Marion Kummerow is a historical fiction novel set in World War 2. The second book in a trilogy, Margarete’s Journey, which I can say can be read as a standalone. I shall be catching up with the trilogy pretty soon as this was a great and enthralling read.
1942, Germany: When a young woman calling herself Annegret Huber unexpectedly inherits a huge fortune, including a house and factory just outside Berlin, her first thought is to try to see out the war quietly, avoiding the Gestapo and SS as best she can.
No one needs to know her dark secret. She must focus on staying hidden. Because she can’t risk being exposed for who she truly is. Not really Annegret. But a girl living a secret life. A girl who was once called Margarete.
But then an encounter with an escaped prisoner changes everything, as Margarete discovers what is happening at the factory and its attached labor camp. Witnessing first-hand the suffering of prisoners—shivering, with faces gaunt from hunger, as they work in brutal and cruel conditions—she realises she must act.
If she can save just one life, she knows she has to. Because the truth is that Margarete resembles the prisoners in the camp in ways she daren’t admit. And on the other side of the fence, she has seen a face that is achingly familiar…
From The Dark We Rise is a book full of suspense and also sadness. Margarete is a woman who is playing a very dangerous game that would end her life if discovered. She is masquerading as Annegret, risking her life every day. A strong and brave woman who discovers the house she has inherited (as Annegret) has a labour camp attached to the factory. She finds it disgusting enough and then she sees a face she knows behind the fence. From that moment she is determined to do what she can.
What a captivating read, a fiction story that could so easily be non fiction. Marion Kummerow has researched and created so much authenticity that you feel like you are with the characters and can’t be sure whether this actually happened or not!
The characters are realistically portrayed and my heart went out to Margerete and the people she wanted to save. A very emotional and unforgettable read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the copy of the book
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