The Girl in the Shadows (Margarete's Journey #3) by Marion Kummerow
Genre: Historical fiction, Wartime fiction, WW2, Holocaust
Read: 15th March 2022
Published: 23rd March 2022
★★★★ 4 stars
DESCRIPTION:
1943, Germany: Two years ago, fate gave a beautiful young Jewish woman named Margarete Rosenbaum the chance to survive the Nazis, by pretending to be one of them, hiding in plain sight. Now she must make a terrifying decision…
Margarete lives as Annegret Huber would have, in a beautiful rural mansion by a forest in northern Germany. She is the heiress to the entire Huber fortune—one which she has devastatingly discovered includes a factory and Nazi prison camp. Margarete has done everything she can to help improve conditions there, and to reduce suffering for the prisoners who remind her so much of her own lost family and friends.
However, as the war rages on and the Nazi party becomes more brutal in its treatment of Jews, she realizes she must do more. She has to help the prisoners escape to real safety, because they will never be safe in Hitler’s Germany.
She’s heard of a route to freedom through Sweden. Although that means secretly reaching out to the resistance. With the risk of betrayal at every turn, her enquiries lead her to a man named Stefan, who she instantly feels a powerful connection to. But she fears he will never trust her… unless she reveals the secret that keeps her safe.
At the same time, a Nazi officer begins to show romantic interest in her, making it harder to keep her identity a secret. His loyalty to the party is beyond question, so if he finds her out, not only will her plan be at risk, but also her life and those of everyone she cares for.
But can she let that fear stop her from saving others? Because she knows she herself could so easily be one of the faces on the other side of the fence. And that, in the darkest times, sometimes the only person who can rise up is the girl in the shadows…
The powerful third novel in Marion Kummerow’s bestselling Margarete’s Journey series is an unforgettable and devastating story, perfect for fans of The Nightingale, The Lilac Girls and All the Light We Cannot See.
MY REVIEW:
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Marion Kummerow's emotional tale THE GIRL IN THE SHADOWS.
“Living a lie has become second nature for me.” -Annegret Huber
When the German family of a high ranking SS officer were killed in a bombing raid, their Jewish maid Margarete Rosenbaum assumed the identity of their daughter Annegret, thereby ridding herself of the yellow star sewn into her clothes branding her as a Jew. Following the subsequent deaths of Annegret's brothers, she then became the sole heiress to the Huber family fortune. As was Wilhelm's wish...that she utilise that fortune for good.
For two years now she has been hiding in plain sight in the rural Huber family estate Gut Plaun where she overseers an ammunitions factory that utilises the slave labour of five hundred Jewish prisoners. In the time she has lived on the estate Margarete has worked hard to improve the conditions for all those that live and work there. Only two other people know her true identity but for safety's sake, and each other's, they continue to refer to her as Fraulein Annegret both in public and private. For who knows who may be listening.
When a new SS officer, Unterscharführer Thomas Kallfass, is transferred to take over as district leader he is determined to make a name for himself, garner a promotion and hopefully marry the lovely Annegret Huber in the process who would surely pave his way into the elite. He woos her for her name, money and status all the while making your skin crawl. Unlike his predecessor, Thomas is shrewd and sharp and nothing gets by him, so when news reaches him that exemptions have been granted for some of the Jews marked for deportation, Thomas takes it upon himself to ensure that they will indeed be eradicated from his district by the Fuhrer's birthday.
The news reaches Annegret/Margarete of his plans and she seeks help from a fisherman friend she made by chance at the harbour, Stefan, who she soon learns is not only sympathetic to the cause but is at the heart of it. A chance trip to neutral Sweden brings documents into her possession that will aid the escape of at least fifty Jews in her care. Not enough, but it's a start. But this chance comes with great risk in which Margarete does not hesitate. She continues to be resourceful with but a few on her side. But is it enough? This is the most dangerous and difficult mission Margarete has has to undertake since becoming Annegret. After two years living a lie, is Margarete's luck about to run out?
I have to say, I thought Reiner was a despicable character in the first book but he has nothing on Thomas! He is truly vile and reprehensible. And I perished the thought of he and Margarete together. Kummerow has drawn him perfectly as readers will loathe him instantly. His belittling manner towards Jews and women in general to his condescending presence in general just made me cringe. I had this deep sense of foreboding whenever he appeared.
The remaining cast of characters are a delight. From Oliver and Dora to the housekeeper and quiet manager...and then to Stefan, who was a pure delight. I loved him! I loved Wilhelm and was devastated when he perished at the end of the first book but in meeting Stefan I just know there is story and a future there. And I can't wait to find out what!
And then there was that ending! I did not expect that to happen. Wow! It was a definite surprise and superbly played. I cannot wait to see what awaits Margarete and her friends in the next book.
A truly heartwrenching tale of survival against all odds, THE GIRL IN THE SHADOWS is the emotional continuation of Magarete's journey that you don't want to miss.
I would like to thank #MarionKummerow, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGirlInTheShadows in exchange for an honest review.
MEET THE AUTHOR:
Inspired by the true story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime, she started writing historical fiction, set during World War II. Her books are filled with raw emotions, fierce loyalty and resilience. She loves to put her characters through the mangle, making them reach deep within to find the strength to face moral dilemma, take difficult decisions or fight for what is right. And she never forgets to include humor and undying love in her books, because ultimately love is what makes the world go round.
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