Pianistens hustru

by Soraya M. Lane, Ingmar Wennerberg (Translator)

Berlin, 1930-tal. Gisele har varit Amiras bästa vän sedan skoltiden och den enda som känner till hennes hemlighet. I Nazitysklands skräckvälde kan den vara livsfarlig, både för Amira och för alla hon älskar.

I takt med att våldet och trakasserierna ökar riskerar Amiras bakgrund att avslöjas. Som en sista utväg föreslår Gisele att hon ska gifta sig med Fred – en begåvad pianist som också har saker att dölja. Har de tur kan äktenskapet rädda dem båda.

Men när kriget intensifieras tvingas Amira, Fred och Gisele till svåra beslut, som prövar deras lojalitet och mod till det yttersta. Hur långt är de beredda att gå för att överleva?

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

360 pages, Hardcover

First published February 4, 2025

About the author

Soraya M. Lane is the Amazon Charts & Kindle #1 bestselling author of THE SECRET MIDWIFE and THE ITALIAN DAUGHTER.

Soraya is thrilled to be publishing four new novels in 2025. Soraya has two new historical WWII novels, THE PIANIST'S WIFE and THE SECRET LIBRARIAN, and they're both available now. Soraya has also published two more books in her Lost Daughters series. Book #6, THE SPANISH DAUGHTER, was published in March and book #7, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, was published in October.

As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance and women's fiction for many years to come.

Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.

Add Soraya's latest novel, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, to your Goodreads shelf today!

For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor. She would love to hear from you.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soraya Lane explores how ordinary people stepped up to make a difference in the lives of others at the time it was needed most.

Three things that stood out to me most while reading:
1) The examination of how quickly one can go from friend to outcast; the instant hatred that emerges when classmates discover one of their own has a different heritage. How does this new discovery make the victim feel, especially when treated differently from one day to the next by people one considers a ‘friend’.
2) The knowledge that something beyond one’s control is the reason that friends are separated. Children shouldn’t have to worry if they’re ever going to see their best friend again or if playing with them is not allowed.
3) The irony of Amira’s dad’s new job in Berlin!

Lies and secrets play a big role in historical fiction set during the Holocaust. Lane brings something different to the table using the role lies and secrets played at this devastating time in history.

As politics and ethnicity continue to divide us, books such as this one are precious. May we learn to value the ripple effect of extending a hand to help a fellow human being as we offer a hand up.

I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Shauni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the beautiful and heartbreaking story of Amira and Fred. Set in WWII, Amira must go into hiding. Fearful that her Jewish heritage will land her in a concentration camp, Amira lives in daily fear her secret will be discovered. When she meets Fred, who is also hiding from the Nazis, Amira finds an unlikely friendship and love. As the war continues, Fred and Amira must confront their worst fears.

This book brought so many emotions. It was a beautiful story of love and devotion set against the backdrop of the Holocaust. The writing was well done, with many thought-provoking moments. I loved it and hope to read more from this author.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book.

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I got to read this arc ebook thanks to net galley and honestly wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was. I felt like this was a real story ironically some of the true stories used are ones I have heard of. I fell in love with Amira and Fred. I will say this was a story I never considered until this book I never thought what happened to the people who were half Jewish and half German so in many ways this was a eye opener. And even the research gone into this was so good i know before getting to the end where she talks about the research I was searching some of the things myself. It was a learning experience while it made me feel so much it was beautiful written and i can't speak for people but I feel it's a beautiful representation. I must also say the love her and fred had and how they never divorced touched my heart cause at that point they had a bond going though what they did and for that staying married doesn't even half explain what they mean to each other. They are soulmates and i feel you can have that without romantic love feelings.

[Julia Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read! This story is full of love, pain, and heartbreak. Amira and Fred’s love story is very unconventional, but it is a love that is true and never ending. Once again, the stories of the Holocaust in Germany are haunting and tragic. Soraya Lane has given a beautiful voice to these victims.

[Wendy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has exçeled herself. The novel is well researched and well structured but it’s the plot and the raw emotion that makes this an unforgettable read"

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant novel. Imagine having to marry to save yourself.

Two people sharing a secret and trying to survive the Nazis.

Friends who help without question to their own safety.

Heartbreaking consequences.

Lane always delivers a beautiful and emotional novel.

[Linda S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did the happy dance when NetGalley approved me for an ARC of Soraya M. Lane's newest novel, The Pianist's Wife and I was not disappointed. Lane's novels always catch my interest right away and make me want to read way longer than I should! Amira and Gisele are best friends in WWII Germany but Amira's mother was Jewish which made her, according to the Nazis, a "mischling," and for a while, she was able to continue to go to school and her life did not change that much. Her father, who worked for the Nazis, saw what was coming and was able to get her fraudulent documents which stated that she had no Jewish blood, and they move out of their small town to Berlin. Amira tries to live a normal life, socializing with Gisele when she moves to Berlin to further her studies. It is hard to detail the plot in any depth without major spoilers - and although it was difficult to read at times (because we know that the Nazis were awful people), I enjoyed the novel and recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Zoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

tiktok lied and said this book will become a classic. it won't.

[Shelly Maddison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book moved me to tears. A beautiful story of love, not always how we imagine it. Love, truth, trust and human kindness leapt from the pages as much as the horrors of WW2 did.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely outstanding. I don't normally read historical fiction and honestly can't recall how I came across this book, but I'm so glad I did.

It came with the audio version and the narrator did a phenomenal job.

[thegirlwiththesitatattoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and getting a different perspective of WW2 especially from the POV of Amira who is half German and half Jewish. Some difficult bits to read but only because it is unimaginable to think the events detailed most likely did take place….

[Heather Donovan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

There were aspects of this book that didn't work for me. It must be difficult to come up with new plots and storylines for WWII fiction, as most have been often repeated over and over again, especially in recent years. However I felt that in this book, the true story was not Fred and Amira's, but Gisele's. How she kept Amira's secret and the anguish of being loyal to her husband and her family - and to her best, half-Jewish friend.

Amira and Fred's escape was truly harrowing, but I still felt Gisele's husband Han's part in everything would have been much more intriguing to explore. However there could be no happy ending in that story.

[Judy Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

i can't say that I loved or even liked this book; it is probably the most heart-wrenching book I have ever read. Soraya includes most of the horrors of Nazi Germany: a Jew hiding from the Nazis, a gay man trying to hide from the Nazis, his experience in Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps, neighbors turning on each other. On the other hand, this page-turner is full of suspense, amazing friendships, loyalty, love, repentance, and life-saving music.

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Pianist’s Wife—it’s a moving story set in Berlin during 1944, when trust was fragile and every choice could mean life or death. Amira and Gisele’s lifelong friendship anchors the story, especially as Amira hides a dangerous secret that could cost her everything. Gisele’s plan for Amira to marry Fred, a renowned pianist with secrets of his own, creates an unexpected but powerful bond that adds a beautiful romantic thread to the tension of wartime survival.

I thought Soraya Lane did a great job capturing the fear and courage of resisting the Nazi regime from within Germany. The emotional depth of the characters and their sacrifices really hit home. This isn’t just a love story—it’s about friendship, bravery, and what it means to choose loyalty in the most impossible circumstances.

[Emily Grullon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is all about the kind of deep love true friendship gives you. Heartbreaking and intense. Sacrifice and loss. Was a beautiful story.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another great book by Soraya! I was yet again gripped the whole way through. Just like the last novel I read by her (The Berlin Sisters), it is a work of fiction, but with some parts being based on true events. It really moved me this book. I loved Fred and Amira, and was rooting for them the whole time.

[Brenna Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Found myself totally invested in Amira's story as a half-Jewish woman living in Berlin during WWII. The lengths she and her loved ones went to to keep each other safe were terrifying and so brave - I loved how some of these events were based on true stories.

[Kim Garrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This book was so heartbreaking, disturbing, and yet, beautiful! This is a historical fiction with a very realistic feel to it with its brutally honest portrayal of the holocaust. While there is some romance, that is not the focus of this book. It is the pure love and devotion through friendship that takes center stage and captures your heart.

4 stars

[Margaret Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. A dual timeline story which captures the events of WW11 in Nazi aGermany. A live story which shows the different types of love and the friendship which they endure. Would recommend. I think this is one of Ms Lanes best book that I have read.

[Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exhange for an honest review.

This book got me over my historical fiction reading slump! Lane weaves tales of friendship, love, and resilience, highlighting the difficult choices people made to survive. While some parts of the plot are predictable, the complex relationships and the high stakes make this an engaging and thought-provoking read. I’ll certainly be looking into Lane’s other titles. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a WWII historical fiction with heart!

[Sydney Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soraya Lane has the incredible ability of being stories from WWII to life in ways that stay with you long after you’ve read the last page! I’m so grateful to Soraya and NetGalley for allowing me to read this story before it hit the shelves.

Amira and Fred were two “undesirables” living in Germany at the height of the regime when just looking at someone funny was dangerous. In order to keep her best friend safe from deportation, Giselle introduces Amira to Fred with the insistence that they could help each other by getting married. It wouldn’t be a love match but it would be one that lasts a lifetime after both Amira and Fred lose the loves of their lives to the war. Giselle has a bigger problem though, her husband is a high ranking officer and her mother is about as antisemitic as they come so she everything she does to help her friends is done quietly. Will Amira and Fred make it through the war? Will Giselle’s husband and mother betray her? You’ll just have to read it to find out!

This book, while fictional, humanizes WWII by making readers see things through the eyes of compassion. Resistance came in many forms and from many different types of people. It reminds you that not all Germans shared the ideologies of the regime and were willing to put themselves on the line to help others. I can’t recommend this story enough! It’s one of Soraya’s finest!!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking, yet a beautiful story.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Soraya M. Lane and Lake Union Publishing for letting me read this ARC via NetGalley.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Vibes: 🎹💔🕰️📖🌹
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Tropes: war-time romance / lavender marriage / marriage of convenience / dual timelines

I seriously have all of the goosebumps.
The amount of research that the author put into this made me fully believe that this was a non-fiction book. I have only read a handful of historical fiction books, but the time of the Holocaust always seems to be the era I find fascinating to read about, even though it was a super dark and tragic time in the world's history.
I found myself loving all the description put into every scene, I really could not put this book down. I loved the friendships between Amira and Giselle, and Frank and Amira and can only imagine that people like this did exist.

Make sure to read the Author's Note at the end -- the author explains all her research and I applaud her and all the time this must have taken. I do agree with the author that WW2 should be constantly taught in school, to avoid history repeating itself.

[ANNETTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story set around WW2 .
A story full of love and heart break . I enjoyed the Amira & Gisele and best friends who have secrets.A true power of love . I couldn't put it down.
well done !

[em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I’ve run out of words to describe how beautiful and moving Lane’s historical fiction books are. Every single time I see her name pop up on Netgalley or Amazon Reading Lists, my heart speeds up. She’s my favourite historical fiction author and this book further cements that. This could have been a run of the mill WWII story, but as always, she added something so much more to it. The plot itself was fresh and interesting, I’ve not read a war story that focuses on marriage of convenience, especially between two characters as different as Amira and Fred. Lane writes these two with so much passion and emotion that I truly felt myself compelled to keep reading, so much so that I finished this in one sitting!

As always, the sensitive subject was handled with immense care. It’s clear that research and time went into this novel as did planning and character development. I enjoyed every moment reading this and was crying by the end of it. If Lane writes 100 WWII novels, I’ll read them all. Another spectacular story packed full of real, raw feelings and sacrifices.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #ThePianistsWife #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Jenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Berlin, 1944: Amira and Gisele have been best friends since they were children, and now Gisele is the only person who knows Amira’s secret. A secret that puts her and everyone she loves in unimaginable danger amid the daily horror and violence of Nazi Germany.

With the threat of exposure drawing closer, Gisele’s suggestion that Amira marries her friend Fred, a famous pianist, might just be the lifeline she needs to keep them both safe. Because Fred has secrets too.

As the two strangers promise to look after each other, a profound love develops. But while the war rages on, Amira, Fred and Gisele are soon faced with terrible choices that will test their loyalty—and their courage—to the ultimate limits. How far will they go to keep each other alive?

*Thank you to the publisher, Lake Union Publishing, for providing me with a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. *

Heartbreaking, heartwarming, and memorable are only a few words that describe this book. This was one of the most beautifully written books I'd read this year.

I discovered Soraya M. Lane in 2019 and have read a few of her books since. I loved them all. I was excited when she announced that she was writing a new book. I loved so many aspects of this book, especially the story, which moved me in many ways. Despite its content, The Pianist's Wife is a book that will captivate you from start to finish. I was engrossed in Amira’s story when I picked up the book, and I felt myself being transformed into her world through the book. I was both excited and scared about what Amira would face next. I had no idea what to expect while reading this novel, and just when I thought I couldn't be more shocked, another unexpected twist changed everything.

You couldn't help but love Amira. I adored her from the beginning. She may not have felt it, but she was strong. Amira endured many hardships simply because of who her mother was, yet she refused to give up. I was rooting for her every step of the way. . Part of me didn't want her story to end, primarily because I was frightened of how it would end. I wasn't initially sure about Amira and Fred; especially given why they married. It didn't take long for me to change my mind; their bond revealed how much they cared for one another.

Sometimes, the book was difficult to read, and I had to take a break to reflect. I've read a few books set during WWII; it's one of my favorite subjects to read about, but The Pianist's Wife affected me the most. I loved Amira and Gisele's friendship; it was one of my favorite parts of the story. Gisele took great measures to preserve her friend's secret, showing the significance of true friendship. I could see how much research went into this book and learned a lot while reading it. I suggest this to anyone who loves historical fiction. I would rate it higher than 5 stars. It's one of my favorite reads this year.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Germany leading up to World War 2, Hitler is in power and many Germans are living in fear. Some of Hitler's measures are in force. After her mother's death, Amira and her father relocate to Berlin, taking their secret with them. The only person who knows where they are is Gisele, Amira's school friend, who keeps the information under wraps. The story follows the two friends as they grow up and adjust to adult life in wartime Berlin. Gisele has a charmed life in comparison to Amira, who lives in constant fear. As the war progresses, live change, but not for the better. Amira's father dies in the service of Germany, making her position even more challenging. Amira's life takes several unexpected turns, and she is surprised when a certain person offers to help her. After the war, Amira and Gisele remain friends, and live their lives in a far, far better world.
There are several really upsetting scenes throughout the novel. These are necessary, as they give a palpable feeling to the fear Amira experiences. During the war, Amira's life changes in ways she could never have imagined, but one thing remains constant. Her friendship with Gisele. Their experiences differ, but Gisele always appears to have an easier life. At the end of the war, lives go on for everyone, albeit totally different from what anyone expects.
This was a really good story. Told mainly from Amira's viewpoint, it gave me a better insight into the daily lives of people Hitler perceived as 'different' or 'unworthy'. I found myself crying a few times, but there were also some happier moments, which helped balance out a dark historical time.

[Deidre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Berlin, 1944: childhood friend Gisele and Amira share a secret that, if gets out, could endanger Amira’s life. With the threat of exposure, Gisele suggests Amira married her best friend, Fred as protection for them both. Fred is a famous pianist, but he harbors his own secret. As these two strangers promise to look after each other, a deep platonic love develops between the two of them. But as the war rages on, the three of them are faced with impossible choices that will test their loyalty and friendship along the way.

Soraya has done it again. She’s written a brilliant historical fiction that both made me sob and want to throw the book across the room. The deep friendship between Gisele and Amira is fantastically written and you could feel the love between the two friends. With the introduction of Fred and Amira’s relationship, you can feel the awkwardness of a brand new strangers turned lovers relationship but it was so well written. I absolutely loved this book and it quickly became my favorite of Soraya’s books. Highly, highly recommend this book!!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WWII historical fiction story focused on loyal friendship, war hardships and true love. Best friends from childhood despite their ethnic differences, Amira and Gisele struggle to stay friends into adulthood. Gisele’s mother forbids her to hang around the part Jewish girl and later Gisele marries an SS soldier dedicated to the regime of the Fuhrer.
Later Amira marries Fred, a pianist, in a marriage of convenience to hide her Jewish heritage and his homosexual past. When Fred ends up in a concentration camp, secretly pregnant Amira joins him in the camp in hopes of mitigating any further punishment. Although Gisele’s husband seems dedicated to the Germans, his conscience is bothered by their violent activities. In a turnabout of events, he risks his life and proves his love to Gisele by helping Amira and Fred. This is an amazing story with a unique plotline that includes strangers helping others to survive with courage during horrendous times. I’ve read every book by Soraya M. Lane and this is the best one yet!

[Madeleine - Bokdjungeln · Rating 4 out of 5]

När jag började läsa Pianistens hustru kände jag en viss ambivalens, inte minst med tanke på det världsläge vi befinner oss i. Men ju längre in i romanen jag kom, desto mer försvann den känslan. Jag drogs istället helt in i historien och lät berättelsen bära mig. Det är en av de stora styrkor med böcker, att en bok kan lyckas fånga ens uppmärksamhet så fullständigt att omvärlden tillfälligt bleknar.
Berättelsen i denna roman är vacker och gripande. Särskilt starkt intryck gjorde Giseles karaktär. Hennes styrka, handlingar och allt hon representerar gör henne minnesvärd på ett sätt som lever kvar långt efter att sista sidan är läst.
Just den känslan, att en berättelse fortsätter leva i tankarna även när man lagt ifrån sig boken är för mig ett tecken på en verkligt stark läsupplevelse. Pianistens hustru är en roman som berör, och som påminner om modets och kärlekens kraft i de mörkaste av tider.