You know those books that just leave you in a daze, staring at a wall before finally closing the book, still feeling like you’re inside the characters’ world? This is one of those books. I’m in awe of Emily Ann Putzke’s beautiful writing, and her talent to capture what life would have been like in 1940s Germany so perfectly and detailed.

It took me a long time to get into this book – took me a little over than a week to finish, which is rare for a reader like me. That said, I’m almost glad I took my time with it because I’m not ready to say goodbye to Hans and Sophie!

I loved Hans. I don’t read many books from the perspective of males, but wow. Hans was just SO easy to adore: his passion for his cause, desire to protect his friends and family… specifically his younger sister, Sophie! AHH! Their relationship! I don’t have a brother, though I am an older sister, so I still felt like I could relate to Hans and the way he looked at Sophie. His determination, his devoted beliefs, throughout EVERYTHING he went through. He was just an all-around amazing main character who really touched me. I hope everyone who reads this book gets that too.

There were some flaws; I wasn’t a fan of all the background information given to me in the beginning. BUT I’m just so moved by this story, the poetic writing… I really couldn’t give this book any less than five stars.

The fact that this book is largely based on the true story of Hans and Sophie Scholl (brings tears to my eyes because wow wow wow) and Emily took that with such real-life detail – yet the right amount of creative license – is incredible. She did wonderful! (And now I really want to learn more about the real-life Hans and Sophie and their anti-Nazi leaflet, The White Rose.)

I became attached to ALL of the characters in this book

[learn_more caption=”SPOILERS”] (which sucks because NOOOOOOO. My heart. It hurts.)[/learn_more]

and… I… have no idea what else to say. I’M IN LOVE.

So this book obviously HAS to get five stars. (After raving and going on like how on earth could it not?!) My heart hurts. I’m tempted to start this story all over again because I reealllly hate leaving Hans and Sophie behind… I also feel like I can walk away knowing a lot more about WWII and living in Germany during this time, which is wonderful as I love learning more about that specific time period.

Be sure to grab this one as soon as it hits shelves on February 22nd!

does this sound like something you’ll read? have you read any of emily ann putzke’s other books? (this has been on my first!)