Before Berlin (Berlin Butterfly Series, #4) by Leah Moyes

Before Berlin (Berlin Butterfly Series, #4) Reviews

• 
  Ronald

  A great exciting story
  
  Before Berlin is one of the best stories I have read in World War II historical fiction. It is very balanced in drama, romance, action, friendship. The main character, Aleksandra, experiences so many hardships, yet somehow manages to rise above them, in spite of the hurt, pain and suffering and tragedy. She is surrounded by good friends, "family," who have endured much of the same trauma as she did. She finds romance, only to lose it; but then, with seemingly no hope and no future, a small village becomes her destination. For more, you will have to read the story. And a good story it is. I highly recommend Before Berlin.
• 
  Robyn Echols

  Excellent Story
  
  I enjoyed this story that covered the days of Lebens in Germany as a Polish girl with German ancestry is pulled into the program after Germany conquered that nation during World War Two. The plot included a series of difficulties, the making of close relationships, and a heartwarming conclusion.
• 
  Kristin Zimmerman

  hard to put down
  
  I found it very hard to put this book down! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series! Sad but an amazing read!
• 
  Elizabeth Fellows

  Before Berlin
  Berlin Butterfly Series by Leah Moses
  Another heartbreaking story about life during WWII when Germany was in turmoil and their values were completely convoluted. This book is the prequel to the other books in the series.
  In 1935 the Lebensborn program was developed by Himmler. As the war progressed the German Army decided to abduct some beautiful blue eyed blooded girls from Łódź in Poland, so they would participate in the Lebensborn program. 17 girls were chosen for transport, some as young as 11.
  On transportation from Poland to Germany their transport was hit by British bombs. What transpired was phenomenal. The most unbelievable things happened. The author explains in detail what the 17 young ladies went through. The storyline is extremely clever with truism for the time during WWII and what transpired to people under the Nazi’s. The author holds the readers interest from start to finish with this book. A marvellous book that is hard to put down. The story makes you weep with all the challenges that the ladies handled.
  This book is beyond any doubt a profound story.
  
• 
  wendi c duncan

  This book was a little hard for me to read as both my grandparents were in camps, but so much of that is a mystery to me these kind of books always make me wonder about all the family rumors,from being paid to have a baby for hitler to how they even met most of thier lives will remain a mystery to me, that I find obsessive and fascinating. Obviously this was a great book.
• 
  Julia

  Before Berlin by Leah Moyes is a heartbreaking and awe-inspiring historical novel that totally consumed me. It is the prequel to the Berlin Butterfly series.
  The novel is set in the World War II years and up to 1947 as we follow the lead character, a teen from Lodz in Poland.
  We see the courage it takes to survive and how one had to be adaptable. A good heart, full of compassion for many, is admirable in times of war. “We attended church enough for me to know God would not want me to hate my enemies. But where was God now?” It is easy to believe that God has abandoned us in the bad times, but we have to trust that God is there, helping us. And that He sees us. “The only logical explanation for my good fortune had to be the hand of God… Maybe He hadn’t completely turned His back on us.”
  A character steps up to lead, declaring. “If not me… who?” This reminded me of in the Bible where God asks “Who shall I send?” and the reply is “Here I am, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8). We have to do what we can, when we can and trust God to do the rest.
  Not all Germans were Nazis. “There is at least one good German in the world.” We had to be careful when trust was in short supply, but there were still good people out there.
  We see the importance of our responses to situations. “Sometimes you can’t stop the bad things from happening.” Life happens and we cannot control it, but we can choose our attitudes and our actions.
  The reader hears about the Lebensborn program and is horrified to see the selection process outside Germany.
  Within the novel, the action is set in various places including Lodz, Dresden and Leipzig. My heart sank as we moved to Dresden as I knew just what was coming. Leah Moyes has perfectly captured the horrors of the bombing raids with her words.
  The black American soldiers who fought and did their bit, still faced much prejudice, both from their fellow countrymen and the local German population. It was good to see a character respond to the heart that beats beneath the skin.
  All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic. Leah Moyes has described the horrors of war both within Germany and without. We see courage, strength of character and kind hearts that help where they can.
  Before Berlin will educate you as you read. As a historian, passionate about World War II, I found it a unique and comprehensive account through the eyes of a Polish teen.
  I thoroughly enjoyed Before Berlin and look forward to reading much more by Leah Moyes.
  I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
  
• 
  Navysquid

  Finished this amazing read by author Moyes. She tells of where her main character from the Berlin Butterfly series, Ella, comes from...Before Berlin is Ella's Mom's story during WWII. This is a very moving and captivating read. I was unaware of the Nazi's program of taking young, blonde girls from families to produce Hitler's perfect race. You NEED to read this book and the whole series - fantastic storyteller is Moyes.
• 
  Holly

  Not a bad story, but some of it didn’t make sense. I think if you are going to write about such a serious topic, you should at least endeavour to be mostly accurate. For example, when the girls initially were being transported, Aleksandra had to translate German to Polish for them. Yet when they arrived in Dresden all the girls could not only speak German, they could speak so well, they could take on German identities! Also Aleksandra becomes a nursing assistant with no experience. The nurse who was supposed to train her doesn’t and just throws her in. But with a patient’s guidance is able to change a burn wound dressing! Honestly I could go on and on.
  The last part was also ridiculous, with how they dealt with after the war and what happened to them.
  Sorry, I know I’m in the minority here.
• 
  Betty B

  I really enjoyed this prequel! I had read the Berlin Butterfly series a couple of years ago but so glad Moyes came out with the story of how Ella ended up in an orphanage in the first place. This novel about her mom is a roller coaster of emotion with it being during the war, but I learned things I didn't know and as always enjoy her style of writing!
• 
  Kristin Breaux

  Wow
  
  I couldn't put this book down. The characters and events were expertly crafted and so realistic, my heart truly ached by the end. At the same time, i didn't want it to end. I won't easily forget this book.
• 
  Margaret Wray

  Interesting story from start to finish. The story of a young girl removed from her family during WW11 and her journey through the war years. Finding love, forgiveness and understanding. To me the story was a bit like reading a diary but still a good read.
• 
  Jean Hansen

  
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