The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin

By: Kip Wilson

Narrated by: Juliette Goglia

Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2022 Kip Wilson (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Lyrical and Beautiful!

This book is like one long lyrical poem. It follows Hilde, an orphan who is trying to find her place in the dazzling city of Berlin, just as the Nazi movement is gaining power. It follows the blossoming romance between Hilde and Rosa, a Jewish girl, set against the backdrop of Berlin's wild nightlife, juxtaposed with the insidious growth of anti-semitism. It is a beautifully moving, poignant story, suitable for YA readers as well as adults. The narration by Juliette Goglia is lovely, lyrical and filled with emotional power. Both the story and performance resonated with me long after I finished the book.

Rarely Written about Era

I've been a fan of historical fiction in verse ever since my 7th grade teacher assigned Out of the Dust by Hesse. I listened via Audible and the narrator was outstanding. The moment I started "The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin," I was transported into a vividly painted world, one that is rarely explored in literature - the time just before Hitler comes to power.
What makes this book particularly appealing to me is its use of sparse, concise language. Each word is meticulously chosen, creating a narrative that's both rich and to-the-point. This approach made the reading experience effortless and deeply immersive. I found myself using all my senses, drawn into the story's atmosphere and characters.

At the heart of the book is a tender love story. It's a tale that speaks of love's power and resilience, even in the toughest of times. The characters are so well-developed and relatable that I couldn't help but feel a part of their world, sharing in their joys and sorrows.

As the book ended, I found myself lingering on the fate of the characters. What happened to them after the last page? Their journey felt so real, so vivid, that it's hard not to wonder about their lives beyond the story's conclusion.

Definitely Dazzling

This is a gorgeous reading of a beautiful and haunting book, set in a time I’ve not encountered much in fiction, the incredibly important and fraught 1932. Berlin comes to life in all its facets, but it’s the voice and narration that put this book over the top. Kim Wilson has done it again and used her precise word choice to twist my heart.