J.C. Maetis

Set in Vienna at the start of WWII, this story revolves around two authors, their literary agent, and Josef Weber, a police inspector. Cousins Mathias Kraemer and Johannes Namal are Jewish and members of the Vienna Writer’s Circle, headed by Sigmond Freud and made up of his friends and acquaintances who gathered regularly at the bright and airy café to talk about books and ideas over coffee and pastries. Writings by the Circle’s members are banned giving the writers a notoriety that may condemn them.

The Gestapo is looking for all the members of Freud’s Circle. I found this to be the most interesting part of the book. People went to extreme efforts to prevent the identities of the members of the Circle from being revealed. The thought of all the photos taken by friends and family ay gatherings of the Circle caused me to gasp. Any one of those photos could condemn them.

Julian Reisner, the cousins’ literary agent, worked quietly behind the scenes getting new identities for Jews so they could either leave the country or hide in plain sight.

I enjoyed the relationship between Josef and Deya Reynes, a Romani-gypsy woman. It provided a good balance for Josef who had to pacify the occupying forces while at the same time following his conscience. He was a friend to Mathias and helped him when he could even though he risked his own safety.

This story focuses heavily upon the lives of those with mixed ancestry, the mischlings. Many of them grew up as Catholics, but since they had Jewish ancestry Hitler considered them Jews. The second half of the book kept me on the edge of my seat. Amongst the betrayals and heartbreak, hope still flourished.… (more)

Vienna has now been annexed into Nazi Germany. This creates despair and apprehension! All the new laws really change the population’s perception. The fear and the thought process needed to get around the city changed Mathias and his family’s daily activities and actions. Every day is something they never imagined could happen in their quaint city.

I loved how the author used Freud throughout this tale. This just added to the authenticity. I also had a favorite character. I loved the policeman, Josef. He goes out of his way to help Mathias and his family on more than one occasion.

Why am I giving this 3 stars? Honestly, it is most likely me. I am definitely in a minority with my review. But, I am a bit tired of WWII. And I LOVE this time period but I have been overrun with books in this setting and I expect a certain amount of emotion to go with this type of book. I felt this book moved a bit too slow and it did not have the emotional effect I expected.

Need a different take on daily life in WWII…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.… (more)