Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada

Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, Alone in Berlin follows Otto and Anna Quangel, a working-class couple who begin a quiet rebellion after their son is killed in action. Their act of defiance—writing and distributing anti-Nazi postcards—puts them in grave danger, drawing the attention of Gestapo inspectors. The novel explores themes of resistance, fear, and moral courage under oppressive regimes, weaving a tense narrative of ordinary people pushed to extraordinary acts. Fallada’s prose captures the claustrophobic atmosphere of a society gripped by paranoia, while humanizing characters who grapple with guilt, love, and survival. The story also delves into the lives of neighbors, coworkers, and officials, painting a vivid portrait of Berlin’s underworld of dissent. Though inspired by true events, the book’s power lies in its unflinching portrayal of how small acts of defiance can ignite hope in the darkest times.