Fraulein M.

As a history buff, I was so excited to read the book blurb. A different take on one of my favorite subjects? Yes please! Fraulein M. is definitely unique in its backstory, especially the underground/ counter culture that we don't get to hear a lot about from most fiction works on the subject. I enjoyed the storyline, the characters and the writing.I enjoyed the read, but felt like the ending fell flat, or maybe rushed is a better word. To me, there's nothing worse than reading a book, waiting patiently (or not so patiently...) for certain things to happen because you know it's just on the next page... and then getting an ending that doesn't fit or wrap things up... and not necessarily all neat and tidy-like. It can be ugly. I'm not that girl looking for fairy tale endings. Both the blurb and the jacket paint a much racier picture than what the book actually portrays. This too, was somewhat of a disappointment. Not a deal breaker... just disappointing. The good thing about fiction and reviews is that they are subjective. I love the apple green color I chose for my kitchen, but others don't. Some people like to hang their flat screens over their mantles, but not me. It's okay though, to have different tastes. This book was well-written... I just wanted more from the ending and relationships.

A captivating and important read! Caroline Woods draws you in to this page turner story of two sisters on opposite sides of the political spectrum during the coming of age of World War II. Her research is impeccable. Her MFA from Boston University is evident as is her teaching background at BU and the Boston Conservatory. I couldn't put it down; especially in light of recent events that have happened here in our own country. But this is not a political book; it is a book of moral heart tugs, difficult decisions and dilemmas that all families face against the backdrop of a terrible event. Ms. Woods is very astute and has done her homework. I often stopped and went back over and reread certain passages, just noticing how her characters (no spoilers here) picked up even the smallest details. I've no doubt a movie will be forthcoming; it has all the right stuff and wonderful characters who will have Hollywood's best fighting to option the movie rights. The author herself is a cross between Naomi Watts and Gwyneth Paltrow! KS

Written in a time and place in history I found so, so interesting, pre-WWII Germany, this very creatively written story captivated me. The characters of Bernie, Grete and Anita were beautifully developed and came alive for me. It's one of those books I had a hard time putting down and looked forward to picking up again as soon as possible. Caroline Woods has written a very enjoyable first novel. Bravo!

I flew through this novel and was utterly captivated from start to finish. The characters and story were so engrossing, and the time period is one that we don't often see through a fictional lens, as most novels that deal with Hitler's Germany take on what was going on during the Holocaust, rather than what led up to it. That was one of the book's greatest strengths, as it shed light on a lesser known subject that is beginning to feel all too familiar in today's world. As such, this is an important read, not just a thoroughly enjoyable one.

The author sets out with what begins as a compelling, yet simple story of 2 sisters in a 1930's German orphanage. Berni and Grete are both well-written from the outset and they cling to each other through the harshest of circumstances.They leave the orphanage during the Nazi rise to power. The author does an outstanding job of painting the time. We see not just rampant poverty and unemployment, but also the avant-garde social ideals regarding homosexuality, gender identity and suffrage. We also see why the Nazi rise to power was to happen. I learned a great deal from this book about that period.This book is deeply exploratory of gender dysphoria and the unimaginable struggle one with such issues went through then and to a large degree, even now. Germany was at the forefront of the understanding human sexuality until the Nazis tore down the Institute.We are taken to 1970, where letters are received and more is learned. The story moves effortlessly through these times laying out tragedy and triumph, love and heartbreak, loyalty and betrayal in places, people and times unexpected.This book is unique, touching and despite the subject matter- an absolute pleasure to read. I tip my hat to Ms. Woods for being able to navigate her characters and readers through horrors with such a steady hand. I have nothing to criticize, as I find this to be an excellent book that I am so pleased to have purchased and read.

This book was excellent and I highly recommend it. Caroline Woods captured the essence of the characters in keeping with a fast paced story. The story was well written and held my attention throughout. I found the book to be similar to The Nightengale, by Kristin Hannah and just as well written. I look forward to reading Ms. Woods next book.

The problem with watching your world come to an end is you don't really think it's happening until it's too late to stop it from happening. Ms. Woods' gripping tale of sisters coming of age while fascism envelopes a nation reminds us how matters of the heart can muddy the waters. Doing what's right often comes at a price after a delay, after seeing wrong done, and this time-traveling depiction seamlessly drops us in and out of known history and unknown outcomes. Tenderly rendered characters in extraordinary times humble us into interrogating ourselves through the lenses of hindsight, current events, and family secrets, what we might, would we, could we have done differently? Life is temporary. Love, liberty, and guilt are eternal.