writing was inventive, thoroughly researched, and captivating. I was really impressed with all of the threads at work between all of the characters, especially when they all seemed to come together in the tapestry of the story. Small details in one chapter were brought forth in another in a delightfully and sometimes terrifying way, making you wonder who was really who they said they were. I thoroughly enjoyed The Berlin Girl and look forward to more from the author.

If you love strong female characters, WWII historical fiction, and the telling of both from unique perspectives, you will not be disappointed!

Thank you to Harper Collins Publishing for an adcanced eARC of "The Berlin Girl" in exchange for an honest review. #TheBerlinGirl #NetGalley.

Perfect for fans of Kirsten Hannah's "The Nightengale", this book is different than most historical fiction based around WW2 in that it is set in Berlin in 1938 prior to the war. We witness through Georgie Young, who is a newspaper reporter for the Daily Chronicle in London, the increased power of the ruling Nazi party. Georgie, along with her colleague Max Spender of the Daily Telegraph see first hand the treatment of their Jewish friends and suspect all is not what it appears at nearby concentration camp Sachsenhausen.

I really enjoyed this book. It drew me into the story and I cared about the characters and what became of them .
One minor quibble however is that I felt it took a little too long to built up the main story, which was over in a quicker than expected and seemed rushed. Could be perhaps that I did not want it to end. ?

This is a heart-wrenching story of a young woman, an English reporter, who puts herself in the line of fire as the world is about to be forever changed. Germany is on the brink of war. The story is set in Berlin 1938, at the height of summer and last till early Fall 1939.

After witnessing innocent people being torn from their home, Goergie Young along with her colleague, Max Spencer, needed to do something. As they dug deeper they uncovered the truth about Hitler’s Germany and through their eyes we see a world swathed in red flags and crawling with Nazis.

I was totally taken by this story; I simply couldn’t put it aside. Within the opening pages I was hooked and stayed eager to know what was in store for Goergie as she navigated her journalistic life during the Nazi occupation. Reporter’s work was not only censured by the Reich but the home office took great care not to offend the Germans by publishing what they thought were not based on fact reports; they wanted photos as proof before publishing anything, in fact Georgie and Max were also censured at home. Leaving the rest of the world oblivious to what really was going on.

There is a lot going on beyond the copious amounts of booze, smoking and yes strudel as Georgie bonded with her fellow journalists. She soon made friends with Sam at the British Embassy while she was involved with a German officer, but of course, this relationship eventually put her in extreme danger and the story behind is more than captivating. My favourite secondary character was Rubin a Jewish man who drove Georgie around the city till he no longer was permitted. The voices were essentially of Goergie but from time to time Rubin took center stage as he got more involved. By the end, along with his family, Goergie helped him escape Germany. I could continue but I rather you read this novel for yourself: discovering Ms. Robotham vision of events is what makes this novel a must read.

This historical novel is well-written and has sympathetic and likeable characters and we have quite a few to follow. Being during this difficult period in time the story plays with our emotions: although a truth spoken without drama. We have some elements of mystery, suspense and romance all perfectly balanced. This novel wraps up with a brilliant epilogue: closure for all....

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Avon Books UK via Netgalleys the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was so hard to put down! Every chapter, every page had me wanting to know more. It was suspenseful and engaging and really left an impression on me. Mandy Robotham is a wonderful storyteller and I enjoy all of her books. The characters in this book are likeable and you become invested in their story and relationships.

Many thanks to Avon and publisher Harper Collins via Netgalley for my honest opinion and review of this uncorrected advanced reading proof copy of The Berlin Girl.

The author has created a fabulous read of intrigue, murder and suspense at the onset of World War II, Germany.

The Summer Media Ball and young Chronicle journalist Georgie sits at the bar in a borrowed dress and poorly fitting shoes nursing a Martini when a smug voice behind her says "sitting this one out"? Georgie does a grimace and replies that her shoes are causing her some problems and so dancing is not an option. A benign condescending questioning by the young man continues until Georgie hits him with the fact that she is working with one of Fleet Street's most prominent foreign journalists to which the young man tries to outdo her and throws in a little male chauvinism for luck. Little do the both know at this stage that in a very short time they will be plunged together into the intrigue and danger of the Nazi war machine, Hitler and the mass hysteria of the populace of Germany.

It is also the beginning of the brutalisation of Jewish citizens which takes on a personal involvement, Georgie's previous contact, Rubin Amsel who will again become a driver for her in Berlin. Rubin and his wife Sara are in a desperate state, the Gestapo have started to remove the "imperfects". The couple are caring for Sara's brother, Elias who through an accident is disabled. The only way is to create a room in the ceiling although in the end this proves to be futile.

Georgie's position as a journalist is pretty unique for the times but she has already done the hard yards and combined with her German language knowledge has been assigned to the Foreign Press Corps gig in Berlin. Arriving at the airport Georgie is dismayed to run into the same young man from the Media Ball who alerts her to the fact that he is waiting for a fellow journalist, George Young from the Chronicle that he has to pair up with. Standing tall and with courage she lets him know that in actual fact she is George (ie/ina) Young. A little tit-for-tat conversation happens, Georgie silencing Max Spender with her German language skills.

Arriving in Germany and into Berlin, Georgie views a completely different city to the one of her previous posting, the Olympics. The gloss has gone replaced with the full sway of Nazi propaganda. Max and her leave the taxi at Hotel Adlon where many of the fellow foreign journalists are holding up the bar. Both enquire about their individual contacts that are supposed to partner them only to be informed that each have their own extreme personal issues for which Georgie and Max have no choice but to accept that they are on their own. Paul Adamson makes a brief appearance for Georgie but it's obvious that he is preoccupied and leaves her to her own devices. Further into the read Paul Adamson is killed and it seems that his death is due to his investigations he was working on.

Bruno Bauer manages the Foreign Press Corps with daily briefings and propaganda. Georgie puts forward an idea that she wishes to pursue and after some reluctance this is granted and for which Rubin is grateful to become her driver particularly now that many occupations are prohibited for Jews to practice, his financial situation for him and his family is dire.

Colourfully evolving, the read has many dimensions, beyond the copious amounts of strudel, booze and smoking, Georgie's extraordinary new flatmates, her fellow journalists that she bonds well with and the sometimes obnoxious behaviour of Max along with the support of Sam from the British Embassy Georgie finds her feet and with the help of a spy delves into some of the secrets of Nazi operations. The German war machine is moving quickly while those in each respective reporter's country seem to be oblivious to unfolding events, everyone is on tenterhooks. Georgie becomes aware immediately of the cruelty to Jews and she observes the Kristallnacht. Her involvement with German officer, Kasper Vortsch, puts her into extreme danger when he discovers the truth about her. Elias is taken away, nobody knows where he is.

With the situation rapidly declining Rubin and Sara reluctantly approach Georgie to assist them to have their children travel to England. The only way is through Sam but the Embassy is already besieged by desperate people trying to leave Germany. It takes some time but eventually the children travel to England.

Max is arrested by the Gestapo and it's only by accident that Georgie discovers his passport and realises that Max is not going to be deported but that the Gestapo have other plans for him. She puts her own plan of action into place and with some good acting skills Max and her with the Gestapo hot on their heels make their escape from Germany and fly to Paris.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the arc of The Berlin Girl.

If you enjoyed the book The German midwife then you'll love this book or if you love historical fiction this is for you, this was a mesmerising 4 star read, this follows Berlin in the year 1938, Georgie whom is a reporter/journalist is sent out to Berlin, alongside colleauge Max from London, when they got there they saw lots of Nazis and red flags, Georgie feels emotional and helpless as they witness some horrifying things like familes being ripped apart from their own homes and families. As she starts to do some research deeper into Nazi Germany or Hitler's Germany it ends up more darker than what they intended and realised.

this was written beautifully and it had me hooked from start to finish i loved it so much well done to the author for such a compelling and heart wrenching and emotional book- highly highly recommend.

4 STARS!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Having read the authors previous books I was anticipating another fantastic historical fiction read and I wasn't disappointed at all. I always get swept away by Mandy Rowbotham’s storytelling and characters. Our lead, Georgie, is gutsy and very aware of her abilities. She hasn’t and doesn’t let anything or anyone stand in her way and I admire that, even though in gets her in some precarious positions! The people she meets, the relationships she establishes during her time in Berlin will change her life and vice-versa.
A fast paced read, it will have you intrigued, appalled and championing the innocents. It has heart and emotion. I often wonder what happens after ‘The End’ so the inclusion of the epilogue here really completes the journey for us.
Highly recommended.

“...it was divine, the pastry light and airy. Unlike the mood in Berlin.” In the year before the German invasion of Poland, Georgie Young is dispatched to Berlin as a news correspondent. In that year, she sees a city on the outbrink of war, brimming with anger, hate, and the unquenchable desire for power. After linking up with other members of the foreign press, she begins to uncover some of the atrocities happening in Germany and there begins her endeavor to put a spotlight on what the world needs to see. This book is a very fast and exciting read. It is packed with action, rich with history, whilst incorporating the eternal bonds of love, loyalty and friendship. This book is a captivating story for lovers of historical fiction with a spotlight on the particular time period immediately preceding the Second World War.

I found the story quite compelling reading. I havent read a world war II book before that is actually set right before the war and I found that to be what made me want to read the book in the first place. Even though this book is categorised as historical fiction, there was also an element of suspense which I really enjoyed.
Unfortunately, for me, the ending was a bit too predictable and it all fell into place 'too easily'.
I found epilogue was very different from other books and I really enjoyed it, it is an interesting way to put closure to a lot of characters and the story.

The Berlin Girl was so good and I wanted more of Georgie's story. She was the perfectly imperfect protagonist that had such a strong relatability even though she lived a lifetime ago. The realism that was created in the imagery of Kristallnacht made me feel like I was there witnessing the heartbreaking event. I highly recommend The Berlin Girl

Mandy Robotham writes a wonderful historical fiction novel The Berlin Girl about a female reporter in 1938 in Berlin. Georgina (Georgie) Young writes for the London based paper the Chronicle, she is part of the foreign press reporting the events happening in Berlin and news about Adolf Hitler. Robotham introduces us to another writer Max Spender who writes for the Telegraph. We watch their story grow as the story of war grows. This novel is heart wrenching, suspenseful and intriguing.

The epilogue was a fascinating way to put closure to the characters. I look forward to reading more of Robotham’s books.

Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of the Berlin Girl.

This story is presented from a different view of WWII...the reporter's point of view, who is a woman. I couldn't put the book down pretty much from start to finish. The descriptions of Berlin and the surroundings were vivid enough to put me right there with Georgie & Max who are the main characters. The only fault that I had was with the ending. I felt that it was somewhat rushed and very neatly tied up in a bow.

Reviewed from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Avon Books UK via Netgalley for an honest review
Book: The Berlin Girl by Mandy Robotham
Published: 29 October 2020
Genre: General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
My Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

This is the third book by Mandy Robotham that I have read and it’s fantastic!

Georgina (Georgie) Young is a woman in a man’s world, determined to show everyone that she can do it too. We are taken to Berlin, Germany, in 1938 where Georgie is a reporter sent to Berlin to report under the name George Young for the London based newspaper, the Chronicle. She is part of the foreign press and needs to report about the events happening in Berlin, news about the Führer, Adolf Hitler. What he does, what he plans and anything about the Reich. When Georgie arrives in Berlin, the streets are decorated with Nazi insignia and an ombre feeling of domination vibrated through the air.

Before going to Berlin Georgie sits at a bar in the London Ritz feeling awkward and willing the Summer Media Ball to be over. A glamorous event for correspondents, reporters, photographers and editors. While watching everyone enjoying themselves, a man comes up to Georgie and starts making small talk. She later finds out he is a reporter for the Telegraph. After a dismissal she puts the man out of her mind, never to see him again. Or so she thought.

After a few weeks, Georgie finds herself on a plane to Berlin, alongside the reporter from the Telegraph known as Max Spender. They were assigned to Berlin, together. Having a rocky start from the get-go, Georgie and Max’s relationship as fellow reporters are moulded by the horrendous events and scenes they witness. Soon realising that the Berlin she visited in 1936 to report about the Olympics has been replaced by a city filled with Nazi propaganda, fear and a hatred for Jews. Both Georgie and Max report to their different newspapers, but as they convene with the press pack at the Adlon, they soon discover the dark and sinister ongoing’s in Berlin. When the names of Joseph Goebbels, Heinrich Himmler, Rudolf Hess, Frederik Graf and Adolf Hitler are mentioned, a storm is coming.

With the sudden and mysterious death of a fellow reporter, Paul Adamson, and rumours about a camp (Sachsenhausen) where Jews were taken, proving to be true, Georgie and Max team up together to help a Jewish family, Rubin and Sara Amsel with their 2 children to escape the claws of the Nazis.

What I liked about the book was that the story has a good flow to it. The author has the ability to let the trauma, sadness and pain jump off the pages and straight into the reader’s heart. It’s not the feeling of ‘I feel what the character is feeling’. It is more than that. The author sits us down in the living room of Rubin and Sara Amsel when Georgie and Max arrive there to support them after they had to send their 2 children to England for safety. The author sits us down with Georgie, Max and Rubin when he reads the devastating letters from his brother-in-law Elias, that is held in the camp Sachsenhausen.

My favourite character is the main character, Georgie Young. She doesn’t give up in a time of crisis and pain, even when being emotionally overwhelmed at times. Instead, she uses it to fuel the fire inside of her to seek justice for the people that are treated unfairly. The characters felt real and believable. This book had me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing.

Overall the book was fantastic, but I felt the ending happened too quickly. From 1946 to 1994 in just a few pages. But aside from that, I enjoyed the story and can’t wait for Mandy Robotham’s next work. She makes historical fiction enjoyable and never disappoints. This piece of historical fiction made me realise that that which causes us pain can be used to achieve goodness, even in the long run.

I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys historical fiction.

If you’ve enjoyed The Tattooist of Auschwitz or Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris, you will certainly love this book!

Add The Berlin Girl to your Goodreads list.

Other books by Mandy Robotham
The German Midwife
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43011720.The_German_Midwife

The Secret Messenger
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52762957.The_Secret_Messenger

Thank you to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

This review is also posted on my blog.

Georgie Young is a reporter that is posted to Berlin pre World War 2. She quickly becomes immersed in the city of Berlin as Hitler becomes a force to be reckoned with and not in a good way as history proves.

Georgie is my hero: she made me laugh, she made me cry, I cheered her on and I was frightened for her. Sometimes all at the same time !

Her bravery was outstanding as was all the others that did their best to help the Jewish, the politcal prisoners and many others to hopefully survive.

Georgie gets a lot of help from fellow journalists including Max Spencer.

It is quite the journey they takes us on; one that will stay with me for a long time.

Thanks to NetGalley, Avon Books UK, Avon for a great read.

As a historical fiction fan, I have read many books about WWII. This one was refreshing in the sense that the characters were all journalists reporting from Berlin. It was interesting to see their frustration at seeing what was happening around them yet their HQs were not publishing much without photographs and nothing was been done to stop the Reich. I really enjoyed the snippets of their articles after they leave Berlin. That was a really nice touch!

Thanks NetGalley, Mandy Robotham, and HarperCollins Publishing for the ARC!

This ARC of The Berlin Girl was provided by Avon and publisher Harper Collins via Netgalley for my honest opinion and review of this uncorrected proof copy.

Georgie Young is a young women trailblazier in the field as a war correspond in Berlin in the late 1930s. Along with her fellow friends and press corp members, Georgie chronicles her time in Nazi Germany before the start of WWII. Georgie and fellow correspondent, Max, uncover Nazi secrets that threatens their lives under Nazi rule.

I enjoyed Georgie's perspective in this historical fiction novel, and I love a happy endning. Will be recommending this book to by book club!

Thank you to net galley for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the Berlin Girl, as I enjoy historical fiction set during WW2 but this was different from the start since the main character was a member of the foreign press in Berlin during 1938-1939. It was also interesting to have the character experience Berlin during the Olympic Games as well and being able to compare and contrast. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot and I enjoyed seeing how the characters ended up in the end in the epilogue, some may feel that the ending was too pat but I think it was nice to have these characters end up ok after it all. Hope you pick up this book for an entertaining read!

What a story! I couldn’t put this new offering from Mandy Robotham down. I’m a big fan of historical fiction and this was an enthralling read. The story is set in the lead up to WWII in Berlin - Georgie (George) Young is sent to Berlin by the British ‘Chronicle’ as a fresh young female journalist as part of the Foreign Press Corp. Georgie is accompanied on her trip by Max Spender journalist for the Daily Telegraph.
The Nazi regime is in full force and Georgie is determined to let the British public know what is happening in Germany through her ‘Postcards from Berlin’; despite the censorship and control of the press by the Nazi propaganda machine. Georgie gives us a real human take on what pre war Germany is like, portraying the Nazi hatred of the Jewish community and the horrors of what is occurring during this period of time .
There is intrigue, suspense, murder and lots of twists and turns that both Georgie and Max get involved with. A truly powerful, engaging and emotional story. I particularly enjoyed the ending of the book which provided a follow up of the lives of the main characters.
A big thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for the opportunity to read and review.

The Berlin Girl centers around Georgina Young, a journalist for a newspaper in England, she jumps at the opportunity to report in Berlin at the onset of WWII. When George arrives the city doesn’t seem to be quite what she remembers from before. She meets a Jewish man, Rubin who was her driver from a previous visit and we all know what being Jewish means at this critical turning point in Germanys history and the cracks begin to show..

Ultimately a story of a female reporter, in Berlin in a mans world, was a powerful story that i enjoyed from page one.
Well researched, and engaging. I was really impressed with all the characters, If you love strong female characters, WWII historical fiction, and the telling of both from unique perspectives, you will not be disappointed!

Mandy Robotham does a great job creating a suspenseful plot, and with the added the angle of the story from the eyes of a reporter which I've not encounter in a historical fiction before. I enjoyed George and Max and felt that they were realistic, and interesting, I felt that the ending was appropriate and satisfying. It definitely kept me interested from beginning to end.