A balanced, indepth review of Going Over on the English Teachers' Desk Reference Blog,

In a long, thoughtful, provocative review, the English Teachers' Desk Reference provides a balanced introduction to a book I very much hope will find its way into classrooms, especially as we celebrate, this year, the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

A few excerpts below. The whole is here.


"This is such a well-researched historical fiction novel with strong connections to the end of the Cold War, communism, the eighties, and, of course, the Berlin Wall. It is also the best kind of historical fiction–the setting is an integral part of the plot, but it is woven in naturally, not forcefully. The book or excerpts could be used in conjunction with teaching these historical topics ...  Kephart’s writing is practically a study in creating tone and evoking mood ... This is not a book for everyone. That said, it will be an excellent, excellent choice for many. Beth Kephart’s Going Over is equal parts poetic prose, authentic historical background, and emotional ups and downs (feels, if you will). Those who read should not be surprised by a strong urge to do some historical research." English Teachers Desk Reference