Going Over, the newest novel from Beth Kephart, like her Small Damages, reveals the unseen scars of war.
Set in early 1983, it's the romantic, gut-wrenching story of Ada and Stefan, teens living on opposite sides of the Berlin Wall, who alternate as narrators. The deep friendship between their grandmothers, Omi and Grossmutter, dating back to World War II, means graffiti artist Ada has known Stefan since she was two years old and "loved him since the day I turned 12." With her grandmother Omi, Ada makes the journey across the Wall to Stefan's East Berlin several times a year. As Ada nears her 16th birthday, she is desperate for Stefan to do the unthinkable: cross the Wall. While Stefan weighs the consequences, Ada finds herself entangled in another struggle when Savas, a young Turkish boy from the daycare center she works for, goes missing. Kephart shows the struggles of life on both sides of a divided Berlin. Beautiful characters bring to light the power of love in its various facets. From rebellious Arabella and her American suitor to Ada's mother's new artist boyfriend, who may or may not abandon her, to the decades-long friendship of Omi and Grossmutter, love abounds in Kephart's novel.
Going Over carefully balances love and heartbreak, propelling readers through the story, constantly wondering about the fate of Savas and whether Stefan will be able to cross over. The dangers and consequences Kephart portrays are as real as the victories and joys. --Kyla Paterno, trade book buyer and blogger, Garfield Book Company at PLU