The English German Girl

In 1930s Berlin, choked by the tightening of Hitler’s fist, the Klein family is gradually losing everything that is precious to them. In desperation, their fifteen-year-old daughter, Rosa, is put on a Kindertransport train out of her beloved Germany to begin a new life in a foreign country, England.

Unable to speak the language and charged with the task of securing a safe passage for her family, Rosa vows that she will not rest until they are safe. But as war breaks out and she loses contact with her parents, Rosa finds herself wondering if there are some vows that can’t be kept. Now, she must face the prospect of an unknown future in wartime England—alone.

Powerfully written and meticulously researched, The English German Girl is a sweeping historical fiction about one girl’s journey from heartbreak to hope against the torrential backdrop of the Second World War. An exceptional accomplishment from one of Britain’s bravest and most vibrant young writers, The English German Girl explores the quiet struggles of a child survivor of the Holocaust with sensitivity, grit, and tenderness

Jake Wallis Simons is a staff writer for the Sunday Telegraph, radio broadcaster, artist, and award-winning novelist. He has a PhD in creative writing, and his writing has been featured in the Times, Guardian, and Independent. He lives with his family in Winchester, the United Kingdom.

"A quietly unsettling novel which meets the particular demands of its subject with grace and poise." —Giles Foden, author of The Last King of Scotland

“A powerful evocation of a bygone era.” —Sir Martin Gilbert

"An ambitious, courageous book." —Jewish Chronicle

“Simons’ compassion, sincerity and subtle style impress.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Here is a new young voice in British fiction—entertaining, provocative and original. Jake Wallis Simons will surely prove a name to remember.” —Beryl Bainbridge, The Independent

“Fascinating and moving.” —Monica Ali

"This well-researched and very moving novel is dedicated to the children of the Kindertransport and is a fine tribute to their bravery." —The Times

"Absolutely compelling." —Sarah Crown, Guardian

"Deftly describes a crumbling Berlin under Hitler's rule and, intriguingly, the secret societies which helped those in need." —Scottish Review of Books

"A film waiting to happen although so vivid is Jake Wallis Simons's description and attention to detail I feel I've seen it already. If you only read one novel this year make it this one." —Lovereading

"An important subject explored by a writer to watch." —Jonathan Freedland