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Bluebird
A historical novel, set in postwar New York City.
In 1946, Eva leaves behind the rubble of Berlin for the streets of New York City, stepping from the fiery aftermath of one war into another, far colder one, where power is more important than principles, and lies are more plentiful than the truth. Eva holds the key to a deadly secret: Project Bluebird -- a horrific experiment of the concentration camps, capable of tipping the balance of world power. Both the Americans and the Soviets want Bluebird, and it is something that neither should ever be allowed to possess.
But Eva hasn't come to America for secrets or power. She hasn't even come for a new life. She has come to America for one thing: justice. And the Nazi that has escaped its net.
In 1946, Eva leaves behind the rubble of Berlin for the streets of New York City, stepping from the fiery aftermath of one war into another, far colder one, where power is more important than principles, and lies are more plentiful than the truth. Eva holds the key to a deadly secret: Project Bluebird -- a horrific experiment of the concentration camps, capable of tipping the balance of world power. Both the Americans and the Soviets want Bluebird, and it is something that neither should ever be allowed to possess.
But Eva hasn't come to America for secrets or power. She hasn't even come for a new life. She has come to America for one thing: justice. And the Nazi that has escaped its net.
438 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2021
About the author
Sharon Cameron
19 books2,013 followersSharon Cameron was awarded the 2009 Sue Alexander Most Promising New Work Award by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for her debut novel, The Dark Unwinding. When not writing Sharon can be found thumbing dusty tomes, shooting her longbow, or indulging in her lifelong search for secret passages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,093 reviews
February 9, 2023
And what would happen, I thought, if someone raised in Nazism, steeped in the trauma and guilt of a terrible past, stepped straight into a belief system that was diametrically opposed to everything they had known before/ Where love is undeserved, unearned, and unconditional?
The answer, I hope, is that they would transform.~Sharon Cameron (Author's Note)
A young woman, raised in the home of a Nazi doctor, is emigrating to the US with a childhood friend. It is clear that she has been given assistance in leaving postwar Germany and there are expectations of her. We can also tell that she has her own agenda: revenge. Who is she looking for? Who is trying to manipulate her while she is in NYC? As we observe her time at the Powell House (this sounds like such an amazing place), we also revisit her past. Clues are dropped like bread crumbs and like me you may find yourself following the trail in the wrong direction. There will be surprises right up to the Epilogue. Cameron's pacing is precise with clues from one timeline correlating with the next chapter in the present. For someone who appreciates symmetry, this added to my enjoyment of the book. Perfect for fans of Ruta Sepetys.
If you love this one, be sure to read The Light in Hidden Places by the same author.
The answer, I hope, is that they would transform.~Sharon Cameron (Author's Note)
A young woman, raised in the home of a Nazi doctor, is emigrating to the US with a childhood friend. It is clear that she has been given assistance in leaving postwar Germany and there are expectations of her. We can also tell that she has her own agenda: revenge. Who is she looking for? Who is trying to manipulate her while she is in NYC? As we observe her time at the Powell House (this sounds like such an amazing place), we also revisit her past. Clues are dropped like bread crumbs and like me you may find yourself following the trail in the wrong direction. There will be surprises right up to the Epilogue. Cameron's pacing is precise with clues from one timeline correlating with the next chapter in the present. For someone who appreciates symmetry, this added to my enjoyment of the book. Perfect for fans of Ruta Sepetys.
If you love this one, be sure to read The Light in Hidden Places by the same author.
October 2, 2021
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BLUEBIRD was a book that I grabbed purely on impulse. I'm just such a sucker for revenge stories and even though I'm totally fatigued on WWII books, I couldn't resist. This had everything I love-- dangerous boys, dual timelines, family secrets, revenge, and real stakes. From the first chapter, I was sucked in, and I was really impressed at how darkly and deftly the subject matter was handled considering that this is a young adult book and usually the authors tend to write with kid gloves (to the detriment of the plot, sadly).
There are two alternating narratives in this book. One is about Eva, a German girl coming to America with her friend, Annemarie. She has a dark secret and revenge on her mind. The other story is about Inge, another German girl who comes from the ideal German family. Only... her life isn't as perfect as she thinks. And the reason her life isn't perfect is the same reason her mother hates her and her father treats her like a beloved but strictly disciplined dog. The narratives end up intersecting in an unusual and gradual way and while I predicted some of it, there were still plenty of twists that surprised me.
The less you know about BLUEBIRD, the better. I personally thought it was an excellent work of historical fiction. Some of my friends hadn't liked her previous books so I had avoided her other work but after reading this, I'm thinking I seriously need to check out her backlist. The only critiques I really have is that the last half of the book felt a little disorganized compared to the excellent beginning and I don't think the book really needed to be 400+ pages. There were a lot of pieces that felt redundant.
Since this is a book of wartime fiction, the usual trigger warnings apply. Nothing is graphic, but there is a lot of implied abuse and violence, and some references to human experimentation.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
3.5 stars
April 8, 2021
Wow! This one's a stunner. I'm a big fan of Cameron, so I'm not surprised exactly, just really, really pleased.
BLUEBIRD features everything I love in a historical novel—a vivid, atmospheric setting; a tense, engrossing plot; sympathetic, interesting characters; and smooth, solid writing. That the story is based on a real experiment that I'd never heard about just made it all the more fascinating. Not to mention eye-opening and thought-provoking. All of these elements combine to create a book that is so immersive and propulsive that it is unputdownable. Almost literally. I would have read it in one day, but my eyes gave out at about 80% after staring at my Kindle for hours on end! Yes, I saw the big plot twist coming, but that didn't really matter. I still found myself totally absorbed by this novel. It's the best WWII story I've read (and I've read a lot of them) since THE NIGHTINGALE by Kristin Hannah. I loved BLUEBIRD and I hope it receives rave reviews when it comes out in October.
BLUEBIRD features everything I love in a historical novel—a vivid, atmospheric setting; a tense, engrossing plot; sympathetic, interesting characters; and smooth, solid writing. That the story is based on a real experiment that I'd never heard about just made it all the more fascinating. Not to mention eye-opening and thought-provoking. All of these elements combine to create a book that is so immersive and propulsive that it is unputdownable. Almost literally. I would have read it in one day, but my eyes gave out at about 80% after staring at my Kindle for hours on end! Yes, I saw the big plot twist coming, but that didn't really matter. I still found myself totally absorbed by this novel. It's the best WWII story I've read (and I've read a lot of them) since THE NIGHTINGALE by Kristin Hannah. I loved BLUEBIRD and I hope it receives rave reviews when it comes out in October.
December 13, 2022
THIS IS ONE HECK OF A BOOK DAHLINGS 😯
Please bear with me as I try to relay my feelings…
*clears throat*
As aforementioned this is an extreme situation as I try to write a fitting review for this… thing. It’s like a book, but MORE🤧 So please do not judge or blame me for the nonsensical behavior that follows in my also ‘heck’ of a review, but more in a bad way. XX
And now I’m stalling, yes you are very clever to notice that, uh huh uh huh.
Okay but SERIOUSLY. wHo ExAcTlY gave Sharon Cameron the pErMiSsiOn to write such a… a… beautiful, terrible, horrifying, raw… THING. THIS BOOK MORE-THAN-A-BOOK PUTS ALL OTHER BOOKS ✨TO SHAME✨.
I MEAN. Project Bluebird, which you had probably never heard of and don’t feel bad not many people have, is a… er… delicate situation.
AND BY DELICATE I MEAN HORRIFYING CRIME BY AND TO HUMANITY THAT WE WOULD ALL LIKE TO
FORGET.
So Sharon Cameron deserves like a medal for tackling such a uh uh delicate situation in such a tasteful and amazing way *bows to her*
And now, since this book is so terribly underrated, you’re probably going “WHAT IS PROJECT BLUEBIRD WHAT IS TELL MEEEE”….
Well NEWP.
You gonna hafta read the book for YOSELF 😏
(See what I did there. Ahahahaha.)
Seriously THOUGH. Exactly hOw mAnY authors are brave enough to write books NOT ONLY from the POV of a Nazi and actually shedding light on EXACTLY HOW MUCH GERMANY ALSO SUFFERED, but ALSO about the TERRIBLE things done in the past that present-day us would like to sweep under the rug and forget about la la la???
NOT MANY!!!!
And even LESS can do it with such SKILL. Like this book was bloody and dark and sometimes yes horrifying but Sharon Cameron TAKES these terrible ingredients and transforms them into something BEAUTIFUL. This book more-than-a-book isn’t just UNNECESSARY VIOLENCE. The world actually DID go through that hell-on-earth. AND it’s not like the book is OVERFLOWING with that violence from beginning to END. It’s not a story about Eva’s trauma. It’s a book about Eva overcoming her trauma and finding herself.
AND👏🏻IT’S👏🏻SO👏🏻BEAUTIFUL👏🏻
Eva is a SWEETHEART, Jake is a GOSHDARN CINNAMON ROLL, and THEY’RE THE ONLY CHARACTERS THAT MATTER SO WE’RE DONE HERE.
🤭Just kidding y’all calm dowwnnn🤭
The entire cast of characters is ✨lurvely✨ and I either loved or hated them like THERE AIN’T NO INBETWEEN.
And the PUHHHLLOTTTTTT.
Like I’ve basically ranted about this already but THE IMPORTANT HISTORICAL EVENTS aside it was sooo GOOD. Like twisty and dark and I was constantly goin’ 🫢
Then I was like 🫢
And a whole lotta 🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢
And I couldn’t PUT THE DARN THING DOWN.
Sooooo likeeee I feel like this should be the part where I put mah complaints but I DON’T HAVE A SINGLE ONE LADIES AND GENTS NOT A SINGLE ONEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
So in light of wrappin’ this up PUT THIS ON YOUR TBR OR YOU’LL WAKE UP DEAD TOMORROW 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
And you won’t have any proof it was me 😏
Please bear with me as I try to relay my feelings…
*clears throat*
As aforementioned this is an extreme situation as I try to write a fitting review for this… thing. It’s like a book, but MORE🤧 So please do not judge or blame me for the nonsensical behavior that follows in my also ‘heck’ of a review, but more in a bad way. XX
And now I’m stalling, yes you are very clever to notice that, uh huh uh huh.
Okay but SERIOUSLY. wHo ExAcTlY gave Sharon Cameron the pErMiSsiOn to write such a… a… beautiful, terrible, horrifying, raw… THING. THIS BOOK MORE-THAN-A-BOOK PUTS ALL OTHER BOOKS ✨TO SHAME✨.
I MEAN. Project Bluebird, which you had probably never heard of and don’t feel bad not many people have, is a… er… delicate situation.
AND BY DELICATE I MEAN HORRIFYING CRIME BY AND TO HUMANITY THAT WE WOULD ALL LIKE TO
FORGET.
So Sharon Cameron deserves like a medal for tackling such a uh uh delicate situation in such a tasteful and amazing way *bows to her*
And now, since this book is so terribly underrated, you’re probably going “WHAT IS PROJECT BLUEBIRD WHAT IS TELL MEEEE”….
Well NEWP.
You gonna hafta read the book for YOSELF 😏
(See what I did there. Ahahahaha.)
Seriously THOUGH. Exactly hOw mAnY authors are brave enough to write books NOT ONLY from the POV of a Nazi and actually shedding light on EXACTLY HOW MUCH GERMANY ALSO SUFFERED, but ALSO about the TERRIBLE things done in the past that present-day us would like to sweep under the rug and forget about la la la???
NOT MANY!!!!
And even LESS can do it with such SKILL. Like this book was bloody and dark and sometimes yes horrifying but Sharon Cameron TAKES these terrible ingredients and transforms them into something BEAUTIFUL. This book more-than-a-book isn’t just UNNECESSARY VIOLENCE. The world actually DID go through that hell-on-earth. AND it’s not like the book is OVERFLOWING with that violence from beginning to END. It’s not a story about Eva’s trauma. It’s a book about Eva overcoming her trauma and finding herself.
AND👏🏻IT’S👏🏻SO👏🏻BEAUTIFUL👏🏻
Eva is a SWEETHEART, Jake is a GOSHDARN CINNAMON ROLL, and THEY’RE THE ONLY CHARACTERS THAT MATTER SO WE’RE DONE HERE.
🤭Just kidding y’all calm dowwnnn🤭
The entire cast of characters is ✨lurvely✨ and I either loved or hated them like THERE AIN’T NO INBETWEEN.
And the PUHHHLLOTTTTTT.
Like I’ve basically ranted about this already but THE IMPORTANT HISTORICAL EVENTS aside it was sooo GOOD. Like twisty and dark and I was constantly goin’ 🫢
Then I was like 🫢
And a whole lotta 🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢
And I couldn’t PUT THE DARN THING DOWN.
Sooooo likeeee I feel like this should be the part where I put mah complaints but I DON’T HAVE A SINGLE ONE LADIES AND GENTS NOT A SINGLE ONEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
So in light of wrappin’ this up PUT THIS ON YOUR TBR OR YOU’LL WAKE UP DEAD TOMORROW 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
And you won’t have any proof it was me 😏
February 28, 2023
This was a rather long book, with a lot of characters and plot twists to keep straight.
I am so glad I stuck with it, though, because the last few chapters made it worth it! And the author’s notes at the end were great, too. (Don’t cheat and read them first; it will spoil the plot!)
Wonderful historical fiction! I can’t wait to check out more from this author!
I am so glad I stuck with it, though, because the last few chapters made it worth it! And the author’s notes at the end were great, too. (Don’t cheat and read them first; it will spoil the plot!)
Wonderful historical fiction! I can’t wait to check out more from this author!
April 19, 2022
M-am obișnuit destul de greu la început cu stilul autorului de multe ori pe repede înainte cu multe propoziții scurte și expresii repetate, dar mi-a plăcut ideea centrală a cărții și ar fi necinstit totuși să-i acord mai puține stele dacă povestea m-a prins. Și vorba aia, când nu prinde bine o ficțiune istorică?
Mi-a plăcut fraza asta, “Otto a prezis că, dacă Al Treilea Reich câștigă, vom fi eroi. Zei printre oameni. Arhitecți ai noii civilizații. Dacă nu câștigă, vom deveni cei mai groaznici criminali ai acestei lumi.”, și nu cred că este departe de adevăr.
Mi-a plăcut fraza asta, “Otto a prezis că, dacă Al Treilea Reich câștigă, vom fi eroi. Zei printre oameni. Arhitecți ai noii civilizații. Dacă nu câștigă, vom deveni cei mai groaznici criminali ai acestei lumi.”, și nu cred că este departe de adevăr.
May 7, 2023
Bluebird is an immersive read into the world that was after WWII. Eva Gerst arrives in New York City in 1946, or is it really Inge Von Emmerich, or Anna Ptaszynka? Inge Von Emmerich is looking for her father who has disappeared after the war, and she travels to New York City with her friend Brigit who needs help, and she is determined to help her friend all the while doing so, she searches for her father. Most chapters go back and forth between Inge and Eva until, well the past merges into the present.
I really liked the characters like Happy Angel, Bets, Martha, Jake who were all so kind and loving towards Eva, and Brigit who had no family when they came to New York. They became an extended family to the girls.
Even though Bluebird isn't based on an actual event or situation, Project Bluebird did exist and happened to how many, I don't know. I think some may be aware of Project MK Ultra, and I was surprised to find out that Project Bluebird and Artichoke preceded Project MK Ultra, and was also associated with Operation Paperclip.
There were some parts that I found hard to read, to know that there were people who really did this to innocent people, who did not deserve what they went through. But the writing made these past "events" real, and I could not turn the page fast enough. I had some suspicions about the characters and the twists and turns were plausible, at least to me. If I had a monster of a "father" like Eva did, I might've done the same thing.
I really liked the characters like Happy Angel, Bets, Martha, Jake who were all so kind and loving towards Eva, and Brigit who had no family when they came to New York. They became an extended family to the girls.
Even though Bluebird isn't based on an actual event or situation, Project Bluebird did exist and happened to how many, I don't know. I think some may be aware of Project MK Ultra, and I was surprised to find out that Project Bluebird and Artichoke preceded Project MK Ultra, and was also associated with Operation Paperclip.
There were some parts that I found hard to read, to know that there were people who really did this to innocent people, who did not deserve what they went through. But the writing made these past "events" real, and I could not turn the page fast enough. I had some suspicions about the characters and the twists and turns were plausible, at least to me. If I had a monster of a "father" like Eva did, I might've done the same thing.
November 7, 2021
A riveting combine-of-age story from a favorite author. Main characters I could root for become a team & fall in love as they try to make sense of the world left to them after WWII & the Holocaust. The reading experience provided a nice balance between savoring & flipping those pages!
July 6, 2021
This wonderful, insightful novel begins in 1946 when Eva is arriving in New City from the rubble of Berlin. She's taking care of a young girl who can't speak for herself. Brigit has been unable to speak since a terrible event happened to her during the war. Eva works to make everyone believe that she is in America to start a new life but the truth is that she holds a deadly secret. She has been asked by the CIA to participate in project Bluebird - a plan to find a Nazi doctor who was working on developing mind control and is hiding in the US to avoid Nuremberg trials. The doctor worked on his theory using prisoners in the concentration camps with no regard to whether they lived or died due to his experiments. Once he is found, the government plans to make sure that he stays free and works for them to further develop mind control. Eva agreed to help to get out of Germany but her plan is much different -- she wants revenge for all of the atrocities that were performed on the prisoners at the camps.
When Eva was growing up in Berlin during the war, she believed the rhetoric of the Nazis. Her parents and the rest of the family followed Nazi beliefs and were enamored with Hitler. As the war continued and she learned more about the concentration camps and the treatment of Jewish people, the more she turned away from Nazi beliefs. When the war ends in defeat, she begins to question everything and works to help other people and get revenge for them on the people who treated them so cruelly.
This book was well written and it is apparent that a lot of research was done. I had never heard of project Bluebird and spent some time on goggle learning about it. This book has it all - it's full of suspense, friendship and a bit of romance. It's full of twists and turns and hope that Eva finds the guilty people before they find her and kill her.
This was a book that I didn't want to put down and now I plan to check out earlier books by this author.
When Eva was growing up in Berlin during the war, she believed the rhetoric of the Nazis. Her parents and the rest of the family followed Nazi beliefs and were enamored with Hitler. As the war continued and she learned more about the concentration camps and the treatment of Jewish people, the more she turned away from Nazi beliefs. When the war ends in defeat, she begins to question everything and works to help other people and get revenge for them on the people who treated them so cruelly.
This book was well written and it is apparent that a lot of research was done. I had never heard of project Bluebird and spent some time on goggle learning about it. This book has it all - it's full of suspense, friendship and a bit of romance. It's full of twists and turns and hope that Eva finds the guilty people before they find her and kill her.
This was a book that I didn't want to put down and now I plan to check out earlier books by this author.
September 25, 2023
Such a beautiful story about the many issues survivors of WWII faced. You couldn't help but fall in love with Eva, Jake and the entire crew. I listened to this and would highly recommend the audiobook.
April 8, 2023
Het boek is vlot geschreven maar voor mij te langdradig, het kon gerust mzt 100 pg minder. Wel fijn dat het deels gebaseerd is op waargebeurde feiten en deze worden op het einde aangehaald.
October 5, 2021
This book grabbed me from the very start. We went back and forth between two different years. Until the first year caught up with the second and then we continued with where we were. The characters in the two years had different names, but eventually you realized how they were related to each other. And that they were the same. The story had a lot of things about the end of World War II that aren’t necessarily well known and I always am interested in learning more about not only the people who survived, but people who did things to help them.
The setting jumped between Germany and the US, specifically New York City. And I really enjoyed the look at NYC in the 1940s. It was easy to see why Eva was so conflicted about the deal she had made. But even more why she was so terrified of the people that seemed to following her and wanting things from her. Through all of what was actually going on with her mission, her mind was also slowly opening up and showing her memories that she had hidden, or been forced to block out.
All of the characters in this book were full of depth and had so much to contribute to the story. Eva and her friend Annemarie, both had been through things that were similar, although Annemarie had things worse at the moment we kind of begin with the two. Both reacted differently and dealt with things differently. And that was such a realistic and honest way the author played this story. It is even something the author mentions in her note at the end of the book. Talking about how young women who had been involved in the Nazi cause and been a part of it often were left not knowing how to react to what had been their way of life. And the Soviet soldiers who then were not the great rescuers in these situations.
While there was a bit of a romance between the handsome Jake and Eva, the obstacles in their path were numerous and quite large. And I feel the author handled that aspect respectfully and perfectly for this type of a story. And in the end wrapped it up in such a way that really was just right.
A great book, with some great history that isn’t as widely known as other subjects from this time period. It is one I will definitely be purchasing to put in my school library for my students to read.
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
The setting jumped between Germany and the US, specifically New York City. And I really enjoyed the look at NYC in the 1940s. It was easy to see why Eva was so conflicted about the deal she had made. But even more why she was so terrified of the people that seemed to following her and wanting things from her. Through all of what was actually going on with her mission, her mind was also slowly opening up and showing her memories that she had hidden, or been forced to block out.
All of the characters in this book were full of depth and had so much to contribute to the story. Eva and her friend Annemarie, both had been through things that were similar, although Annemarie had things worse at the moment we kind of begin with the two. Both reacted differently and dealt with things differently. And that was such a realistic and honest way the author played this story. It is even something the author mentions in her note at the end of the book. Talking about how young women who had been involved in the Nazi cause and been a part of it often were left not knowing how to react to what had been their way of life. And the Soviet soldiers who then were not the great rescuers in these situations.
While there was a bit of a romance between the handsome Jake and Eva, the obstacles in their path were numerous and quite large. And I feel the author handled that aspect respectfully and perfectly for this type of a story. And in the end wrapped it up in such a way that really was just right.
A great book, with some great history that isn’t as widely known as other subjects from this time period. It is one I will definitely be purchasing to put in my school library for my students to read.
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
March 8, 2023
"Right is right, even when all are against it, and wrong is wrong, even when all are for it."
After I read The Light in Hidden Places, I knew I wanted to read more of Sharon Cameron's, particularly anything related to World War II. When I saw Bluebird, I immediately added it to my tbr pile and used one of my three points to recommend the audiobook to my library's OverDrive Media.
So, when I saw the email notification that it was available for me to check out, I was tickled pink.
Only to be let down.
There is so much potential here. The premise of the book is the best part, but that's about it. The execution itself is a blunder.
In fact, for a brief moment, I couldn't help but think I must have been mistaken. Surely, I thought, this can't be the same Sharon Cameron who wrote about Stefania Podgorska. This must be a different Sharon Cameron. Yes, that must be it.
... Except it isn't.
It is the same Sharon Cameron who wrote The Light in Hidden Places, so the disappointment is all the more crushing.
The unreliable narrator was not deployed very well. I can't pinpoint the reason for it, though. Is it because of the writing? The character, Eva, herself? A combo of the two? That seems most likely. I was not drawn into the writing at all. It felt clunky. Awkward. Cameron's writing style just never could click with the other writing tools she decided to implement here. At least, it didn't click for me.
It wasn't the characters that made me stay. It wasn't the writing. And it wasn't the mystery.
The reason I kept going was to discover and learn about "Project Bluebird."
That's it. That was my motivation to see this story to the end.
Overall, I'm so bummed it didn't live up to its high expectations.
After I read The Light in Hidden Places, I knew I wanted to read more of Sharon Cameron's, particularly anything related to World War II. When I saw Bluebird, I immediately added it to my tbr pile and used one of my three points to recommend the audiobook to my library's OverDrive Media.
So, when I saw the email notification that it was available for me to check out, I was tickled pink.
Only to be let down.
There is so much potential here. The premise of the book is the best part, but that's about it. The execution itself is a blunder.
In fact, for a brief moment, I couldn't help but think I must have been mistaken. Surely, I thought, this can't be the same Sharon Cameron who wrote about Stefania Podgorska. This must be a different Sharon Cameron. Yes, that must be it.
... Except it isn't.
It is the same Sharon Cameron who wrote The Light in Hidden Places, so the disappointment is all the more crushing.
The unreliable narrator was not deployed very well. I can't pinpoint the reason for it, though. Is it because of the writing? The character, Eva, herself? A combo of the two? That seems most likely. I was not drawn into the writing at all. It felt clunky. Awkward. Cameron's writing style just never could click with the other writing tools she decided to implement here. At least, it didn't click for me.
It wasn't the characters that made me stay. It wasn't the writing. And it wasn't the mystery.
The reason I kept going was to discover and learn about "Project Bluebird."
That's it. That was my motivation to see this story to the end.
Overall, I'm so bummed it didn't live up to its high expectations.
November 17, 2024
4.5 Stars
When looking back at all the WW2 adult historical fiction that I have read, it’s odd that it’s a YA book that has been one of the more intense and darker-themed novels focusing on that period. This read as a mystery/suspense/thriller, and I enjoyed it. I liked that it offered interesting new facts I hadn't yet discovered in WW2 fiction. Such as the years before the war when Hitler's ideology began to take shape, but before it was highlighted on a world stage. Including the beginning of the "death camps" and medical experiments on political prisoners. The story also highlighted the Quaker's relief work and assistance to European refugees and those assimilating into the U.S. after the war.
I loved Jake, and Eva was a fantastic heroine. Their romance was well-integrated into the storyline, along with the fascinating mystery/suspense, making for an all-around exciting read. This is a great book for YA and adults alike who enjoy historical facts mixed in with romantic suspense.
September 16, 2023
Révoltant, bouleversant, incroyable et horrible à la fois, ce roman m’a happée jusqu’à la toute dernière page. C’est un roman historique sur fond de thriller, qui mélange deux époques et des projets bien glauques, une quête de vengeance et d’identité… c’était une lecture incroyable, dans la même veine que les romans de Ruta Sepetys qui ne peuvent pas te laisser de marbre.
March 6, 2022
Fantastic book! If you like war, historical fiction, mystery, suspense, intrigue, action, and a sweet love story, this is the one for you. The whole "Bluebird" thing is so messed up, but you get it, in its own twisted way. I was happy the outcome came about the way it did. I'm beyond satisfied with this one.
April 18, 2023
This book is probably one of the best books I have ever read about WW2. It is a page turner. I was shocked at the end to know there were experiments goings on here in America just like the Nazis were doing in Germany. I love historical fiction because I learn so much. This author did her research and conveyed it beautifully on the page.
There were a few mild curse words. The book was clean with some sweet kisses.
There were a few mild curse words. The book was clean with some sweet kisses.
March 10, 2022
Mi-am dorit asa mult sa citesc aceasta carte si imi creeasem niste așteptări cat casa de mari, însă, nu mi-a placut in mod deosebit si nici nu m-am atașat de Inge. Parca a fost totul prea amețit, m-am pierdut pe alocuri am mai citit și pe sărite, sunt puțin dezamăgită pentru ca prima ei carte mi-a placut nespus. Insa povestea asta pe mine nu m-a prins. Totuși nu pot sa ii dau mai puține stele pentru ca e o poveste documentata si posibil sa o fi citit eu intr-un moment nepotrivit.
July 26, 2021
Another fantastic, well-researched, and suspenseful read by Cameron. I had no idea Project Bluebird transitioned into MKUltra so this story was also educational as it detailed America's race against the Soviet's to extract Nazi scientists from Germany. Cameron conducted a plethora of research to make this story come alive and I learned about a different aspect of WW2 regarding Eva's journey in America. She was a former Nazi (her father was a high ranking doctor at a concentration camp) but she had no idea what kind of atrocities were committed until after the war was over. I loved all the characters though Brigit was more enjoyable during the first half of the book. Thank you for the ARC Edelweiss, I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
February 13, 2022
1/5
When I first saw this book I thought it was placed wrong. It looked like a book that would be in the adult or new adult area. With that the book was very slow. The chapters were hard to follow between different events. Even as I tried to be invested with the characters the next chapter wouldn’t be about them. The mystery behind it was something I was dying to know about but it got so confusing and I could keep what was going on straight.
When I first saw this book I thought it was placed wrong. It looked like a book that would be in the adult or new adult area. With that the book was very slow. The chapters were hard to follow between different events. Even as I tried to be invested with the characters the next chapter wouldn’t be about them. The mystery behind it was something I was dying to know about but it got so confusing and I could keep what was going on straight.
February 17, 2022
Sharon Cameron did it again.
America with a little bit of Berlin, World War II with a little bit of its consequences.
This was marvelous.
Amazing.
Another favorite story of mine.
A little bit darker than what she usually writes but equally perfect.
So--
(Sorry no quotes in hand)
WHAT I LOVED
~The point of view
So, we have seen WWII from the side of Jews, we have seen it from Jew-suporters and helpers (I am talking about my experience with books) and other stories about survivors. What I have never seen again was the side of a Nazi.
We have that girl, that is born in a Nazi home with parents that love Hitler and his ideas. A girl who was taught how to be the perfect Nazi. We don't get a heroine who has an open mind, that doubts everything. We have a normal heroine who has accepted her environment and has accepted her lessons as truth. And it was the most amazing thing seeing how that state of mind changed. How she would see, observe, understand new things and change her opinions. I was so thrilled to see her find the truth.
The moment her life is altered is a shocking one, because it feels so true and at the same time it is shocking because you actually realise that you have never thought of that position before. I had never thought about what happened to the Germans after the war. What they went through. How it would be to find out your whole life and all your beliefs were a big lie.
~The main characters
So we have Eva, a girl who has seen too much and has learned too many truths in such a small period of time. She sees her self changing so rapidly and she loses her true self, ending up wondering who she truly are. The one her father was telling her she was? The one she turned herself into? Or something else entirely? It was an experience like no other, reading her thoughts while they were changing, to see how her mind was working out the new information it was receiving.
Another amazing thing about htat character was her selflessness. She would do anything for the ones she loves even let them hate her if that meant they were safe. She would reach the extreme just so she can do the right thing. Her character was a huge inspiration and a source of deep thought about many things. About what is justice, what is right, who has the right to judge, what it means to love someone.
Another stunning character is, of cource, Jacob. He was so surprising and sharp, with his mind racing when his interest was picked. The heroine was described as dull and small and uninmportant. Yet, he saw beyond that and saw that there was something hiding and that he should dig a little deeper. He was a part of a charity house and he would go out of his way to help people, even if it was eating up all his time. The way he approached the heroine was so endearing and you can't help but like him. And he knew everyone, having helped everyone and he had such a lovely mother.
The charity ladies were another awesome addition. In the beginning the truth is that I found them a little bit over the top kind but as the book progressed I could believe it and I could see that how their character was built. I ended up liking them like everybody else in this book.
Briggit... I can't say much about her but she was an intriguing character. One that made me think for quite a while after finishing this book.
~There was no one-sided view
In many book you might see that when having as a theme WWII we have the germans and the good guys. Whoever is the liberator from the Germans is good. But in this book you realise that that's not quiet true. We have the Communists who helped in the liberation. Where they all good? Nope. We have the Americans. Most of the books enthrone America as the one to bring the salvation. In this book we dig a little deeper. We see that everything has many sides to observe. That everyone has a motive. That war brings out the worst in people.
I appreaciated that view so much and I am glad that I now know more things about what took place during that time.
~THE ROMANCE
I sometimes think that Sharon Cameron is unable to write a bad romance. She has yet to prove me wrong. I hope she keeps on doing what she is doing because it's perfect.
I loved their chemistry so much. How the one would act and the other would follow through just so they can be together. There were lies and msyteries and hurtful words but those two knew how to talk things out. They knew how to work as a team and how to protect each other. They had a unique way of communication, talking with words, with glances and even through a twitch of one's expression. The way they would coax one another into doing the right thing, in being better, in choosing rather than being forced into a situation only because it feels like the right thing to do. And they had the advantage of the 50s setting that is a favorite of mine, with its songs and its swings and its twists. I could imagine them dancing and singing and strolling through old streets. Jumping on fire escape ladders, climbing on roofs. (I don't think I will ever find another author who likes characters climbing on roofs as much as me), driving cars in light speed, being chased and chasing after people. Hiding, doing maneuvres to escape, running through back doors and jumping on moving vehicles. This romance was epic.
~The action
And, among everything else, Sharon Cameron is able to write perfect action scenes too. I felt like I was in a movie, seeing the heroine ride that car, as fast as she could, through alleys, through trees, through building trying to escape. With her, breaking into buildings, jumping on roofs, the hero scanning for who is following, with them slipping away, hiding things in lockets. I can't say much but you get the idea. I was constantly at the edge of my seat.
~The mystery
From the very first chapter you are intrigued. And that is because even the heroine doesn't tell you everything. It's like she knows someone else hears her thoughts and hides the important part from them. At some points she was so convincing in her thoughts that you would be confused as to what was happening in her brain only to realise that in order to pretend to be someone else she would even alter her way of thinking. It was amazing. And when you sit down and you think about it you see the extent of that trait.
The whole plot was a mystery, always finding something else, new questions popping out from every chapter, new discoveries and new loses.
~THE ENDING
WHAT AN AMAZING ENDING!
If I had written this review the moment I closed this book I would have filled the page with mentions of it. And probably a ridiculous amount of exclamation marks.
It was amazing. The ending I am always looking for. A combination of heart-breaking, heart-warming, joyful feeling that lets you enjoy the rest of your day with so many positive thoughts. Sharon Cameron shares so much hope through her books. She made my day brighter and I am glad for it.
This book was heavy, don't get me wrong. It deals with difficult topics and sensitive situations, with sorrow and pain but at the end of it all there is always a bright side.
~The topic of Justice
I am surprised to find how so many of my thoughts are epxressed through Sharon Cameron's heroines and heroes. In this book what surprised me was the way justice was depicted. What is justice? Who decides what is right and what is wrong? Who is able to be the judge? And the heroine answered these questions the way I wanted her to. And the hero led her down that road. I won't let anything slip but I am so glad for morally correct MCs.
There is only one thing that actually bothered me and that was a single scene. In a busstop. Read it and you'll understand.
READ IT. DON'T WAIT.
America with a little bit of Berlin, World War II with a little bit of its consequences.
This was marvelous.
Amazing.
Another favorite story of mine.
A little bit darker than what she usually writes but equally perfect.
So--
(Sorry no quotes in hand)
WHAT I LOVED
~The point of view
So, we have seen WWII from the side of Jews, we have seen it from Jew-suporters and helpers (I am talking about my experience with books) and other stories about survivors. What I have never seen again was the side of a Nazi.
We have that girl, that is born in a Nazi home with parents that love Hitler and his ideas. A girl who was taught how to be the perfect Nazi. We don't get a heroine who has an open mind, that doubts everything. We have a normal heroine who has accepted her environment and has accepted her lessons as truth. And it was the most amazing thing seeing how that state of mind changed. How she would see, observe, understand new things and change her opinions. I was so thrilled to see her find the truth.
The moment her life is altered is a shocking one, because it feels so true and at the same time it is shocking because you actually realise that you have never thought of that position before. I had never thought about what happened to the Germans after the war. What they went through. How it would be to find out your whole life and all your beliefs were a big lie.
~The main characters
So we have Eva, a girl who has seen too much and has learned too many truths in such a small period of time. She sees her self changing so rapidly and she loses her true self, ending up wondering who she truly are. The one her father was telling her she was? The one she turned herself into? Or something else entirely? It was an experience like no other, reading her thoughts while they were changing, to see how her mind was working out the new information it was receiving.
Another amazing thing about htat character was her selflessness. She would do anything for the ones she loves even let them hate her if that meant they were safe. She would reach the extreme just so she can do the right thing. Her character was a huge inspiration and a source of deep thought about many things. About what is justice, what is right, who has the right to judge, what it means to love someone.
Another stunning character is, of cource, Jacob. He was so surprising and sharp, with his mind racing when his interest was picked. The heroine was described as dull and small and uninmportant. Yet, he saw beyond that and saw that there was something hiding and that he should dig a little deeper. He was a part of a charity house and he would go out of his way to help people, even if it was eating up all his time. The way he approached the heroine was so endearing and you can't help but like him. And he knew everyone, having helped everyone and he had such a lovely mother.
The charity ladies were another awesome addition. In the beginning the truth is that I found them a little bit over the top kind but as the book progressed I could believe it and I could see that how their character was built. I ended up liking them like everybody else in this book.
Briggit... I can't say much about her but she was an intriguing character. One that made me think for quite a while after finishing this book.
~There was no one-sided view
In many book you might see that when having as a theme WWII we have the germans and the good guys. Whoever is the liberator from the Germans is good. But in this book you realise that that's not quiet true. We have the Communists who helped in the liberation. Where they all good? Nope. We have the Americans. Most of the books enthrone America as the one to bring the salvation. In this book we dig a little deeper. We see that everything has many sides to observe. That everyone has a motive. That war brings out the worst in people.
I appreaciated that view so much and I am glad that I now know more things about what took place during that time.
~THE ROMANCE
I sometimes think that Sharon Cameron is unable to write a bad romance. She has yet to prove me wrong. I hope she keeps on doing what she is doing because it's perfect.
I loved their chemistry so much. How the one would act and the other would follow through just so they can be together. There were lies and msyteries and hurtful words but those two knew how to talk things out. They knew how to work as a team and how to protect each other. They had a unique way of communication, talking with words, with glances and even through a twitch of one's expression. The way they would coax one another into doing the right thing, in being better, in choosing rather than being forced into a situation only because it feels like the right thing to do. And they had the advantage of the 50s setting that is a favorite of mine, with its songs and its swings and its twists. I could imagine them dancing and singing and strolling through old streets. Jumping on fire escape ladders, climbing on roofs. (I don't think I will ever find another author who likes characters climbing on roofs as much as me), driving cars in light speed, being chased and chasing after people. Hiding, doing maneuvres to escape, running through back doors and jumping on moving vehicles. This romance was epic.
~The action
And, among everything else, Sharon Cameron is able to write perfect action scenes too. I felt like I was in a movie, seeing the heroine ride that car, as fast as she could, through alleys, through trees, through building trying to escape. With her, breaking into buildings, jumping on roofs, the hero scanning for who is following, with them slipping away, hiding things in lockets. I can't say much but you get the idea. I was constantly at the edge of my seat.
~The mystery
From the very first chapter you are intrigued. And that is because even the heroine doesn't tell you everything. It's like she knows someone else hears her thoughts and hides the important part from them. At some points she was so convincing in her thoughts that you would be confused as to what was happening in her brain only to realise that in order to pretend to be someone else she would even alter her way of thinking. It was amazing. And when you sit down and you think about it you see the extent of that trait.
The whole plot was a mystery, always finding something else, new questions popping out from every chapter, new discoveries and new loses.
~THE ENDING
WHAT AN AMAZING ENDING!
If I had written this review the moment I closed this book I would have filled the page with mentions of it. And probably a ridiculous amount of exclamation marks.
It was amazing. The ending I am always looking for. A combination of heart-breaking, heart-warming, joyful feeling that lets you enjoy the rest of your day with so many positive thoughts. Sharon Cameron shares so much hope through her books. She made my day brighter and I am glad for it.
This book was heavy, don't get me wrong. It deals with difficult topics and sensitive situations, with sorrow and pain but at the end of it all there is always a bright side.
~The topic of Justice
I am surprised to find how so many of my thoughts are epxressed through Sharon Cameron's heroines and heroes. In this book what surprised me was the way justice was depicted. What is justice? Who decides what is right and what is wrong? Who is able to be the judge? And the heroine answered these questions the way I wanted her to. And the hero led her down that road. I won't let anything slip but I am so glad for morally correct MCs.
There is only one thing that actually bothered me and that was a single scene. In a busstop. Read it and you'll understand.
READ IT. DON'T WAIT.
March 20, 2024
Once the story really got going, I could not put this book down. I loved this story- the theme of undeserved kindness and love were so inspiring.
December 26, 2021
Okay, here we go. As for content, I would watch out for triggers. There is abuse, injury, bad violence, ect. To elaborate on the "bad violence", this book does talk about concentration camps.
This book is my November Once Upon A Book Club unboxing book thing. I don't know what to call it... I'll get there when I can get my head in the right place. 😂
What did I get? Here we go:
-A folder with information on a paper inside.
-A blue bandanna
-A "match holder"
I wasn't necessarily impressed with this one, but the book was AMAZING. I recommend it to everyone who can handle the content. :)
This book is my November Once Upon A Book Club unboxing book thing. I don't know what to call it... I'll get there when I can get my head in the right place. 😂
What did I get? Here we go:
-A folder with information on a paper inside.
-A blue bandanna
-A "match holder"
I wasn't necessarily impressed with this one, but the book was AMAZING. I recommend it to everyone who can handle the content. :)
April 18, 2023
This book is amazing. I’m not one for Historical Fiction; but this book kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. The story is excellently written and articulated; giving the right amount of information at the right time to keep you thinking.
Eva’s story is beautiful and painful, and I would recommend this book wholeheartedly.
Eva’s story is beautiful and painful, and I would recommend this book wholeheartedly.
August 1, 2022
This review is literally only me talking about the author's writing style and a couple other things.
Bluebird is like the book, Shatter Me.
Not in the way that the plot is similiar, but in the way it's wrote. Too much short sentences (with shatter me, it's the metaphors) and like Shatter Me, it seems like the author is trying to make it more…poetic? somehow. But it's way too much. Reading the first couple pages, I could change some passages to roleplay- note that I have not changed a single word here.
She closes her eyes. *Lets the wind snatch her hair* *Slap her cheeks*
Brigits smiles at the children. A smile that lights the fog. (my kid is now oficially a lamplight! yay!) And then the second mate hurries past and she cringes. *Shrinks into herself* The mate touches his cap, like he has a hundred times, disappearing catlike down a ladder, and Eva puts her arm through Brigit's arm. *Tightens her grip on Brigit's hand*
Yeah, this is how the story is written. It's all written this way. (without my comments inside the brakets and the asterisks, of course) This I didn't like, in my opinion. The story didn't really catch my interests and my attention, but I guessss the summary was interesting. The author could maaaybe use a couple more commas- this thingy over here -> ,
Character developement: eh, but not bad. 3/5
Plot: supposed to be interesting, but didn't have my eye as much as i thought it would. 2/5
Style: nah 0/5
****Frau Henkel: I'm all in for this lady! 1000/5****
thanks for listening to my rant. 拜拜~
Bluebird is like the book, Shatter Me.
Not in the way that the plot is similiar, but in the way it's wrote. Too much short sentences (with shatter me, it's the metaphors) and like Shatter Me, it seems like the author is trying to make it more…poetic? somehow. But it's way too much. Reading the first couple pages, I could change some passages to roleplay- note that I have not changed a single word here.
She closes her eyes. *Lets the wind snatch her hair* *Slap her cheeks*
Brigits smiles at the children. A smile that lights the fog. (my kid is now oficially a lamplight! yay!) And then the second mate hurries past and she cringes. *Shrinks into herself* The mate touches his cap, like he has a hundred times, disappearing catlike down a ladder, and Eva puts her arm through Brigit's arm. *Tightens her grip on Brigit's hand*
Yeah, this is how the story is written. It's all written this way. (without my comments inside the brakets and the asterisks, of course) This I didn't like, in my opinion. The story didn't really catch my interests and my attention, but I guessss the summary was interesting. The author could maaaybe use a couple more commas- this thingy over here -> ,
Character developement: eh, but not bad. 3/5
Plot: supposed to be interesting, but didn't have my eye as much as i thought it would. 2/5
Style: nah 0/5
****Frau Henkel: I'm all in for this lady! 1000/5****
thanks for listening to my rant. 拜拜~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2024
I found this one the old-fashioned way: walking the library shelves while looking for another book, and for some reason this one caught my eye and I couldn't seem to walk away from it. I had never heard of it before.
Who knew a post-WWII historical fiction was exactly what I needed to read right now? I didn't want to put it down.
This was really good. Like, really really good. So good. I wasn't ready for it to end.
Interesting and riveting and horrifying and thrilling and heart-warming. It provides a perspective into Nazi Germany and what came after that I don't think we get very often. The research the author did for this, and outlines in the notes at the end of the book, is extensive and thoughtful. (And makes you distrust the government even more, if you didn't already.) The execution of the story is strong and impactful. And the icing on top is the sweet and fun love story woven artfully throughout.
I highly recommend this book. What a gem.
Who knew a post-WWII historical fiction was exactly what I needed to read right now? I didn't want to put it down.
This was really good. Like, really really good. So good. I wasn't ready for it to end.
Interesting and riveting and horrifying and thrilling and heart-warming. It provides a perspective into Nazi Germany and what came after that I don't think we get very often. The research the author did for this, and outlines in the notes at the end of the book, is extensive and thoughtful. (And makes you distrust the government even more, if you didn't already.) The execution of the story is strong and impactful. And the icing on top is the sweet and fun love story woven artfully throughout.
I highly recommend this book. What a gem.
February 13, 2022
This was such a gripping and intriguing novel. There were so many twists and turns that made it so hard to put down.
It’s so difficult to imagine that things like this are truly part of our world’s history. The story and the author’s note at the end taught me a lot about this time period that I wasn’t aware of before.
Sharon Cameron’s historical fiction share becoming some of my favorites and I can’t wait to read more from her!
It’s so difficult to imagine that things like this are truly part of our world’s history. The story and the author’s note at the end taught me a lot about this time period that I wasn’t aware of before.
Sharon Cameron’s historical fiction share becoming some of my favorites and I can’t wait to read more from her!
April 30, 2024
4.9 ⭐️ This book was fabulous, only not a five star bc of some language.
October 22, 2021
In the 4.25 to 4.5 star range. This story has incredibly rich historical details that I loved and was a good character story as well, but I felt the pacing struggled.
October 29, 2024
‘The Light in Hidden Places’ by Cameron is what got me reading again after many hard years. I was excited to get my hands on Bluebird ever since.
I love historical fiction, specially centered around WWII. But this was the first I read with such an interesting point of view. The story follows Eva post-war seeking justice for the crimes against humanity committed by someone close to her. In the end, you wonder if just was served and if she did the right thing.
Bluebird is easy to read, entertaining, bounces from present/past and allows you to make your own assumptions/conclusions with lots of foreshadowing. It’s a bit extensive and you get to really know Eva’s thought process. The ending for Annemarie is realistic but hard to imagine for Eva.
I love historical fiction, specially centered around WWII. But this was the first I read with such an interesting point of view. The story follows Eva post-war seeking justice for the crimes against humanity committed by someone close to her. In the end, you wonder if just was served and if she did the right thing.
Bluebird is easy to read, entertaining, bounces from present/past and allows you to make your own assumptions/conclusions with lots of foreshadowing. It’s a bit extensive and you get to really know Eva’s thought process. The ending for Annemarie is realistic but hard to imagine for Eva.
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