I went into this book skeptical and was almost right about it. There were times where it was pretty cheesy. There were eye rolling moments, especially when you find out specific information about the Kommadant (about his past) and also what happens to Emma towards the end of the book. Nevertheless I trudged along the novel, waiting to see if there was any particular part of action, or something exciting about to happen. I actually finished this novel because I was stubborn enough to read it from cover to cover. I'd have to say I was mildly dissapointed.

There were good parts I have to admit. Emma went through some very close call moments in order to gather information needed for the resistance. Although it seemed as if it wasn't enough and when asked to get "closer" to the Kommadant, it felt as if they shunned her for it. It was rather mind boggling, as they were asking for her to do so in the first place but, well I suppose if seen cavorting with the enemy, what else were you supposed to think? Some parts of there book just were a little too convenient and you second guess as to how realistic this would be. I wish there was more to it, it just seemed to be lacking in overall substance and depth.

I couldn't really get close or really like Emma in the first place. I saw her as somewhat silly and naive. I wasn't sure if she agreed to do this job because she actually had feelings for the Kommandant or if she was thinking of helping out in the first place. It was hard to say. She just seemed so flaky that way. Throughout the book she moans about her conflicting loyalties between the two men she loves, although I am sure it's difficult, it got annoying after a while. Surely survival would be more on the mind instead of wondering what two men will think once the truth is out. The characters in this novel just seemed flat and not well rounded out. They were two dimensional. The only exception I would say would be Krysia (who also is my favorite) I liked her strength and courage throughout the entire novel.

However I'd have to say, I liked the ending. It was very ambiguous and things were left open. Although the situation did look bleak and hard I can't help to wonder now what's going to happen to these characters. I know there is a sequel to this book however with the way it is written I am a little hesitant as to whether I will pick it up or not. I'd like it in more detail, more realism, and more depth into the story.

Overall, not really a book I would recommend to those who love reading WWII themes. It's too bad as it falls short, but had the potential to be a dramatic novel. With so much information out there on the subject, research and detail should have been noted and incorporated into the novel and it would have improved it drastically. Romance lovers may like this novel instead. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice story that intrigued me, but was not as heavy as other books I have read on WWII/Holocaust. It may be implausible, but it was a nice read for a trip and it kept me reading. ( )

This was a book I couldn't put down and didn't want to end. The choices that Emma/Anna had to face put her in a moral bind. I felt conflicted about her relationship with the German Kommandant - the attraction they both felt for each other was powerful but forced her to choose b/w her vow to her husband and her vow to the underground movement. I wanted her to be with the Kommandant, but I didn't want her to be. He was a Nazi! As more is learned about his character, it made me feel a bit of empathy. Having never experienced wartime myself, I imagine these kind of situations occurred frequently. Seemingly decent people were put into situations where they were not strong enough to take the moral high ground or too afraid to do the right thing.

There were some unbelievable parts toward the end of the book that I felt were a little ridiculous. I was surprised by the ending but appreciated that it kind of leaves you hanging. Of course, I subsequently found out that there is a sequel to the book. You find out what happens to Emma/Anna but the sequel is about one of the other characters from The Kommandant's Girl. I recommend that one as well but it it was more contrived and predictable. ( )

Despite the subject matter, The Kommandant's Girl by Pam Jenoff has the feel of a novel written for young adults. It lacks the plot nuances and complex characters expected in a well-written book for adults. However, the story is fairly engaging. Newlywed Emma Blau is a young Polish Jew whose life undergoes a drastic change when the Nazis occupy Poland. Her husband goes off to fight with the Resistance and the reader follows Emma as she goes first to the Ghetto with her parents and then escapes to live under a false identity as a Gentile. She becomes involved in the Resistance movement and begins to work for a prominant Nazi official. In order to obtain information for the Resistance she becomes his lover, and to her own horror finds that she is attracted to him both physically and emotionally. The premise for the novel is very good - I wish that the execution were more sophisticated. ( )

Fantastic read...lots of moral issues to deal with by the characters.

Very interesting and at times I was on the edge of my seat worried about what the character was doing.

Historical as well. ( )