The Berlin Sisters by Soraya M Lane

The Ultimate Sacrifice

The Berlin Sisters by Soraya M Lane is a powerful historical novel that I read in just one sitting. It was an all-consuming read.

The novel is set in Berlin from 1943 towards the end of World War II. At that time, the tide was beginning to turn against the Nazis. Even some within the Party were plotting the downfall of Hitler and the regime. Life was fragile. Trust was in short supply. “Everyone was ready and waiting to catch the other out.”

A resistance movement grew up. We witness extraordinary acts of bravery by ordinary people who stood up for what was right.

Everyone had to choose their actions. Each were responsible for their choices. With choices, came consequences.

What seemed acceptable in 1939 was no longer acceptable in 1943. “I didn’t believe him. I never believed that this madness [the final solution] would ever be allowed to come to fruition.” Men had become monsters.

We follow two sisters who each resist in their own way. Their father who is high up in the Nazi party is disillusioned, and resists, knowing the risks he now takes.

There is much bravery in hiding a Jewish family and also in smuggling Jewish children out of Berlin, just one or two at a time, but each life makes a difference.

There are characters who know they must survive in order to tell the world of the atrocities. They owe it to all those who perished.

Soraya M Lane has constructed a powerful tale that is grounded in historical facts. I look forward to reading more by her.

The Berlin Sisters must be read in memory of the six million innocents who cannot tell what they suffered.

JULIA WILSON

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