The School for German Brides...#BookReview

Germany, 1939
 
As the war begins, Hanna Rombauer, a young German woman, is sent to live with her aunt and uncle after her mother's death. Thrown into a life of luxury she never expected, Hanna soon finds herself unwillingly matched with an SS officer. The independence that her mother lovingly fostered in her is considered highly inappropriate as the future wife of an up-and-coming officer and she is sent to a "bride school." 

There, in a posh villa on the outskirts of town, Hanna is taught how to be a "proper" German wife. The lessons of hatred, prejudice, and misogyny disturb her and she finds herself desperate to escape.

For Mathilde Altman, a German Jewish woman, the war has brought more devastation than she ever thought possible. Torn from her work, her family, and her new husband, she fights to keep her unborn baby safe. But when the unthinkable happens, Tilde realizes she must hide. The risk of discovery grows greater with each passing day, but she has no other options.

When Hanna discovers that Tilde hiding near the school, she knows she must help her however she can. 

For Tilde, fear wars with desperation. The women must take extraordinary risks to save the lives of mother and baby.

Will they both be able to escape with their lives and if they do, what kind of future can they possibly hope for?

I haven't finished a book for review since September of 2020. I have started so many and just didn't have the desire/drive to finish them. Until now.  I knew The School for German Brides was a historical WW2 novel, but I was completely unaware of the bride schools that existed in Germany. Only girls engaged to SS officers were sent there and they were trained to be perfect wives for the officers.

This story revolves around Hanna, Klara and Tilde. Two German women unwillingly engaged to SS officers and the Jewish woman who makes their dresses and tries to hide her mixed heritage. Hanna was sent from rural Germany to the city to live with her aunt and uncle and meets Klara. Tilde is Klara's dressmaker and is hired to make new dresses for Hanna. 

The novel drops us into the lives of the German rich. Those who benefited from the war and being in the good graces of the SS. And while neither Hanna nor Klara want to marry cruel SS officers, they know they have no choice in the matter. Their friendship with Tilde and their desire to help her, binds them together.

In all her stories, Aimie writes about strong women and their friendships and I absolutely adore books about the strength, resilience, and community of women. 

These women are strong, resilient and steadfast. Even fighting against the expectations of their families and the Reich, they are tenacious. Hanna's maid, who helps her understand and navigate her new world is a charming addition to the story. 

I have never been disappointed by an Aimie Runyan novel. And The School for German Brides did not fail me. It kept me enthralled and captivated.

Thanks to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book. You can learn more about Aimie K. Runyan on her website and find her on Facebook and Twitter.

Read 4/22

* * * * *
5/5 Stars

Comments

  1. I can imagine how the story unwinds. So emotional but very good reading no doubt.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Welcome back! Have missed your posts. Hope you and your
    family are well.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This one looks interesting! I miss your posts - I hope all is well with you!

    ReplyDelete

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