After reading The Berlin Zookeeper, The Yellow Bird Sings and The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz, I decided to read another WW2 novel. The Night Train to Berlin is the fourth novel by Melanie Hudson, published in 2021.
Melanie Hudson is an award-winning, bestselling author of contemporary and 20th century historical fiction.
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Plot
The Night Train To Berlin is told over two timelines. In 1944, gutsy war artist Eliza meets Alex, an injured RAF pilot and war correspondent, on the night train to Cornwall. Despite their lives seemingly heading in different directions, the couple have an instant connection. With time slipping away they make only one promise: to meet in Berlin when this is all over. Promises are hard to keep during wartime but the hope they will be together in the end keeps them fighting for what they believe in.
In the present day, shy violinist Ellie climbs aboard the very same train to Cornwall, hoping for an adventure of her own. It’s here she meets Joe, a kind, charming and somewhat geeky Yorkshireman and the bond is instant. But will she allow herself the chance of happiness?
The story is a tale of love, loss, hope and the magic of the night train.
The Night Train to Berlin Book Review
The Night Train To Berlin was beautifully written. The vivid descriptions displayed the juxtaposition of the beautiful Cornish coastline and the horrors of the Normandy beaches. It must have been so harrowing, not only for the servicemen but for the nurses tending to the dead and wounded.
I loved the slow pace of the novel in the first half of the book where the author takes the time to introduce us to the main protagonists. I loved Alex and the way he challenges Eliza and encourages her to take chances. I also enjoyed how this swaggering war hero wasn’t ashamed to show humility and kindness. I’m a big fan of a strong female lead and Eliza Grey was definitely a force to be reckoned with.
The dialogue between all the characters was interesting and realistic. I enjoyed the friendship between Eliza and Nancy and could only imagine the importance of having a true friend during such a harrowing time. The dual timelines were done well, and the 1940s theme upon the train in the present-day prevented the time jumps from feeling too jarring.
Amidst the horror of the war, the story is unapologetically romantic. I loved the symbolism of the clock stuck at a certain time and the romance of the night train. There are a lot of coincidences but I do think that was the author’s intention.
The ending felt a little too abrupt for me. I felt like it ended too soon with a few questions unanswered. However, on the whole, I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and will definitely read more by her. I love a well-written romance and the characters, especially Alex and Eliza, will stay with me.
What to read next
I would highly recommend The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Book of Lost Names by Kristen Harmel as they are two of my favourite WW2 novels.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. For more information please see my disclosure policy.
Rebecca Smith
Friday 9th of April 2021
It is a shame that the ending felt a little abrupt but the book does sound like a beautiful read and I like that it has two different timelines running through it.
forkwardthinkingfoodinista
Thursday 8th of April 2021
Love this kind of book, but like you I hate sudden endings and when the book has unanswered questions can be a little frustrating x
rhianwestbury
Thursday 8th of April 2021
I do like books like this that cover two different timelines or stories which somehow connect. But it's a shame that it ended too quickly x
melissa major
Thursday 8th of April 2021
Sounds like a very interesting read, shame it didn't end without all answers, can be annoying for sure! Great honest review
Playdays and Runways
Thursday 8th of April 2021
Thanks for the honest review. I really don't like it when books or films end abruptly without giving you the answers you need