The Berlin Wife’s Choice by Marion Kummerow was a great book. I always like Ms. Kummerow’s novels. They seem to be a real look into the Nazi’s actions against the Jews during the war.
In this novel, Edith and Julius Falkenstein lived a wonderful life. He was a prominent figure in the life of Berlin, owning the Falkenstein Bank which had been in existence for over 100 years. He was also a member of the elite of Berlin. Edith was the perfect hostess for him and his business. Edith was Aryan and Julius was Jewish but had been baptized a Christian when he was very young. He thought that his religion and status in the community would protect him and Edith even though the Nazis started harassing and humiliating the Jewish population. Edith begged him to emigrate, but he was a stubborn German who thought that Hitler was a fly-by-night sensation and that the German people would oust him.
As the Jewish laws became more forbidding and stripped the Jews and Mischlings of their rights, their homes, possessions, and food, Julius kept hanging on. However, Edith’s brother, a Wehrmacht officer, took a risk and warned them that the worst was yet to come, so they had to flee.
I truly enjoyed this book because it brought to reality the real persecution of the Jewish population and other “undesirables” that the Nazis and some Germans subscribed to. It made me see that under certain circumstances, some people will start to believe the propaganda and the lies and resort to persecuting others themselves. Nothing is sacred under that type of rule.
Ms. Kummerow’s works are always interesting and so readable. I usually read one of her books in two days because I cannot put it down. Dinner has been late more than once. I received this copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm Hooked on Books 