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The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin
A fascinating historical novel about Hilde, an orphan who experiences Berlin on the cusp of World War II as she discovers her own voice and sexuality, ultimately finding a family when she gets a job at a gay cabaret, by award-winning author Kip Wilson. On her eighteenth birthday, Hilde leaves her orphanage in 1930s Berlin, and heads out into the world to discover her place in it. But finding a job is hard, at least until she stumbles into Café Lila, a vibrant cabaret full of expressive customers. Rosa, one of the club’s waitresses and performers, immediately takes Hilde under her wing. As the café denizens slowly embrace Hilde, and she embraces them in turn, she discovers her voice and her own blossoming feelings for Rosa. But Berlin is in turmoil. Between the elections, protests in the streets, worsening antisemitism and anti-homosexual sentiment, and the beginning seeds of unrest in Café Lila itself, Hilde will have to decide what’s best for her future . . . and what it means to love a place on the cusp of war.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published March 29, 2022
43 people are currently reading
5,882 people want to read
About the author
Kip Wilson
14books241followersKip Wilson is the critically acclaimed YA author of verse novels White Rose (Versify, 2019), The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin (Versify, 2022), and One Last Shot (Versify, 2023). Awards for her books include the Malka Penn Award and the Julia Ward Howe Award, and her books have been named a Massachusetts Book Honor title, an Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award finalist, and a Los Angeles Times Book Award finalist. Her next project, All the Love Under the Vast Sky, is a YA anthology of stories in verse (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2025). Kip holds a Ph.D. in German Literature and is an enthusiastic high school library worker. Find her online at kipwilsonwrites.com and on Instagram @kipwilsonwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
January 4, 2022
Queer centered historical fiction?! Don’t mind if I do! I was able to get my hands on an ARC of this and I cannot sing its praises loudly enough.
The book takes place in Berlin in 1932, before Hitler fully comes into power and the queer community is at the end of a period of freedom to meet and be themselves (think Cabaret). It’s written in verse, beautifully captures a sapphic romance, has a cast of queer characters you’ll want to be friends with, and especially in retrospect is a story that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. While there were some anxiety producing parallels to today’s political climate, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
The book takes place in Berlin in 1932, before Hitler fully comes into power and the queer community is at the end of a period of freedom to meet and be themselves (think Cabaret). It’s written in verse, beautifully captures a sapphic romance, has a cast of queer characters you’ll want to be friends with, and especially in retrospect is a story that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. While there were some anxiety producing parallels to today’s political climate, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
August 29, 2022
A story of a lesbian working at a Queer bar during the Weimar republic in the early 1930s, and all that could have been before Europe was changed forever. This story in verse was descriptive, hopeful, tragic and gripping, I enjoyed every moment.
April 30, 2022
Just as good as her first, definitely want a physical copy:) highly recommend
She knows how to sweep you along and immerse you into the characters lives/atmosphere.
Narration: 4 stars 🌟
Story/characters: 4 stars 🌟
She knows how to sweep you along and immerse you into the characters lives/atmosphere.
Narration: 4 stars 🌟
Story/characters: 4 stars 🌟
August 10, 2022
This books shows the beautiful vibrant queer and Jewish life that many people were able to celebrate before the Nazis snuffed the beautiful diversity Berlin and many other cities and countries had to offer. I absolutely loved the hope this book had despite knowing what was coming after this book took place, but the beautiful prose writing made for an imagery unlike any other and showed a different side to queer life and history which as a queer woman, I appreciate! Fantastic book!
April 25, 2022
Probably more like 3.5 stars, but enjoyable and short enough to round up. I didn't know this was a novel in verse when I checked it out, so it took me by surprise when I started reading; however, I quickly settled into the cadence of it, and even though I focused on just reading it as a novel, rather than a poem, I still was able to appreciate the intentional poetry aspects of it. It would be interesting to reread it, focusing on it as a poem to get an even more powerful reading out it. As I read it, though, it was still very moving and while it was all around very predictable, remained an engaging read.
January 7, 2022
ARC courtesy of the publisher.
This book really blew me away. A story, told in verse, about Hilde, a young woman finding her voice, her people, and real love in early 1930s Berlin, with the rise of Hitler hanging over the city and its people. There's so much joy and pride in the queer community where Hilde finds herself that the club and the characters brilliantly come to life in Wilson's writing. I couldn't put it down!
This book really blew me away. A story, told in verse, about Hilde, a young woman finding her voice, her people, and real love in early 1930s Berlin, with the rise of Hitler hanging over the city and its people. There's so much joy and pride in the queer community where Hilde finds herself that the club and the characters brilliantly come to life in Wilson's writing. I couldn't put it down!
January 3, 2023
3.75 now
I loved the political stuff in this especially since we are following a girl who is in love with a girl in the 1930s it's so hard especially back then AND in berlin.. it was a wonderful story. 🖤I'm so glad I read this:)
I loved the political stuff in this especially since we are following a girl who is in love with a girl in the 1930s it's so hard especially back then AND in berlin.. it was a wonderful story. 🖤I'm so glad I read this:)
May 7, 2022
3 stars. Not particularly unique in terms of the writing itself. For being a story told in poems, I expected the poems themselves to be stronger. The story was not like any I've read before, however, and three cheers for an untold queer historical fiction piece.
September 4, 2022
A fascinating YA queer historical fiction novel in verse set against the backdrop of 1932 Berlin.
🎙
Hilde, a former orphan, has come of age and needs a job—fast. She snags one as a waitress at Cafe Lila, a club full of people like herself with vibrant personalities and beautiful singing voices. After her first shift a fellow coworker, Rosa, offers Hilde a place to stay since it’s obvious she’s homeless. Over the next few months Hilde fights to keep her spot at the club, while also battling stage fright and her feelings for Rosa. But Berlin is on the cusp of Hitler takeover and when the club is targeted, Rosa and Hilde worry for their safety and those around them.
🎙
What a stunning and beautiful book I loved White Rose by the same author and found this one so enchanting; I read it in one sitting. I was sucked into the history, the characters, and what would happen to Hilde. So beautiful. I just added it to my collection last week and I’m so glad.
CW: homophobia, blood, hate crime, police brutality, abuse, antisemitism, Nazism, parental death (mentioned), hospitalization
4.5 ⭐️
🎙
Hilde, a former orphan, has come of age and needs a job—fast. She snags one as a waitress at Cafe Lila, a club full of people like herself with vibrant personalities and beautiful singing voices. After her first shift a fellow coworker, Rosa, offers Hilde a place to stay since it’s obvious she’s homeless. Over the next few months Hilde fights to keep her spot at the club, while also battling stage fright and her feelings for Rosa. But Berlin is on the cusp of Hitler takeover and when the club is targeted, Rosa and Hilde worry for their safety and those around them.
🎙
What a stunning and beautiful book I loved White Rose by the same author and found this one so enchanting; I read it in one sitting. I was sucked into the history, the characters, and what would happen to Hilde. So beautiful. I just added it to my collection last week and I’m so glad.
CW: homophobia, blood, hate crime, police brutality, abuse, antisemitism, Nazism, parental death (mentioned), hospitalization
4.5 ⭐️
November 8, 2021
I was able to get access to an ARC. This was a fantastic story of the time period between WWI and WWII in Berlin centering queer culture. It is written in verse and although there are few words on each page it reads very visually. I was very impressed with the depth of the story and characters that was conveyed in this format. Although it is set around 1932 there are many haunting parallels to modern day politics in the U.S. I wouldn't normally be drawn to a book in verse but this was so beautifully done and I enjoyed reading it very much!
June 9, 2022
It’s a quick read, full of figurative language but little emotional pull and cryptic. About two gay young women in early 30s Berlin, one is Jewish. The Afterword, where the author fills in information is most interesting.
June 25, 2024
I enjoyed, "The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin". It is a good historical fiction story with some solid prose and great characters. I also felt that Wilson did a nice job with the story mechanics.
One of the things that stood out most for me was how Wilson wrote the story in the form of poems. I haven't read many stories like this, but I enjoyed the poetic style overall. It flowed well and the poetry was very well written. It felt like diary entries at times - and I like that because it felt personal and I could see the story through the main character's - Hilde - eyes. Indeed, one of the strengths is how she wrote from Hilde's POV.
Wilson also does a superb job writing Hilde's arc and relationships. Hilde is eighteen years old and is on her own in 1930s Berlin after leaving an orphanage. She has many struggles along the way, all of which Wilson does a great job of showing. During her journey, she enters a club named Cafe Lila, where she meets a young Jewish woman named Rosa. I love Hilde and Rosa's bond. They quickly become friends - and start to fall in love with one another fairly quick. Nonetheless, I like how Wilson develops their bond gradually. I love both of their characters and how they are very supportive of one another. Their personalities are different with Rosa being more outgoing and Hilde initially being more shy and cautious. Yet, they get along well and their interactions are well written. I became invested in their relationship and in both characters. When they were going through struggles (especially with the prejudice they faced from Nazis), I felt for them both. I love seeing the joy that they shared too. Plus, Hilde has some solid character development. She becomes more confident and grows in other ways as well.
I like generally how Wilson has written Rosa's character. Rosa is caring, empathetic, and fun-loving and I like her character a lot. I do wish that Wilson had explored her character a bit more though. Hilde's dreams and goals are explored in great detail, but Rosa's are not. We see some information about her backstory and the prejudice she faced, but I want to learn more about her character individually also.
Rosa and Hilde's story is, as mentioned earlier, it is set in 1932 Berlin during the rise of the Nazis. It is helpful if the reader has at least a general idea about the interwar years and the Weimar Republic (and life in Berlin at the time). It was chilling to read at times and the story is vividly told and shown.
The plot and story mechanics are good. I was engaged throughout and didn't want to put the book down. It is a fast read too. The pacing was fast. It was a bit too fast at times, but I thought that the pacing was good overall. I like that there was a glossary in the back. I don't know much German, so I found the glossary helpful. In addition, I felt that Wilson did a good job in balancing showing and telling in the story. As for the ending, it was bittersweet and beautifully written.
Altogether, I enjoyed, "The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin". The prose is good and I like the characters. The story mechanics are good too.
One of the things that stood out most for me was how Wilson wrote the story in the form of poems. I haven't read many stories like this, but I enjoyed the poetic style overall. It flowed well and the poetry was very well written. It felt like diary entries at times - and I like that because it felt personal and I could see the story through the main character's - Hilde - eyes. Indeed, one of the strengths is how she wrote from Hilde's POV.
Wilson also does a superb job writing Hilde's arc and relationships. Hilde is eighteen years old and is on her own in 1930s Berlin after leaving an orphanage. She has many struggles along the way, all of which Wilson does a great job of showing. During her journey, she enters a club named Cafe Lila, where she meets a young Jewish woman named Rosa. I love Hilde and Rosa's bond. They quickly become friends - and start to fall in love with one another fairly quick. Nonetheless, I like how Wilson develops their bond gradually. I love both of their characters and how they are very supportive of one another. Their personalities are different with Rosa being more outgoing and Hilde initially being more shy and cautious. Yet, they get along well and their interactions are well written. I became invested in their relationship and in both characters. When they were going through struggles (especially with the prejudice they faced from Nazis), I felt for them both. I love seeing the joy that they shared too. Plus, Hilde has some solid character development. She becomes more confident and grows in other ways as well.
I like generally how Wilson has written Rosa's character. Rosa is caring, empathetic, and fun-loving and I like her character a lot. I do wish that Wilson had explored her character a bit more though. Hilde's dreams and goals are explored in great detail, but Rosa's are not. We see some information about her backstory and the prejudice she faced, but I want to learn more about her character individually also.
Rosa and Hilde's story is, as mentioned earlier, it is set in 1932 Berlin during the rise of the Nazis. It is helpful if the reader has at least a general idea about the interwar years and the Weimar Republic (and life in Berlin at the time). It was chilling to read at times and the story is vividly told and shown.
The plot and story mechanics are good. I was engaged throughout and didn't want to put the book down. It is a fast read too. The pacing was fast. It was a bit too fast at times, but I thought that the pacing was good overall. I like that there was a glossary in the back. I don't know much German, so I found the glossary helpful. In addition, I felt that Wilson did a good job in balancing showing and telling in the story. As for the ending, it was bittersweet and beautifully written.
Altogether, I enjoyed, "The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin". The prose is good and I like the characters. The story mechanics are good too.
May 14, 2022
I LOVED this.
A novel in verse that takes place *right before* Hitler and the Nazis fully take over Germany. If you've seen the movie Cabaret, that will give your mind some visuals throughout (and if you haven't, WHY NOT, it's an amazing flick). This was a coming of age story, an awakening story, a figuring out who the hell you are and who you want to be story. It's full of sweet moments, tragic moments, and intense realizations on a personal level, while at the same time it is the story of the Nazi creep overtaking the country, of nationalism becoming jingoism, of patriotism turning fascist and everything that entails (anti-gay, anti-joy, etc.).
I found it very touching, such an easy read (did I mention it's written in verse?). You want to be there to experience their cafe performances, to watch as Hilde figures out how to care about people and get to know them. I *almost* bought this on my Independent Bookstore crawl day, didn't, got it from the library instead (aka I'm an idiot).
This would be a great book for a high school social studies/literature cross over class. (But I probably would not put it in my middle school classroom library. They don't know enough history yet, most of this would just fly over their heads. And believe me, I HAVE TRIED. I have an amazing short story I love to read with them but there's too much WWII / Germany background in it and no matter how much prep you give them, it's not in a sixth grader's wheel house [nor should it be. This is a hard thing as a teacher, you have to teach to where your kids are, and sometimes I definitely think I should be teaching high school because I could go so much further with certain things. Eh.])
A novel in verse that takes place *right before* Hitler and the Nazis fully take over Germany. If you've seen the movie Cabaret, that will give your mind some visuals throughout (and if you haven't, WHY NOT, it's an amazing flick). This was a coming of age story, an awakening story, a figuring out who the hell you are and who you want to be story. It's full of sweet moments, tragic moments, and intense realizations on a personal level, while at the same time it is the story of the Nazi creep overtaking the country, of nationalism becoming jingoism, of patriotism turning fascist and everything that entails (anti-gay, anti-joy, etc.).
I found it very touching, such an easy read (did I mention it's written in verse?). You want to be there to experience their cafe performances, to watch as Hilde figures out how to care about people and get to know them. I *almost* bought this on my Independent Bookstore crawl day, didn't, got it from the library instead (aka I'm an idiot).
This would be a great book for a high school social studies/literature cross over class. (But I probably would not put it in my middle school classroom library. They don't know enough history yet, most of this would just fly over their heads. And believe me, I HAVE TRIED. I have an amazing short story I love to read with them but there's too much WWII / Germany background in it and no matter how much prep you give them, it's not in a sixth grader's wheel house [nor should it be. This is a hard thing as a teacher, you have to teach to where your kids are, and sometimes I definitely think I should be teaching high school because I could go so much further with certain things. Eh.])
April 14, 2022
I can see from reading other’s reviews that I'm in the majority when I say I did not like this novel. I had an extremely hard time staying interested and invested in it due to the combination of its verse format (the entire novel is done is verse) combined with the length. I love briefer stories in verse form, but I’ve never read a book this long done in verse and it became more and more burdensome to read as the boom continued. I need some sort of narrative flow to enjoy a novel this long and there was no flow to be seen. I’m sure that for some it’s a perfectly lovely novel–it just simply wasn’t for me, which is a shame, because I had been looking forward to reading it very much.
Thanks to NetGalley and Clarion Books for early access to this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. As per personal policy, this review will not be posted on any bookseller or social media sites due to its review rating of 3 stars or lower.
Thanks to NetGalley and Clarion Books for early access to this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. As per personal policy, this review will not be posted on any bookseller or social media sites due to its review rating of 3 stars or lower.
April 4, 2022
I have always been fascinated by Berlin, reading about it often and once, even exploring it in person. Wilson's take on this historic city is unique and suddenly all too familiar as daily, I watch heart-crushing events unfold on the world's stage. This was a raw, but beautiful story that can't help but give me hope that one day, we'll finally learn the lessons we insist on repeating.
This is a fast-paced, lyrical read that you won't want to miss.
This is a fast-paced, lyrical read that you won't want to miss.
April 3, 2022
I wrap up my thoughts about this book in this .
This historical fiction told through poetry details the lives of queer performers at a Berlin night club shortly before the Nazi party took power. The titular character is also Jewish, as are many people we meet along the way, and this book didn't shy away from the brutality of hate.
This historical fiction told through poetry details the lives of queer performers at a Berlin night club shortly before the Nazi party took power. The titular character is also Jewish, as are many people we meet along the way, and this book didn't shy away from the brutality of hate.
May 19, 2022
Everyone should read this. YA historical fiction with queer elements. This book takes place in Weimar Berlin in 1932, on the eve of Nazi control, when cabarets are still flourishing, and some democracy remains, though SA are already terrorizing people.
TBH, growing up Jewish, I don't really feel like I can read a lot more Holocaust narratives, but this exploration of the life of young queer people, some of whom are Jewish, on the edge of the abyss, is really really interesting. Lots of attention to detail, no punches pulled.
I love the actual novels, songs, musicians referenced, and the afterword has a lot of sources the author used. I'm 100% going to check some of them out.
Above all, it is a story of precarious love, between two women, and to a city that no longer exists.
TBH, growing up Jewish, I don't really feel like I can read a lot more Holocaust narratives, but this exploration of the life of young queer people, some of whom are Jewish, on the edge of the abyss, is really really interesting. Lots of attention to detail, no punches pulled.
I love the actual novels, songs, musicians referenced, and the afterword has a lot of sources the author used. I'm 100% going to check some of them out.
Above all, it is a story of precarious love, between two women, and to a city that no longer exists.
November 11, 2022
Germany, 1932 An orphan finds work and family at Cafe Lila in beautifully diverse Berlin as the Nazis begin to take control.
Politics, identity, music, and impending danger, coupled with a very Cabaret atmosphere make this a heartbreaking, yet hopeful, read.
I didn’t feel as though the verse brought anything special to the narrative, but I really enjoyed it just the same. The author builds tension as the Nazis come to power, not only for the Jewish supporting characters, but also the primary queer cast of characters. The author’s note was incredibly informative, shedding light on a progressive city on the brink of catastrophic change.
Politics, identity, music, and impending danger, coupled with a very Cabaret atmosphere make this a heartbreaking, yet hopeful, read.
I didn’t feel as though the verse brought anything special to the narrative, but I really enjoyed it just the same. The author builds tension as the Nazis come to power, not only for the Jewish supporting characters, but also the primary queer cast of characters. The author’s note was incredibly informative, shedding light on a progressive city on the brink of catastrophic change.
May 17, 2022
I was really excited for this book, but unfortunately, I had a lot of problems with it.
First, as a queer jew who has studied Hitler's rise to power and nazi Germany extensively (and has read too many holocaust/WWII books to count), I have a unique perspective on this book. This book features a queer community in Berlin as it contends with the rise of the Nazis, and many of the principle characters are Jewish. I was really excited to read about queer people in this era, but other factors ultimately made this experience unfulfilling.
There were a lot of questionable choices made by the author. In particular, there was a character that was literally seen at a nazi rally where they were explicitly using anti-Semitic imagery. However, the main character--despite living with and falling in love with a Jewish woman--decides that this nazi girl should be given the benefit of the doubt. Other characters believe that maybe she didn't really know what she was supporting--despite being at the rally with the anti-Semetic imagery! She knew what she was doing, but she was forgiven time and time again by the main character and her friends. What's more, this forgiveness and acceptance is portrayed as a good thing! And it happened at a gay bar! What was the author thinking? And the Jewish character doesn't really react to the acceptance of this girl. The queer people don't really care. She is a threat to their existence, she clearly knows what she is supporting, but they're like...eh she probably doesn't really get it and she's fine, I guess. I hated that so much.
Also, I was just really annoyed at the ways the characters reacted to the Nazis gaining power. The main character seems like she's always realizing that the Nazis are bad people and they're saying/doing bad things. But there is never any fear. Never any uncertainty. It's just really strange to read because the Nazis are threatening her life, her community, and the community of people she loves and her only reaction is "aren't these people doing horrible things?"
Other than that, there wasn't much I liked about the book. Rosa doesn't have a personality. Her only character trait is that she's pretty and she likes Hilda. The romance is kind of unbelievable, especially the story of them beginning to live together. Hilda's inability to sing even when she desperately needed to was very annoying.
However, there is a reason that I didn't give this book only one star. There were three things that I adored about this book. 1) Rosa exposes Hilda to some Jewish practices, and the way they are described is beautiful. 2) Rosa's aunt is completely accepting of her sexuality and relationship with Hilda, and there is no coming out; it's just pre-established. 3) The audiobook has someone actually sing the music portion of the book, and it's a really beautiful experience.
Overall, here are my final thoughts: I did not like this book. I don't like the way it treated the subject of Hitler's rise to power. I didn't like the characters, and the plot was strange/slow. The romance was not compelling, and parts were not believable. However, if you still want to pick up this book, it is imperative that you listen to the audiobook because the singing is a great touch.
First, as a queer jew who has studied Hitler's rise to power and nazi Germany extensively (and has read too many holocaust/WWII books to count), I have a unique perspective on this book. This book features a queer community in Berlin as it contends with the rise of the Nazis, and many of the principle characters are Jewish. I was really excited to read about queer people in this era, but other factors ultimately made this experience unfulfilling.
There were a lot of questionable choices made by the author. In particular, there was a character that was literally seen at a nazi rally where they were explicitly using anti-Semitic imagery. However, the main character--despite living with and falling in love with a Jewish woman--decides that this nazi girl should be given the benefit of the doubt. Other characters believe that maybe she didn't really know what she was supporting--despite being at the rally with the anti-Semetic imagery! She knew what she was doing, but she was forgiven time and time again by the main character and her friends. What's more, this forgiveness and acceptance is portrayed as a good thing! And it happened at a gay bar! What was the author thinking? And the Jewish character doesn't really react to the acceptance of this girl. The queer people don't really care. She is a threat to their existence, she clearly knows what she is supporting, but they're like...eh she probably doesn't really get it and she's fine, I guess. I hated that so much.
Also, I was just really annoyed at the ways the characters reacted to the Nazis gaining power. The main character seems like she's always realizing that the Nazis are bad people and they're saying/doing bad things. But there is never any fear. Never any uncertainty. It's just really strange to read because the Nazis are threatening her life, her community, and the community of people she loves and her only reaction is "aren't these people doing horrible things?"
Other than that, there wasn't much I liked about the book. Rosa doesn't have a personality. Her only character trait is that she's pretty and she likes Hilda. The romance is kind of unbelievable, especially the story of them beginning to live together. Hilda's inability to sing even when she desperately needed to was very annoying.
However, there is a reason that I didn't give this book only one star. There were three things that I adored about this book. 1) Rosa exposes Hilda to some Jewish practices, and the way they are described is beautiful. 2) Rosa's aunt is completely accepting of her sexuality and relationship with Hilda, and there is no coming out; it's just pre-established. 3) The audiobook has someone actually sing the music portion of the book, and it's a really beautiful experience.
Overall, here are my final thoughts: I did not like this book. I don't like the way it treated the subject of Hitler's rise to power. I didn't like the characters, and the plot was strange/slow. The romance was not compelling, and parts were not believable. However, if you still want to pick up this book, it is imperative that you listen to the audiobook because the singing is a great touch.
January 23, 2022
***Review based on ARC.***
Pros: Well-constructed verse writing elevates the story. It's fun and fast to read. Read like fantasy or YA romance, not historical fiction (my original framework when I started it). The author is skillful at emotionally evocative verse. Independently, some of the "chapters" are 4 star verse compositions.
Also, made me more aware of the historical reality of gay culture prevalence during the Weimar Republic. I wish there had been more exploration of this (see the historical fiction expectation, above).
***Many spoilers in the cons.***
Cons: The plot was obvious from a mile a way - nothing remotely surprised me.
Lena's betrayal - saw when she was described as blonde and bitter.
Character depth is limited, and provided in the "tell" format when offered.
Hilde's good fortune as a lesbian female orphan is head-scratchingly unbelievable even in a fantasy framework -- finding a job almost immediately at a gay night club, a coworker who immediately provides her housing (she has a crush on her and they get together), getting the attention of a record producer the first night she sings and actually completes a song, and her prescient decision to leave Berlin for Paris with her Jewish girlfriend so we get a tidy and sweet ending with only a hit of potential pain (in Tante Esther staying behind).
Pros: Well-constructed verse writing elevates the story. It's fun and fast to read. Read like fantasy or YA romance, not historical fiction (my original framework when I started it). The author is skillful at emotionally evocative verse. Independently, some of the "chapters" are 4 star verse compositions.
Also, made me more aware of the historical reality of gay culture prevalence during the Weimar Republic. I wish there had been more exploration of this (see the historical fiction expectation, above).
***Many spoilers in the cons.***
Cons: The plot was obvious from a mile a way - nothing remotely surprised me.
Lena's betrayal - saw when she was described as blonde and bitter.
Character depth is limited, and provided in the "tell" format when offered.
Hilde's good fortune as a lesbian female orphan is head-scratchingly unbelievable even in a fantasy framework -- finding a job almost immediately at a gay night club, a coworker who immediately provides her housing (she has a crush on her and they get together), getting the attention of a record producer the first night she sings and actually completes a song, and her prescient decision to leave Berlin for Paris with her Jewish girlfriend so we get a tidy and sweet ending with only a hit of potential pain (in Tante Esther staying behind).
March 29, 2022
The year is 1932 in Berlin and now that Hilde is eighteen, she must leave her orphanage and set out on her own. She quickly discovers, however, that finding a job is near impossible in these economically depressed times. But fate intervenes one night when she meets Rosa, who brings Hilde to Café Lila where she meets a cast of characters that soon become her chosen family.
As Berlin falls further and further into the authoritarian grip of the Nazis who are scapegoating Jews and the queer community, Hilde along with the employees and patrons of Café Lila continue to remain quietly hopeful and defiant... until trouble comes loudly knocking on their door.
Just as the title suggests, this YA historical fiction in verse by Kip Wilson is dazzling. Berlin is my favorite city on earth, mostly because there has always been a provocative, defiant, avant-garde, and counter-cultural energy about it. That was true in 2004 when I visited for the first time, and it was certainly true when this novel takes place.
But just as this book is a window into 1930s Germany, it's also an alarming mirror to societies, including American society, that allow idealogues and populists to rise to power.
Read my entire review .
As Berlin falls further and further into the authoritarian grip of the Nazis who are scapegoating Jews and the queer community, Hilde along with the employees and patrons of Café Lila continue to remain quietly hopeful and defiant... until trouble comes loudly knocking on their door.
Just as the title suggests, this YA historical fiction in verse by Kip Wilson is dazzling. Berlin is my favorite city on earth, mostly because there has always been a provocative, defiant, avant-garde, and counter-cultural energy about it. That was true in 2004 when I visited for the first time, and it was certainly true when this novel takes place.
But just as this book is a window into 1930s Germany, it's also an alarming mirror to societies, including American society, that allow idealogues and populists to rise to power.
Read my entire review .
May 25, 2022
probably the fastest i’ve ever read a book; i started it around 3 and finished at 5:25 (one sitting). the writing style was great and i just couldn’t put it down. i enjoyed this book more than Kip’s debut novel White Rose and i felt like the verse style really worked for the story. also rosa is the queer jewish representation we all needed
April 12, 2022
in the words of diana morales, "i felt nothing" while reading this book (respectfully)
April 19, 2022
It still amazes me how an author, under such tight constraints, can paint the picture so accurately. With a limited use of language and the power of space, Kip Wilson carried me back to the 1930’s where being yourself, whoever you were, was still acceptable, even in the city of Berlin. Although, not a city void of criticism, for there would always be wolves ready to attack, this brief time period gave individuals the opportunity to find their crowd and be embraced. Written in verse, it was an incredible journey where the sights and sounds of Berlin, were at my fingertips.
Through the use of language and space, Hilde’s story was composed on 397-pages, words arranged so strategically that it reads like a work of fiction. Hilde’s gates were finally open as she leaves her controlled world and enters a world where she can find her own niche. She must find employment to begin her new life but with the economy in shambles, Hilde’s options are limited. When Hilde finds Rosa, I think she was able to fully breathe and embrace who she was. This was an emotional read for me as Hilde finally gets to see the world behind her own eyes. 5 stars
Through the use of language and space, Hilde’s story was composed on 397-pages, words arranged so strategically that it reads like a work of fiction. Hilde’s gates were finally open as she leaves her controlled world and enters a world where she can find her own niche. She must find employment to begin her new life but with the economy in shambles, Hilde’s options are limited. When Hilde finds Rosa, I think she was able to fully breathe and embrace who she was. This was an emotional read for me as Hilde finally gets to see the world behind her own eyes. 5 stars
December 19, 2022
This one was packed with sad painful emotions with the hope that was found among people of the same mindset- optimist and shiny and good with a warm heart.
The ending made me cry. its neither sad nor happy
From page one we know it's that part of history where hope was lost and the war was on the doors and people treated others like they are better.
Can't say we don't still have ppl who treat others like shit, discrimination is still here, even if we pretend it is not. the world may have become a better place but underneath the surface whatever was there in the past still lingers today.
A lot of ppl still suffer from this- the only difference is that the background changes depend on the place on earth the story happens.
A highly recommended book! it may be fiction but we can't deny the historical part of it and the messages it sends to us are so real.
A book that can affect us and our emotions and mindset.
this was a splendid, educational and emotional read.
The ending made me cry. its neither sad nor happy
From page one we know it's that part of history where hope was lost and the war was on the doors and people treated others like they are better.
Can't say we don't still have ppl who treat others like shit, discrimination is still here, even if we pretend it is not. the world may have become a better place but underneath the surface whatever was there in the past still lingers today.
A lot of ppl still suffer from this- the only difference is that the background changes depend on the place on earth the story happens.
A highly recommended book! it may be fiction but we can't deny the historical part of it and the messages it sends to us are so real.
A book that can affect us and our emotions and mindset.
this was a splendid, educational and emotional read.
January 20, 2023
I’ve found that I gravitate towards historically doomed sapphic novels with a found family trope hidden somewhere along the margins. ‘The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin� was a quick, decent, emotionally stable read - I was not expecting much from it when I picked it up (really, I came for the sapphics) but I have one qualm.
HILDE, DARLING. LENA IS A FUCKING NAZI. YES, SHE HAS A ROUGH FAMILY LIFE, BUT SHE’S A GODDAMN NAZI. SHE WAS GOING TO SELL YOU OUT FROM THE BEGINNING. WHY DID YOU EVEN TRUST HER. This was one of the very stupid, easily avoidable plot points that I despised. Otherwise, everything else was decent; not dazzling, but enough to fill me up for a while.
HILDE, DARLING. LENA IS A FUCKING NAZI. YES, SHE HAS A ROUGH FAMILY LIFE, BUT SHE’S A GODDAMN NAZI. SHE WAS GOING TO SELL YOU OUT FROM THE BEGINNING. WHY DID YOU EVEN TRUST HER. This was one of the very stupid, easily avoidable plot points that I despised. Otherwise, everything else was decent; not dazzling, but enough to fill me up for a while.
May 27, 2022
My first Young Adult novel (apart from the graphic novel variety) in some time, Kip Wilson's, "The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin" reminds one that home is not four walls and a roof; it is the people that you love without question, and that return that love in full.
Given my recent historical fiction wheelhouse of "1920's and 1930's glitz and glamour", I was immediately sold on giving Wilson's second novel a try. I did not know it was written in prose until it arrived at the library, but I honestly cannot imagine the book in any other format (except for a graphic novel adaption, of course). The landscapes and interiors of the Café Lila and Rosa's home felt almost familiar, even though I have never been to Berlin, due in part to Wilson's ability to paint a scenario with just the right words so that the tone transcends borders and time. The same goes for the inner and outer dialogue, whether in English or in German.
For fans of glossaries there is one at the back of the book for the German words that sprinkle the pages and tongues of the cast, and for fans of further reading there is a bibliography worth diving into as well.
The final moments readers spend with this novel will be bittersweet, given what travesties lie ahead for Europeans, and what we do not know when it comes to our heroine duo's future. Since the novel is a piece of historical fiction, one would love to see the atrocities to come never take shape, and that all the pain and ugliness of bigotry was silenced by a song.
A song about a girl.
A song about the most dazzling girl in Berlin.
Given my recent historical fiction wheelhouse of "1920's and 1930's glitz and glamour", I was immediately sold on giving Wilson's second novel a try. I did not know it was written in prose until it arrived at the library, but I honestly cannot imagine the book in any other format (except for a graphic novel adaption, of course). The landscapes and interiors of the Café Lila and Rosa's home felt almost familiar, even though I have never been to Berlin, due in part to Wilson's ability to paint a scenario with just the right words so that the tone transcends borders and time. The same goes for the inner and outer dialogue, whether in English or in German.
For fans of glossaries there is one at the back of the book for the German words that sprinkle the pages and tongues of the cast, and for fans of further reading there is a bibliography worth diving into as well.
The final moments readers spend with this novel will be bittersweet, given what travesties lie ahead for Europeans, and what we do not know when it comes to our heroine duo's future. Since the novel is a piece of historical fiction, one would love to see the atrocities to come never take shape, and that all the pain and ugliness of bigotry was silenced by a song.
A song about a girl.
A song about the most dazzling girl in Berlin.
September 4, 2022
Set in 1932 before Hitler comes to power in Germany, a novel in verse beautifully written, celebrating the love of two women and the friends that surround them. This was a glimpse into the world of queer folk, who were able to, for a short time, live their lives without worry, without homophobia, without the fear of being persecuted for the way they chose to live. I loved this book, read it in one sitting. Kip Wilson has become a favorite of mine in historical fiction genre.
September 19, 2022
really sweet and well researched. teenage lesbians in berlin on the eve of the nazi regime, found family and queer nightlife and coming of age in a really thoughtful way. the sparseness of the verse narration served the story well, kip wilson has a deftness with that style that i feel like is rare. it didn’t feel too cheesy or on the nose like a lot of ya verse does to me, and i know the audiobook narrator also played a role in that.
Want to read
October 5, 2021This sounds like a sapphic version of Cabaret and I am so here for it
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