German civilians in WWII - victims or perpetrators?
Alison Morton, author of the Roma Nova series, kindly asked me to write an article about ‘Everyday German’ in WWII given my new novel, Fables & Lies, focuses on the pressures placed on German civilians living in Berlin while under the Third Reich. Were they willing accomplices to oppression or victims of a repressive regime? The conclusion I came to was it was far from black and white.
Based on a true story, Fables & Lies explores WWII through the eyes of Freyja, a German museum assistant striving to protect Priam’s Treasure while navigating love and loyalty amid the horrors of Nazi Germany. The book blends romance, suspense, and ethical dilemmas as Freyja discovers the moral corruption of the Regime, dark family secrets, and personal transformation in a world built on lies.
A heartbreaking yet triumphant love story, Fables & Lies shines light on lesser-known aspects of the Nazi Regime. It gives voice to the complex moral struggles of German women, the forgotten resistance of Gentiles married to Jews, the dangers of contested history, the evils of Himmler’s racial studies program, and the unsung bravery of German museum curators who saved their nation’s treasures.
Fables & Lies - Plot in a nutshell:
WWII Berlin, patriotic museum assistant Freyja Bremer, marries SS scholar Kaspar Voigt to protect her father, unaware of his role in Himmler’s schemes. While racing to save the priceless Priam’s Treasure, she falls for archaeologist, Darien Lessing, who exposes the moral decay beneath the Regime’s myths. Her awakening leads her to aid a Jewish doctor, confronting moral corruption as she risks everything to safeguard truth, treasure and love amid chaos.
A must for readers who love thought provoking WWII historical fiction exploring the complexities of survival, moral conflict and impossible choices which feature thwarted love and a journey to enlightenment. Perfect for fans of Kelly Rimmer, Laura Morelli and Anthony Doer.
