Norman Katkov (1918–2009)

Austria has been invaded by Nazis. Baron Fritz von Gottisberg had his eye on beautiful Carly Siefermann and she knew it. But Carly’s heart belonged to Nick Gallanz, a Jewish architect, and every day she feared for his safety. So Carly did what many desperate girls do, she sold herself. Carly became Baroness von Gottisberg and Nick got safe passage. It wasn’t easy starting a new life in California but in the movie business everyone owes something to someone eventually. Nick made himself valuable and now he’s cashing in all the chips. He’s going back to Vienna. He’s going back for Carly.

Norman Katkov started out as a journalist but eventually wrote for TV. And that’s what this book feels like in places, a smaltzy mini-series with a big costume budget and half a dozen just-past-their-prime Hollywood stars. That’s just the era the writing evokes in my mind. In some places it’s a lot of fun and you can’t turn the pages fast enough (that’s where the commercials would be). Other places are a little overwritten, but again, it feels true to its age. It’s pure popcorn and I enjoyed it.… (more)