A powerful and unforgettable story of the strength of women and the unwavering courage of those who seek a better world
Helen Parusel's The Austrian Bride opens with Ella, like many Austrians at the time of the Anschluss, caught in a wave of manipulated euphoria. However, her perspective soon shifts as she witnesses the persecution of Jewish friends and the escalating violence.
This awakening is further complicated by a marriage proposal from her fascist boyfriend, Max. In a daring act of defiance and a desperate bid to gather intelligence, Ella attends a Reich Bride School, designed to indoctrinate women into becoming ideal Nazi wives.
This decision thrusts her into the heart of the Nazi elite, forcing her to navigate a treacherous world of secrets and lies to protect her loved ones and her country.
Helen Parusel weaves a dual narrative, sharing the experiences of Ella's mother, Marlene, providing a multi-generational perspective on the resistance The mother-daughter dynamic adds depth to the story, highlighting their individual strength and their combined efforts against an oppressive regime.
Ella is a compelling protagonist, whose transformation from a hopeful young woman to a determined resistor is believable and inspiring. Marlene provides a steady, courageous counterpoint.
I particularly liked the authentic details of place and time, and learned the inspiration came from Helen Parusel’s mother, who was born in Linz and grew up during the war years. I was also surprised by Hitler's association with Linz and the account of his early life there.
The book deals with horrific events but is ultimately an uplifting novel. The Austrian Bride is a testament to the ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things in the darkest of times and show unwavering courage.
Tony Riches
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