Amid the turbulence of World War II, a young German woman finds a precarious haven closer to the source of danger than she ever imagined—one that will propel her through the extremes of privilege and terror under Hitler’s dictatorship . . . In early 1943, Magda Ritter’s parents send her to relatives in Bavaria, hoping to keep her safe from the Allied bombs strafing Berlin. Young German women are … Berlin. Young German women are expected to do their duty—working for the Reich or marrying to produce strong, healthy children. After an interview with the civil service, Magda is assigned to the Berghof, Hitler’s mountain retreat. Only after weeks of training does she learn her assignment: she will be one of several young women tasting the Führer’s food, offering herself in sacrifice to keep him from being poisoned.
Perched high in the Bavarian Alps, the Berghof seems worlds away from the realities of battle. Though terrified at first, Magda gradually becomes used to her dangerous occupation—though she knows better than to voice her misgivings about the war. But her love for a conspirator within the SS, and her growing awareness of the Reich’s atrocities, draw Magda into a plot that will test her wits and loyalty in a quest for safety, freedom, and ultimately, vengeance.
Vividly written and ambitious in scope, The Taster examines the harrowing moral dilemmas of war in an emotional story filled with acts of extraordinary courage.
Praise for V.S. Alexander’s The Magdalen Girls
“Fans of Barbara Davis and Ashley Hay will enjoy this tenderhearted story of sinner, saints, and redemption.”
–Booklist
“Alexander has clearly done his homework. Chilling in its realism, his work depicts the improprieties long abandoned by the Catholic Church and only recently acknowledged. Fans of the book and film Philomena will want to read this.” –Library Journal
more
Excellent book.
I never thought about Hitler using taste testers it was an ingenious idea and even more in genius or some of the pots that were hat even under the watchful eyes of the SS . Too bad someone didn’t poison his food when he was running for office the first time . Who would’ve thought that a little house painter could turn out to be such a tiring but if history has shown the most insecure and worthless people are the ones who turned out to be the biggest boys because they finally are getting please enjoy all the people who made their lives hard as kids . Although I would be hard-pressed to think of anyone who could people except in ancient history .
A delightful page-turner, told from the point of view of a female, forced in reluctant servitude to protect Hitler’s life. Filled with accurately portrayed historical facts, this novel is witty and fast-paced. It helped me understand that many who represented Hitler’s brutal secret police (SS), where actually desperately trying to overthrow the evil Third Reich. Detailing the personal side of events (and lifestyle,) of Eva Braun and Hitler, within the secret residences during the last years, and ultimately, the last days of WWII, offers unusual and unique insights. Especially rare, the author includes specifics of how the bond and love of pets, can soften even the most evil and ruthless.
Good historical fiction.
This book puts you squarely in a discomforting place. Fabulously written!
A fascinating look into history and the extremes of Hitler and his close followers. Also interesting to learn of dissenters and the many plots to remove Hitler.
Not one of my favourite war stories but a slightly different take as from a German perspective.
I never considered the war from this point of view. Interesting and compelling.
Loved it. The author gives us a different look into the Nazi regime. Since it is fictional, the writer takes poetic license which keeps the reader hooked until the very last page. Highly recommended .
I enjoyed this book and I think you will too.
It was difficult to remember this was a book of fiction. The
Well written, the author did a lot o research to make the book very interesting and realistic.
Magda, the protagonist, is a simple woman that loves her family, she lives in Berlin and is not interested in politics neither is affiliated to the Nazi party. Circumstances forced her to work and survive. Like all German citizens she has a duty to perform, for her country, her family and the Führer. There was a lot of Nazi propaganda going on, most of them didn’t know about the concentration camps, there were rumors, but no way to prove it, therefore, it was easier to believe they weren’t real. The author noted this flawlessly.
Hitler is presented as a “caring” man for the people close and loyal to him, a grandfather figure in a way, but a monster nonetheless. Don’t be mistaken this is not a pro Hitler book, but the approach is in my opinion is pretty objective. People love to see Hitler as a spiteful and hateful man, the monster everyone talks about, and yes he was. But he was more than that, he didn’t rise to power being a hateful figure, he was the opposite, he made people love him, gave them a purpose.
Magda, has no opinion, nor feelings towards the Führer, he was the leader and she ought to obey, she loathed her job and was afraid for her life. Everyone around her insisted that she must feel honored for her job as a taster of Hitler’s food. The Fürher life was in her hands.
As the book develops she realizes he is a monster and became obsessed with killing him. I feel in that regard, that the author got carried away, especially in the last part at the bunker. It’s a bit presumptuous they way he ended Hitler’s life. Regardless of that, I found the book a great read, I truly enjoyed. It was refreshing to read a book that presents the other side of history, that describes the suffering of the German people, all the deaths, the destruction, for example, how the Russians raped the women that got in their way. At the end of the book the author explains the liberties he took with the story, and I can only sympathize.
The book is also a love story, I’m not a fan of romance but it doesn’t feel forced, is a nice one. I recommend this book.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.