The German Girl - by Lily Lily Graham (Paperback)

About the Book

"Hamburg 1938. Fifteen-year-old Asta is hurrying home from school with her twin brother Jurgen. The mood in the city is tense--synagogues have been smashed with sledgehammers, and Asta is too frightened to laugh as she used to. But when she and Jurgen are stopped in the street by a friend, her world implodes further. Her Jewish parents have been dragged into the streets by German soldiers and if she and Jurgen return to their house, they will be taken too. Heartbroken at the loss of her parents, Asta knows they must flee. With her beloved brother, she must make the perilous journey across Germany and into Denmark to reach their only surviving relative"--Back cover.

Book Synopsis

'Our parents were taken. And if we go home, the Nazis will take us too...'

Hamburg 1938. Fifteen-year-old Asta is hurrying home from school with her twin brother Jurgen. The mood in the city is tense - synagogues have been smashed with sledgehammers, and Asta is too frightened to laugh as she used to.

But when she and Jurgen are stopped in the street by a friend, her world implodes further. Her Jewish parents have been dragged into the streets by German soldiers and if she and Jurgen return to their house, they will be taken too.

Heartbroken at the loss of her parents, Asta knows they must flee. With her beloved brother, she must make the perilous journey across Germany and into Denmark to reach their only surviving relative, her aunt Trine, a woman they barely know.

Jammed into a truck with other refugees, Asta prays for a miracle to save herself and Jurgen. Crossing the border is a crime punishable by death, and what she and Jurgen must embark on a dangerous crossing on foot, through the snowy forest dividing Germany and Denmark. And when barking dogs and armed soldiers find Jurgen and Asta escapes, she must hold on to hope no matter what. One day she will find her twin, the other half of herself. Whatever the price she has to pay...

A gripping and poignant read that will break your heart and give you hope. Fans of Fiona Valpy, Kristin Hannah and Catherine Hokin will be gripped by the story of a brave brother and sister seeking safety during one of the darkest times in our history.

What everyone's saying about The German Girl:

'Keep the tissues handy... By far the absolute best book I've read this year!... I devoured it in one sitting... a historical fiction masterpiece... Please keep writing, Lily Graham, the world needs more of your books! ' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I absolutely loved this book; it was beautifully written being heart-breaking and heart-warming in equal parts... I was completely hooked. The author has done a fabulous job in capturing what it must have been like at the time, and as I read, I could feel the tension and how frightening it must have been. The suspense which filled the pages kept me on the edge of my seat and had my heart beating so fast with the anticipation of it all. The chapter endings were written perfectly with so many cliff-hangers that it was impossible to put down!! It was an absolutely amazing book, one which I was completely captivated by. Full of emotions and sadness, but also with lots of love, family and friendships. This book will stay with you for such a long time after you've finished reading it... Would highly recommend!!' Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What everyone's saying about Lily Graham:

'Absolutely one of the best books I have read... Lily Graham has written one of the best books of the year in my honest opinion! If I could have given this a higher rating than 5 stars I would have done so... truly an unforgettable story!' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐