This novel from “a suspense pro” is part World War II thriller and part modern-day mystery (Chicago Tribune). A vintage suitcase is pulled from the trash by a young New York advertising executive brainstorming a campaign on her way to work. The account is Steinbach Luggage, the German answer to Louis Vuitton and Hermes. There is only one problem with the vintage bag—like Steinbach’s CEO, it is a … bag—like Steinbach’s CEO, it is a Holocaust survivor, as evidenced by the name and other personal data painted on it.
The suitcase is hallowed memorabilia, and no one dares open it until it is determined if the owner is still alive. The Holocaust survivor turns out to be an eighty-nine-year-old member of New York’s Jewish aristocracy, a prominent philanthropist and surgeon. When he gives his consent, the documents inside the suitcase pique the interest of a New York Times reporter—whose investigation begins to unravel a devastating secret that has been locked away since the day Dachau was liberated.
From an author whose work has been praised by the New York Times for “sharp insight into character,” The German Suitcase is a unique thriller focusing on the Nazi doctors who were conscripted by the Secret Service and given the task of carrying out Hitler’s Final Solution, delving deeply into questions that have been asked ever since the war ended. What is a war crime? What is guilt? How is justice best served? It is a novel that questions the very nature of identity, and ultimately asks if a lifetime of good deeds can make up for past acts of evil.
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A definite page turner on a topic that could easily be a reality of fate.
I loved this book. Hooked from the third chapter. A bit slow until then, but picked up pace and made reading a joy. Hard subject, well handled, and I was teary-eyed more than once.
The ending of this book was quite a surprise. I loved it!
I loved the characters, and all the history this book had to offer!
As someone who has been to Auschwitz, and met people who survived German concentration camps, I admire the research the author did writing this book. Fascinating twin tales–one in Germany in1944, and the other in the present in the U.S.–come together for a surprising and satisfying ending. The suspense is wonderful and the twists and turns …
Loved this book! Intriguing plot line with a twist that, even if you figure out, doesn’t ruin the enjoyment of the book.
I enjoyed this book very much. It makes you wonder how far you would go to protect your family. Unraveling the major find in the suitcase required some thinking. I highly recommend this book.
While predictable, this was a plausible book with well defined characters. The settings were well described and the action fast moving.
Great WWII story, a “read again” book.
This is a very moving story about how a catholic family tries to help the Jews in Germany during WW2. The main characters are the son of the catholic family and two of his colleagues (1 male, 1 female) who are all orthopedic surgeons. Two end up in concentration camps (1 as prisoner and 1 as a “selector” on the ramp, deciding who lives and who …
This book approaches a familiar history in an unfamiliar way. By doing so it gives you no opportunity to confidently anticipate what happens next. It keeps you in suspense and engaged throughout.
Again another surprise and a winner. Loved it.
Outstanding premise with terrific characters and a fast-paced style.
Great book. I really enjoy reading wwll books. Tragic what people went through.