A review by eweidl
The Girl from the Mountains by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger

emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

 We all understand the difference between right and wrong. But what if wrong is the law?

 

This quote probably seems really profound to a lot of people, but as a law student all I can think of is Hart rolling in his grave. Jokes aside, I loved this book. 

 

In WWII Czechoslovakia, Magda leaves her home to go live in a small village, where she begins working in the house of a respected Jewish oncologist and his wife and daughter. When the Taubers are arrested by the Nazis, she decides that she must avenge them and keep their infant son safe, whose existence has been kept hidden from the Nazi regime. 

 

But when the Germans charged into the camp’s parameters, Magda clambered over the rim of the crater, raised her rifle and felt a force so strong behind her, and beneath her, that she knew she would not be another casualty in this war.

 

Originally, Magda continues working for the Nazi general who takes over the Tauber’s house, hoping to gain information to help the resistance. However, when she goes one step too far, she has to go on the run. What follows is Magda’s experience fighting for the Resistance against the Nazis while battling her own insecurities. Her internal and external journeys are equally riveting. 

 

While reading this book, I did feel like some points of the plot were convoluted or riddled with holes. However, when I read the author’s note it definitely improved my opinion of the book. The author was inspired by a real life story of a Nazi officer’s son born in the Czech Republic, who was circumcised by the locals who assisted with the birth.

 

I recommend this to historical fiction readers who love strong female protagonists. Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.