This week, Michael Popple reviews an outstanding war story from a talented Australian author. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer
Hachette, $32.99
Australian author Kelly Rimmer returns with another thought-provoking tale of World War II, The German Wife.
Berlin, 1934, Sofie Rhodes is a loving wife whose privileged life has started to decline with the rise of Nazism. Appalled by the actions of the new Nazi Party, Sofie can only watch as her country changes for the worst, a change she becomes part of when her husband, Jurgen, is recruited into Hitler’s rocket project.
Years later, Sofie and her family find themselves living in small-town Alabama after Jurgen was pardoned and recruited to work on the American space program. However, life in America is just as hard as Germany, especially when rumours about the Rhodes’ Nazi affiliations and wartime actions become public. As the entire town turns against them, Sofie clashes with Lizzie, an American who grew up in the midst of the Depression and who is determined to make the former Nazis pay. However, the truth behind the Rhodes family is far more tragic than anyone realises.
Rimmer once again hits the reader right in the heartstrings with this exceptional and moving novel about the horrors of war. Skilfully utilising a split timeline narrative, and two complex point-of-view characters, to tell a multilayered story of regret, hardship and impossible decisions, The German Wife is an impressive and addictive read that will grip you until its last dramatic page.
Readers will be particularly enthralled by the vivid and detailed depictions of historical rocket testing, the American Depression, and the insidious takeover of Germany by the Nazis. These excellent historical details are perfectly worked into the narrative and will leave readers pondering about what they would have done in a similar situation.
A powerful and emotional novel by one of Australia’s leading historical authors, The German Wife makes for thoughtful reading this Anzac Day.
Get all the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
