Review: Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

In 1930s Munich, danger lurks behind dark corners, and secrets are buried deep within the city. But Gretchen Müller, who grew up in the National Socialist Party under the wing of her "uncle" Dolf, has been shielded from that side of society ever since her father traded his life for Dolf's, and Gretchen is his favorite, his pet.

Uncle Dolf is none other than Adolf Hitler.

And Gretchen follows his every command.

Until she meets a fearless and handsome young Jewish reporter named Daniel Cohen. Gretchen should despise Daniel, yet she can't stop herself from listening to his story: that her father, the adored Nazi martyr, was actually murdered by an unknown comrade. She also can't help the fierce attraction brewing between them, despite everything she's been taught to believe about Jews.

As Gretchen investigates the very people she's always considered friends, she must decide where her loyalties lie. Will she choose the safety of her former life as a Nazi darling, or will she dare to dig up the truth—even if it could get her and Daniel killed?

From debut author Anne Blankman comes this harrowing and evocative story about an ordinary girl faced with the extraordinary decision to give up everything she's ever believed . . . and to trust her own heart instead.

Hardcover, 416 pages

Expected publication: April 22nd 2014 by Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

 

Terri's Thoughts:

 

I received an ARC of this book from HarperCollins via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication data is April 22, 2014.

 

I feel the need to add an additional disclaimer before I begin.  I am a huge fan of historical fiction and more specific stories centralized around WWII and its events.  I was pre-dispositioned to like this novel based on the synopsis given.  I was right and I was wrong.

 

I was right because I thoroughly enjoyed this read.  I was wrong because this story took place before the war and at the beginning of Hitler's rise to power.  I have to admit it was strange having Hitler referred to as Uncle Dolf however it offered an interesting perspective to the story.  To have someone who knew no other way than his become enlightened to the world outside her bubble.  The transition was wonderful to read.

 

Add in the forbidden love story.  Blankman came up with a real gem with the character of Daniel.  The way he opened Gretchen's eyes and supported her was priceless.  Their chemistry was undeniable.  What was really refreshing is that the love story remained clean so that it is suitable for younger readers.  This is a great book to introduce the younger generation to the horror's of the time yet still keep them entertained.

 

This was a great read and I believe there will be two more books to make this a series.  I will be keeping my eye out for their release so that I can continue on the journey with Gretchen.  There are so many possibilities where this story can go from here and I can't wait.

 

About the Author

Anne Blankman may have been meant to be a writer because her parents named her for Anne of Green Gables. She grew up in an old house with gables (gray, unfortunately) in upstate New York. When she wasn't writing or reading, she was rowing on the crew team, taking ballet lessons, fencing and swimming. She graduated from Union College with degrees in English and history, which comes in handy when she writes historical fiction.

After earning a master's degree in information science, Anne began working as a youth services librarian. Currently, she lives in southeastern Virginia with her family. When she's not writing young adult fiction, she's playing with her daughter, training for races with her husband, working at her amazing library branch, learning to knit (badly), and reading.

Anne Blankman is the author of PRISONER OF NIGHT AND FOG, the first in a three-book deal slated for publication in spring 2014 from Balzer + Bray | HarperCollins. She is represented by Tracey Adams of Adams Literary.


Website:  http://www.anneblankman.com    
Twitter: AnneBlankman