The Birth Of Pure Evil
The Berlin Girl by Mandy Robotham is a thrilling historical novel that will have your heart racing as you read. A blend of fact and fiction, the reader will be equally entertained and horrified.
The novel is set in Berlin during 1938 – September 1939 as we follow the fortunes of a group of newspaper reporters from Britain and America. We see the gutsy Georgie, a young woman who does not let her female sex hold her back. She is brave and daring as she sets about uncovering horrors that the Nazis want hidden. She is also kind, compassionate and loyal, doing what she has to in order to help her friends.
Within Berlin in 1938 there is an air of dislike and mistrust as the Nazi regime ramps up its evil. “Maybe your average German doesn’t believe it, but they wouldn’t dare express it.” Fear rules lives meaning many stay silent when they should speak up. It reminds me of the famous quote, “For evil to flourish it just needs good men to do nothing.”
As readers we witness what begins as one off acts of horror become ordinary everyday events – and still the people say nothing.
Jewish persecution rapidly becomes a way of life as we witness the horrors leading up to 9th November, Kristallnacht. As a historian, I knew what was coming in the autumn of 1938 but the horror still hit me like an express train. Man’s inhumanity to man is truly shocking.
The newspaper folk were brave and loyal. They did not fall for Joseph Goebbels spin on news, recognising it for the lies it was. They worked together to help which meant that they too, could become targets for Nazi atrocities.
I found The Berlin Girl a fascinating and horrifying read. Mandy Robotham has perfectly captured the pre-war atmosphere of Berlin as we witnessed the birth of pure evil. May we never forget the 6 million innocents who perished.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON