Leipzig, 1930s Germany.
Hetty Heinrich is a perfect German child. Her father is an SS officer, her brother in the Luftwaffe, herself a member of the BDM. She believes resolutely in her country, and the man who runs it.
Until Walter changes everything. Blond-haired, blue-eyed, perfect in every way Walter. The boy who saved her life. A Jew.
Anti-semitism is growing by the day, and neighbours, friends and family members are turning on one another. As Hetty falls deeper in love with a man who is against all she has been taught, she begins to fight against her country, her family and herself.
Hetty will have to risk everything to save Walter, even if it means sacrificing herself…
Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Book Thief.
Thought-Provoking, Compelling Read! 
I’m not sure I can manage to put into words how I feel about this book – but I’ll do my best.
Hetty Heinrich is the epitome of the perfect German child in the 1930’s. With her father an officer in the SS, a brother desperate to join the forces and a mother who does everything expected of her as a dutiful wife, Hetty believes in everything the Fuhrer expects of the people. Until she falls in love with Walter .. beautiful, blonde-haired blue eyed Jewish Walter . . .
This is a good solid read, not to be rushed. A novel to wallow in, to savour – and probably one of the most thought-provoking I’ve ever come across. Each time I’ve put the book aside – to eat, to sleep – I’ve had so much to digest. I thought I knew about the second World War and the time leading up to it (studied for my O-level History), but I realise now that there was a whole chunk of information missing. It’s quite clear that there has been meticulous research by the author who has then went on to write a compelling story, incorporating lots of historical fact alongside what is a heart-wrenching tale. This is not a book I will forget anytime soon, and I urge everyone to continue reading beyond the epilogue in order to find out the importance of writing this to the author. All-consuming and beautifully written, this is one novel which deserves the highest of accolades and I feel five glowing, sparkling stars are barely enough. An amazing read!
My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley and to Vicky Joss for my spot on this tour; this is – as always – my honest, original and unbiased review.
Tags: historical fiction
- Format: ebook, paperback, hardcover, audiobook
- Size: 528 pages
- Publisher: Head of Zeus
- Publication Date: 7 May 2020
- Links: Goodreads
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- amazon
Author Bio
Louise Fein holds an MA in Creative Writing from St. Mary’s University. Prior to studying for her master’s, she ran a commodity consultancy business following a career in banking and law. She lives in Surrey with her family. People Like Us is inspired by her family history, and by the alarming parallels she sees between the early 30’s and today.
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Grace J Reviewerlady 