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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This book was interesting and easy to read. It gave you an insight of the world of Hitler.
I could not put down this book.
true events I never knew about!
I have read so many WWII books but this was very different. A perspective a little hard to believe, i really liked it.
Very interesting, had no idea Hitler had food tasters, the main character was extremely brave!
Her life is in danger every minute that she works for the Nazis. But, her life is in danger if she doesn’t. She struggles to survive within the highest ranks of Hitlers private domains.
I never thought about it but of course Hitler had tasters…and what a moving story about all of them and how they bonded over their task. I loved the book and would buy this author again.
Kept my interest.
This was a real surprise….very tough subject matter at times but story was unique
Loved this book. Never knew about the tasters for Hitler.
I got this book in a subscription box. I received it at noon on Friday April 6th 2018. I had it read cover to cover by Saturday April 7th. I could not put this book down. I plan on rereading it again soon.
So interesting! Historical.
I really enjoyed this book. Well written, realistic and haunting historical fiction. A new and different take on the Hitler Era.
Learned something–Hilter had tasters. And all his compounds with riches while the country was poor and starving.
a look into Hitler’s life with family and friends
I’m reading this right now and about 88% done. Very good, hate to put it down.
Based on real events and people, this book is a must for those who enjoy historical fiction and have an interest in Hitler’s Germany.
Outstanding portrayal of what it was like to live the life of a bit player close to Hitler in the mid-to-late years of WWII.
Loved this book. Learned more about how the Nazi propaganda lead the German people into genocide. The German people suffered so much,losing their loved ones, home and cities in following this lunatic, Hitler.
I prefer historical fiction and this was excellent. Based in the WWII era, well developed characters.