By Joanna Shaw
Teenager Jessika Keller is a good girl, she respect her parents, does not join in with the lurid activities of her peers and takes pride in the fact she is a representative of the population in Nazi England in 2014. But Jessika’s best friend, Clementine is starting to see the flaws in their so called ‘great nation’ and she decides to take action.
This YA book covers so many interesting topics from feminism to racism, dictatorship to rebellion all in a warped dystopic view of what Britain could have been if Germany won the Second World War. Winston Churchill was executed, school children are segregated to learn skills according to gender and all ties with countries such as America are severed. We see all of these actions through young Jessika’s eyes, her first experience of banned American music and her feelings towards her friend GG that are seen by society as immoral and illegal. Clementine decides that she has had enough of living under such a backward and restrictive regime and decides that the youth of the Great German Reich are being repressed and indoctrinated, her dramatic and horrific protest becomes legendary, but when Jessika tries to help her actions are quickly misjudged.
One thing I found interesting about this book is the portrayal of the new way of life in Britain, if it was not for the splicing of German speech and the description of the famous landmarks of London you have to keep reminding yourself that this is the country you live in and how terrifying the changes could have been. The representations of America is also fascinating, when a young American singer arrives to give a one-off momentous performance, the population of Nazi England is at first horrified at his lack of respect for their country, of his strange clothes and manner of speaking. This is quite reflective of when the American GI’s came to England during the Second World War, however the British nation in real life were much more welcoming.
Overall I think this book was an interesting reflection of history and what could have been the truth, I think the characters are fascinating and relatable and the plot will gradually make your blood run cold.
I give it 4 out of 5
Joanna Shaw is a third year English and Film Student and loves nothing more than a good book. Follow her on twitter @booklifereads and on Goodreads .
By Adam Taylor It’s time to post your top artists to show how cool and different you are. Spotify Wrapped for 2025 has finally dropped. This stat-loaded list of listening habits gets everyone excited, revealing top artists, songs, podcasts, music genres, and hours listened – which can be a bit concerning… Spotify adds new features…
Featured image: Suzy Hazelwood aAh! Magazine’s Literature and Creative Student Editors are delighted to announce our first online call for submissions for the 2025/26 academic year. This series invites creative writing students and visual artists to respond to the theme ‘Hometown’, offering the opportunity to showcase their work online. Manchester is a hometown for thousands, and simply…
Featured image and photography: Beck McNally Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield – a name that many Mancunian music-lovers will know well, died on 20 November this year. No official cause of death has been released to the public. The renowned bassist of The Stone Roses, and later Primal Scream, was a hugely influential musician – particularly in…
Featured image: Manchester City CouncilBy Adam Taylor and Amy Corringham Winter is approaching, but don’t let the cold and dark days stop you getting out and about – aAh! has gathered a selection of events for all budgets for you and your friends to enjoy. Get into the festival spirit with a variety of activities…
Leave a reply