Book Review: The Tunnels by Greg Mitchell

My favorite subject in school was history and I love a good historical nonfiction book. The Tunnels by Greg Mitchell is an excellent read about events that took place in Berlin during the Cold War.

*Disclaimer: This book was sent via Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit that the Cold War is not a conflict I know much about. Of course, I know the basics and the things you learn about it in school, but I never delved deeper into it beyond that. The Tunnels was a great read because I learned about something I didn't know of previously, and any book that teaches you something while still being entertaining and interesting is my favorite type to read.

The Tunnels begins in the summer of 1962, the year after the Berlin Wall was constructed. A group of West Germans risked prison (or worse) by digging tunnels under the wall to help liberate friends, family, and strangers from East Berlin. It also talks about two documentaries funded by NBC and CBS about these daring escapes, and how President John F. Kennedy wanted to silence them so as to not spark any kind of confrontation with the Soviets.

What I loved most about this book is that even though it's nonfiction it read like a fiction story. By that I don't mean it seemed fake, but just that author Greg Mitchell did an amazing job of weaving the facts into a captivating narrative. I felt invested in the stories of the people who were involved with these tunnels and enjoyed learning about them, their motives, and their lives under Communist rule in East Berlin.

The book also had maps of Berlin and the tunnels at the beginning, as well as a section in the center with black and white photographs of the people involved. It was a fascinating read and really comprehensive.

• Learn more about The Tunnels and purchase a copy here
• Learn more about Greg Mitchell at his author page

Bottom Line: The Tunnels is an excellent book for history buffs and newbies alike. I think it was an accessible read and it really pulled me in from the get-go. If you're looking for a great story of real-life events, definitely pick this book up!