Berlin, 1937: Tragedy brings Amelie Meyer back to Berlin. It’s been four years since she and her sister were forced to flee, leaving everything behind—including their father and stepmother. Transformed by the Nazis, Berlin is now a drab and dangerous city and Amelie can’t wait to return to Paris. But before she can leave, she finds herself swept up in an intrigue that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her father. What is the truth? Is he a traitor or a hero? The only way to find out is to put her own life on the line.
The sequel to Girl on the Run, The Doktor’s Daughter is inspired by real historical events.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: McDonald’s novel is a richly developed historical fiction piece that follows a young Jewish girl in Nazi Germany. The story’s sense of place is strongly created in subtle and discreet ways that propel the plot forward seamlessly, and McDonald is an engrossing storyteller.
Prose: McDonald delivers a fine-tuned narrative with crisp prose that fits the intended audience perfectly. Even the more challenging and tense scenes are skillfully portrayed, and readers are afforded plenty of space to make the story their own.
Originality: The most original aspect of this novel is McDonald’s impeccable storytelling. The premise will not surprise readers, but the writing style conveys a fresh take on the historical moment.
Character Development/Execution: Amelie will be an intriguing protagonist for young adult readers, especially given her staunch loyalty to uncovering the secrets behind her father’s death. Supporting characters take a backseat to her heroics – a potential drawback that could lessen the story’s impact.
Blurb: A well-crafted foray into Nazi Germany through the eyes of a young Jewish girl trying to solve the mystery of her father's death.
Date Submitted: April 14, 2022
