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
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I didn’t know much about WWII from the German side of things. This book takes you into Nazi Germany and Hitler’s private compounds through the experiences of a young woman who doesn’t believe in any of Hitler’s ideology, but is forced to pretend otherwise in order to survive. It’s a chilling account of the risks she takes, and of Hitler’s slow descent from power as the allies and internal forces fight to to take him down.
Great historical fiction with lots of information about the Eagles Nest.
I loved it. Its something that everyone should read, its a very powerful
History lesson. And that something that could here if we don’t pay attention.
An absorbing, well-researched story that brings to life an extraordinary period in history, told from within the inner circle of one of the twentieth-century’s most notorious characters.
Incredibly written. What a moral dilemma this poor woman was put in. Highly recommended reading.
This book is so different than the ones that I have read about World War II.
This was about a woman who in her own way helped the Hitler regime but knew what was going on wasn’t right. However, even though she knew, she stayed on the job. She was helpful to some people but stayed on the course.
She did, in the end, receive punishment for her being on the side of evil but also kept that same evil silenced!
Always very interesting to think of the “other side” of WWII. Informative since I did not know that Hitler had his food tasted, etc…The Germans had a very difficult life during those years and not all of them agreed with their government.
We cannot always judge
Author V.S. Alexander writes, “My novels feature strong women protagonists whose lives take them on incredible journeys in settings fraught with danger and intrigue. Along the way, they learn about life, love, and themselves.…” What a good blurb–he knows what sells today! But to turn specifically to The Taster… Its history is well-researched and fascinating; I learned a lot about the Third Reich; Hitler’s mountain retreat Berghof; Wolf’s Lair, his headquarters in East Prussia; and about his final days in his Berlin bunker. The narrator of the novel is Magda Ritter, one of 15 women who tasted Hitler’s food—a fascinating concept. But her voice (to me) does not sound like that of a woman, but rather of a male historian recounting facts. She falls in love with one of the SS Guards, Karl, but their love did not speak to my emotions. It is described in an objective, almost dispassionate voice. Karl is part of a plot to assassinate Hitler and Madga joins him. They marry, but then Karl apparently is a suicide after a botched assassination attempt. SPOILER ALERT: At the end of the novel Magda claims she actually kills Hitler, though the “murder” seems totally unnecessary as he is about to commit suicide anyway. And predictably Karl hadn’t died after all–though I must admit I was glad that was the case. I give this book 4 stars because of the fascinating history, but I’d rank the romantic elements much lower.
The Taster is an interesting book. It gives a glimpse of the life of privilege lived by those in Hitler’s household as well as the danger. I thought some of the story was repetitive but for the most part it was easy to read.
TThehe author does not try to portray Hitler as a good person
another aspect of the journals of WWII
Disturbing but extremely engaging.
I highly recommend this book! The page is practically turned themselves. The writing is so well done that you feel like you are with Magda in the Fuhrer’s compounds. Hunting and tragic.
I learned so much from this amazing book about the war from the German perspective. Beautifully written.
This was very interesting. It maybe wasn’t entirely true, but it made you think about it. Did this really happen ? Was this the way these characters had to live ?
Loved it!
Its a great look at what could have been during Nazi Germany in the time of Hitler. You feel it could have actually happened.
I learned a lot about the personal life of Hitler. I strange and obsessive man.
Good historical fiction
This was a very different take on WWII. The author does a wonderful job of bringing you into the story of Magda and her life as taster for Hitler. While I have no admiration for the monster that controlled the Reich, it was an interesting view into the background of the life of those who might have been part of Hitler’s inner circle and yet did not approve of his beliefs and viewpoints.
Magda was a very strong individual and while some may argue that her willingness to serve in any capacity in Hitler’s regime…even if she didn’t have a choice in whether or not she wanted to be a part of the “help”…wasn’t lessened by the fact that she was not a true member of the Party.
The view of Eva Braun and her life with Hitler was also eye opening.
I continue to be amazed at how so many people were brainwashed by Hitler and his views. But luckily there were others who were not so easily convinced that his opinions were the ones to be believed and stood up for their personal beliefs.
This was a difficult book to read because of the realities of that period in time, but it is worth reading to get a glimpse into the lives of normal German citizens and how their lives were impacted during the Nazi regime.
The book captured me within the first few pages. The premise is unique and one that I have never thought about this before reading this book. The characters are engaging and extremely real. I found myself really involved with the main characters. Good read.