*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
RECIPIENT OF THE B.R.A.G. MEDALLION
Blurb: Stay or flee? Life or family? An impossible choice.
It’s Aug 13, 1961, in Berlin Germany. Nationale Volksarmee soldiers roll barbed wire across the war-torn city to create the first Berlin Wall. Families are separated, livelihoods destroyed, death comes easily as crippling fear paralyzes the occupants on both sides of the wall. Fifteen-year-old Ella is faced with an agonizing decision. Does she risk crossing the wall and possible death to reach her family? Or does she embrace her new life and blossoming love that could be wrenched from her at any moment? West Germany and possible freedom or East Germany and controlled chaos?
Ensnare, the first book in the “Berlin Butterfly” series, is a story of life, love, survival and the struggle of living through the dark early years of the Berlin Wall. Readers will be captivated with Ella’s strength, determination, and vulnerability as she opens her heart amidst a dangerous and terrifying journey.
Ensnare is the first in a series of Berlin Butterfly books and tells the story of Ella’s struggle to survive alone and on the ‘wrong’ side of the Berlin Wall.
I am quite familiar with the history of the World Wars – before and during – but my education is sadly lacking when it comes to the aftermath. My knowledge of the Wall prior to reading this book was limited to its existence, and the fact that people celebrated when it came down in my childhood.
Leah Moyes brings to life the heartbreak and devastation of these events, educating the reader on the reasons and causes as well as the effects of such a division, whilst never losing sight of the human aspect of her story. Ella is a strong and resilient main character. At times you wonder how she can survive the hardships she faces and yet the author clearly indicates that Ella is in fact one of the ‘lucky ones’ in her situation, and Ella herself often recognises this.
This is a war romance story, but more than that, it is a glimpse into part of history that seems almost incomprehensible to us now… even as the modern parallels are stacking up around us. Leah Moyes tells an entertaining story, with some important messages about division and hatred, inclusion and kindness, which will sadly resonate with many readers today.
I deliberately walked towards the Brandenburg Tor. It was not a common path, though one developed as of late. I watched angrily as soldiers worked diligently to reinforce the segregated cage that now cut Berlin in half. The barbed wire that had originally been rolled out the night the boys left proved to not be strong enough to keep people in. Efforts for a crueler bind were being developed, but nothing – not even concrete blocks or wire – could stop some people from trying… this the steady sound of gunshots from day one and nearly every day since.
– Leah Moyes, Berlin Butterfly: Ensnare
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Berlin Butterfly: Ensnare (and the sequel, Berlin Butterfly: Deception) is available to purchase on Amazon now.
Bookshine And Readbows 