Berliners by Vesper Stamper | Book Review

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A captivating historical fiction about two young adult brothers separated in their political views.

“Twins against the world.” That was always the twin brothers Rudi and Peter’s motto. Peter is the family’s golden child, while Rudi is stuck in his shadow. Things in Eastern Germany had been hard for the twins’ family. The Soviets are beginning to push their propaganda even more, and tension starts to rise in their family. In the middle of it all, will Peter and Rudi set aside their differences to help survive all of this uncertainty?

This book was right up my alley, as I love historical fiction. 1961 Germany was new to me. I never knew much about what was really going on in Berlin, only from the American’s view. As soon as you start reading the story, the author puts you in Berlin’s atmosphere after WWII. 
Instantly, I put down this book; I was eager to learn more about the Berlin Wall and the Cold War.

Each chapter switches between the twins, Rudi and Peter, who are complicated young people. As I mentioned, Peter is the golden child, but he longs to be himself. I rooted for him the whole story because he is my favorite character. Rudi, on the other hand, I disliked him. He sounded so whiney, always complaining, and never happy for his brother.

I enjoyed the grandma, Oma, and she cracked me up in some parts.

This book talked a lot about the desserts; the Berlin donuts (Berliners) sounded delicious. I would love to try those one day.

This well-written book keeps you on your toes and is unputdownable. The author, Vesper Stamper, created a well-thought-out mood throughout the story, which acted as a hook that drew me into the novel. You will remember this story long after you finish it.

You can find talented illustrations throughout the book that support the story beautifully. 

The strong message of this book is to always stay true to yourself and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I recommend this book to anyone interested in that part of history (Cold War) and hoping to find a melodramatic fraternal story.

Thank you, the author Ms. Vesper Stamper, the publishing company Random House (Knopf), and the marketing agency for this riveting book; now I want to read all of Ms. Stamper’s books!

My rating

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About the author

“Born in Germany and raised in New York City, Vesper Stamper writes and illustrates novels which tell, through words and pictures, stories of history’s rhymes. Her debut illustrated YA novel, What the Night Sings, about two teens emerging from the Holocaust, was a National Book Award Nominee, National Jewish Book Award Finalist, and Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner. Vesper lives with her husband, filmmaker Ben Stamper, and her two teenagers, in the Northeast.” – Book Depository.

More by the author

• What the Night Sings
• Cloud of Outrageous Blue