The Secret Hotel in Berlin

By: Catherine Hokin

Narrated by: Harrie Dobby

Berlin, 1944. ‘It is a great honour to have you here, Herr Hitler.’ Lili doesn’t stumble over the lie, her hand steady as she pours champagne. Everything must be perfect, no one can suspect a thing…

Lili Rodenberg and her husband Marius run the Edel, Berlin’s most glamorous hotel. For its wealthy guests, it is an escape from the destruction outside, with its elegant piano bar and fine amber brandy. But Lili is Jewish, a secret she is terrified will end in tragedy for her and their beloved little girl.

Lili’s only choice is to hide in plain sight, her heart racing each time uniformed officers step through the Edel’s grand entrance. As Berlin becomes a more frightening place, Lili pleads with her husband to help shelter those in danger but Marius is adamant: he will not risk the lives of his wife and daughter. Until the day he is called to the front–and goes missing in action.

Left in sole charge of the Edel, a heartbroken Lily fixes her smile as she serves men who would have her killed in an instant if they knew the truth. She decides she must fight back, hiding Jews in the hotel’s wine cellar before moving them to safety. Though she is seized with terror, it gives her the strength to carry on.

But her courage catches the attention of the Resistance. What they ask of her is impossible.

Lili has protected her daughter by living a life full of secrets. Can she risk it all now and put her child in danger for the sake of her country?

An absolutely unforgettable and heartbreaking story of bravery, love and sacrifice that will keep you reaching for the tissues. Fans of The Nightingale and The Book of Lost Names will be swept away by this stunning novel.

©2024 Catherine Hokin (P)2024 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.

A little cheesy

On the one hand, the book explored some parts of WWII and the aftermath that don’t get told as often. On the other hand, it did get a little soap opera-ish and the coincidences were a little too much at times. The narrator was poetic, although the German pronunciations could have been better.

Beautiful, poignant, and I couldn't put it down.

This novel was a beautifully written escape into another time. Though heartbreaking, it was like the entire book was poetry.

The only reason I didn't give a narration a perfect score is because these German characters had a British accent. I love a British accent, so it was not difficult to listen to at all. But, could've had a tad more authenticity. Sometimes the narrating is reason to not to listen to a book, but this is not one of those times.

Captured

This is one of those books that when it ends, it feels very personal. It truly captivates you and takes you back in time and you become a part of the lives of the people in the story. When it ends, there's a sadness, but yet a happiness that you made the trip. This is the first time I've read this author and I will definitely be checking out other books she has written.

Think about it

The story was told in the past and 1990.
Well written…characters developed and you are immersed into both worlds.
Enjoy

Twists and Turns

I LOVE the family connections within the story that wove the plot together in an intriguing way. The twists and turns within the story were so captivating that I would often get up in the middle of the night to either reread a chapter or read the next chapter to see what would happen next.
Such a wonderful book!