The stifling atmosphere of Stasi-era Berlin is brought to life with startling clarity in this poignant and perceptive novel. Bringing to light the little-known East German policy of forcible removal of children from parents deemed to be ‘unsuitable’ by the state, Sophie Hardach crafts a story of history as differently observed through the prism of adult and child eyes. A moving exploration of family, loyalty and changing perceptions in the face of seismic social and political change.
Shortlisted for the Costa Novel Award 2019
Tobi and Ella's childhood in East Berlin is shrouded in mystery. Now adults living in London, their past is full of unanswered questions. Both remember their family's daring and terrifying attempt to escape, which ended in tragedy; but the fall-out from that single event remains elusive. Where did their parents disappear to, and why? What happened to Heiko, their little brother? And was there ever a painting of three blue horses?
In contemporary Germany, Aaron works for the archive, making his way through old files, piecing together the tragic history of thousands of families. But one file in particular catches his eye; and soon unravelling the secrets at its heart becomes an obsession.
When Ella is left a stash of notebooks by her mother, and she and Tobi embark on a search that will take them back to Berlin, her fate clashes with Aaron's, and together they piece together the details of Ella's past... and a family destroyed.
Devastating and beautifully written, funny and life-affirming, Confession with Blue Horses explores intimate family life and its strength in the most difficult of circumstances.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN: 9781788548786
Number of pages: 352
Dimensions: 198 x 129 mm
The sheer beauty of Confession with Blue Horses lies in Sophie Hardach's deft hand at creating an atmospheric and page-turning story of lives built and destroyed in the shadow of the Berlin Wall. Incredibly moving, and in parts, devastating, but always beaming with hope. An exquisite, memorable novel - Kate Mayfield, author of The Parentations
A powerful story of East and West Germany and the devastating impact of political division on a family's life. Sophie Hardach writes with intelligence, humour and compassion about the resilience of the human spirit and the ties that bind us. Gripping and beautifully written - Sophia Tobin
Hardach's wise and unsentimental novel presents a nuanced picture of East Germany. Hardach is excellent on telling details: there is a tender scene towards the end of the book when Ella visits a McDonald's in West Germany after the fall of the wall, and tries not to be disappointed by the gherkin in the burger. Highly recommended - The Times
A tragic family drama, a gripping mystery and a rich history of the impact of a divided country. Sophie Hardach portrays both the political upheavals and personal dramas with subtle poignancy and a sharp eye for detail. Her characters are richly layered and bristle with charm; and she evokes Berlin, both past and present, with all the vibrant colour that a city with such history deserves. Living, as we do, in such politically fractured times, it's a story of truth and reconciliation that packs a very timely punch - Jason Hewitt
A tale of family secrets and betrayals, shortlisted for the Costa novel award - The Times
Thought-provoking... An absorbing slow burn of a book that not only casts light on Germany's recent history but depicts, with careful tenderness, a family simultaneously torn apart by ideology and bound by powerful ties of love' - Guardian
Offers a sympathetic and non-judgemental insight into this period in German history, touching upon the controversial themes with a real sense of equilibrium - Times of Tunbridge Wells
Tobi and Ella lived in East Berlin in their childhood and now as adults live in London and want to find out the secrets surrendering their family. Their mother’s past, what happened to their dad and their little... More
An emotional and thought-provoking tale of heartbreak and betrayal in a divided Germany
Ella is an artist living in London, but her childhood was spent growing up in East Berlin. She and her brother Tobi are still...
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