“She would have to be careful. But surely no one would recognize her now?”
Clara hides in post-WWII Germany under a different name until someone recognizes her and unveils her true identity. Is that all she is? Her whole life comes down to the years during the war when she made poor choices. The focus of this novel illuminates morality through the eyes of a female war criminal.
Clara’s circumstances put the reader in tight spot, and it is hard to trust her sometimes. As soon as I leaned one way, the next chapter would sway my feelings towards the opposite direction. I wanted hope, but I wanted justice.
Other characters thrown into the mix went well with the progress and principles of the story. One character particularly, who I don’t want to say because it would spoil it, had a really sad story regarding the influence that the war had on him even after it is over. Secrets, betrayal, and deception are buried deep within Clara’s family. Expect a twist or two!
Chapters are told in third person. While there are small flashbacks here and there, the bulk of the novel takes place after the war in 1946. There is one brief animal abuse scene near the beginning of the story.
The German Heiress is Anika Scott’s debut novel. Visit her website to learn more.
Read Publisher Weekly’s review for The German Heiress.
The German Heiress is also titled Finding Clara in the UK. Click here to learn more about the two titles.
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Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy. Opinions are my own.