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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Historical fiction about Hitlers personality and those who were determined to undermine his plans , Intriguing plot involving officers and a civilian woman taster who tasted his food to be sure he would not be poisoned.
Great read to show the tragic twisting world of life in Hitler’s inner circle.
Told from the point of view of a young German girl who works for Hitler as part of his household staff. I enjoyed very much.
For those that like historical fiction during WWII, this is one of the better reads that I have read lately in this genre.
I assume this book was historical fiction. If so, I never knew that Hitler had people who tasted his food.
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It’s description of Hitler’s character makes you see how millions of people could believe and follow him (I had always wondered “how could these people not see what is going on and allow it?”) A good portrait of Eva Braun,too. I couldn’t put it down!
Very interested in that period. Good read.
This was the best book I have read in a long time. This author is superb when telling a story that brings you right into the action, and really makes you think. Loved this book….I highly recommend to all!!
Ultimately predictable as so many WWII stories are.
Not very well written. It could have been better with such an interesting topic.
I didn’t believe that she really hated the Nazis. Not convincing. Seemed contrived.
Poorly written.
I really enjoyed this book. Could not put it down.
Enjoyed reading. Easy read, but not one of my favorites. Interesting life of tasters and struggle with values.
Interesting a little unrealistic, still a good read
Informative
This book was wonderful. I could not put it down. It gave different perspective on the gruesomeness of the holocaust.
Great background about Hitler’s employees in WW2.
Great WWII story. Glimpses into Hitler’s world and historic facts not mentioned in many WWII stories. If you life WWII books, this is a must-read!
A unique viewpoint of one of the most tragic, evil, interesting, and yet unknown moments in history. It kept me up for much longer than I intended each night and I tore through the pages. Very intriguing!