The German Dressmaker: A WWII Historical Novel

by Susan Shalev

World War II threatens to tear apart everything they’ve built together.

1937, Germany. Lily, a talented aspiring seamstress, falls head over heels in love with Heinrich, a charming major in Hitler’s Wehrmacht. Their love affair blossoms into a beautiful romance, and despite the growing fear of impending war, Lily dreams of the wonderful future they will have together.

But Heinrich has a secret – one that, if revealed, would put his life in grave danger. And now Lily’s, too.

As darkness takes over and secrets become harder to keep, the lovers are forced apart, lost to each other in a war-torn world. Devastated and alone, Lily is left to pick up the pieces of her life… the needle and thread in her hands the only comfort for her broken heart.

Inspired in part by true events, The German Dressmaker is the unforgettable, unputdownable, heart-wrenching story of a romance cut short by tragedy, two star-crossed lovers, and a war determined to keep them apart.

Perfect for fans of The Book of Lost Names, The Girl You Left Behind, Kate Hewitt and Pam Jenoff.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Historical, Romance, Germany, Fiction

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2023

About the author

Although I have only found the courage later in life to try my hand at penning fiction, writing has always been a part of who I am. For a large part of my working life I was a writer and editor for numerous academic institutions and not-for-profit organizations, where I covered an exciting range of topics from nanotechnology to philosophy and from virtual reality to Seeing Eye dogs. My motto is it's never too late to pursue a dream. At age fifty eight I enrolled for a PhD in Anthropology and Sociology and five years later was awarded my doctorate. During this period I fell in love with research and now having left behind my professional obligations I continue to research and write for my own pleasure. I am an ex-pat Brit living in Israel on a farm with my husband and two horses, and when I'm not writing I am reading, doing Pilates or entertaining my eleven grandchildren.

Reviews

[Lewis Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling read, following the adventures of two very interesting characters ... who are together, then apart, then ... you'll have to read the book to find out. The historical settings, and side stories, add to the pleasure of the main plot ... the two main characters are presented in a way that drew my emtions hoping for them to succeed ... well done, Susan Shalev

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilly was down to her last dollar with the only thing being left was for her to go into a brothel even though she was a very talented seamstress.

She was terrified.

Heinrich, a German officer swept her away, protected her from this fate, and they fell in love.

They had a short time together but were kept apart since they both were escaping Europe on a ship that sunk.

We follow Lily and Heinrich as the war rages on and both think the other is dead.

Heinrich joins the British Army, and Lily continues to create her beautiful clothing as both continue to mourn their lost love and try to forget each other.

THE GERMAN DRESSMAKER is a book you won't be able to put down because of the marvelous writing of the author and the hope that Lily and Heinrich find love again.

Don't miss it...you will be missing wonderful characters and a beautiful story even though it is told amid the horrors of WWII. 5/5

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[BookWormBecky · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to author Susan Shalev for this gifted copy! A remarkable debut! So exciting!

5.0

Chance encounter, devastation, setbacks…

A mesmerizing story of an ill-fated love in wartime Germany and England. Heinrich and Lily’s relationship will range from joyfulness to hopelessness.

This chance encounter will profoundly alter their lives. After becoming separated, Lily will be left alone to figure out a way to move forward to restore her life.


*Thank you for the gifted print copy. I really appreciate it!

*I read this book in one day! I would read future books by this author!

*Very descriptive writing! So many examples - 1 example: the description of the fashion salon (p14).

*Great cast of characters!

*Well researched and detail-oriented. Great ending!

*The prologue pulled me in! I loved the phrasing. Ex: “Her lovely face was a snapshot imprinted in his memory.”

*A nice mixture of history, romance, and suspense. I recommend!

[Pam Zaidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend Susan Shalev’s debut WW2 historical novel. This page-turner is a beautiful story of forbidden love written with emotional sensitivity and in-depth research reflecting that tumultuous historical era. The characters are fully developed and one can identify with the heartbreaking loss, the reality of nazi brutality and the kindness of strangers who demonstrated moral responsibility by helping refugees rebuild their lives. Shalev’s immaculate attention to detail allows one to experience various locations magnificently described in the book from pre-war Breslau in Germany, the seaside holiday town of Margate, the more sophisticated holiday resort of Bournemouth, as well as London life at that time.
From the first line in the book “Theirs was a chance encounter – an alignment of stars that would alter the course of their lives in unimaginable ways” till the very last page, this historical novel held my attention and involved me in the private lives of Heinrich and Lily. I lived the tragedy, relief, disappointment and triumph wanting to know what transpired while at the same time, not wanting this terrific book to end.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Musings

What an amazing book with compelling characters and a unique plot that will grab your heart and not let go until the last word. I read a lot of WWII novel set during that war, but this one is truly one that will remain in my memory for a very long time. It's the best book I have read this year. This is such astonishing love story. ItHappy reading!

[SUSAN GRIFFIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book not to be missed

Lily and Heinrich love story unfolds into a shocking tragedy
Susan’s write beautifully with tear provoking accounts of history no so long ago.
A beautiful story that was hard to put down.
A must read for those who enjoy wartime romance.
Susan gives a glimpse of history that had me googling the net for more information.
Can’t wait to read another of Susan’s books, a fantastic story teller.

[Joyce King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreakingly beautiful!

A story of love and redemption over evil during WWII. Heinrich, a Jewish German officer and his gentile girlfriend, Lily are forced to face Hitler's anti-Semitic policy after he is badly beaten and left for dead. They decide to escape their native country, but are met with disastrous results.

[Stacy Doubrava]

Always so close

Love the story. Love that it took place mostly away from Germany. Amazing that their love stayed so strong over the years. Made me happy they did find each other after so many close chances.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A GREAT BOOk. REALLY. ENJOYED IT.

[Alex Shindler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The German Dressmaker" by Susan Shalev is an absolute must-read for fans of historical fiction. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this novel weaves a captivating tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience. The story revolves around Lily, a talented seamstress, and Heinrich, a major in Hitler's Wehrmacht, whose love defies the boundaries of war and ideology.

From the very first page, I was completely drawn into Lily and Heinrich's love story. Shalev masterfully portrays their blossoming romance amidst the growing fear of war, immersing readers in a world teetering on the edge of darkness. The characters are deeply relatable, and I found myself emotionally invested in their journey. As secrets unravel and their lives are torn apart, I couldn't help but be moved by Lily's strength and determination to rebuild her shattered existence.

Based on true events, "The German Dressmaker" exquisitely captures the heart-wrenching reality of star-crossed lovers caught in the tumult of war. Shalev's writing is both poignant and evocative, transporting readers to the era with her vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to historical detail. This unputdownable novel will keep you on the edge of your seat, yearning for resolution until the very last page.

In conclusion, "The German Dressmaker" is a powerful and unforgettable story that will leave a lasting impression. If you're searching for a gripping historical fiction novel that delves deep into the complexities of love and war, look no further. Susan Shalev has created a masterpiece that will tug at your heartstrings and resonate long after you've turned the final page.

[Stephen Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read!

I enjoyed this book tremendously! I recommend this book very highly to anyone that loves a great story with a great ending!

[JOYCE DURHAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of love and life

This book covers the life of Heinrich and Lily. Their story starts on Poland before the war and moves to them trying to escape stowed away on a ship. The ship is damaged and they are separated and think the other has perished in the escape.
The majority of the rest of the covers the lives of both a lily and Henry and their undieing love for each other.
You will have to read the rest to discover the final outcome of this story.

[Sema Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Shalev has written a wonderful debut novel. From the minute I started reading "The German Dressmaker" I was drawn into the story and couldn't put down the book. The protagonist, Lily, is a very engaging character and the rest of the characters are all very believable. I look forward to Susan Shalev's next novel.

[Kathleen A. Sloniker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A part of Jewish history

Read this book in two days. I could not put it down. Couldn't wait to see of Lily and Heinrich found their way back to each other. So many twists and turns to find each other. Very interesting book.

[Nyla Arieka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple yet stunning tale of two young people during the Second World War. The storyline was heartfelt and easily understood, which I really enjoyed. Everyone loves happy endings and I certainly am glad all the characters found an ending they deserved.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just missing seeing each other!

[Asha Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

In ‘The German Dressmaker’, written by Susan Shalev, readers experience an thrilling journey through the historical landscape of World War II; infamous for gruesome horrors unleashed on humanity – the unforgettable holocaust. Against that backdrop, Shalev manages to weave a heart-warming tale of love, sacrifice, desperation, and courage.

The year is 1937, and against the backdrop of a Germany on the cusp of war, a young and gifted aspiring seamstress named Lily finds her heart captivated by Heinrich, a charismatic major in Hitler’s formidable Wehrmacht. Their burgeoning love story unfolds as a beautiful and hopeful romance, where Lily dares to dream of a future illuminated by shared aspirations; hard to imagine, harder yet of realising.

However, Heinrich conceals a perilous secret, one that, if unveiled, would jeopardize not only his own life but also cast a shadow of danger over Lily’s existence. As the specter of impending war looms larger, the weight of their hidden truths becomes increasingly burdensome. In a world taken over by darkness and plagued by secrets, the lovers are inexorably torn apart, becoming casualties of a world consumed by the chaos of war.

From the very first pages, you’re drawn into the book with the vivid details spun with the choicest of words in Shalev’s masterful writing style capturing the poignant love story of Lily and Heinrich, and the horrors of war looming over their innocent love. With artful prose, she captures the blossoming romance against the ominous backdrop of war, immersing the audience in a world teetering on the brink of darkness. The characters are dipped in a rare candour suffused with profused humility that one can only revel in their character portrayals with enthused elation.

Lily has faced adversities since a very young age and yet manages to remain an indomitable character with much integrity, depth, and calibre. Her unwavering strength and determination to piece together her constantly challenged stature in a war-torn society serve as potent sources of inspiration. Heinrich is equally powerful a character, strong enough to stand up to his rights and principles, and mellow enough to fall in love with a woman with a troubled past and be her confidante and life support. Both these characters are utterly lovable, adorable, and memorable characters.

The writing style is one worth a mention since it holds together this beautiful story of love and its core characters, right in the nook, inviting readers to come fall in love with these characters and live their story. The historical details, the accuracy, the meticulous research, and acute depictions of elements local and global, tell us how ingenious the author is with her craft and how focused she was at what she set out to achieve this book. Shalev’s writing is a beautiful synchronization of poignancy, passion, and perfection, successful at penning a riveting narrative that refuses to be set aside, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, yearning for resolution.

In a nutshell, ‘The German Dressmaker’ is a story that leaves a profound and enduring impact on its readers; one that will not leave their minds anytime soon. For those in search of an absorbing historical fiction novel that delves deeper into the intricacies of love challenged by war, Susan Shalev’s creation is a literary fiction masterpiece not to be missed. While it is undoubtedly a character-driven narrative, the author does not shy away from depicting the horrors of the war. Inspired by historical truths during World War II, this is an indelible narrative that refuses to be forgotten once embarked upon. It is a story of love cruelly tampered with by the relentless march of tragedy, a tale of two star-crossed souls ambushed by fate determined to keep them apart.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The German Dressmaker” by Susan Shalev is a powerful WWII historical novel that explores the enduring power of love and the devastating impact of war. The book tells the story of Lily, a gifted seamstress in 1937 Germany, who falls deeply in love with Heinrich, a handsome and charming officer in Hitler's army. Despite the growing tension and fear of war, the two are swept up in a passionate romance and dream of a future together.

However, their love is threatened by Heinrich's dangerous secret, one that could cost him his life and put Lily in grave danger. As the war rages on and darkness descends, the two are forced apart, and Lily is left alone to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. But with her needle and thread, she finds solace in creating beautiful dresses that help her stay connected to the past and the love she lost.

Susan Shalev's "The German Dressmaker" is a captivating novel that deftly portrays the complexities of love, loss, and resilience amidst the backdrop of World War II. The author's beautiful prose brings to life a poignant love story that is both tender and heartrending. Set against the stark realities of war, the book's unforgettable characters and masterful portrayal of real historical events make it a page-turner that is impossible to put down. With its gripping plot and vivid imagery, this novel is sure to captivate fans of historical fiction and epic romances, leaving them deeply moved and thoroughly satisfied. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The end of a nightmare and the beginning of a dream come true’ - Great read!

London born Israeli author Susan Shalev earned her degree in psychology from Manchester University and in industrial relations from Strathclyde University in the UK and now lives in Israel, earning her PhD in sociology and anthropology from Bar-Ilan University. THE GERMAN DRESSMAKER is her debut novel. Bringing a refreshing new insight into WW II history, Susan opens her story with these sensitive words: ‘Theirs was a chance encounter - an alignment of the stars that would alter the course of their lives in unimaginable ways. If he had refused the invitation of his comrades to join them for a drink, as he had done so often in the past, he would have never met her. If her circumstances had been more fortunate, their paths would never have crossed and their histories would have been very different. But such is chance, or fate, perhaps. It was meant to be.’ And thus is launched a romance between Heinrich, an officer in Hitler’s Wehrmacht, and Lily, a young Jewish girl, in a time when such a pairing was unthinkable: Germany, World War II. The manner in which the story unfolds provides a compelling novel that underscores history with a challenging romance, a vantage into the horrors of the period not usually encountered in literature. Susan Shalev is a gifted writer - an author to follow!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one surprised me. It began as if it was going to be essentially a wartime romance novel but it developed into much more. It opens in Germany in 1938 and continues through 1947 in England, covering an impressive scope of events. Although this is a character-driven novel as we meet the different people in the lives of Lily & Heinrich, the author doesn't shy away from the horrors of the war.

There was one event that stood out for me and that was when Lily observed the royal couple visiting Bournemouth to speak to the troops. She compared it to what she had seen in Germany during a visit by Hitler when the crowd had responded to him with "histrionics, fevered chanting, and mindless ecstasy." In contrast, the royal couple received obvious admiration from the locals showing their support but without the frenzy that had frightened her in Germany. Fanaticism is deadly.

I found myself unable to put this down, even when I should have been doing other things. And finally, it had one of the most hopeful endings I've read in a long time.

[Rissiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Shalev has outdone herself with her remarkable second book. This boy-meets-girl saga diverges from the ordinary as the reader is transported from wartorn Europe to the British Isles. The author deftly gives the reader an earful of authentic dialects while accurately portraying the turmoil and perils of WWII and its aftermath for two German-born young people. The horrors of war are eclipsed by their personal tragedies, and they seek temporary relief from their respective misfortunes from unlikely sources.

This heartwarming story is more about how one can and might survive and move forward in spite of enduring emotional pain. It is a poignant portrayal of love lost with a twist.

[BreeAnn (She Just Loves Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up way too late reading because I had to find out what happens at the end of this book! This was a beautifully written historical fiction story. I really enjoyed that this story took me on a journey to a variety of locations and countries, and it helped to ground me in the WWII setting.

I loved the variety of characters that I met along the way. They are relatable and easy to become attached to. The story moved at a quick pace, and there was never a section that I lost interest in. I highly recommend this one for WWII hist-fic readers!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rhythm of the book just off and missed something

I intriguing story that started off well. Then it just jumped unexpectedly from different characters and time periods. During the book, I was surprised when the said the war was over. It was a non event. The timing and odd back and forth was very frustrating to read. Poignant moments were glazed over. Good characters and premise that missed the mark completely. So much was lost in how this was written and it was frustrating as the story was a good one. Building to their reunion in the end again fell flat

[Ray Phenicie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A war story with truth of friends to help each other

I kept reading and wondering what next it kept building an interesting plot that I didn't guess the next thing happening. It was a fiction book but with a beautiful story line. How they both kept believing in their love . It tells of peoples strength during the war and true friendships that help when you are down and how true people can be kind and believe in one another in spite of the cruelty of the Nazi government. In light of the racism in today's world what have we learned anything?

[lawrence Bendelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart wrenching story of Love lost and found

A well written tale of WWII lovers who escape Hitler's Nazi Germany only to encounter an unthinkable disaster which results in each of them believing the other one has died. The book follows their lives apart from each other and their final reunification. A very enjoyable read.

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the book (with a lovely cover) in one sitting as mesmerizing as it was. Typically avoid WWII novels related to being heart-wrenching but this provided hope with the perfect ending. Well-written and will keep the reader enthralled from beginning-to-end - well worth your time.

[Mindell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN!!

An absolutely fabulous read!! It’s got everything you want and expect in a great historical fiction master piece! I recommend this book highly!!

[Kris Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and surprising plot

All of the characters were beautifully developed. I was constantly afraid another one would die or be captured. “Never Give Up” is a strong theme!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

captivating Book

I couldn’t put the book down it had so many twists and turns. The ending was beautiful and quite a surprise.