A young girl flees Nazi-occupied Germany with her family and best friend, only to discover that the overseas refuge they had been promised is an illusion in this “powerful and affecting” (Kirkus Reviews) debut novel, perfect for fans of The Nightingale, All the Light We Cannot See, and Schindler’s List. Before everything changed, young Hannah Rosenthal lived a charmed life. But now, in 1939, the … lived a charmed life. But now, in 1939, the streets of Berlin are draped with red, white, and black flags; her family’s fine possessions are hauled away; and they are no longer welcome in the places that once felt like home. Hannah and her best friend, Leo Martin, make a pact: whatever the future has in store for them, they’ll meet it together.
Hope appears in the form of the S.S. St. Louis, a transatlantic liner offering Jews safe passage out of Germany. After a frantic search to obtain visas, the Rosenthals and the Martins depart on the luxurious ship bound for Havana. Life on board the St. Louis is like a surreal holiday for the refugees, with masquerade balls, exquisite meals, and polite, respectful service. But soon ominous rumors from Cuba undermine the passengers’ fragile sense of safety. From one day to the next, impossible choices are offered, unthinkable sacrifices are made, and the ship that once was their salvation seems likely to become their doom.
Seven decades later in New York City, on her twelfth birthday, Anna Rosen receives a strange package from an unknown relative in Cuba, her great-aunt Hannah. Its contents will inspire Anna and her mother to travel to Havana to learn the truth about their family’s mysterious and tragic past, a quest that will help Anna understand her place and her purpose in the world.
The German Girl sweeps from Berlin at the brink of the Second World War to Cuba on the cusp of revolution, to New York in the wake of September 11, before reaching its deeply moving conclusion in the tumult of present-day Havana. Based on a true story, this masterful novel gives voice to the joys and sorrows of generations of exiles, forever seeking a place called home.more
Set during World War II, this story will pull at your heart strings as the “German girl,” who is not German at all, has to flee her country and see her family broken up. This is a sad story, but really shows the power of the human spirit.
A walk through history with a good story line.
I would make myself stop reading so the book would last longer! I did some research after completing the book- so sad! Still happening today.
Slow and a little boring. I love this time period but this book just disappointed
Very well written book about an important subject.
Good historical fiction.
One of the best books ever. I’m recommending this to all my friends.
MS St. Louis and 937
This was not covered in school in the WWII history unit. I am compelled to read more about the ship and it’s captain, Gustav Schroder, a hero. As a U.S. citizen, I am appalled by the denial of refuge. We could have saved over 700 people from uncertain death.
a wonderful read
Keep me up late one night!!!
I did’t finish the book because I had a hard time keeping track of who the characters were.
A bit difficult to follow at times
Very real experiences it seemed.
This book was excellent. I love historical fiction as authors bring to life real events but bring imaginary people into the story to make it even more realistic. A very sad story of people living during the Holocaust and while they got away from Germany, they really didn’t get away from or get over their past life and spent the rest of their life being bitter and angry, never adjusting to where they lived or tried to rebuild their lives in a positive way.
Our book club choose this book, so I had no idea of the plot line, I just started reading it. The writing style made the story easy to read, interesting, and kept me wanting to read more. This was a different take on the story of WWII, which seems to be the theme of many books out right now. We all gave the book a big thumbs up.
It’s a facinating and somewhat unusual WWII novel. I wasn’t sure where it was going but, was pleased with the ending.
This another story of how awful the Jews were treated by the Nazis, seen through the eyes of a twelve year old girl. I can’t imagine the terror it must invoke, every time someone knocks at the door. They gave everything to the Germans, and still were treated so bad.
A different side of WW II tragedy. So sad to see lives changed in this way. I was not aware of this happening.
Historical facts that everyone should know. Follows a family from Germany in 1939 to their new home.
hard to get started
I know that the scenario was somewhat true, but I didn’t like the characters.