June, 2023
"A Tale of One January" by Alvert Maltz
During a Nazi death march two women bury themselves under straw to escape. While sleeping in the straw, four men hide themselves also. When the Nazi's march everyone else off, the six wait, finally emerging free. The six bind together to survive and share resources. While escaping through the countryside, they take refuge in an abandoned factory. With Nazi and Russian forces closing in, survival becomes uncertain.
This was an absolutely fascinating book. The characters were dynamic and unique, each struggling through horrendous circumstances. The bond and interplay between the six was interesting to watch and kept the story moving. This story really needed an epilogue. Despite this criticism, 4 out of 5 stars.
"A Mother's War" by Helen Parusel
When Norway is occupied by Nazi's, Laila tries to lay low. However, she works at the hotel, where she encounters Nazi's every day. When local girls begin dating Nazi officers, they are ostracized from society. Despite her scorn for these women, Laila begins secretly meeting with Josef, a soldier. When she falls pregnant, she is thrown out by her family and seeks refuge at the Lebensborn home.
This book was a bit slow moving. I didn't particularly like Laila, she was a bit entitled and a hypocrite. It was hard to sympathize with her, making the story drag. Overall, not a book I would re-read or recommend.
"The First Ladies" by Benedict & Murray
Mary McLeod Bethune, the daughter of enslaved parents, has fought to provide opportunities to African Americans. She has established a school, businesses, insurance companies, and other enterprises to serve her community. At a luncheon, she meets future first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. The two develop a friendship, and work together to promote black rights.
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. It seemed to focus more on Roosevelt than Bethune. I wanted to read more about Bethune and how she was able to force down barriers. The book seemed more about how Roosevelt used Bethune and her friendship. The book was well written, I just didn't like the focus. Overall, 3 out of 5.
"First to the Front" by Lorissa Rinehart
With heart and gumption, photojournalist Dickey Chapelle thrust herself into wars, revolutions and dangerous assignments. Often in places the men wouldn't go, she was the first of her kind. Happiest on the front lines, she drew connections with the military men she stood beside and did everything she could to advocate for them.
This was a well written and engaging book. Dickey was a real life heroine with an adventurous spirit and open heart. Reading about her life was fascinating. I found myself googling her photos and stories after finishing. Highly recommended!
"The Witching Tide" by Margaret Meyer
Martha, a mute midwife, watches in horror as the witchfinder comes to town. As woman after woman is taken and questioned she decides to take matters into her own hands. She unearths a wax witching doll that was gifted to her by her mother. Once pricked, the doll can cause chaos or offer protection. When Martha is chosen as one of the helpers to examine the accused women, suspicion quickly turns to her.
I couldn't put this book down. It was well paced and well developed. I felt the terror, hopelessness, and defiance of the women. My biggest complaint is that while Martha was mute - she had no trouble relating complex sentences or thoughts to those around her. No one seemed to have problems knowing what she was trying to say. This just did not seem realistic. I also wish some of the other women had been better developed. Perhaps alternating points of view could have helped develop these characters. Despite these criticisms, I enjoyed this book. 4 out of 5 stars.
"The Last Masterpiece" by Laura Morelli
This book follows two characters in WWII Italy. Eva, a German, works with the Nazis to photograph and document Florence's greatest artwork. Josephine, an American, joins the war effort and ends up working as a typist for the monuments men. Theirs travels lead them across war torn Italy.
I hate to say it, but this book was boring. The two main characters blended together. At times I had to remind myself which point of view I was reading. Each chapter lists works of Florentine art, which grew extremely tedious as the book progressed. I found myself glossing over long and repetitious passages that glorified Florence and it's artists. Don't get me wrong, Florentine art is amazing, but this book tried too hard to convince me. I lost track of how many characters were speechless, stunned or fell to their knees after viewing a masterpiece. Editing out some of the repetitious material and giving the characters distinct personalities would have gone a long way. Overall, 2 out 5 stars.
"The Maid and the Socialite" by Lynda Drews
This book follows two women who battled against a wealthy and influential doctor in the turn of the 20th century. Mary takes a position with Dr. John Minahan and his wife. When Mrs. Minahan leaves town, Dr. Minahan forces himself upon Mary. She desperately tries to keep the assault and loss of her virginity a secret and she is full of shame and fear. When she misses her period, she has no choice but to seek Dr. Minahan's help. Instead of helping her, he performs an illegal abortion, crudely ripping her child and womb. For years she suffers from troubles related to the abortion. Without options, she continually seeks out his help and financial support. Desperate and alone, she turns to other doctors, family, a priest, and finally the authorities. Dr. Minahan immediately claims that she has syphilis and his trial turns into a nightmare for Mary.
Between Mary's trials, socialite Mollie believes she has found a dream husband in Dr. Minahan. He seems confident, kind and wealthy. However, after they are married she realizes her dream has turned into a nightmare. When she miscarries her first child, he immediately claims that she has syphilis and begins to belittle her. Two healthy children later, he believes all three are infected. Against her wishes he begins to treat their young boys with experimental therapies. Horrified, she leaves him and files for divorce.
Wow, this was such a heartbreaking story. It shows man at his absolute worst. I felt horrible for Mary and Mollie and kept wishing for a good outcome. I wanted justice for these women. The book itself was well written and engaging. The author did a fabulous job turning court documents into story. Overall, highly recommended.