My biggest dislike was the historical accuracy of the novel. Many dates were off, among other things. For example: In 1935 Ilse is part of the BDM but has not experienced or succumbed to any racial propaganda, which is largely unlikely. The Nuremburg Race Laws were started in September of 1935; but before that time they already tolerated violence against Jews and that year in particular was a violent one.
The story reasons Isle joining the BDM to feel like she is part of something. Yes, the feeling of being part of change and being something bigger was appealing, while the monetary value was also substantial to those effected by the recent depression shortly before. Everyone had their own reason for joining, but antisemitism was prevalent and very much understood–especially with BDM leaders and it is ignored in this novel until later in 1938. Among other things during this time, they were indeed taught to identify Jews as the enemies. The novel does not accurately reveal these thoughts or ideals for youth members until years later.
In another chapter set during 1936, it talks about British Boy Scouts coming to participate with the Hitlerjugend. This seems highly unlikely since Hitler’s Party banned the Boy Scouts in 1935.
I didn’t enjoy chapter for Ava as much as I did the chapters for Renate and Isle. Some parts of the chapters for Ava almost seem like “fillers” and unrelated.
There is an attempt to connect the story to Alice in Wonderland, but it is done so loosely and poorly. The transitions and timing of this connection are not smoothly made and are awkward for the reader.
However, I did enjoy the ending to this novel and the overall relationship between Isle and Renate.