Let me paint the picture for you. Hans and Suse are two siblings from a rural German village. Their world is all fresh air, familiar fields, and knowing everyone by name. Then, they get the chance to visit relatives in 'the city'—a place they've only heard about in stories. The book is essentially their adventure, from the moment they board the train (a marvel in itself!) to their wide-eyed exploration of this strange new world.

The Story

The plot is simple and charming. We follow Hans and Suse as they experience the city's wonders: the dizzying height of apartment buildings, the noisy chaos of street markets, the strange etiquette of crowded trams. Every experience is a first. A simple trip to a department store becomes an epic journey through dazzling, overwhelming displays. But for every moment of awe, there's a pang of displacement. The food tastes different, the nights are too loud, and the sheer number of people is exhausting. The heart of the story is this push and pull—the thrilling discovery versus the deep, comforting pull of the home they miss.

Why You Should Read It

What struck me most was how fresh this 100-year-old story feels. Trude Bruns captures a universal childhood experience: that mix of excitement and anxiety when you're far from everything you know. Hans, trying to be brave and grown-up for his sister, and little Suse, clinging to his hand, are immediately relatable. The book is also a fascinating, unintentional history lesson. You see the 1920s city not through statistics, but through a child's gaze—the new consumer culture, the changing social rhythms. It’s a quiet look at modernity rushing in.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect, quick read for anyone who loves character-driven stories or has a soft spot for historical fiction that feels personal, not preachy. It’s great for fans of gentle coming-of-age tales, and it offers a beautiful glimpse into everyday life a century ago. Think of it as a literary postcard from the past—short, sweet, and surprisingly moving. Just don't expect a fast-paced plot; the joy is in soaking up the atmosphere and seeing the world through Hans and Suse's wondering eyes.