I love historical fiction, it’s one of my favourite genres. Therefore when I was offered the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Girl Behind The Wall by Mandy Robotham I couldn’t wait to read it.
The Girl Behind The Wall was published in 2021 and the story focuses on the impact of the Berlin Wall. I’ve read several books based in Berlin during the 20th century, such as The Berlin Zookeeper and The Night Train to Berlin but this is the first novel I’ve read set after the war.
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Plot
When the Berlin Wall goes up literally overnight, twins Karin and Jutta are separated. After falling ill the day before, Karin wakes up in hospital on the eastern side of the city, with Jutta and the rest of her family at home in the west. Trapped under Soviet rule, Karin has to learn to adapt and survive in East Berlin with no way back to her beloved family. Unable to contact Karin, Jutta tries everything in her power to reach her beloved sister.
For years the sisters live parallel lives on opposite sides of the wall. Karin finds love with Otto, and finally finds hope and a semblance of happiness. When Jutta finds a hidden way through the wall the sisters are delighted to be reunited. However, with Soviet spies everywhere, Karin needs to make a decision. Should she flee to the west and be with her family, or sacrifice all she knows to be with the man she loves?
The Girl Behind The Wall Book Review
I was five when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 so I knew very little about the politics surrounding it all. In all honesty, I knew very little about post-war Berlin as a whole. The book is clearly well researched and while it is a fictional story, it’s set against the backdrop of real-life events. I found the political aspects fascinating and I can only imagine the devastation the wall created for those living in Berlin.
The story is told from both Karin and Jutta’s perspectives with each chapter dedicated to each twin’s experience. I felt this was really well done and emphasised the stark contrast of living on either side of the wall. I loved the relationship between Karin and Jutta and how they may be separated by the wall yet still bound by familial love and loyalty.
I did find the story a little slow in the middle but it did pick back up again towards the end.
I’ll definitely be looking out for more books by Mandy Robotham.
Has Mandy Robotham written any other novels?
Mandy Robotham has also written:
- A Woman of War (2018)
- The Secret Messenger (2019)
- The Berlin Girl (2020)
- The Resistance Girl (2022)
- The War Pianist (2023)
- The Hidden Storyteller (2024)
What should I read after The Girl Behind The Wall?
If you like 20th century fiction based on true events you may also be interested in The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah and In Memoriam by Alice Winn.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information please see my disclosure policy.