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The English Girl
English Girl
421 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2013
16 people are currently reading
761 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Leroy
19 books191 followersI grew up in the New Forest. As a child I wrote elaborate fantasy stories that I never showed to anyone. But around age 12 I stopped writing, and didn't start again till my mid-twenties.
(from the Biography page of her website)
I went to Oxford to study music, at St. Hilda's College. In my twenties I tried all sorts of things - music therapy, play-leading with children with disabilities, work in a toy shop, teaching. I also got married - and divorced. Finally I found work I really enjoyed, as a social worker: I qualified at Leicester University, and worked in psychiatry and then in child protection. It's a reviled profession but I found it fascinating: though, intriguingly, in my writing social workers are more likely to be villains than heroes. Around this time I met Mick, who is now my husband - and I started writing again. I became a full-time(ish) writer after our younger daughter was born.
(from the Biography page of her website)
I went to Oxford to study music, at St. Hilda's College. In my twenties I tried all sorts of things - music therapy, play-leading with children with disabilities, work in a toy shop, teaching. I also got married - and divorced. Finally I found work I really enjoyed, as a social worker: I qualified at Leicester University, and worked in psychiatry and then in child protection. It's a reviled profession but I found it fascinating: though, intriguingly, in my writing social workers are more likely to be villains than heroes. Around this time I met Mick, who is now my husband - and I started writing again. I became a full-time(ish) writer after our younger daughter was born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this story set against the backdrop of 1930’s Vienna. Having earlier read The Collaborator by the same author I absolutely fell in love with her style of writing and in particular her attention to detail and the care shown to her character development.
Stella is just seventeen when she embarks on a move to Vienna to study music. While living with old friends of her mothers, she meets a handsome Jewish psychiatrist and begins a whirlwind romance - but as Adolf Hitler gains momentum and the country is at risk of collapse, Stella is forced to take risks for those she cares about.
This was a complex and multi weaved story which I thoroughly enjoyed throughout. I thought the setting was beautifully described and true of its times. I struggled to put the book down (in fact, I was still reading at two this morning because I needed to finish it!)
The ending surprised me so I hope there is a sequel in the works. I would love to know more of Stella’s story.
A must have for World War Two era historical fiction fans.
Stella is just seventeen when she embarks on a move to Vienna to study music. While living with old friends of her mothers, she meets a handsome Jewish psychiatrist and begins a whirlwind romance - but as Adolf Hitler gains momentum and the country is at risk of collapse, Stella is forced to take risks for those she cares about.
This was a complex and multi weaved story which I thoroughly enjoyed throughout. I thought the setting was beautifully described and true of its times. I struggled to put the book down (in fact, I was still reading at two this morning because I needed to finish it!)
The ending surprised me so I hope there is a sequel in the works. I would love to know more of Stella’s story.
A must have for World War Two era historical fiction fans.
December 24, 2013
In 1937, seventeen year old Stella Whittaker travels from London to Vienna to study piano at the Academy of Music. She has lived a sheltered life, dominated by her musical studies and is largely unaware of the events unfolding in Europe. She falls in love with the city and also with a handsome doctor, who is Jewish. This is something that Stella considers irrelevant but she will gradually becomes aware of anti-Semitic attitudes among her friends and colleagues. Nevertheless she refuses to believe that Austria will succumb to the Nazi fervour sweeping Germany, clinging stubbornly to her optimistic belief that Germany will come to its senses and that life in Vienna will continue unchanged. Of course reading this book you know otherwise and her naivety is infuriating, though probably very true to attitudes of that time.
I really enjoyed this book although I find it somewhat difficult to articulate why. Stella is an annoying, self-centered and immature character whom I often disliked and the writing style, while pulling you in and carrying you along, is nothing remarkable. Partly it's the setting - I am often drawn to books set in pre-war Europe and this really made me feel like I was in Vienna. I could virtually smell the cooking, feel the wintry chill and see the elegant architecture. I also found Stella's attitudes, for all that I disagreed with them, genuinely thought provoking and interesting. There is an undercurrent of menace throughout and there are a few interesting twists along the way. I really liked the way that the author brought the various strands together and the ending was both genuinely satisfying and felt possible.
While I was reading this book, my father asked me what it was about. I gave him a brief synopsis and he asked what genre it is - spy story? romance? historical novel? It has elements of all of those in it, without really being any of those things. It's very readable and now that I've finished it I find I'm still thinking about the characters, wondering what happened to them and not wanting to let them go.
I really enjoyed this book although I find it somewhat difficult to articulate why. Stella is an annoying, self-centered and immature character whom I often disliked and the writing style, while pulling you in and carrying you along, is nothing remarkable. Partly it's the setting - I am often drawn to books set in pre-war Europe and this really made me feel like I was in Vienna. I could virtually smell the cooking, feel the wintry chill and see the elegant architecture. I also found Stella's attitudes, for all that I disagreed with them, genuinely thought provoking and interesting. There is an undercurrent of menace throughout and there are a few interesting twists along the way. I really liked the way that the author brought the various strands together and the ending was both genuinely satisfying and felt possible.
While I was reading this book, my father asked me what it was about. I gave him a brief synopsis and he asked what genre it is - spy story? romance? historical novel? It has elements of all of those in it, without really being any of those things. It's very readable and now that I've finished it I find I'm still thinking about the characters, wondering what happened to them and not wanting to let them go.
June 17, 2022
4,25 sterren - Nederlandse paperback
De naïeve 17-jarige Stella Whittaker krijgt eind 1937 in Wenen een relatie met een joodse arts. Ze wil niet geloven dat Hitler een grote bedreiging vormt en dat Oostenrijk steeds antisemitischer wordt. De realiteit dwingt haar uiteindelijk de oogschellen te laten vallen. Zoals zovele geloofden ze in nuchtere redelijkheid. Maar tegen de "duivel" en zijn trawanten is redelijkheid niet bestand.
De roman zit qua plot goed in elkaar. De uitgebreide beschrijvingen zijn hier en daar wel wat langdradig. En het woord "lieverd" komt net iets te vaak voor, misschien op sommige plekken als een ongelukkige vertaling van het Engelse "dear".
Die minpuntjes daargelaten beschrijft Leroy mooi het proces van naïef schoolkind tot ontredderde persoon voor wie de wereld in duigen valt. Daarom niet de volle 5 sterren.
De naïeve 17-jarige Stella Whittaker krijgt eind 1937 in Wenen een relatie met een joodse arts. Ze wil niet geloven dat Hitler een grote bedreiging vormt en dat Oostenrijk steeds antisemitischer wordt. De realiteit dwingt haar uiteindelijk de oogschellen te laten vallen. Zoals zovele geloofden ze in nuchtere redelijkheid. Maar tegen de "duivel" en zijn trawanten is redelijkheid niet bestand.
De roman zit qua plot goed in elkaar. De uitgebreide beschrijvingen zijn hier en daar wel wat langdradig. En het woord "lieverd" komt net iets te vaak voor, misschien op sommige plekken als een ongelukkige vertaling van het Engelse "dear".
Die minpuntjes daargelaten beschrijft Leroy mooi het proces van naïef schoolkind tot ontredderde persoon voor wie de wereld in duigen valt. Daarom niet de volle 5 sterren.
January 13, 2014
Set in 1937-38, The English Girl is the story of Stella Whittaker, who travels to Vienna to further her music studies at the Academy of Vienna. 17 years old and thriving in her new life in such a beautiful city, it’s not long before she falls in love with a young Jewish doctor. When, however, it becomes apparent that this idyllic existence is threatened, Stella struggles to accept what she knows in her heart.
In such a turbulent time in our history, Margaret Leroy set out to provide the reader with an exciting story full of twists and turns as well as a sense of foreboding throughout, and she did not disappoint. All the elements of the plot come together with great success. The characters are well developed and appear real, and the settings are brought to life with Ms Leroy’s gift of lacing description throughout.
As with her previous books, The Collaborator and The Soldiers Wife, Margaret Leroy has given us, yet again, a window into the lives of those people who lived through one of the world’s most turbulent times, WWII.
Definitely a page turner that will be enjoyed by many readers.
In such a turbulent time in our history, Margaret Leroy set out to provide the reader with an exciting story full of twists and turns as well as a sense of foreboding throughout, and she did not disappoint. All the elements of the plot come together with great success. The characters are well developed and appear real, and the settings are brought to life with Ms Leroy’s gift of lacing description throughout.
As with her previous books, The Collaborator and The Soldiers Wife, Margaret Leroy has given us, yet again, a window into the lives of those people who lived through one of the world’s most turbulent times, WWII.
Definitely a page turner that will be enjoyed by many readers.
June 29, 2014
What is startling about this book is it's portrayal of the speed with which Austria succumbed to Germany in 1937. The book's 17 year old narrator is innocent and naive - and perhaps her world view inadvertently amplifies the apparent suddenness of the Austrian surrender. The book portrays the intellectual and artistic sophistication of Vienna at the time, and thereby highlights the incongruence of this context as the receptacle for Nazi ideals. The stories we tell ourselves.....we can convince ourselves of any truth if our interests are sufficiently vested. Such a sad story - and because of history, we know the end at the beginning. It is a very good read.
November 16, 2023
Prachtig boek !
Absolute aanrader wat mij betreft
Absolute aanrader wat mij betreft
February 27, 2015
Stella Wittaker is a 17 year-old pianist who was accepted in a prestigious musical school in Vienna. One opportunity never to be missed: to become a professional pianist in the city of music. Her mother got her a room in old friends' house in exchange that Stella would teach English to their child. In Vienna, Stella found herself ready to grow and experience life in a big city, meet interesting people and fall in love with a gorgeous Jewish doctor.
However, it was 1937 and being in Austria, Stella was not mature yet to understand the danger of being in a country that was about to endure one of the most despicable war crimes in history. The Holocaust was upon them and it was a very dangerous time for Jewish people. We readers know what happened, but the characters of the book didn't and it was very difficult to continue the reading and seeing young Stella act in a selfish way towards her boyfriend. Sometimes I felt angry with her, for her irresponsible actions and ignorance of what was happening in the world. But at the same time, the story is so involving and your desire for a happy ending will keep you reading.
I believe Margaret Leroy tried, successfuly, to make her readers feel mad with Stella. Her naivety, childish and ignorance much irritated me. I wanted her to save everyone, but I had to remember that the character is from a time nobody would believe what was about to happen. Sadly, it could not be avoided.
The book was written only in Stella's POV. I read a fascinating, heart warming story of two people in love. The characters were plausible, the story very well researched by the author with some strong scenes in the book. One of my favourites being when her stern piano teacher invites her for a last lesson at his house.
It was a beautiful romantic story. Sad because of the tragic real events that we are well aware and if we could be Stella one day I am sure we would have wanted to do more to help avoid such crime. The ending was a total surprise to me and I believe to many readers. A very lovely reflective story that has sadness, but also love and hope.
However, it was 1937 and being in Austria, Stella was not mature yet to understand the danger of being in a country that was about to endure one of the most despicable war crimes in history. The Holocaust was upon them and it was a very dangerous time for Jewish people. We readers know what happened, but the characters of the book didn't and it was very difficult to continue the reading and seeing young Stella act in a selfish way towards her boyfriend. Sometimes I felt angry with her, for her irresponsible actions and ignorance of what was happening in the world. But at the same time, the story is so involving and your desire for a happy ending will keep you reading.
I believe Margaret Leroy tried, successfuly, to make her readers feel mad with Stella. Her naivety, childish and ignorance much irritated me. I wanted her to save everyone, but I had to remember that the character is from a time nobody would believe what was about to happen. Sadly, it could not be avoided.
The book was written only in Stella's POV. I read a fascinating, heart warming story of two people in love. The characters were plausible, the story very well researched by the author with some strong scenes in the book. One of my favourites being when her stern piano teacher invites her for a last lesson at his house.
It was a beautiful romantic story. Sad because of the tragic real events that we are well aware and if we could be Stella one day I am sure we would have wanted to do more to help avoid such crime. The ending was a total surprise to me and I believe to many readers. A very lovely reflective story that has sadness, but also love and hope.
June 4, 2019
Loved the book, but it cries out for a sequel. I hope the author has plans...
April 9, 2018
Another 2.5 due to the finish. Very slow in getting started, I had to keep reminding myself that Stella - the lead character - was only 17, from the Home Counties and had lived only for music so was truely very naive, innocent and unworldly for Vienna at the rise of the Nazis. And you really wouldn't want to see or believe that was coming.
It was well written, with a beautiful turn of phrase. It just a shame the plotting was a muddle. A very slow awakening and then a frantic rush to the finish.
Toast
It was well written, with a beautiful turn of phrase. It just a shame the plotting was a muddle. A very slow awakening and then a frantic rush to the finish.
Toast
November 13, 2014
Seventeen year old Stella leaves England to head to 1930's Vienna to study music. Living with family friends she is set to discover herself and some secrets!! A good bit of pre war adventure that was another good holiday read.
March 2, 2021
This book was amazing! I didn’t really see the ending coming. I enjoyed the writing and the plot. However, I did feel it ended a bit abruptly, I would have liked to know a bit more about the fate of the rest of the characters apart from the main heroine. Totally recommend reading it.
May 17, 2017
At 17, piano prodigy Stella Whittaker is embarking on her lifetime dream: private piano lessons in Vienna with renowned teacher Dr. Zaslavsky. An arrangement is made by her widowed mother for Stella to stay with Viennese friends Rainer and Marthe Krause, exchanging board for English lessons to the Krause's young son. Visiting a museum not long after her arrival in Vienna, she meets Harri Reznik, a psychiatrist and lecturer, and although a decade older than Stella an instant attraction blossoms; soon they are lovers.
Covering the period from late 1937 to early 1938, Stella, despite herself, is forced to acknowledge what is happening in Austria and Germany. And having a Jewish boyfriend is increasingly dangerous. Stella also has to reevaluate her opinion of the Krause household; her initial feelings are painfully tested. Written with a masterful storyteller's skill and imbued with an increasingly pervading sense of danger, this is a splendid read.
Covering the period from late 1937 to early 1938, Stella, despite herself, is forced to acknowledge what is happening in Austria and Germany. And having a Jewish boyfriend is increasingly dangerous. Stella also has to reevaluate her opinion of the Krause household; her initial feelings are painfully tested. Written with a masterful storyteller's skill and imbued with an increasingly pervading sense of danger, this is a splendid read.
February 2, 2021
Having been in Vienna in the brilliance of Christmas, I was delighted at the sense of that beautiful city that Margaret Leroy conveys in this very compelling historical novel.
Stella Whittaker is a 17 year old English girl with an extraordinary talent at the piano. Her widowed mother manages to arrange her to stay in Vienna with old friends, Rainer and Marthe Krause. She will attend the Academy of Music under the tutelage of Dr Zaslavsky. But these are changing times from September 1937 to March 1938. Stella grows in maturity and understanding that sometimes one has to act with courage and resolve plus that someone as wonderful as the young Jewish doctor,Harri Reznik can capture your young heart. This made compelling reading and the descriptions of the brutality to ordinary Jewish citizens by the Austrian thugs, emboldened by their allegiance to Hitler are very hard to read or comprehend. Leroy has an easy prose style and I will look out for more of her novels.
Stella Whittaker is a 17 year old English girl with an extraordinary talent at the piano. Her widowed mother manages to arrange her to stay in Vienna with old friends, Rainer and Marthe Krause. She will attend the Academy of Music under the tutelage of Dr Zaslavsky. But these are changing times from September 1937 to March 1938. Stella grows in maturity and understanding that sometimes one has to act with courage and resolve plus that someone as wonderful as the young Jewish doctor,Harri Reznik can capture your young heart. This made compelling reading and the descriptions of the brutality to ordinary Jewish citizens by the Austrian thugs, emboldened by their allegiance to Hitler are very hard to read or comprehend. Leroy has an easy prose style and I will look out for more of her novels.
October 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this story set against the backdrop of 1930’s Vienna. It followed on well from another book I have just read regarding World War Two era historical fiction, even though it was by another author.
Stella is just seventeen when she embarks on a move to Vienna to study music. While living with old friends of her mothers, she meets a handsome Jewish psychiatrist and begins a whirlwind romance - but as Adolf Hitler gains momentum and the country is at risk of collapse, Stella is forced to take risks for those she cares about.
This was a complex and multi weaved story which I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope there is a sequel in the works as I would love to know more of Stella’s story.
Stella is just seventeen when she embarks on a move to Vienna to study music. While living with old friends of her mothers, she meets a handsome Jewish psychiatrist and begins a whirlwind romance - but as Adolf Hitler gains momentum and the country is at risk of collapse, Stella is forced to take risks for those she cares about.
This was a complex and multi weaved story which I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope there is a sequel in the works as I would love to know more of Stella’s story.
October 3, 2017
Stella, een 17 jarig Engels meisje, gaat in september 1937 naar Wenen om piano te studeren.
Zij komt in huis bij vroegere vrienden van haar moeder.
In ruil hiervoor geeft zij hun zoontje Engelse les.
Al snel raakt zij verliefd op een 10 jaar oudere man, die Joods blijkt te zijn.
De man waarbij ze in huis is heeft sympathie voor de Nazi"s.
Een werknemer van de Engelse ambassade verzoekt haar hem te bespioneren.
Er zijn allerlei ontwikkelingen, het boek beslaat de periode sept. 37 tot half maart 38.
We weten allemaal wat er toen gebeurde in Oostenrijk.
Het idee voor het verhaal vond ik goed, maar vond het nogal kinderlijk geschreven.
Het leek me meer een zgn. young adult boek.
Zij komt in huis bij vroegere vrienden van haar moeder.
In ruil hiervoor geeft zij hun zoontje Engelse les.
Al snel raakt zij verliefd op een 10 jaar oudere man, die Joods blijkt te zijn.
De man waarbij ze in huis is heeft sympathie voor de Nazi"s.
Een werknemer van de Engelse ambassade verzoekt haar hem te bespioneren.
Er zijn allerlei ontwikkelingen, het boek beslaat de periode sept. 37 tot half maart 38.
We weten allemaal wat er toen gebeurde in Oostenrijk.
Het idee voor het verhaal vond ik goed, maar vond het nogal kinderlijk geschreven.
Het leek me meer een zgn. young adult boek.
June 15, 2021
For historical fiction fans this one is just the ticket.
I found myself quite captivated by the main character, Stella. Some of her characteristics are a little inconsistent but the plot and setting give credence to the twists and turns encountered by the reader along the way. I’ve not read any other novels by Margaret Leroy. I look forward to sourcing some more in the future.
I found myself quite captivated by the main character, Stella. Some of her characteristics are a little inconsistent but the plot and setting give credence to the twists and turns encountered by the reader along the way. I’ve not read any other novels by Margaret Leroy. I look forward to sourcing some more in the future.
June 10, 2023
I absolutely loved every minute of this book. From the beautiful descriptions of Vienna to the musical elements of the book. The plot takes you on such a journey - I just couldn’t put it down.
I’ve read a lot of historical fiction about WWII but this is up there with the best! A beautiful, original story told so well. 5 stars!!!
I’ve read a lot of historical fiction about WWII but this is up there with the best! A beautiful, original story told so well. 5 stars!!!
January 21, 2018
A Gentle read
I enjoyed this book at times I yearned for a tiny more drama but it was well written and believable. Probably a tiny bit too romantic for my personal taste but it held my attention which is a positive.
I enjoyed this book at times I yearned for a tiny more drama but it was well written and believable. Probably a tiny bit too romantic for my personal taste but it held my attention which is a positive.
October 2, 2017
Gemiddeld, al bij al weinig kwaliteitsvol. Eén uit een dozijn, erg voorspelbaar en tegelijk ongeloofwaaridig ook. Maar leest wel vlot, toch eentje dat ik rap zal vergeten zijn denk ik.
September 25, 2017
Ah I'm heartbroken I finished this book and at the same time relieved! Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster of a read.
January 16, 2018
Interesting reading the history and not at all predictable
August 15, 2018
So beyond amazing!!! Such a good historical fiction read!!! I loved all the characters in the book!!! I loved learning so much about Vienna!!
February 1, 2022
Pretty good read. Pretty predictable.
January 3, 2024
Loved it!
July 12, 2025
I bought this while I was visiting Vienna and finally read it. Really enjoyed the setting!
September 17, 2025
actually really liked this book even though some of the plot was predictable( because of the setting of the era)
April 19, 2014
Set against the beauty and eventual terror of Vienna on the brink of occupation by Hitler’s troops, The English Girl is political intrigue swaddled in a love story.
1938. Young Stella Whittaker wins a place at Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and leaves her sheltered English life ripe for adventure and new experiences. Though her studies are exhausting and often humiliating, Stella finds Vienna a magical place of historical beauty, tea shops and fashionable friends. To repay her hosts, Rainer and Marthe Krause for her accommodation, she looks after their child who is still upset by the abrupt departure of his former nanny, a mystery that no one is willing to discuss. When she meets and begins a passionate affair with Harri Reznik, a young Jewish doctor, Stella begins to sense another side to Vienna – a dark undercurrent that also exists in the Krause apartment, particularly when Rainer has private meetings with a group of shadowy men. Asked to spy on Rainer and aware that her relationship with Harri best remain unspoken, Stella begins to realise that much more than her heart may be at stake.
The English Girl brings pre-war Vienna to life through Stella’s eyes and it is her breathless excitement and dawning realisation of the truth which is the strength of this novel. It may also be its weakness. Though Stella is perfectly believable as a young woman of that era thrust into an intrigue she doesn’t understand, by today’s standards she is a rather passive heroine. Concern with her studies and obsession with her new love dominate the first half of the novel and the pacing is almost as languid as Stella in her lover’s arms. Yet, as the events leading up to Vienna’s occupation begin to unfold and Stella sees past the glamour, intrigue and tension deepen. The descriptions of light and darkness are often poignant, and Stella’s observations of the family living in the apartment opposite are filled with pathos. The English Girl is well researched and not overdone. The political situation that leads to the chilling climactic events is revealed only when necessary, and the little details of hat styles, dresses and teashops add veracity and a light-heartedness to the early chapters suitable to Stella’s character.
Leroy is an eloquent and thoughtful writer and in Stella she creates a believable portrait of an impressionable girl caught up in a situation she doesn’t quite believe is possible.
1938. Young Stella Whittaker wins a place at Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and leaves her sheltered English life ripe for adventure and new experiences. Though her studies are exhausting and often humiliating, Stella finds Vienna a magical place of historical beauty, tea shops and fashionable friends. To repay her hosts, Rainer and Marthe Krause for her accommodation, she looks after their child who is still upset by the abrupt departure of his former nanny, a mystery that no one is willing to discuss. When she meets and begins a passionate affair with Harri Reznik, a young Jewish doctor, Stella begins to sense another side to Vienna – a dark undercurrent that also exists in the Krause apartment, particularly when Rainer has private meetings with a group of shadowy men. Asked to spy on Rainer and aware that her relationship with Harri best remain unspoken, Stella begins to realise that much more than her heart may be at stake.
The English Girl brings pre-war Vienna to life through Stella’s eyes and it is her breathless excitement and dawning realisation of the truth which is the strength of this novel. It may also be its weakness. Though Stella is perfectly believable as a young woman of that era thrust into an intrigue she doesn’t understand, by today’s standards she is a rather passive heroine. Concern with her studies and obsession with her new love dominate the first half of the novel and the pacing is almost as languid as Stella in her lover’s arms. Yet, as the events leading up to Vienna’s occupation begin to unfold and Stella sees past the glamour, intrigue and tension deepen. The descriptions of light and darkness are often poignant, and Stella’s observations of the family living in the apartment opposite are filled with pathos. The English Girl is well researched and not overdone. The political situation that leads to the chilling climactic events is revealed only when necessary, and the little details of hat styles, dresses and teashops add veracity and a light-heartedness to the early chapters suitable to Stella’s character.
Leroy is an eloquent and thoughtful writer and in Stella she creates a believable portrait of an impressionable girl caught up in a situation she doesn’t quite believe is possible.
September 1, 2019
English girl goes to Vienna and falls in love as the Nazis occupy. Another tense war story, but good
June 28, 2017
Leroy’s Het Engelse meisje schetst een sfeerbeeld van Wenen tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog
Na Een liefde in oorlogstijd verscheen dit jaar ook Margaret Leroys nieuwste roman Het Engelse meisje bij The House of Books. Het verhaal speelt zich af in Wenen aan de vooravond van de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Leroy schrijft vlot, gedetailleerd en geeft een duidelijk beeld van de sfeer die in de stad voelbaar moet zijn geweest.
De Engelse Stella Whittaker vertrekt naar Wenen om daar te studeren aan de muziekacademie. Oude familievrienden, Rainer en Marthe Krause, nemen haar in huis en zorgen goed voor haar. Stella wordt verliefd op de joodse psychiater Harri Reznik en ze ontdekt dat de nazigezinde familie Krause een stuk minder begripvol is dan ze aanvankelijk dacht.
Het Engelse meisje
Stella wordt snel volwassen in Wenen. Haar personage is in het begin van het verhaal bijna pijnlijk naïef. Ze gelooft niet dat mensen Harri niet mogen omdat hij Joods is en zoekt steeds naar andere verklaringen. ‘Ik ben totaal in verwarring, boos. Misschien klopte het dan toch, de gedachte die even bij me opkwam, dat ze iets met elkaar hebben gehad. Waarom zou ze zich er anders zo druk om maken?’ Aan het einde van het boek is ze een heel nieuw persoon in een nieuwe, dreigende wereld. Leroy weet de ontwikkeling van Stella goed over te brengen en maakt van haar een complex en interessant personage.
Een dieseltrein
Leroys stijl is te vergelijken met een dieselmotor. Evenals het personage heeft het begin van de roman ook wat opstartproblemen. Wanneer Leroy eenmaal op gang is, is ze ook goed op gang: ze neemt je helemaal mee in het verhaal. De lezer moet zich niet laten afschrikken door de vele details en beschrijvingen in het begin want de rest van het verhaal leest als een trein. De auteur weet hoe ze haar publiek in moet pakken en houdt je vast tot de allerlaatste pagina. ‘Opeens dringt het tot me door dat ik dit daadwerkelijk ga doen. Ik voel het bloed in mijn hoofd bonken, in mijn keel.’ Leroy vertelt een prachtig verhaal over de liefde tegen de achtergrond van de oorlog en beloont daarmee het geduld van de lezer.
[Deze recensie verscheen eerder (2015) op CLEEFT]
Na Een liefde in oorlogstijd verscheen dit jaar ook Margaret Leroys nieuwste roman Het Engelse meisje bij The House of Books. Het verhaal speelt zich af in Wenen aan de vooravond van de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Leroy schrijft vlot, gedetailleerd en geeft een duidelijk beeld van de sfeer die in de stad voelbaar moet zijn geweest.
De Engelse Stella Whittaker vertrekt naar Wenen om daar te studeren aan de muziekacademie. Oude familievrienden, Rainer en Marthe Krause, nemen haar in huis en zorgen goed voor haar. Stella wordt verliefd op de joodse psychiater Harri Reznik en ze ontdekt dat de nazigezinde familie Krause een stuk minder begripvol is dan ze aanvankelijk dacht.
Het Engelse meisje
Stella wordt snel volwassen in Wenen. Haar personage is in het begin van het verhaal bijna pijnlijk naïef. Ze gelooft niet dat mensen Harri niet mogen omdat hij Joods is en zoekt steeds naar andere verklaringen. ‘Ik ben totaal in verwarring, boos. Misschien klopte het dan toch, de gedachte die even bij me opkwam, dat ze iets met elkaar hebben gehad. Waarom zou ze zich er anders zo druk om maken?’ Aan het einde van het boek is ze een heel nieuw persoon in een nieuwe, dreigende wereld. Leroy weet de ontwikkeling van Stella goed over te brengen en maakt van haar een complex en interessant personage.
Een dieseltrein
Leroys stijl is te vergelijken met een dieselmotor. Evenals het personage heeft het begin van de roman ook wat opstartproblemen. Wanneer Leroy eenmaal op gang is, is ze ook goed op gang: ze neemt je helemaal mee in het verhaal. De lezer moet zich niet laten afschrikken door de vele details en beschrijvingen in het begin want de rest van het verhaal leest als een trein. De auteur weet hoe ze haar publiek in moet pakken en houdt je vast tot de allerlaatste pagina. ‘Opeens dringt het tot me door dat ik dit daadwerkelijk ga doen. Ik voel het bloed in mijn hoofd bonken, in mijn keel.’ Leroy vertelt een prachtig verhaal over de liefde tegen de achtergrond van de oorlog en beloont daarmee het geduld van de lezer.
[Deze recensie verscheen eerder (2015) op CLEEFT]
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