The First Spark of Fire by Marion Kummerow is a hard-hitting story that highlights the issues people faced in the run-up to WW2 when married to someone Jewish. Thought provoking and emotional, this is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.fiction6 s Loraine3,179

Once again Marion Kummerow focuses on Germany during World War II. Her historical research is always impeccable; and it is very evident in this well written novel that traces the rise of Hitler and the horrible passage of regulations, one after another, against the Jewish population basically leading them to a life of subjugation during his early years.christian-fiction historical-fiction history ...more4 s Robin Loves Reading2,394 405

Whenever I think of World War II and the Third Reich, I think of the 1940s. This book by Marion Kummerow begins two decades before, actually in 1923. This was when Hitler’s rise and his growing plans became more and more evident to those living in Germany.

This captivating historical fiction shows how the Nazi reign grew exponentially and what things lead up to the second world war. In fact, the lives of families of Jewish dissent were examined, including how they lost their homes and businesses, to make way for those who were serving the impending war effort. Families were divided, lives were destroyed, and tragedy ensued over and over again.

The story continues with the characters Edith and Julius in Germany during the year 1938. While their lives started off in an idyllic fashion, the Germans became really focused on those in the Jewish community, and this included Julius. More than that, Edith’s brother Joseph became an SS officer, and with her husband, being a Jewish descent, their lives were going to be at risk.

What a deep and introspective book. It was impossible not to feel for all of those affected by the pre-war days, which included the harsh prejudices and laws that were created in order to eliminate as many Jews as possible. This is a powerful story, one that shows courage and hope even in the darkest of times.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.2023-reads historical-fiction netgalley ...more4 s Nicola “Shortbookthyme”1,783 139

“Bravery against the odds”
This was a different historical fiction in that it takes us to a time period in history we do not hear about often. The story begins in 1923 before the rise of Hitler had become a reality to Germany.
The authors historical information brings to light more about what went on before the Nazi reign as well as during the reign.
The information about the beer hall coup, the fire at the Reichstag, the Night of the Long Knives were a few of the prominent historically accounts the author expanded on,
The ending left me wanting to know about the fate of the characters I had gotten to know so well. Hopefully the next book in the series will be just as good as this one was.
The First Spark of Fire is truly a heart wrenching, powerful and insightful story that I highly recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
2 s Lisa Gentry593 26

A Look at the Past & Perhaps the Future

This novel moves at a breakneck speed and I couldn't stop reading it although I often wanted to, just for some emotional relief. Set in Germany post WWI to 1938, you know with certainty what's to come for Edith and Helga, being married to Jewish men. Both women are such sympathetic characters that you know your heart will be broken. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" kept flashing through my brain as I read, with some parts feeling eerily current. This book is beautifully written and I look forward to the next one.historical-fiction netgalley women-s-fiction2 s Carolyn ArnoldAuthor 70 books1,180

This book gives an inside look at what it must have been in the years leading up to Hilter rule and after it took hold. Beforehand people were going about their lives, some struggling much more than others. Even those more influential such as Julius, one of the main characters, was quick to dismiss Hilter as an actual threat. With that said, we have the benefit of hindsight to know that danger and extreme hardship was coming, especially to Jewish people and any who resisted the new movement.

This story moves along at a good pace and is told through a few people's points of view. You have a wealthy couple, who haven't experienced any financial hardship, though their marriage is growing increasingly distant. They belong to the top echelons of society. This is Edith and Julius, a born jew but baptized Protestant, who owns a bank. Then there's Edith's brother, Joseph, who believes Hilter is the solution to a better Germany. The third perspective belongs to an old classmate of Edith's. Her and her husband have felt the financial impact of an unstable economy. They have two young children to provide for, and he is of Jewish background.

It's so sad to see how blinded people were by Hilter's point of view and outlook. It blows me away that so many just fell in line to blindly follow after him. Just because Hilter said something, it must be true. How sad to think of all the horrendous acts conducted at this time in history under the guise of improving the world. Beyond violent acts, people lost their jobs and their homes. Equally sad is how it pitted family members against each other and tore marriages apart.

I recommend this read for deep thinkers because it does get one thinking--and angry. But, sadly, history has taught us little. Even though Hilter is long dead, prejudice and hate crimes still exist and those seen as "different" are persecuted and outcast. This can be for any reason, no matter how slight. It may be due to a person's background, lifestyle, religion, appearance... Essentially anything that makes a person uncomfortable has the potential to wreck havoc. Honestly, in the present day, there is much more prejudice and stereotyping than most want to admit.

I also saw the reflection of history repeating itself with the recent pandemic. While it wasn't stereotyping, people back then tamped down Hitler's impact at the beginning, refusing to see what was coming even when it was right in front of their faces. With Covid-19, the warning signs were there and ignored or dismissed as being of little consequence. As a whole, humankind tends to downplay our instincts. Where would the world be if more of us listened to our voice inside and followed reason? Then who is to say what is right and wrong? But what if we decided to stand in our own power, thinking for ourselves rather than blindly following the masses?

The above line of thoughts are only only two I'm sharing. This book would be an excellent choice for a book club. I can only imagine the colorful and lively discussions. While this book didn't have a neat and tidy ending, we know from the history books where it was heading, and still recommend.1 Monika Armet397 51

This book starts in 1920s Germany and follows the lives of two women: Edith and Helga.

The two couldn’t be further apart when it comes to their stance in society, however, a commonality will bring them together…

Edith Falkenstein is married to Julius, a man 15 years her senior, and a prominent banker, owner of the Falkenstein Bank. Julius is of Jewish heritage, however, he converted to Christianity and doesn’t consider himself to be Jewish.

Edith (who according to Hitler’s standards is a pure Aryan) fell in love with Julius and entered a high society life. She has everything a woman can wish for, apart from a child. It’s fair to say that her miscarriages had put a strain on their marriage.

Helga, on the other hand, is happily married to Heinrich Goldmann, a qualified accountant. The couple have two children, David and Amelia. With 1920s Germany being in dire straits after the WWI, Helga’s family are living hand to mouth.

Helga’s husband is Jewish, whereas she isn’t. With Hitler rising to power and hate towards the Jewish population growing each day, Edith and Helga will have to remain strong and fight for their marriages.

I adored this book so much I read it in two sittings. I loved the historical backdrop: hyperinflation following the Treaty of Versailles, stark poverty in Germany, Hitler’s slow but sure rise to power and the increasing Jewish oppression.

Julius, majority of the Jewish population didn’t think that Hitler would stay in power for so long. He resisted the idea of leaving Germany because of his job, despite having all the cash in the world. On the other hand, Helga was desperate for her family to leave, but they didn’t have the financial means.

This is the first book in the German Wives series. It finishes in 1938, however, it is not the end yet, as we know that WWII is coming. I cannot wait for another book in this series – I am desperate to find out what’s in store for Helga and Edith.1 Christina Faris (books_by_the_bottle)554 21

When Edith first met Julius in Germany, it was love at first sight. Though she had always been shy and quiet, Julius whisks Edith into a world of elegance and wealth. But it’s 1938, and as the Nazis rise to power, there are whispers of things being done to take away the freedom of Jewish people. And Julius, Edith’s beloved new husband, is Jewish. She begs him to leave everything behind and to start over elsewhere together, but it is too late; the Nazis take him away. Can Edith find her husband or is it too late?

I love historical fiction, especially set in the World War II era. The backdrop for this story was so well written and reminded me a bit of The Nightingale, which is one of my favorite books of all time. The emotions Edith (and also Helga, another main character affected by Hitler’s rise to power), experienced - doubt, fear, heartbreak - were palpable as the unimaginable happened. I have read quite a few books about World War II but not as many about how The Nazis came into power. This was a unique perspective. I am happy to see this is the first book in the series of The German Wives, so there will be more to come in this saga.

Thank you to Bookouture, Marion Kummerow and Netgalley for the ARC! “The First Spark of Fire” released April 11th.

This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.
arc1 Sams_Fireside268 43

Most of us are more than aware of the events of the Second World War, however I’m not sure many of us know of Hitler’s rise to power, and the lead up to the outcast and mass extermination of the Jewish population.

Based on real-life events, Marion Kummerow gives a huge insight into this, in The First Spark of Fire (German Wives #1), the first in a new series, from this incredible author. We follow two very different families, Edith and Julius, who are wealthy, want for nothing and have always been at the forefront of society. Our other family is Helga and Heinrich, who often struggle to keep themselves and their young family afloat, and that doesn’t get any easier once Hitler is in charge. Edith and Helga are German, whilst their husbands are Jewish and they both stand by and support their family as a difficult time approaches.

As in her other books, Marion Kummerow deals with extremely sensitive issues throughout with compassion and empathy. I found the book slow to begin with, but it soon picked up pace and now I can’t wait for the second book in the series to discover how Edith and Helga deal with the next decade.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review a copy of The First Spark of Fire by Marion Kummerow.1 catherine Riffice132

Was a great informative story ! I can hardly wait until part 2 is out !1 erin_leigh_reads178 3

The First Spark of Fire Marion Kummerow

Today is my stop on the book tour for The First Spark of Fire by Marion Kummerow. A very informative and historically accurate account of the rise of Nazism in Germany. This book takes place in Germany in 1923 up to 1938, just before the start of World War II. I found it very interesting to learn more about this time period, as most of the historical literature I read takes place during the second world war. I found it of particular interest to learn more about Hitlers rise to power through attempted coups, corruption, coercion, the disgusting mistreatment of Jewish people and the annihilation of anyone who got in his way.

This story follows the lives of Helga Goldman and Edith Falkenstein. Both women were childhood classmates and are now married to men that were born Jewish. But this is where their similarities end. Edith is married to Julius, a wealthy bank owner. She lives a sheltered life of luxury and privilege. She has almost everything she wants except a husband who loves her passionately and children. Helga, on the other hand, has two children and a husband, Heinrich, who adores and loves her with all his heart. But un Edith, Helga lives a life of financial hardship, even more so after her husband lost his job, merely because he was a Jew. The First Spark of Fire follows these two brave and courageous German wives as they struggle to navigate life in Germany during the rise of Nazism. Both women share the determination and commitment to do what ever it takes to keep their families safe.

Such an excellent book. Well researched, thought provoking and heartfelt. It can be so difficult to write about such a horrific time in History in such a thoughtful and compassionate manner. But Marion Kummerow did just that. The only negative thing I have to say about The First Spark of Fire is the abrupt ending that has left me hanging. I don’t know that I can wait until book two in the series comes out to find out what happens to Edith, Julius and Helga, Heinrich and their children. Hopefully I don’t have to wait too long.

Thank you Bookouture, Netgalley and Marion Kummerow for my advanced electronic copy of The First Spark of Fire and having me on this book tour.
1 Emma Crowley944 156

The First Spark of Fire is the first in a brand new series, German Wives, by Marion Kummerow and what a brilliant start it was. If this is only the beginning, I can’t wait to see what is to come in future books. It tells the story of two German women, Edith and Helga, who were once school mates but whose lives have split into two very different paths. The story opens in Munich in 1923 and takes us right up to 1938. Right from beginning the author provides us with a fascinating insight into Germany in the years following World War One, detailing how the country suffered an economic depression and also showing the rise of Hitler and his party through to the many absurd laws forced upon the Jewish population. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book quite it and it really gave me a much deeper understanding of the lead up to World War Two and how ordinary German citizens were so deeply affected by the beliefs and actions of one mad man.

Munich 1923, and the situation is desperate for the citizens of Germany. Desolation is taking hold with hyperinflation and many struggle to put food on the table. The Great War had ruined the country with reparations to be paid which only increases the awful economic situation. A man named Hitler is rumoured to be their saviour and he has recently formed the National Socialist German Workers Party. Reading of the rise of Hitler and initially people’s innocence believing this man will solve all their problems, well it was just heart-breaking. I felt this way because I knew what was to come in future years and you want to reach into the pages of the book and tell the characters what is ahead of them so in that some way they could possibly prepare for it. But sadly that couldn’t happen and the further the story develops the more you feel such sadness and worry for the people you have become invested in.

Edith is married to Julius who owns one of the most important banks in Germany. Julius’s family are Jewish but he converted to Protestantism when he came of age. Edith and Julius have a somewhat strained relationship as she is unable to give him an heir to his business following numerous miscarriages. The love they had for one another when they married has diminished but I sensed underneath it all when the bad times do come that they would be there for each other. That Edith, despite being desperately lonely in Munich away from her family and friends, will always be there for Julius and this sentiment is tested more than ever as the political situation grows unsteady. I loved how we had numerous chapters from Julius’ point of view. Too often it’s only the female characters who are given a voice but here Julius is able to express his opinions and it made me feel some empathy towards him fairly early on.

Given Julius had such a high powered and important job he could have come across as untouchable and invincible but the author gave him a voice and one which I found very interesting. You could see that he did love Edith and as things became worse in Munich he moved them back to Berlin. Both of them were kind and caring when it came to helping others and I loved how Edith wasn’t afraid to ask him for what she wanted in order to aid people. There was no air of arrogance surrounding Julius although I did think he thought he was untouchable in terms of him having Jewish heritage.That the laws that were introduced curtailing the rights of Jews would not affect him given the crucial role he occupied in society. But the author showed how every person with Jewish heritage no matter how fragile was affected. No one was spared and whether you had money or power it made not a scant difference.

An incredible picture was built up of the marriage between Edith and Julius and how they operated in society and as the years pass and the political climate alters you see how they are tested and the reign of terror and its influence spreads and comes closer and closer to their door. As Edith’s family are Jewish, she is encouraged to divorce Julius but I loved how she showed such allegiance to her husband. When family, laws and threats are forcing you to do one thing and you have the ability to stand form and do the opposite that shows a remarkable strength of character. I sense that this trait of Edith’s will be tested time and time again.

Edith’s brother Joseph is the character you will love to hate. He is firm in his views that Hitler is a man for good who will rid Germany of the undesirables who have caused such economic pain and hardship. He becomes a member of Hitler’s SS group and Edith is appalled and firmly against what he stands for and his actions. He is sucked deeper and deeper into the hotbed of pure evil and as the years pass by and Hitler’s party and domination grows in strength Joseph only becomes further entrenched in the worst that has fallen Germany. It’s hard to fathom how two siblings could hold such opposing views and that Joseph could venture down such a twisted path but again this is where the well balanced view portrayed by the author comes into play. As it does with the character of Helga.

Helga is the polar opposite to Edith in terms of where she lives and her family set up. She doesn’t have an endless amount of money at her disposal and when we are introduced to her, her family are struggling to survive the economic depression with her husband Heinrich unable to find work. Her two children Amelie and David suffering cruelty at the hands of friends and teachers in their school all thanks to the laws introduced by Hitler. As with Edith, Helga shows her devotion and love for her husband and family and she will always stand by her man and do anything to help her family survive. She herself is not Jewish but her family members are and as the net tightens around them, she shows her strength, grit and determination time and time again. I did think I would d to have read more of Helga’s story but as this is only the first book there is plenty more time to discover what fate has in store for Helga and her family.

The First Spark of Fire was a brilliant read filled with honesty and intensity and one which provided the reader with an extremely well balanced view as to how all sections of German society were dealt a deck of cards which would go on to have desperate repercussions for many years. The themes explored and the history detailed were fascinating. Writing this kind of book, there was a danger that it could have read as if it was a history textbook as various events we have all learned about in school are detailed but thankfully it didn’t feel this at all. The raw, emotional and human side of both Edith and Helga’s story was explored in a considerate, fair and just manner and it allowed you to appreciate both their stories. It showed how no sector of the population was spared. That any connection to being Jewish was ceased upon and therefore those people were marginalised from society no matter what role they held. The story asks many questions – what made the two women stick with their husbands given they could have easily done something which would have meant they were safe? Here love, devotion, bravery and loyalty are words that come to mind. How did their relationships develop and shift over the years as Hitler ruthlessly supressed all critics and made the Jewish population outcasts?

This story highlighted two courageous women who became the people who were to protect their husbands. Traditional roles were reversed in a world that became increasingly fraught with tension and danger with a safe and secure outcome not at all assured. As the book ended on what I would call somewhat of a sombre and uncertain note it only whetted my appetite for what is yet to come. There is so much left unsaid, so much still to happen as the war had not yet begun. There is an awful lot more upheaval, desperation and torment to come for thess characters. I am anxious as to what awaits them but am eager to read the next instalment which I hope I won’t be waiting too long for. It has certainly been one of the best historical fiction books that I have read so far this year. Christine1,025 30

A great read! What I particularly enjoyed about this novel is that it takes place in 1920 up to the Second World war. That is, a time not often thematic in novels. I found really interesting to follow the political development through different kinds of families: non Jewish, half Jewish, practicing Judaism, converted Jewish people to another religion, or just uninterested in religion. The psychological development of the characters appeared to me very credible: the way it took to realise that religion actually did not so much to do with anything.... The conclusion was surprising in the sense that it was not a conclusion as such, but rather a harsh ending of book 1! Meaning I can't wait for book 2!
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.1 Padmini65 1 follower

The year is 1923, and it has been just a few years since the First World War ended. After agreeing to pay massive reparations to the Allied forces, Germany is left impoverished. With rampant hyperinflation, there is poverty, a lack of resources, and job losses. People with low incomes and the middle class feel the brunt the most.

Edith is a young woman living a comfortable life, away from all the world’s worries, with her husband, Julian, in Munich. Julian owns Falkenstein Bank and is successful, rich, and well-connected in his circles. They both live in a lovely mansion and have enough money to buy all the luxuries in the world.

Although Edith lives a luxurious life now, this was not the case in the past. Edith comes from a middle-class working family. After Julian and she fell in love and got married, her life changed. Edith’s family, which comprises her parents, two brothers, and a sister, live in modest conditions, many other people from working backgrounds, and face the same problems that millions them face in a country that is in depression.

The story starts in 1923 and ends around 1938. During this course of time, Germany goes through many landmark events such as the Beer Hall Coup, which was a failed attempt by Hitler to gain power, Hitler’s time in prison and his early discharge, The fire in the Reichstag Building, The night of long knives or Operation Hummingbird, Political executions to consolidate power, and the signing of the Enabling Act by the then president Paul von Hindenburg which gave the ultimate power to Hitler to become the supreme leader and the most influential person in Germany. With Hitler becoming more and more powerful each day, the Jews face discrimination on all fronts. They lose jobs and their civil rights, their children are discriminated against in schools, and they are humiliated in public by the SS men.

Hatred for the Jews spreads far and wide and starts affecting families and friendships. Although Edith is a Christian, Julian comes from a Jewish lineage. While Edith’s family encourages her to divorce Julian and break all ties with him, Edith is sure she will stand by her husband and do whatever is in her power to protect him. All these years, Edith had played the role of a good wife, one who cares and dotes on her husband, and Julian had played the typical male role of providing for the family and protecting them. Now, with the changing atmosphere in the country, they witness a change in their roles, too.

Julian stays confident for a very long time that, with his wealth and connections, he and his family cannot be harmed. Slowly, as the situation becomes more and more dangerous, many from their circles plan to emigrate, leaving their businesses in someone else hands. Julian has a sharp business mind and focuses on protecting his business and family wealth. He considers everything from converting cash to jewellery, moving his assets to Swiss banks, and opening a new branch in a neutral country. But emigrating from Germany is missing from his cards. He does not, for once, imagine that a person of his stature, power and wealth can be subject to the same treatment rendered to others. Moreover, although his parents were Jews, Julian converted to Christianity long ago. This boosts his confidence even more. Unfortunately, his thinking doesn’t match with the Nazi logic, In the eyes of the Nazis, Jewish blood in the veins is good enough to qualify someone as vile, someone who is responsible for the situation that the country faces and, hence must be punished.

But the storm that has taken the country wipes off everything on its way, and no one is spared. With a country in turmoil, every citizen is affected.

Finally, one day, when the SS men burn Julian’s office and he is herded to the concentration camp at Sachsenhausen, Julian realizes that things have already gone out of control. He is released, but the water has already reached above their noses. The duo must find a way out. Luck may not be in their favour the next time.

This book is the first book of the Berlin Wife series, with the second and third being The Berlin Wife’s Choice and The Berlin Wife’s Resistance. It was an incredible and educative journey for me to read this book. Although it is fiction, it takes inspiration from real-life events. The critical events that shaped things in Germany are narrated in chronological order. These events are then knitted with the lives of the main characters in the story. As I read the book, I found myself referring to these events through a glance at the internet, checking our wiki pages, and seeing documentaries. This made the experience even more enriching for me. The historical facts and events that led up to the rise of Nazi power in Germany, thereby impacting the lives of its people, are narrated cleverly and engagingly. It is an exciting book and a sure-shot page-turner. I am already on to the next book
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