What do you think?
Rate this book
The Other Mrs. Samson
Surviving two wars, sharing one husband, searching for answers...
A hidden compartment in a black lacquer cabinet left in an attic reveals the secrets of two incredible women: Hilda, born and raised in one of the wealthiest Jewish families in turn-of-the-century San Francisco, and Katie, whose early life in Germany is marked by tragedy and death. Their lives are forever entwined by their love of the same man, the brilliant and compassionate Dr. Josef Samson.
From the earliest, rough-and-tumble days of San Francisco, through the devastation of the Great War in Berlin and the terrors of Vichy France, and then to a new yet uncertain life in New York City, their stories span the most tumultuous events of the twentieth century. In the end, one of these women will complete the life of the other and make a startling discovery about the husband they share.
A hidden compartment in a black lacquer cabinet left in an attic reveals the secrets of two incredible women: Hilda, born and raised in one of the wealthiest Jewish families in turn-of-the-century San Francisco, and Katie, whose early life in Germany is marked by tragedy and death. Their lives are forever entwined by their love of the same man, the brilliant and compassionate Dr. Josef Samson.
From the earliest, rough-and-tumble days of San Francisco, through the devastation of the Great War in Berlin and the terrors of Vichy France, and then to a new yet uncertain life in New York City, their stories span the most tumultuous events of the twentieth century. In the end, one of these women will complete the life of the other and make a startling discovery about the husband they share.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2021
95 people are currently reading
2532 people want to read
About the author
Ralph Webster
4 books88 followersAward winning author Ralph Webster received worldwide acclaim when his first book, A Smile in One Eye: A Tear in the Other, was voted by readers as a Goodreads 2016 Choice Awards Nominee for Best Memoir/Autobiography. His books, A Smile in One Eye, One More Moon, The Other Mrs. Samson, and now his fourth, The Piano Bench are proven book club selections for thought-provoking and engaging discussions. Whether in person or online, Ralph welcomes and values his exchanges with readers and makes every effort to participate in conversations about his books. Now retired, he lives with his wife, Ginger, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Please Contact Ralph to schedule via Zoom, Skype or in person for your book club.
Please Contact Ralph to schedule via Zoom, Skype or in person for your book club.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 11, 2021
"The Other Mrs. Samson" by Ralph Webster is a very captivating Historical Fiction novel.
In the author's attic a long-forgotten black lacquered cabinet is discovered tucked away in a corner. The intricately designed cabinet belonged to Katie Samson and brought to it's current location shortly after her death in 2005. A hidden compartment within reveals letters wrapped in ribbon, a leather journal and a bundle of papers secured with brown string. All were handwritten long ago telling the story of Hilda, Josef and Katie Samson.
Hilda Samson was born in San Francisco to a wealthy Jewish-German family. She meets Josef Samson for the first time during a family trip to Europe in 1888 when she is four years old. Even at such a young age, she was smitten with nine year old Josef.
In 1910, Hilda and Josef meet again.
"He encouraged me to write my family's story and mail them to him with my letters. He promised to save them. 'I will keep them for you to give to your children. Someday, Hilda, they will want to know. You should do the same for me.'" ~ Hilda Samson
After several years of constant correspondence, Hilda leaves San Francisco to marry Josef in Berlin where they begin their life together. Hilda continues to write her story to the child she carries. Josef's child.
Then Josef writes a brief and final portion of their family story together.
"When I am finished, I will wrap the letters and the pages together in string and place them in the hidden compartment of the black lacquer cabinet that Hilda cherished. She always said that is where difficult memories should go, to a place where they can be forgotten." ~ Josef Samson
Katie Kasmund is born in 1910 in Berlin to a poor German family. At 18 years old, Katie begins work as a full-time companion to an elderly socialite, who is also the mother of Dr. Josef Samson. In spite of a 30 year age difference, Katie and Josef are attracted to each other and begin a long-term relationship.
A sudden move to Paris in 1933 with the onset of Hitler's rise to power, the impact of WWII and incarcerations for both Katie and Josef, complicate their relationship. After many years, they finally marry and in 1942 secure long awaited safe passage to America.
Katie continues to write in her journal until shortly after Josef's death in 1961. He was 82 years old. Katie was 52 years old.
"Now that I have finished writing these pages, I will put them where they belong - into that little box hidden in a secret place that will always be forgotten." ~ Katie Samson
The heart of this story occurs in Europe during the years of WWI and WWII. I loved the first-person POV from each of the three protagonists giving this book a deeply personal tone. A major portion is told through the eyes of Hilda and Katie and I enjoyed the female perspective and intimate detail of their life with Josef. Katie was my favorite character for her strength and resilience. Sadly, I don't believe I knew much about Josef, at all!
At the end of the book a long held secret is revealed and although it is shocking, it is not surprising after reflecting back on the story. It did leave a gaping hole in the story that, if filled, could have added depth and enrichment to the story.
I appreciate the book's emphasis on the importance of family history and ensuring details are passed from one generation to the next. However, the many years Hilda and Katie spent capturing thoughts and details in letters and a journal only to be hidden in a cabinet to be forgotten, seems to conflict with the idea of preserving history. I am so glad they were found!
A wonderful story, full of emotions and history! I highly recommend this book!
_______________________
Thank you to BookSirens and Ralph Webster for a free ARC copy of this book. This is my honest review.
In the author's attic a long-forgotten black lacquered cabinet is discovered tucked away in a corner. The intricately designed cabinet belonged to Katie Samson and brought to it's current location shortly after her death in 2005. A hidden compartment within reveals letters wrapped in ribbon, a leather journal and a bundle of papers secured with brown string. All were handwritten long ago telling the story of Hilda, Josef and Katie Samson.
Hilda Samson was born in San Francisco to a wealthy Jewish-German family. She meets Josef Samson for the first time during a family trip to Europe in 1888 when she is four years old. Even at such a young age, she was smitten with nine year old Josef.
In 1910, Hilda and Josef meet again.
"He encouraged me to write my family's story and mail them to him with my letters. He promised to save them. 'I will keep them for you to give to your children. Someday, Hilda, they will want to know. You should do the same for me.'" ~ Hilda Samson
After several years of constant correspondence, Hilda leaves San Francisco to marry Josef in Berlin where they begin their life together. Hilda continues to write her story to the child she carries. Josef's child.
Then Josef writes a brief and final portion of their family story together.
"When I am finished, I will wrap the letters and the pages together in string and place them in the hidden compartment of the black lacquer cabinet that Hilda cherished. She always said that is where difficult memories should go, to a place where they can be forgotten." ~ Josef Samson
Katie Kasmund is born in 1910 in Berlin to a poor German family. At 18 years old, Katie begins work as a full-time companion to an elderly socialite, who is also the mother of Dr. Josef Samson. In spite of a 30 year age difference, Katie and Josef are attracted to each other and begin a long-term relationship.
A sudden move to Paris in 1933 with the onset of Hitler's rise to power, the impact of WWII and incarcerations for both Katie and Josef, complicate their relationship. After many years, they finally marry and in 1942 secure long awaited safe passage to America.
Katie continues to write in her journal until shortly after Josef's death in 1961. He was 82 years old. Katie was 52 years old.
"Now that I have finished writing these pages, I will put them where they belong - into that little box hidden in a secret place that will always be forgotten." ~ Katie Samson
The heart of this story occurs in Europe during the years of WWI and WWII. I loved the first-person POV from each of the three protagonists giving this book a deeply personal tone. A major portion is told through the eyes of Hilda and Katie and I enjoyed the female perspective and intimate detail of their life with Josef. Katie was my favorite character for her strength and resilience. Sadly, I don't believe I knew much about Josef, at all!
At the end of the book a long held secret is revealed and although it is shocking, it is not surprising after reflecting back on the story. It did leave a gaping hole in the story that, if filled, could have added depth and enrichment to the story.
I appreciate the book's emphasis on the importance of family history and ensuring details are passed from one generation to the next. However, the many years Hilda and Katie spent capturing thoughts and details in letters and a journal only to be hidden in a cabinet to be forgotten, seems to conflict with the idea of preserving history. I am so glad they were found!
A wonderful story, full of emotions and history! I highly recommend this book!
_______________________
Thank you to BookSirens and Ralph Webster for a free ARC copy of this book. This is my honest review.
February 15, 2021
"The Other Mrs. Samson” is a wonderful piece of historical fiction. It is complex with many surprises, twists, secrets, and it turns.
The plot centers around two women who lived richly interesting lives focused on Dr. Josef Samson who they both loved. The book has multiple plot twists and turns that truly surprised me especially at the conclusion.
One absolute strength is the characterization. I always enjoy independent females.
Katie, whose life in Germany is tangled with by tragedy. I particularly liked how they gave a glimpse of the German people's feelings toward WWI. How they did not see Germany as the agressor.
Then there was the privileged Hilda, from a rich Jewish family in San Francisco.
A beautiful written, very well researched and very believable story. Parts of this story were very painful for me to read because the Jewish people were unfairly treated and punished.
This book is amazing and I recommend it to all.
I received an advanced review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
The plot centers around two women who lived richly interesting lives focused on Dr. Josef Samson who they both loved. The book has multiple plot twists and turns that truly surprised me especially at the conclusion.
One absolute strength is the characterization. I always enjoy independent females.
Katie, whose life in Germany is tangled with by tragedy. I particularly liked how they gave a glimpse of the German people's feelings toward WWI. How they did not see Germany as the agressor.
Then there was the privileged Hilda, from a rich Jewish family in San Francisco.
A beautiful written, very well researched and very believable story. Parts of this story were very painful for me to read because the Jewish people were unfairly treated and punished.
This book is amazing and I recommend it to all.
I received an advanced review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
September 30, 2021
What an evocative ethnography of generations of Jewish families and individuals across the globe. I love mostly stories that take place in other cultures where I can learn about the food, daily lives, and languages of people different from me. This book captures all areas and informed me about new insights on every single page.
The words are chosen so beautifully that they will melt in your mouth as you read them aloud.
As Ralph Webster dives into all well-researched historical as well as political incidents, he does not miss to convey the idea that one should choose stories over silence and humanity over tribes.
Humbling & generous read. Absolute recommendation for 2021!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you Ralph Webster!
The words are chosen so beautifully that they will melt in your mouth as you read them aloud.
As Ralph Webster dives into all well-researched historical as well as political incidents, he does not miss to convey the idea that one should choose stories over silence and humanity over tribes.
Humbling & generous read. Absolute recommendation for 2021!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you Ralph Webster!
January 11, 2021
I read this book via an ARC from the author, for Rosie Amber's book review team. The fact that it was free has not affected this honest review. I am giving it 3* on here and 4* on Amazon; this is to reflect the fact that I adored some of it but was less enthusiastic about the first 12% and the last 20%.
This book, for me, went from nicely readable but only moderately interesting, to absolutely unputdownable, and back to only moderately interesting. The first narrator, in the present day, finds a secret horde of papers belonging to his recently deceased, ninety-five-year-old friend, Katie Samson, from which he surmises that her husband had been married before. At this point, although not enthralled, I thought, well, this is certainly no chore to read, being nicely written and with the possibility of a great story to come.
...and whoosh, there it was. I turned the page to the POV of Hilda, the first wife, and the book bloomed, opened up, emerged from black and white into glorious technicolour. Hilda's story went back as far as her grandparents' experience in San Francisco Gold Rush days, and on to the making of that city, the role of women in the Victorian era, life in a small Bavarian village, changing times and growing problems in Europe, to do with Germany's place in the world - I was gripped, all the way through. Hilda and her grandmother were so alive, and aside from being a great story with wonderful characters, it was historically informative. Fascinating. Loved it.
Next came Katie's POV, and at first I still liked it a lot, as I read about her family tragedies, the aftermath of WW1 and Berlin's 'Roaring Twenties', the effects of American's Great Depression on the rest of the world, the Nazi party's growing control, and her and lover Josef's route out. Then the lead up to the WW2 ... and I'm afraid it all went a bit flat for me, and became nothing more than a factual account of someone's life. Events are recorded, but without emotion; all we ever learn is that the threat to Josef, a Jew, was 'very unsettling'. I read of their luck at being able to move from one place to another just in time, before the Gestapo established travel restrictions, but it was no more thrilling to read about than the sentence I have just written. There was no emotion, no action, no feeling of danger, no story, just an account.
I was disappointed by my disappointment, if you know what I mean, because I loved the book so much earlier on; for instance, Katie's only brother, Karl, joins the Nazi party and gains a position of authority, but that's all—we never hear about him again, and there is no story attached to this. At the end there is another little twist, but it seems almost like an afterthought.
Four stars on Amazon because Hilda's part was absolutely 5* plus, and because the author writes in an extremely accessible fashion, so that even the 3* bits were no effort to read. I would recommend it to readers who like a family drama and are interested in reading about the history of the times mentioned - it's worth getting just for the middle section.
This book, for me, went from nicely readable but only moderately interesting, to absolutely unputdownable, and back to only moderately interesting. The first narrator, in the present day, finds a secret horde of papers belonging to his recently deceased, ninety-five-year-old friend, Katie Samson, from which he surmises that her husband had been married before. At this point, although not enthralled, I thought, well, this is certainly no chore to read, being nicely written and with the possibility of a great story to come.
...and whoosh, there it was. I turned the page to the POV of Hilda, the first wife, and the book bloomed, opened up, emerged from black and white into glorious technicolour. Hilda's story went back as far as her grandparents' experience in San Francisco Gold Rush days, and on to the making of that city, the role of women in the Victorian era, life in a small Bavarian village, changing times and growing problems in Europe, to do with Germany's place in the world - I was gripped, all the way through. Hilda and her grandmother were so alive, and aside from being a great story with wonderful characters, it was historically informative. Fascinating. Loved it.
Next came Katie's POV, and at first I still liked it a lot, as I read about her family tragedies, the aftermath of WW1 and Berlin's 'Roaring Twenties', the effects of American's Great Depression on the rest of the world, the Nazi party's growing control, and her and lover Josef's route out. Then the lead up to the WW2 ... and I'm afraid it all went a bit flat for me, and became nothing more than a factual account of someone's life. Events are recorded, but without emotion; all we ever learn is that the threat to Josef, a Jew, was 'very unsettling'. I read of their luck at being able to move from one place to another just in time, before the Gestapo established travel restrictions, but it was no more thrilling to read about than the sentence I have just written. There was no emotion, no action, no feeling of danger, no story, just an account.
I was disappointed by my disappointment, if you know what I mean, because I loved the book so much earlier on; for instance, Katie's only brother, Karl, joins the Nazi party and gains a position of authority, but that's all—we never hear about him again, and there is no story attached to this. At the end there is another little twist, but it seems almost like an afterthought.
Four stars on Amazon because Hilda's part was absolutely 5* plus, and because the author writes in an extremely accessible fashion, so that even the 3* bits were no effort to read. I would recommend it to readers who like a family drama and are interested in reading about the history of the times mentioned - it's worth getting just for the middle section.
January 17, 2021
Even though the plot is interesting, I consider it might be easier to follow it if the writer's style of narrating the events had been more logical.
There were moments when I was engrossed to follow the story line, and suddenly the narration switches to another past event/moment. There are also introduced many characters, and family lineage; too much information, events, and dates to deal with. It's simply overwhelming, confusing and annoying for me.
Thank you, BookSirens, for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There were moments when I was engrossed to follow the story line, and suddenly the narration switches to another past event/moment. There are also introduced many characters, and family lineage; too much information, events, and dates to deal with. It's simply overwhelming, confusing and annoying for me.
Thank you, BookSirens, for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2020
This book caught me unawares as it swept through the history of late 19th century and twentieth century Europe and America. Focusing on the story of two women, Hilda and Katie, both of whom married Josef Samson, we are shown what happened to Jewish families in Germany from the 1840s until the rise of the Nazis in the 1930s.
At first, we are given tiny hints as the author recounts meeting Katie, a widow, living in New York and hears about her beloved husband who had died in 1961. She becomes a close family friend, so it is not surprising that when she dies, she leaves him an envelope of documents. Circumstances cause this envelope to be ignored and it is not until this year, during the pandemic, that he investigates the contents. He also has another look at a small black cabinet she left, discovering a secret compartment contains a journal. Now he must piece together the story of the two women who loved Josef Samson.
In the words of Hilda and Katie we become closely involved in their lives. Hilda describes how her father and her uncle, as young Jewish men, had needed to leave their loved ones in Germany to seek their fortunes in America. By the time her mother and her aunt arrived in San Francisco the two men were on their way to becoming very wealthy. They had succeeded first as traders and then as bankers supporting those who had joined the gold rush. As a result, Katie grew up in a privileged household and she was able to follow her interests in art and culture. She describes the terror of the San Francisco earthquake but the family escape serious harm and a holiday in Germany meeting distant cousins introduces her to Josef. After a long correspondence they marry in Berlin and establish a happy marriage despite the shortages of the early years of World War One. Josef briefly takes over the story at a sad time and then we move to the words of Katie.
Katie was a young child in Berlin in 1914. Her father went to war and her family suffered. One of her brothers died of TB and the other followed extreme right-wing politics. After the war ended her embittered mother died but at least Katie was able to look after father. She was happy to take a job as a companion to a rich elderly lady who treated her as a friend. When she met the lady’s son, Josef, they soon became close. After his mother’s death, Josef and Katie became lovers, despite a 30-year age gap. As the political situation became more dangerous, Josef moved to Paris and Katie followed soon after. Once war started and Germany invaded France, Josef was arrested but later he was released and eventually both he and Katie were imprisoned in different camps in Vichy France. The story describes their eventual marriage and escape through Portugal to the United States but there is an interesting twist in the tale.
I was captivated by their stories and their survival against all odds. This is a wonderful way to learn more about the tumultuous history of the twentieth century.
At first, we are given tiny hints as the author recounts meeting Katie, a widow, living in New York and hears about her beloved husband who had died in 1961. She becomes a close family friend, so it is not surprising that when she dies, she leaves him an envelope of documents. Circumstances cause this envelope to be ignored and it is not until this year, during the pandemic, that he investigates the contents. He also has another look at a small black cabinet she left, discovering a secret compartment contains a journal. Now he must piece together the story of the two women who loved Josef Samson.
In the words of Hilda and Katie we become closely involved in their lives. Hilda describes how her father and her uncle, as young Jewish men, had needed to leave their loved ones in Germany to seek their fortunes in America. By the time her mother and her aunt arrived in San Francisco the two men were on their way to becoming very wealthy. They had succeeded first as traders and then as bankers supporting those who had joined the gold rush. As a result, Katie grew up in a privileged household and she was able to follow her interests in art and culture. She describes the terror of the San Francisco earthquake but the family escape serious harm and a holiday in Germany meeting distant cousins introduces her to Josef. After a long correspondence they marry in Berlin and establish a happy marriage despite the shortages of the early years of World War One. Josef briefly takes over the story at a sad time and then we move to the words of Katie.
Katie was a young child in Berlin in 1914. Her father went to war and her family suffered. One of her brothers died of TB and the other followed extreme right-wing politics. After the war ended her embittered mother died but at least Katie was able to look after father. She was happy to take a job as a companion to a rich elderly lady who treated her as a friend. When she met the lady’s son, Josef, they soon became close. After his mother’s death, Josef and Katie became lovers, despite a 30-year age gap. As the political situation became more dangerous, Josef moved to Paris and Katie followed soon after. Once war started and Germany invaded France, Josef was arrested but later he was released and eventually both he and Katie were imprisoned in different camps in Vichy France. The story describes their eventual marriage and escape through Portugal to the United States but there is an interesting twist in the tale.
I was captivated by their stories and their survival against all odds. This is a wonderful way to learn more about the tumultuous history of the twentieth century.
January 16, 2021
I must say at the outset that I received a free (advance) copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review. My thanks go to the author, Ralph Webster, and BookSirens for giving me the opportunity.
This is a fascinating and unusual book. Ostensibly a historical novel, it feels very real so I assume the author conducted extensive research into his subjects. In fact, I am not sure if the basic initial fact (the existence of the documents) is real and the rest he filled in the gaps with his imagination, or if the whole thing is made up. I guess that is part of the skill of the author, to make you believe.
The story covers a huge sweep of time and events, from 1860’s San Francisco to WWI-era Berlin, to 1930’s & 1940’s Paris and then, later still, New York up to the present day. The book is a narration by the author, who is reading the secret memoirs of a deceased close family friend (but close enough to be considered a relative) who left him her possessions, which have lain dormant in his attic for more than a year before he finds them again while looking for something else.
Essentially, this is the story of a family with different branches, about secrets and relationships, but it also explains so much about the lives of ordinary (and not so ordinary) people at different points in history and in different countries. The big difference with this novel is that the author has pretty well fully explained the contexts in which these lives were lived. He goes into great detail about the politics, the economics, social mores and attitudes, diplomacy, wartime conditions and how all these things made people feel, behave – and suffer. There were a couple of times when I felt I was reading a history book, and I think this may put a few people off, but I recommend sticking with it because I believe the details given are not commonly known by people today, and give an important level of context to the whole story, as well as being interesting in their own right.
The other reason this book feels different to other novels I have read is that it almost feels like it has two authors; one, a historian giving us all the facts (who comes across as male), and another giving us a really in-depth look into the thoughts and feelings of the mainly female protagonists – this ‘half’ feels like a female author. Given that the author is a man, I think he has done very well to create this feel to the book, which will appeal to many people.
Please do not misunderstand me – this is not a history book and the facts, while in abundance, do not detract from the main story, which is about Josef Samson and his wives and family – more about his wives’ families, really. It is filled with the thoughts and feelings of these people, and these are happy, sad, stressed, terrified, anxious and delighted, depending on what is happening at the time. It is also about how Jewish people were (mis)treated and made to feel, and not just in Germany in WWII.
I will not divulge anything of the story itself but I will say that it will appeal to people interested in the complexities of relationships (that’s pretty much all of us, right?), the history of Europe, and that of San Francisco in the 19th century. The book is well written and easy to follow once you get to grips with the different characters and their interlocking relationships. It is also somewhat philosophical, in as much as the way the characters live their lives can teach us, most of whom have not lived similarly, something about how to live, how to be grateful, how to be more accepting and less complaining. I don’t know if this is deliberate on the author’s part or if he is reflecting attitudes of people he knows, but it certainly partly explains why people who lived through those monumental events that were two world wars and a depression were keen to forget them, even more determined not to speak about them, and only forward-looking. Ralph Webster has written a remarkable book here, that covers a good deal of ground in a not very long story. I can see why he wins awards, and I will not be surprised if he wins one or two for this excellent book.
This is a fascinating and unusual book. Ostensibly a historical novel, it feels very real so I assume the author conducted extensive research into his subjects. In fact, I am not sure if the basic initial fact (the existence of the documents) is real and the rest he filled in the gaps with his imagination, or if the whole thing is made up. I guess that is part of the skill of the author, to make you believe.
The story covers a huge sweep of time and events, from 1860’s San Francisco to WWI-era Berlin, to 1930’s & 1940’s Paris and then, later still, New York up to the present day. The book is a narration by the author, who is reading the secret memoirs of a deceased close family friend (but close enough to be considered a relative) who left him her possessions, which have lain dormant in his attic for more than a year before he finds them again while looking for something else.
Essentially, this is the story of a family with different branches, about secrets and relationships, but it also explains so much about the lives of ordinary (and not so ordinary) people at different points in history and in different countries. The big difference with this novel is that the author has pretty well fully explained the contexts in which these lives were lived. He goes into great detail about the politics, the economics, social mores and attitudes, diplomacy, wartime conditions and how all these things made people feel, behave – and suffer. There were a couple of times when I felt I was reading a history book, and I think this may put a few people off, but I recommend sticking with it because I believe the details given are not commonly known by people today, and give an important level of context to the whole story, as well as being interesting in their own right.
The other reason this book feels different to other novels I have read is that it almost feels like it has two authors; one, a historian giving us all the facts (who comes across as male), and another giving us a really in-depth look into the thoughts and feelings of the mainly female protagonists – this ‘half’ feels like a female author. Given that the author is a man, I think he has done very well to create this feel to the book, which will appeal to many people.
Please do not misunderstand me – this is not a history book and the facts, while in abundance, do not detract from the main story, which is about Josef Samson and his wives and family – more about his wives’ families, really. It is filled with the thoughts and feelings of these people, and these are happy, sad, stressed, terrified, anxious and delighted, depending on what is happening at the time. It is also about how Jewish people were (mis)treated and made to feel, and not just in Germany in WWII.
I will not divulge anything of the story itself but I will say that it will appeal to people interested in the complexities of relationships (that’s pretty much all of us, right?), the history of Europe, and that of San Francisco in the 19th century. The book is well written and easy to follow once you get to grips with the different characters and their interlocking relationships. It is also somewhat philosophical, in as much as the way the characters live their lives can teach us, most of whom have not lived similarly, something about how to live, how to be grateful, how to be more accepting and less complaining. I don’t know if this is deliberate on the author’s part or if he is reflecting attitudes of people he knows, but it certainly partly explains why people who lived through those monumental events that were two world wars and a depression were keen to forget them, even more determined not to speak about them, and only forward-looking. Ralph Webster has written a remarkable book here, that covers a good deal of ground in a not very long story. I can see why he wins awards, and I will not be surprised if he wins one or two for this excellent book.
February 8, 2021
This was a fine book that had a couple of issues for me. The story of the first Mrs. Samson was wonderful. The addition of the second Mrs. Samson seemed...almost a letdown. I don't know how better to describe it.
It was a bit of a struggle to finish this book-one minute I'm racing through it because it was so vivid and the next minute I was struggling to not DNF.
*ARC supplied by the publisher and the author. Thank-you.
December 18, 2020
The Other Mrs. Samson
This is a beautifully written book about the life of Hilda, Josef and Katie. They all grew up in Germany and the book is about the hidden memoires which were found years later in a secret compartment of a lacquered Japanese cabinet.
We are taken on the journey and lives of Hilda, Josef and Katie and how growing up in Germany with Hilda and Josef growing up in a higher-class family to Katie who grew up in a lower-class family. Their story ties the 3 main protagonist, families, and friends they meet along the way together through, marriage, death, wars, and safe travel to other countries to hide Josef from being arrested as he was a German Jew.
Whether you agree with Josef and Katie’s age difference when they meet and fall in love does not matter as Katie and Josef despite his secret he never shares, with you will feel love can conquer all.
“Without giving anything away. Just as I thought that the story would come to its end with Katie’s husband and friends all gone, Katie gets a call and Josef’s secret is revealed to her”.
The book draws you into each character as you follow their lives from their births with all their journeys life has to offer each person and you will love reliving and sharing their memories until the final death of Katie and how Ralph puts the hidden pages together in this book.
Truly A must-read book for 2021 for book club readers and anyone who loves history and a beautifully told story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a beautifully written book about the life of Hilda, Josef and Katie. They all grew up in Germany and the book is about the hidden memoires which were found years later in a secret compartment of a lacquered Japanese cabinet.
We are taken on the journey and lives of Hilda, Josef and Katie and how growing up in Germany with Hilda and Josef growing up in a higher-class family to Katie who grew up in a lower-class family. Their story ties the 3 main protagonist, families, and friends they meet along the way together through, marriage, death, wars, and safe travel to other countries to hide Josef from being arrested as he was a German Jew.
Whether you agree with Josef and Katie’s age difference when they meet and fall in love does not matter as Katie and Josef despite his secret he never shares, with you will feel love can conquer all.
“Without giving anything away. Just as I thought that the story would come to its end with Katie’s husband and friends all gone, Katie gets a call and Josef’s secret is revealed to her”.
The book draws you into each character as you follow their lives from their births with all their journeys life has to offer each person and you will love reliving and sharing their memories until the final death of Katie and how Ralph puts the hidden pages together in this book.
Truly A must-read book for 2021 for book club readers and anyone who loves history and a beautifully told story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
February 16, 2021DNF
January 2, 2021
At the beginning of the Other Mrs. Samson, we learn how Ralph met Katie–the older, yet incredible woman who became one of his and his wife’s closest friends. But before learning much about Katie, we learn about her husband’s first wife, Hilda.
It didn’t take long for me to realize this book wouldn’t move quickly. But the slow pace never once deterred my desire to learn more about these characters either. I say characters, but I mean people. Hilda, Josef, and Katie were real people as were the other people mentioned. The history, relationships, and turmoil in their lives–all of it is real. True. As the author, Webster took pieces of their history and smoothed them out, making the story flow nicely for those of us who never had the chance to meet Katie.
More than that, he fills us in on secrets that Katie never told a soul until after her death. Even then, she brushed them off as unimportant. But they are important. Important to history, but also important to remember our nature as human beings.
This isn’t a typical Holocaust-era story. But it tells a story worth reading. One that highlights life without gun-slinging Nazis or arrogant Allies. One that highlights the tangled love one man had for his wives and the love they shared for him.
It didn’t take long for me to realize this book wouldn’t move quickly. But the slow pace never once deterred my desire to learn more about these characters either. I say characters, but I mean people. Hilda, Josef, and Katie were real people as were the other people mentioned. The history, relationships, and turmoil in their lives–all of it is real. True. As the author, Webster took pieces of their history and smoothed them out, making the story flow nicely for those of us who never had the chance to meet Katie.
More than that, he fills us in on secrets that Katie never told a soul until after her death. Even then, she brushed them off as unimportant. But they are important. Important to history, but also important to remember our nature as human beings.
This isn’t a typical Holocaust-era story. But it tells a story worth reading. One that highlights life without gun-slinging Nazis or arrogant Allies. One that highlights the tangled love one man had for his wives and the love they shared for him.
January 10, 2021
A beautifully told story. The reader gets a firsthand feel for life during the eras of both world wars in both Europe and America. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and non- fiction.
January 18, 2021
I write this review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team and I was provided an ARC copy of the novel I freely chose to review. Well, I’m not sure “novel” is the best word to define this book, but more on that, later.
As the description of the book suggests, this is the story of two women, told by them, although somewhat indirectly. This is one of those books (they are also quite a few movies, mostly adaptations of novels), which follow similar plots, or use a similar “frame” to tell a story: somebody finds a book, diary, collection of letters, etc., sometimes belonging to a parent, another relative, a friend, sometimes to somebody they’ve never met, and then, as if in a long flashback, we get to hear (or see) the story of that other person. Most of these stories tend to include some secret or major revelation towards the end, which casts a new light on the characters and their lives. In this book, a couple have inherited a piece of furniture (a lacquered cabinet) from an elderly woman they met through one of their relatives (they had been friends for decades and met regularly to have lunch and share news), and whom they became friendly with after their relative’s passing. By pure chance, they discover a secret drawer in the cabinet and inside there are (with some extra bits) two diaries/documents narrating the stories of two women who’d been married to the same man at very different moments in time (and also at very different historical periods). What makes the book particularly interesting is that in the acknowledgements’ section, the author talks about the process of development of the book, the help he got translating letters, etc., and also the fact that he changed some names, so this is not a work of fiction in its entirety, but rather a fictionalisation of the lives of two women. This makes sense, especially considering that the author (whose work I hadn’t read before) is well known for his work writing/adapting memoirs and biographies. The note doesn’t clarify how much of the content is fictionalised, but I found the category of biographical historical fiction that the book is classed under more than appropriate.
What I most liked about the book is the historical sweep and the amount of detail about the periods it covers, and also the two main characters (or the two narrators, to be more specific), Hilda and Katie. As Hilda’s narration also includes details about her grandparents and her parents, we get treated to a chronicle of life from the early XIX century in Germany —the immigration of her ancestors to the United States (and San Francisco in particular) from old Europe, a description of her own life as a well-off debutante and a young woman —through to the late XIX and early XX century. We hear about the fires, the earthquake, we read about what travelling was like, and also about Hilda’s visits to Germany and her contact with a distant cousin who would become her husband, Josef. She moves to Germany , totally changing her husband’s life, and acknowledges her difficulties adapting to a new place, to living with somebody else, and also, later, describes how their life is affected by WWI. Hilda can be spoilt and whimsical, but she is determined to have her own life and not to simply become a doctor’s wife. Katie, on the other hand, is much younger than her husband, her social circumstances and education are very different to those of Josef (and Hilda) and they first meet while she is looking after his elderly mother. This takes place much later (in the late 1920s-early 1930s), and we follow her through a somewhat odd courting, then she joins him in France (he is Jewish and leaves Germany soon after Hitler comes into power), and she adapts her life to his, following him in his increasingly desperate attempts to leave Europe. The two narratives are in the first person, and Hilda and Katie have pretty different personalities which clearly come across in their parts of the story. While Hilda is more expressive and outgoing, Katie has seen a lot of suffering from a very young age, prefers quiet pursuits, and is happy to try to fit in with others and avoid confrontation.
This is a book full of little details that play important parts in the story, objects that come to symbolise aspects of the relationship of the two women with their husbands and also illustrate their personalities (while Hilda doesn’t get on with Josef’s mother and insists on standing her ground, Katie adapts to Josef’s mother’s somewhat overbearing personality and becomes a beloved companion of the old woman; Hilda dislikes the piano seat Josef can’t bear to part with but only convinces him to reupholster it, while Katie convinces him to get a two-seater piano bench; Katie’s father gives her a clock that becomes a stand-in for the past and for old memories and times). As we read the story we come to realise that Josef’s life has changed little, and we can’t help but wonder about the story of these women and about the man himself. There is a twist at the end, which helps explain some things, but it leaves and many questions unanswered as it solves.
I am not sure there is anything I dislike of the book. By its own nature and the way the story is narrated, there is a lot of telling, but the stories told are so fascinating that I didn’t mind at all, and other than the occasional German word (which is usually translated or explained in the text), the text is easy to read with no sudden jumps in point of view or chronology, apart from the framing story. Katie’s account will, perhaps, be more familiar to readers, as there has been an upsurge in stories about WWII, and I know some readers didn’t feel that part quite matched the intensity of the other, but I was intrigued by the character, her relationship with her husband and her attitude towards life (although I don’t have much, if anything, in common with her). Of course, readers who dislike telling or like elaborate plots that move the story along without a pause might feel frustrated by the story and the style of the narrative, but I liked the way the two stories fitted together and felt the technique used to tell story is told is well suited to the material.
I recommend this book to readers of historical fiction, especially those interested in XIX and XX century German and American History, to people who enjoy biographies and/or fictionalised biographies, and particularly to those who like to read about women’s lives in the past. If you’re looking for a page-turner full of sensational adventures and larger-than-life characters, on the other hand, this is not the book for you. I look forward to discovering more of the author’s book and will follow his career with interest.
As the description of the book suggests, this is the story of two women, told by them, although somewhat indirectly. This is one of those books (they are also quite a few movies, mostly adaptations of novels), which follow similar plots, or use a similar “frame” to tell a story: somebody finds a book, diary, collection of letters, etc., sometimes belonging to a parent, another relative, a friend, sometimes to somebody they’ve never met, and then, as if in a long flashback, we get to hear (or see) the story of that other person. Most of these stories tend to include some secret or major revelation towards the end, which casts a new light on the characters and their lives. In this book, a couple have inherited a piece of furniture (a lacquered cabinet) from an elderly woman they met through one of their relatives (they had been friends for decades and met regularly to have lunch and share news), and whom they became friendly with after their relative’s passing. By pure chance, they discover a secret drawer in the cabinet and inside there are (with some extra bits) two diaries/documents narrating the stories of two women who’d been married to the same man at very different moments in time (and also at very different historical periods). What makes the book particularly interesting is that in the acknowledgements’ section, the author talks about the process of development of the book, the help he got translating letters, etc., and also the fact that he changed some names, so this is not a work of fiction in its entirety, but rather a fictionalisation of the lives of two women. This makes sense, especially considering that the author (whose work I hadn’t read before) is well known for his work writing/adapting memoirs and biographies. The note doesn’t clarify how much of the content is fictionalised, but I found the category of biographical historical fiction that the book is classed under more than appropriate.
What I most liked about the book is the historical sweep and the amount of detail about the periods it covers, and also the two main characters (or the two narrators, to be more specific), Hilda and Katie. As Hilda’s narration also includes details about her grandparents and her parents, we get treated to a chronicle of life from the early XIX century in Germany —the immigration of her ancestors to the United States (and San Francisco in particular) from old Europe, a description of her own life as a well-off debutante and a young woman —through to the late XIX and early XX century. We hear about the fires, the earthquake, we read about what travelling was like, and also about Hilda’s visits to Germany and her contact with a distant cousin who would become her husband, Josef. She moves to Germany , totally changing her husband’s life, and acknowledges her difficulties adapting to a new place, to living with somebody else, and also, later, describes how their life is affected by WWI. Hilda can be spoilt and whimsical, but she is determined to have her own life and not to simply become a doctor’s wife. Katie, on the other hand, is much younger than her husband, her social circumstances and education are very different to those of Josef (and Hilda) and they first meet while she is looking after his elderly mother. This takes place much later (in the late 1920s-early 1930s), and we follow her through a somewhat odd courting, then she joins him in France (he is Jewish and leaves Germany soon after Hitler comes into power), and she adapts her life to his, following him in his increasingly desperate attempts to leave Europe. The two narratives are in the first person, and Hilda and Katie have pretty different personalities which clearly come across in their parts of the story. While Hilda is more expressive and outgoing, Katie has seen a lot of suffering from a very young age, prefers quiet pursuits, and is happy to try to fit in with others and avoid confrontation.
This is a book full of little details that play important parts in the story, objects that come to symbolise aspects of the relationship of the two women with their husbands and also illustrate their personalities (while Hilda doesn’t get on with Josef’s mother and insists on standing her ground, Katie adapts to Josef’s mother’s somewhat overbearing personality and becomes a beloved companion of the old woman; Hilda dislikes the piano seat Josef can’t bear to part with but only convinces him to reupholster it, while Katie convinces him to get a two-seater piano bench; Katie’s father gives her a clock that becomes a stand-in for the past and for old memories and times). As we read the story we come to realise that Josef’s life has changed little, and we can’t help but wonder about the story of these women and about the man himself. There is a twist at the end, which helps explain some things, but it leaves and many questions unanswered as it solves.
I am not sure there is anything I dislike of the book. By its own nature and the way the story is narrated, there is a lot of telling, but the stories told are so fascinating that I didn’t mind at all, and other than the occasional German word (which is usually translated or explained in the text), the text is easy to read with no sudden jumps in point of view or chronology, apart from the framing story. Katie’s account will, perhaps, be more familiar to readers, as there has been an upsurge in stories about WWII, and I know some readers didn’t feel that part quite matched the intensity of the other, but I was intrigued by the character, her relationship with her husband and her attitude towards life (although I don’t have much, if anything, in common with her). Of course, readers who dislike telling or like elaborate plots that move the story along without a pause might feel frustrated by the story and the style of the narrative, but I liked the way the two stories fitted together and felt the technique used to tell story is told is well suited to the material.
I recommend this book to readers of historical fiction, especially those interested in XIX and XX century German and American History, to people who enjoy biographies and/or fictionalised biographies, and particularly to those who like to read about women’s lives in the past. If you’re looking for a page-turner full of sensational adventures and larger-than-life characters, on the other hand, this is not the book for you. I look forward to discovering more of the author’s book and will follow his career with interest.
January 25, 2021
The other Miss Samson is a historical fiction describing impact of WWI and WWII on two relationships. Hilda and Katie are two devoted housewives whose lives are intertwined by the love they have for the same man. The other Mrs. Samson is the third novel written by the award-winning author Ralph Webster.
Hilda Samson is born into a Jewish family of privilege in San Francisco. Her family decides to tour Europe where they spend six months visiting relatives. In Berlin, she meets her future husband, Joseph Samson, for the first time. Many years they meet again and start corresponding. They fall in love, are married, and live happily in Berlin, until the beginning of WWI. Joseph’s second wife, Katie, is born and raised in Berlin. She meets Joseph, a doctor, when he treats her brother. Many years later she meets him again when she becomes a companion for his mother. They fall in love and are eventually married as WWII begins. Both women's lives run in parallel primarily through their relationships with Joseph. They both love him deeply and their marriages are tested by the horrors of WW1 and WW2.
This book is packed with historical information. One learns a lot about the development San Francisco and the growth of its Jewish community. There are many historical facts about the advent of WWI and WWII how they impacted the people (particularly the Jewish) who lived in Germany.
Although the historical aspects of the story are enjoyable, the author fails to capture my interest in the characters. The two women narrate their own stories, which is interesting, but I do not find the narratives compelling. They fail to elicit strong emotions even though the context is at times horrific. For me, they are boring characters who live their lives devoted to following Joseph. Honestly, I don’t think he deserves it.
I think this book will be very interesting to those that like historical fiction especially as it relates to the impact of the wars on the citizens. I give it a 3 on 5 primarily because the author fails to make the characters compelling for me. I want to thank BookSirens and the author for providing me with a digital copy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hilda Samson is born into a Jewish family of privilege in San Francisco. Her family decides to tour Europe where they spend six months visiting relatives. In Berlin, she meets her future husband, Joseph Samson, for the first time. Many years they meet again and start corresponding. They fall in love, are married, and live happily in Berlin, until the beginning of WWI. Joseph’s second wife, Katie, is born and raised in Berlin. She meets Joseph, a doctor, when he treats her brother. Many years later she meets him again when she becomes a companion for his mother. They fall in love and are eventually married as WWII begins. Both women's lives run in parallel primarily through their relationships with Joseph. They both love him deeply and their marriages are tested by the horrors of WW1 and WW2.
This book is packed with historical information. One learns a lot about the development San Francisco and the growth of its Jewish community. There are many historical facts about the advent of WWI and WWII how they impacted the people (particularly the Jewish) who lived in Germany.
Although the historical aspects of the story are enjoyable, the author fails to capture my interest in the characters. The two women narrate their own stories, which is interesting, but I do not find the narratives compelling. They fail to elicit strong emotions even though the context is at times horrific. For me, they are boring characters who live their lives devoted to following Joseph. Honestly, I don’t think he deserves it.
I think this book will be very interesting to those that like historical fiction especially as it relates to the impact of the wars on the citizens. I give it a 3 on 5 primarily because the author fails to make the characters compelling for me. I want to thank BookSirens and the author for providing me with a digital copy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2021
I chose The Other Mrs Samson because it covered both historical and memoir genres. It's a story that stretches through decades and settings; from the middle of the nineteenth century to the time of the First World War, the mid twentieth century and World War Two to the present era, and from the United States, to Germany and France.
The book's appeal to me was the description of the intriguing, yet so different, life and love stories of two women for one man with so many settings across a great spread of years. I was keen to start reading the book.
But I struggled with it. And I have struggled to review it as well.
There is no doubt whatsoever that the author has carried out extensive research to provide a background to the story: the Jewish community in San Francisco at the turn of the nineteenth to the twentieth century, conditions in WW1, the growth of Nazism and the dreadful effect on the Jewish people. There is much detail about the politics of the time and the impact on the economics of the societies, the suffering caused through the conditions during the great wars.
And we follow the stories of the two women, Hilda and Katie Samson, who, in different decades, both meet and then marry the same man, Dr. Josef Samson. These are recounted through papers that were found by the narrator in a secret compartment in a black lacquer cabinet; the memoirs of Katie, a friend of the narrator.
The novel relates the difference between the two women, their lives and their emotions: their reactions to events. And this is where I had the problem. Let me say that I enjoyed the start of the book; the finding of the papers and, to a much greater extent; Hilda's story, which was fascinating. But the enjoyment palled slightly when I came to the story of Katie. Where I felt the narrator's words brought of the character of the first Mrs Samson alive on the page, for me it wasn't the same with the second. Initially, I was engrossed in Katie's tragic early life, set against the so-called decadence of the twenties, the economic downfall in America, the insidious evil of the Nazi party in Germany. As I said earlier, the reader learns so much of the conditions throughout the world, but I also felt the all characters became less rounded, almost an afterthought, in the telling of their stories. And, I'm afraid, the author lost me; I skipped through many pages ( then went back to read, because I didn't think I'd given it a fair shot). It's not something I normally do, and certainly not something I'm proud of, but it felt almost like an historical explanation of what was happening.in the world rather that following the characters.
I think my problem with The Second Mrs Samson is that I like character driven stories. And I felt that Ralph Webster missed a chance to develop both the main and some minor characters in his quest to write such a brilliantly detailed historical setting.
But, after all, reviews are always subjective and I would recommend The Second Mrs Samson to readers who enjoy historical novels
The book's appeal to me was the description of the intriguing, yet so different, life and love stories of two women for one man with so many settings across a great spread of years. I was keen to start reading the book.
But I struggled with it. And I have struggled to review it as well.
There is no doubt whatsoever that the author has carried out extensive research to provide a background to the story: the Jewish community in San Francisco at the turn of the nineteenth to the twentieth century, conditions in WW1, the growth of Nazism and the dreadful effect on the Jewish people. There is much detail about the politics of the time and the impact on the economics of the societies, the suffering caused through the conditions during the great wars.
And we follow the stories of the two women, Hilda and Katie Samson, who, in different decades, both meet and then marry the same man, Dr. Josef Samson. These are recounted through papers that were found by the narrator in a secret compartment in a black lacquer cabinet; the memoirs of Katie, a friend of the narrator.
The novel relates the difference between the two women, their lives and their emotions: their reactions to events. And this is where I had the problem. Let me say that I enjoyed the start of the book; the finding of the papers and, to a much greater extent; Hilda's story, which was fascinating. But the enjoyment palled slightly when I came to the story of Katie. Where I felt the narrator's words brought of the character of the first Mrs Samson alive on the page, for me it wasn't the same with the second. Initially, I was engrossed in Katie's tragic early life, set against the so-called decadence of the twenties, the economic downfall in America, the insidious evil of the Nazi party in Germany. As I said earlier, the reader learns so much of the conditions throughout the world, but I also felt the all characters became less rounded, almost an afterthought, in the telling of their stories. And, I'm afraid, the author lost me; I skipped through many pages ( then went back to read, because I didn't think I'd given it a fair shot). It's not something I normally do, and certainly not something I'm proud of, but it felt almost like an historical explanation of what was happening.in the world rather that following the characters.
I think my problem with The Second Mrs Samson is that I like character driven stories. And I felt that Ralph Webster missed a chance to develop both the main and some minor characters in his quest to write such a brilliantly detailed historical setting.
But, after all, reviews are always subjective and I would recommend The Second Mrs Samson to readers who enjoy historical novels
January 21, 2021
This book, this book, this book.... I am a bit at a loss for words! I loved it, then I didn't, then I did again. I can say that I definitely never hated it! Ever! It captured me from the beginning and, while there were times I did get somewhat... not quite bored but not extremely taken in (is there a word for that?!), I fell in love with this story.
I have to say, Hilda was my favorite. I loved her! Her end in the story left me brokenhearted and so unsatisfied! And, while I did like Katie, I desperately wanted more of Hilda.
The twist at the end had me reeling! I was not expecting that at all and, honestly, could have done without it. It disappointed me. I do still love this book, I just hated to be disappointed in the character so much!
I highly recommend this book and will probably be reading it again before too long!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say, Hilda was my favorite. I loved her! Her end in the story left me brokenhearted and so unsatisfied! And, while I did like Katie, I desperately wanted more of Hilda.
The twist at the end had me reeling! I was not expecting that at all and, honestly, could have done without it. It disappointed me. I do still love this book, I just hated to be disappointed in the character so much!
I highly recommend this book and will probably be reading it again before too long!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2021
This book was an interesting fictional telling of a woman who escaped the Holocaust. Told through the eyes of a few different narrators, the arc of the story was interesting and well done. My one quibble with this book was an element of the plot that was brought in late in the book and then not really given any explanation. It seemed to me to not be given the weight of other elements in the book, so I didn't quite understand why it was it introduced.
Overall, this book had a very even flow and was compelling. I enjoyed reading it.
I received a copy of this book through BookSirens and this is my honest review.
Overall, this book had a very even flow and was compelling. I enjoyed reading it.
I received a copy of this book through BookSirens and this is my honest review.
December 20, 2020
The other Mrs. Sampson is told by a family friend soon after Kate Simpson‘s death. After cleaning out her New York home and bringing some items back to his old house he found a journal in a black lacquer cabinet and this is when the book really gets good. The journal takes us through the war through her fears of the Gestapo and it even plays or when she moves to Europe. There is so much in this story that to give it a good summary is impossible the big finale is close to the end though when she reveals in her journal a secret about her husband no one knew. It changes it’s one of those secrets that changes everything, but then really changes nothing. This book is a great historical fiction novel and if you like that genre then I highly recommend this to you. I did find it a bit wordy, But I know some people like that and if you do this is the book for you. Having said that I still enjoyed the book I just thought some of it could’ve been left out. I received this book from Books sirens and I am leaving this review totally voluntarily.
December 21, 2020
This is a very engaging book that draws you into the lives of the main three protagonists, Hilda, Joseph and Katie. You follow their life journey from birth to death, through marriage, and the horrors of both world wars, and the relationship amongst them throughout their lives.
How well do you know your significant other? And how can you keep a life changing secret from your love one?
This is a well researched book for everyone that likes history and loves a beautifully well written love story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
How well do you know your significant other? And how can you keep a life changing secret from your love one?
This is a well researched book for everyone that likes history and loves a beautifully well written love story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 22, 2021
This is a story of the lives of two Jewish women, connected by their love for Josef Samson, and is set in the first half of the 20th Century. I found the narrative set in turn of century San Francisco very compelling, I don't know much about it so the origins of the city , the gold rush, the lives of early settlers- that was a very new setting to me, and I enjoyed reading about it. The rest of the book takes in the build up to World War 1 ,and World War 2, and while that was compelling, I've read better fiction set in the time period. The voices of both women, Hilda and Katie, are very compelling and they're both fascinating, well-etched characters, to the extent that I'm not too sure what they see in Josef! I would recommend this book for anyone with even a passing interest in 20th Century European history though, good writing and doesn't flag.
#TheOtherMrsSamson #NetGalley
#TheOtherMrsSamson #NetGalley
February 15, 2021
A brilliant account of two women who lived fascinating lives centered around a man they both loved.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book was the personal factor in knowing this was the story of someone known by the author, told through their written records, which were discovered after their death. Katie lived a fascinating life and I thoroughly enjoyed following her relationship with Josef and experiences of life during the war.
The writing reads like you are being told the story first hand by the characters who narrate each section of the book. It made me think it would work very well as an audiobook in this sense. Personally, I did miss having more dialogue in the book though. I understand why the author chose not to imagine conversations while trying to be truthful to their friend's records, however as a reading experience, I like dialogue to help me get to know the characters and their connections with each other.
I enjoyed both Katie and Hilda's sections and felt invested in their journeys. It would have been lovely to have more from Josef's perspective as the short section narrated by him was one of my favourite parts of the book, but again I understand the decision not to, as this is Katie and Hilda's story. Josef was the link between the two women and there were so many interesting parallels and comparisons to be drawn between each of their experiences that I understand not wanting to detract from that.
The book does a good job of establishing the political context during each stage of the character's lives. Some of these sections could be a bit dry to read, but they were vital for understanding the pressures, anxieties and motivations of the characters and the decisions they made as a result.
I love historical fiction and certainly believe there is something special about books in this genre that are inspired by real people and their lives. It was a privilege to hear these people's stories and I am very happy to have discovered and read this book.
Thank you to Ralph Webster and Reedsy Discovery for the ARC.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book was the personal factor in knowing this was the story of someone known by the author, told through their written records, which were discovered after their death. Katie lived a fascinating life and I thoroughly enjoyed following her relationship with Josef and experiences of life during the war.
The writing reads like you are being told the story first hand by the characters who narrate each section of the book. It made me think it would work very well as an audiobook in this sense. Personally, I did miss having more dialogue in the book though. I understand why the author chose not to imagine conversations while trying to be truthful to their friend's records, however as a reading experience, I like dialogue to help me get to know the characters and their connections with each other.
I enjoyed both Katie and Hilda's sections and felt invested in their journeys. It would have been lovely to have more from Josef's perspective as the short section narrated by him was one of my favourite parts of the book, but again I understand the decision not to, as this is Katie and Hilda's story. Josef was the link between the two women and there were so many interesting parallels and comparisons to be drawn between each of their experiences that I understand not wanting to detract from that.
The book does a good job of establishing the political context during each stage of the character's lives. Some of these sections could be a bit dry to read, but they were vital for understanding the pressures, anxieties and motivations of the characters and the decisions they made as a result.
I love historical fiction and certainly believe there is something special about books in this genre that are inspired by real people and their lives. It was a privilege to hear these people's stories and I am very happy to have discovered and read this book.
Thank you to Ralph Webster and Reedsy Discovery for the ARC.
January 24, 2021
I received a Goodreads Giveaway Kindle version of The Other Mrs. Samson and agreed to write a review in exchange. I enjoy reading historical fiction, and liked much of this story. There are numerous other reviews on Goodreads that you can read if you want the synopsis in detail. I would rather give you my thoughts. This as an ambitious undertaking, touching on over one hundred++ years from the US post- Civil War era to both World War 1 and 2, with a timely touch starting in today's COVID-ness. I liked Mr. Webster's way of introducing the characters, having known Katie ( Kaethe) as an older woman/widow and the genius discovery of the long- forgotten black lacquered Japanese box and it's secret drawer. Immediately drawn in! And then the story dried up for awhile. The beginnings of Sa Francisco's becoming a city after the gold rush was of interest and the great fire there, but the lineage of Hilda...not so much. Too sketchy and flat. She was a super character though. Lively, interesting and curious about the world. Sure, she was pampered and all but she was fearless and had a mind of her own, a scarce commodity in the time in which she lived. Following her heart and moving back to Europe to marry was a big deal Her stories written for he unborn child were lovely. And, well, then she died before she became a mother. I think Josef was the problem for me. Josef is written about from her perspective, and later Kaethe/Katie's. I never felt I knew much about him except that his wives loved him. He seemed the same wooden character all the way through. Same piano, same painting attire, same placement of everything in his life. Too, too orderly. I wanted so much for there to be something else. ( and not the... "spoiler" ... which was a nothing burger to me except for the possible/probable precarious place it might have put Katie. The best parts of the book were in Berlin and then the lovely lighter feel of Paris with an occasional vacay in Naples. Handled beautifully with the spectre of the Nazi horror just behind a gauzy curtain. Katie herself was a steady, quiet person who never seemed to be curious about the world. Maybe that is a personal thing...we all identify with a character to some degree, right? I love to learn something new, and I did learn a bit more about the war years in Europe. I didn't know that Mussolini had a Jewish mistress, although she was not the one who shielded him from bullets. I liked the reference to Marc Chagall, too. Way back at the beginning of the story, some notables who came to San Francisco were mentioned and I was pretty shocked that there was no proof reader for some glaring typos.. it is Robert LOUIS Stevenson, not Lewis, and it is O HENRY, not Henry O. I must confess I was reading differently from the outset because of those error. Would I recommend this book? Yes, mostly.
January 29, 2021
THE OTHER MRS SAMSON by RALPH WEBSTER
I received a copy of this ook from the author in Kindle Format and it is a pleasure for me to write a review on it.
On receipt of the copy, I discovered that it is almost 400 pages and realised that I would need to be prepared to read just one book at a time for a change. I often have 2 or 3 on the go at the same time having them beside my bed, in my bag and in the living room so that there is always one on hand. I need not have worried though as it is well written and makes for easy reading. It is never easy to write in the first person singular for a lengthy story and Ralph has done this very well. He also did in depth research and so it makes the reading even more interesting. What I did find a little difficult was keeping track of timelines in the first seven chapters. I had to go back to the start of a chapter to remind myself. Fortunately the chapters are short which also makes it an easy book to read in chapters at a sitting.
The story is centered around one gentleman, Josef Samson, and his wives. He was a very dedicated medical doctor in Berlin in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries and of Jewish descent but was not a practising Jew. His first wife, Hilda, although born in Germany, grew up in California within a family who beame bankers and became ver wealthy. She was accustomed to attending the theatre and travelling widely. Her story is told through her speaking to her unborn child, including a description of life during the First World War. Hilda died in childbirth and Josef did not marry again for about 15 years being in his forties when he met Katie, a Berliner of small means and 30 years his junior. She was his mother’s carer for a few years before she died and Josef and Katie began their life together. Her story is collated in the written form and she tells how they had to flee Germany in the 1940s.
This is a really interesting book to read in which history is made more real through the way that the characters tell their stories. It is recommended for Book Clubs with a list of questions at the end for these clubs. I have only one real problem with the book and that is that the Contents only gives the chapter numbers and pages and not the titles so, trying to find a particular part of the story is made a bit difficult. I recommend it without reseervation.
I received a copy of this ook from the author in Kindle Format and it is a pleasure for me to write a review on it.
On receipt of the copy, I discovered that it is almost 400 pages and realised that I would need to be prepared to read just one book at a time for a change. I often have 2 or 3 on the go at the same time having them beside my bed, in my bag and in the living room so that there is always one on hand. I need not have worried though as it is well written and makes for easy reading. It is never easy to write in the first person singular for a lengthy story and Ralph has done this very well. He also did in depth research and so it makes the reading even more interesting. What I did find a little difficult was keeping track of timelines in the first seven chapters. I had to go back to the start of a chapter to remind myself. Fortunately the chapters are short which also makes it an easy book to read in chapters at a sitting.
The story is centered around one gentleman, Josef Samson, and his wives. He was a very dedicated medical doctor in Berlin in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries and of Jewish descent but was not a practising Jew. His first wife, Hilda, although born in Germany, grew up in California within a family who beame bankers and became ver wealthy. She was accustomed to attending the theatre and travelling widely. Her story is told through her speaking to her unborn child, including a description of life during the First World War. Hilda died in childbirth and Josef did not marry again for about 15 years being in his forties when he met Katie, a Berliner of small means and 30 years his junior. She was his mother’s carer for a few years before she died and Josef and Katie began their life together. Her story is collated in the written form and she tells how they had to flee Germany in the 1940s.
This is a really interesting book to read in which history is made more real through the way that the characters tell their stories. It is recommended for Book Clubs with a list of questions at the end for these clubs. I have only one real problem with the book and that is that the Contents only gives the chapter numbers and pages and not the titles so, trying to find a particular part of the story is made a bit difficult. I recommend it without reseervation.
February 26, 2021
All I can say is what a story !! This is a wonderful, tragic, happy, unbelievable novel. Sad in some ways for all the pain the characters suffered, especially the emotional pain, but happy in the fullness of their lives after overcoming so much adversity.
Spanning decades, the story is of two women who loved one man. The first woman's life is cut tragically short, her time with her husband Josef not long, but a happy one. The second women, Katie, living it seems to fulfill the life of the the first, living what she, Hilda was denied.
Their lives take us through the upheavals of two world wars, immigrating to a land foreign to anything they are familiar with, and living a happy life despite all that came before.
The ending leaves the reader with questions, just as Josef left Katie with questions. How we find the answers to these questions I feel is entirely up to our individual interpretation of the novel.
This is a wonderfully well written work of literature that I feel is a must read to any historical fiction lover. Hilda, Josef and Katie's story should be read, and felt by everyone.
Thank you to Booksiren's for the free advanced reader copy of the e-book version of this novel, I am giving my honest review in return.
Spanning decades, the story is of two women who loved one man. The first woman's life is cut tragically short, her time with her husband Josef not long, but a happy one. The second women, Katie, living it seems to fulfill the life of the the first, living what she, Hilda was denied.
Their lives take us through the upheavals of two world wars, immigrating to a land foreign to anything they are familiar with, and living a happy life despite all that came before.
The ending leaves the reader with questions, just as Josef left Katie with questions. How we find the answers to these questions I feel is entirely up to our individual interpretation of the novel.
This is a wonderfully well written work of literature that I feel is a must read to any historical fiction lover. Hilda, Josef and Katie's story should be read, and felt by everyone.
Thank you to Booksiren's for the free advanced reader copy of the e-book version of this novel, I am giving my honest review in return.
March 1, 2021
A heart warming saga, based on real life events and characters, spanning decades and two wars.
The other Mrs Samson starts when a hidden compartment in a black lacquer cabinet left in an attic reveals the secrets of two incredible women: Hilda, born and raised in one of the wealthiest Jewish families in turn-of-the-century San Francisco, and Katie, whose early life in Germany is marked by tragedy and death. Their lives are forever entwined by their love of the same man, the brilliant and compassionate Dr. Josef Samson.
From the earliest, rough-and-tumble days of San Francisco, through the devastation of the Great War in Berlin and the terrors of Vichy France, and then to a new yet uncertain life in New York City, their stories span the most tumultuous events of the twentieth century. In the end, one of these women will complete the life of the other and make a startling discovery about the husband they share.
Written in the form of letters, discovered years later, the story tugs your heart at the love, hope and human tenacity through years of war and trouble. But a question remains..Can you truly, wholly know a person even if you've been with them for decades? A beautiful read..thanks for the ARC netgalley!!
The other Mrs Samson starts when a hidden compartment in a black lacquer cabinet left in an attic reveals the secrets of two incredible women: Hilda, born and raised in one of the wealthiest Jewish families in turn-of-the-century San Francisco, and Katie, whose early life in Germany is marked by tragedy and death. Their lives are forever entwined by their love of the same man, the brilliant and compassionate Dr. Josef Samson.
From the earliest, rough-and-tumble days of San Francisco, through the devastation of the Great War in Berlin and the terrors of Vichy France, and then to a new yet uncertain life in New York City, their stories span the most tumultuous events of the twentieth century. In the end, one of these women will complete the life of the other and make a startling discovery about the husband they share.
Written in the form of letters, discovered years later, the story tugs your heart at the love, hope and human tenacity through years of war and trouble. But a question remains..Can you truly, wholly know a person even if you've been with them for decades? A beautiful read..thanks for the ARC netgalley!!
January 31, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I really enjoy non fiction. I really enjoy books about the holocaust era.
This is a mainly true story of 2 women and their husband (together at separate times). There is a lot in this historical book that I had no idea about. I never really thought about what Paris was like for Jews in the 1930s and 1940s. I never thought about American immigration in those days either.
There is a lot in the book that is fascinating. However, I started to lose interest in the book about twenty-five percent into it. However, I gained interest back, about half way through the book. The book covers so much history, facts, and characters. It can be a little overwhelming at times.
The chapters are very short. However, it took me longer to read this book than usual. I started to lose interest in the book. I am glad I finished the book.
The book is good in the fact, that a lot of the book is gray. You might wonder, what you would have done. There is no judgement on any of the characters. You don't get to know the characters intimately. There is a lot we don't know about the characters.
I am thankful for the opportunity to have read the book. I am glad I got to learn more about Germany and Paris in the 1930s and 1940s. It is always interesting to read about women and their roles before there was much equality.
This is a mainly true story of 2 women and their husband (together at separate times). There is a lot in this historical book that I had no idea about. I never really thought about what Paris was like for Jews in the 1930s and 1940s. I never thought about American immigration in those days either.
There is a lot in the book that is fascinating. However, I started to lose interest in the book about twenty-five percent into it. However, I gained interest back, about half way through the book. The book covers so much history, facts, and characters. It can be a little overwhelming at times.
The chapters are very short. However, it took me longer to read this book than usual. I started to lose interest in the book. I am glad I finished the book.
The book is good in the fact, that a lot of the book is gray. You might wonder, what you would have done. There is no judgement on any of the characters. You don't get to know the characters intimately. There is a lot we don't know about the characters.
I am thankful for the opportunity to have read the book. I am glad I got to learn more about Germany and Paris in the 1930s and 1940s. It is always interesting to read about women and their roles before there was much equality.
March 1, 2021
A heart warming saga, based on real life events and characters, spanning decades and two wars.
The other Mrs Samson starts when a hidden compartment in a black lacquer cabinet left in an attic reveals the secrets of two incredible women: Hilda, born and raised in one of the wealthiest Jewish families in turn-of-the-century San Francisco, and Katie, whose early life in Germany is marked by tragedy and death. Their lives are forever entwined by their love of the same man, the brilliant and compassionate Dr. Josef Samson.
From the earliest, rough-and-tumble days of San Francisco, through the devastation of the Great War in Berlin and the terrors of Vichy France, and then to a new yet uncertain life in New York City, their stories span the most tumultuous events of the twentieth century. In the end, one of these women will complete the life of the other and make a startling discovery about the husband they share.
Written in the form of letters, discovered years later, the story tugs your heart at the love, hope and human tenacity through years of war and trouble. But a question remains..Can you truly, wholly know a person even if you've been with them for decades? A beautiful read..thanks for the ARC netgalley!!
The other Mrs Samson starts when a hidden compartment in a black lacquer cabinet left in an attic reveals the secrets of two incredible women: Hilda, born and raised in one of the wealthiest Jewish families in turn-of-the-century San Francisco, and Katie, whose early life in Germany is marked by tragedy and death. Their lives are forever entwined by their love of the same man, the brilliant and compassionate Dr. Josef Samson.
From the earliest, rough-and-tumble days of San Francisco, through the devastation of the Great War in Berlin and the terrors of Vichy France, and then to a new yet uncertain life in New York City, their stories span the most tumultuous events of the twentieth century. In the end, one of these women will complete the life of the other and make a startling discovery about the husband they share.
Written in the form of letters, discovered years later, the story tugs your heart at the love, hope and human tenacity through years of war and trouble. But a question remains..Can you truly, wholly know a person even if you've been with them for decades? A beautiful read..thanks for the ARC netgalley!!
January 23, 2021
“The Other Mrs Samson” continues to show the author’s skill at telling deeply personal and intimate stories that fully engage the reader. For those who have read Ralph Webster’s prior two books “The Other Mrs. Samson” connects dots in ways that are both joyous and satisfying (although having read those books is not a prerequisite!).
This book reads quickly and smoothly, bringing the reader along through the lives of multiple first person narrators. Without spoiling the book there are two twists that catch the reader completely by surprise and are necessary to the story. The reader will be carried along with both ease and excitement as the narrators’ lives are exposed through the back drop of the turn of a century, two world wars, and multiple continents.
This book reads quickly and smoothly, bringing the reader along through the lives of multiple first person narrators. Without spoiling the book there are two twists that catch the reader completely by surprise and are necessary to the story. The reader will be carried along with both ease and excitement as the narrators’ lives are exposed through the back drop of the turn of a century, two world wars, and multiple continents.
January 16, 2021
Wow! An engrossing experience! A real page turner. Well written! I couldn't stop reading. The plot was well defined and the author grabbed the readers heart strings as he unfolded the story. You felt as if you were part of the story. Wow! Be still my heart! So many emotions. Wow! Can't wait to read more from this author. Pick up a copy today. You will go on a journey you will never forget. Read and enjoy.
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
February 17, 2021
The book keeps you from the beginning because of its secretive narrative and characters that stand out and leave behind an impact. What follows is a painful yet necessary narration of the great war of Berlin and follows next is Hilda and Katie's story. The author has done extensive research on the war which kept me engaged in the characters and the tragedy feels real in the narrative. Thanks to booksirens for giving me the advance copy for free and I am leaving the review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews