This historical romance was a bit of a change for me, and I largely enjoyed it. I enjoyed the descriptions of life in Berlin in the 1940s and how it changed over the course of the war. I found the summaries of world events at the start of each chapter particularly moving - the idea of Bambi being released as all these horrors were occurring particularly struck me. The inclusion of excerpts from the real Stella's court transcript was also a strength of the book. I didn't realise Stella was a real person until finishing the novel, which perhaps lessened their impact, but it was a good way to blend fact and fiction.
However, I struggled to connect with the main character, Friedrich. I enjoyed the descriptions of his childhood in Switzerland, but he became a little too introverted and passive during the Berlin scenes for me. His relationship with Stella never felt particularly passionate or moving, and I would have liked a greater exploration of the moral complexities of her situation. However, there is only so far you can go in ficitonalising the life of a real person, and I did appreciate that Würger didn't make her hero or villain, but rather reserved judgement.
However, I struggled to connect with the main character, Friedrich. I enjoyed the descriptions of his childhood in Switzerland, but he became a little too introverted and passive during the Berlin scenes for me. His relationship with Stella never felt particularly passionate or moving, and I would have liked a greater exploration of the moral complexities of her situation. However, there is only so far you can go in ficitonalising the life of a real person, and I did appreciate that Würger didn't make her hero or villain, but rather reserved judgement.