There was a vehicle pulling up outside. I heard the booted feet running up the stairs, then the hammering on the apartment door and the shouting. 'Open up! Gestapo!'

You're fifteen years old. You're in love. Only this is Nazi-ruled Berlin and he's a Jew, so it's against the law to love him. There are spies everywhere. And they're taking the last Jews away from Berlin. To the gas chambers.

This novel of love and courage in the face of danger is one that you won't be able to put down.

Completely engrossing. I'm sure it will get great reviews when it comes out, and it should be on shortlists. -- Linda Newbery
There is an almost Anne Frank quality about the thoughts and aspirations of young Jenny. A compelling read, [that] gives deep insights into the moral and physical disarray of a nation which has allowed itself to be hijacked by one of the greatest evils of our times. -- Jamila Gavin
It's a fascinating portrait of a place and of people who don't get written about very much and who are endlessly interesting: the rescuers. -- Adele Geras
Full of such horrible injustice cruelty, fear and grief - and told with such particularity and exactness - nailing every scene and shift of emotion - that it's painfully real and harrowing. I think it's a superb piece of writing. I'll be very surprised if it's not up for awards in the next year. -- Susan Price
Saving Rafael was a book I couldn't put down. -- Mary Hoffman

Leslie Wilson grew up in the Lake District with a German mother and an English father. She has always spoken German, has made many visits to Germany and lived there for a while. She has also lived in Hong Kong. She has two daughters.