Eleanor's review
Although the Second World War is a much-covered topic in historical fiction, ‘The Stolen Ones’ by Vanessa Curtis provides a new perspective on the conflict, or rather the ensuing consequences for the generation too young to be personally touched by war, but born too early to escape it. 16-year-old Inge remembers nothing of the fighting itself, but her adolescence in Germany is full of reminders: the anti-Semitism she faces at school surrounding her relationship with her Jewish boyfriend, her unanswered questions about the mysterious letters that keep arriving at her house, and her uncertainty about the exact role her parents played in Hitler’s army. This novel focuses on Inge’s attempts to find out who she really is in a world where no one wants to tell her the truth, especially her own family. The plot of the book relies a little too much on coincidences, and some of the characters seemed a bit clichéd, but the plot twists were surprising, and I enjoyed the fresh perspective on such a popular topic. Rather than telling a typical war story focusing on soldiers or even those left at home, Curtis emphasises what it was like in the years following it as people struggled to get back to their normal lives.

Francesca's review
I loved reading this book. Based just after the end of WWII, this twisted story will take you on a journey from the middle of Germany to a rural, poor area of Poland.

There are many interesting characters in this book. Stefan and Wilf are a loving and caring Jewish father and son. They welcome Inge into their home with wide arms. Both are males but are particularly interesting as they take on male and female roles. Jacob is an angry boy who helps to build the suspense of the story by saying horrible things to Inge. Marta’s mother is a kind and courageous woman who helps Inge to face the secrets of the past.

Even though the book was set after the end of the WWII, people still believed that the Nazis were right and their beliefs were true. This book really brought this period to life, it made me feel sick in the stomach that other people could treat other human beings as if they were a different species. It’s fascinating to compare this book to my History lessons as it has given me a real sense of what living in a pro-Nazi environment was like. It is an enthralling book and although it was abhorrent at times, I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. I would 100% recommend it to all of my friends, family and anybody who is interested in a great read!