Child of the Ruins by Kate Furnivall (Hodder & Stoughton)

"You got rid of little Felix when I was sick with fever." I was fighting to keep my voice from bouncing off the walls. "Yet you won’t tell me how or where you got rid of him, what you did with him, whether you drowned him in a bucket like an unwanted kitten or threw him in the river. I don’t know whether his helpless little body is hidden under ruins somewhere or lying at the bottom of a well or if he is living in one of the sewers along with the rats and the slime. I don’t know because you won’t tell me. But we can’t go on like this forever."

In post-war East and West Berlin, there unfolds an extraordinary World War Two historical thriller that will grip your heart and leave an indelible mark on your soul. Follow the journey of three remarkable women - Anna, her mother, and Ingrid - as they battle their own inner demons and seek answers and vengeance in the aftermath of war. Their relationships are complex and fraught, as they navigate the treacherous landscape left behind by the ravages of war.

While Anna and Ingrid share similar motivations, their paths to survival and the pursuit of truth diverge greatly. They realize that in order to endure, they must learn the art of negotiation and adeptly navigate the tumultuous post-war world. Life in this time of confinement is a constant struggle, as everyone yearns for a better future and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their desires.

Anna's trauma runs deep, especially as she searches amongst the ruins for her lost child. The scarcity of resources, be it food, medicine, or money, pushes people to the brink of desperation, leaving them bereft of hope. Abandoned children, vengeful Soviet soldiers, espionage, and yet amidst the chaos, there is also love, care, and an indomitable will to survive.

While this novel is a mesmerizing work of fiction, it draws inspiration from the very real and extraordinary circumstances that impacted the lives of all those involved. 

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey with these captivating characters as they navigate the dark and uncertain times of war-ravaged Berlin. The tale is both compelling and evocative, filled with thrilling twists and poignant moments that will leave you breathless. And just when you think you know how it will end, prepare to be surprised.

4/5