Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Night Divided

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

A Night Divided joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!

With the rise of the Berlin Wall, Gerta finds her family suddenly divided. She, her mother, and her brother Fritz live on the eastern side, controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother, who had gone west in search of work, cannot return home. Gerta knows it is dangerous to watch the wall, yet she can't help herself. She sees the East German soldiers with their guns trained on their own citizens; she, her family, her neighbors and friends are prisoners in their own city.

But one day on her way to school, Gerta spots her father on a viewing platform on the western side, pantomiming a peculiar dance. Gerta concludes that her father wants her and Fritz to tunnel beneath the wall, out of East Berlin. However, if they are caught, the consequences will be deadly. No one can be trusted. Will Gerta and her family find their way to freedom?

Reviewed by BookeryBliss on

5 of 5 stars

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"This story is fictional, but is based on real events and the heroism of those who lived behind a concrete wall that stood for 28 years."
I greatly enjoy historical fiction books and this one made the top of my list. 'A Night Divided' is a YA book but I'm sure many adults such as myself will enjoy this just as much. Jennifer Nielson did a fantastic job creating characters that you could actually attach to. Many times throughout this story I wondered "what if that were me? What would I do?" Bravery is not something we plan though... It's certainly something that is only revealed when we are faced with such situations.

Filled with intense suspense, this story really grips you. Highly recommend.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 18 October, 2015: Finished reading
  • 18 October, 2015: Reviewed