A Heartbreaking Tale Based on a True Story: Read our Review of Letters from Berlin by Tania Blanchard

Berlin, 1943

As the Allied forces edge closer, the Third Reich tightens its grip on its people. For eighteen-year-old Susanna Göttmann, this means her adopted family including the man she loves, Leo, are at risk.

Desperate to protect her loved ones any way she can, Susie accepts the help of an influential Nazi officer. But it comes at a terrible cost – she must abandon any hope of a future with Leo and enter the frightening world of the Nazi elite.

Yet all is not lost as her newfound position offers more than she could have hoped for… With critical intelligence at her fingertips, Susie seizes a dangerous opportunity to help the Resistance.

The decisions she makes could change the course of the war, but what will they mean for her family and her future?

A story of love, desperation and family, Letters From Berlin is a standout in World War II historical fiction as it highlights new perspectives and experiences from the war. Second World War and post-war fiction is an extremely popular historical sub-genre right now, and the standard is exceptionally high. And it was Tania Blanchard who helped set the bar that high – her first two novels, The Girl from Munich and Suitcase of Dreams were both bestsellers and voted onto the Better Reading Top 100 for 2020. Blanchard has quickly become a must-read author, and Letters From Berlin further cements that reputation. It is original and inspiring and unputdownable.

As we follow Susanna’s story, we not only learn about the world of the Nazi elite, but also the growing concerns of the German population towards the end of the war. Reading from this perspective really opens up the story and captures the essence of what it would have been like at the time.

Understanding the dynamics and experiences between each of the characters is a real treat. The relationship between Susanna and Leo is raw and real and will absolutely pull at your heartstrings. Blanchard’s delicate style of writing eloquently presents the frustrations and fears of Susanna as she navigates the treacherous landscape she finds herself in.

Blanchard not only researched every aspect of her story but was inspired by the real experiences of her family during the war. Her passion for writing such an intimate and personal story is clear throughout the entire novel.

How far would you go for your family? Letters From Berlin is an emotionally charged story that explores that very question. An original and innovative take on the World War II genre that captures the hauntingly desperate essence of the war. Tania Blanchard has written yet another spectacular novel. Don’t miss this.