Mini Review: A Night Divided by Jennifer A Nielsen

A Night Divided by Jennifer A Nielsen

From NYT bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen comes a stunning thriller about a girl who must escape to freedom after the Berlin Wall divides her family between east and west.

With the rise of the Berlin Wall, twelve-year-old Gerta finds her family suddenly divided. She, her mother, and her brother Fritz live on the eastern side, controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother, who had gone west in search of work, cannot return home. Gerta knows it is dangerous to watch the wall, to think forbidden thoughts of freedom, yet she can’t help herself. She sees the East German soldiers with their guns trained on their own citizens; she, her family, her neighbors and friends are prisoners in their own city.

But one day, while on her way to school, Gerta spots her father on a viewing platform on the western side, pantomiming a peculiar dance. Then, when she receives a mysterious drawing, Gerta puts two and two together and concludes that her father wants Gerta and Fritz to tunnel beneath the wall, out of East Berlin. However, if they are caught, the consequences will be deadly. No one can be trusted. Will Gerta and her family find their way to freedom? -Amazon

Dedication

My photo-bomber

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My (short and sweet) thoughts: Wow. I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down!

I chose the book largely because of the cover. The barbed wire. The separation of loved ones. The darkness. I also chose it because it is historical fiction-1961 in East Germany. It starts with the rise of the Berlin Wall that divides her country and her family.
What I loved most about this book was that at the start of each chapter, were quotes from world-reknowned leaders as well as German proverbs. They were quotes about freedom, friendship, and perseverance. I am going to write down all of the quotes, they were that inspiring.

Quotes at the opening of the chapters.

This is a book that keeps you questioning, guessing, and on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend to history lovers and readers who enjoy rooting for freedom and family.

Things I would change: There were a few moments I felt were drawn out and I just wanted the story to move along. It may have been my impatience to see that everyone would survive though!

I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. There is some violence, but it is a great story based on a historical event that changed many people’s lives. It is important to read this book, and books like it.

Happy reading!