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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any book about the holocaust is haunting….this one is worth the read
Really great story!!
Not recommended
The horrors of the Holocaust simmered on every page. It went back-and-forth between present time and World War II and the mystery of the suitcase was shocking. I highly recommend this book
I figured it out less than half way through, but the story still was very good and engaging. It was thought provoking as well.
I enjoyed this book and, at times, I couldn’t put it down. Interesting story and something of a surprise at a few points.
Sthought provoking
Haven’t finished it yet, but so far an excellent read.
An absolutely fabulous book, alternating WW2 events with modern time events, the author explores the questions of guilt, complicity, ethics, morality, following orders and conscience. It’s impossible to not be caught up in the story and the conundrums the characters find themselves a part of – most through no fault of their own. The author is a …
I really enjoyed this book! It was not the usual story. Very interesting.
Good book. Historically interesting as well as entertaining. Premise is one that probably requires some cultural interest to suck in the reader but once you are in, you are in. Not a super complex plot but not simplistic either. It’s a good book and well written.
Original story line.
lots of twists and turns , much history woven into story ,
Inspirational may be the wrong word to describe The German Suitcase. The roll-call of characters is intriguing; individually interesting and each plays such a major part in this work, I found myself personally missing characters as WWII eliminates them or
loses them to a Europe gone awry.
Timelines in The German Suitcase slip smoothly between …
Loved the way the chapters went from past to present.
Interesting characters!
Intense reading
This book was incredible!!! I couldn’t put it down and when I was done, couldn’t stop thinking about it!!!
Beautifully written, I highly, highly recommend this book!!!
Thought provoking as what someone has to do in their life due to circumstances may not be based on personal values but survival instincts.
A good book that goes back and forth between today and WWII. The war always piques my interest
A page turner. I couldn’t put it down until I found out who hung the girl.
great read