I am a huge fan of Catherine Hokin. Her books are always well-researched, intriguing, thought-provoking, and heartfelt. The Secret Hotel in Berlin is no exception.
The dual timeline nature of the story gives readers a bonus—it’s almost like two historical novels woven into one. The intricacies required to give both timelines their due are handled beautifully, and each is equally engaging. The transitions between time periods are never clunky.
Ms. Hokin also creates realistic characters who are relatable, even as they are in positions that are completely unrelatable to a reader. The characteristics and personalities jump off the page.
It may seem like a small thing, but Lili’s original profession was quite telling. As a florist, she knew how to make things beautiful, creating bouquets with the perfect flowers for the right occasion.
I choose to believe that she used that knowledge and adapted it as her situation changed. I think she still believed in finding beauty (good) in chaos and creating/supporting methods that helped others survive.
Even though the whole book was fascinating, the last third felt accelerated if only because the reader gets answers to questions that are built throughout the rest of the book.
Yes, reading about WWII Germany and 1990s East Berlin is difficult, given the pain and suffering experienced by millions of people. But Ms. Hokin reminds us that strength and resilience are imperative amid tumultuous times.
The Secret Hotel in Berlin is a must-read book.
