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The Wild Rose
Set against the recent history of Hungary, this is the story of a beautiful girl torn between her music, her country and her love.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1991
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261 people want to read
About the author
Doris Mortman
33 books44 followersI was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico—before it was chic. My family moved to the East when I was three. I grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey and went to Skidmore College when it was still an all girl's school.
Being a lifelong wordsmith led me to such jobs as writing copy at ad agencies and doing sales promotions at Mademoiselle magazine. My first book, Circles, was published in 1984 as a paperback original and stayed on The New York Times Bestseller List for three months. Since then, I've published First Born, Rightfully Mine, The Wild Rose, True Colors, The Lucky Ones, Out of Nowhere, Before and Again, Shades of Red, and recently The Nest, the first in a series: Country Club Crimes. With both the hard and soft cover publications, I've resided on Bestseller Lists many times and have nearly twenty million books in print worldwide, with translations in fourteen languages.
I've been married for thirty-one years to a classic Type A personality who works hard, plays hard, sleeps fast, thinks deeply, and believes that commuting is a form of vehicular combat. I have two grown children, a daughter-in-law and two gorgeous grand girls!
My hobbies include golf, bridge and raising funds for breast cancer research.
Being a lifelong wordsmith led me to such jobs as writing copy at ad agencies and doing sales promotions at Mademoiselle magazine. My first book, Circles, was published in 1984 as a paperback original and stayed on The New York Times Bestseller List for three months. Since then, I've published First Born, Rightfully Mine, The Wild Rose, True Colors, The Lucky Ones, Out of Nowhere, Before and Again, Shades of Red, and recently The Nest, the first in a series: Country Club Crimes. With both the hard and soft cover publications, I've resided on Bestseller Lists many times and have nearly twenty million books in print worldwide, with translations in fourteen languages.
I've been married for thirty-one years to a classic Type A personality who works hard, plays hard, sleeps fast, thinks deeply, and believes that commuting is a form of vehicular combat. I have two grown children, a daughter-in-law and two gorgeous grand girls!
My hobbies include golf, bridge and raising funds for breast cancer research.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 24, 2016
Brava!!
They don’t make them like they used to anymore. This book is proof of that. I fear many modern readers would dismiss this book as ‘too descriptive’ ‘too wordy’ ‘too damn long’ etc.
That makes me sad, because they are missing out on an experience that is immersive, enriching and timeless.
I first read this book when I was in my late teens or early 20s, I think. Then I read it again, and again. It introduced me to great composers and a time and place in history I could never experience myself, but I almost feel like I lived it. I'm unsure whether I can label this a 'romance' as people like their romance nice and tidy nowadays. But as most of us know, life and love are messy and hard, and this book reflects that.
István and Katalin are just 9 and 7 during the uprising in Hungary in October of 1956. Their families are close, but ripped apart during the revolt, and the subsequent horrifying reponse from Soviet state. In the end, Katalin remains behind the Iron Curtain while István and his brother find their way to the States. But István never loses the key Katalin gave him when they parted. The key to her family's apartment in Buda.
Life happens. Katalin, already a muscial prodigy, becomes even more talented, her star rising despite the domineering hand of the government. István becomes Steven, living in one of the poorest counties in Kentucky. But his character also shines and with war, also comes oppurtunity.
So many things happen in this book—heart-breaking, gut-wrenching things. Wonderful, beautiful, life-affirming things. Steven and Katalin are destined, but will chance ever favor them?
It's a hell of a ride. A thorny one that will rip your heart to shreds. The cast of characters is huge, and you'll love and rage at each and every one. There are NO two-dimnesional characters here. Soaked in music and history, this book still takes my breath away. It's what a great book is supposed to be:
A life-changing experience.
They don’t make them like they used to anymore. This book is proof of that. I fear many modern readers would dismiss this book as ‘too descriptive’ ‘too wordy’ ‘too damn long’ etc.
That makes me sad, because they are missing out on an experience that is immersive, enriching and timeless.
I first read this book when I was in my late teens or early 20s, I think. Then I read it again, and again. It introduced me to great composers and a time and place in history I could never experience myself, but I almost feel like I lived it. I'm unsure whether I can label this a 'romance' as people like their romance nice and tidy nowadays. But as most of us know, life and love are messy and hard, and this book reflects that.
István and Katalin are just 9 and 7 during the uprising in Hungary in October of 1956. Their families are close, but ripped apart during the revolt, and the subsequent horrifying reponse from Soviet state. In the end, Katalin remains behind the Iron Curtain while István and his brother find their way to the States. But István never loses the key Katalin gave him when they parted. The key to her family's apartment in Buda.
Life happens. Katalin, already a muscial prodigy, becomes even more talented, her star rising despite the domineering hand of the government. István becomes Steven, living in one of the poorest counties in Kentucky. But his character also shines and with war, also comes oppurtunity.
So many things happen in this book—heart-breaking, gut-wrenching things. Wonderful, beautiful, life-affirming things. Steven and Katalin are destined, but will chance ever favor them?
It's a hell of a ride. A thorny one that will rip your heart to shreds. The cast of characters is huge, and you'll love and rage at each and every one. There are NO two-dimnesional characters here. Soaked in music and history, this book still takes my breath away. It's what a great book is supposed to be:
A life-changing experience.
July 10, 2012
I love Doris Mortman books, a truly under rated author! This is an extremely compelling story of love and survival. Very interesting main character who you will find to be very warm and charming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it for a great read that you will not want to put down! I have read this book several time over the years and it is still as riveting as the first time I read it back in 1990.
October 15, 2010
A fascinating tale of a musical family in Hungary during the Communist Revolution. Like all of Doris Mortman's novels, it is complex and utterly compelling making it difficult to put down. Although it has been available for quite a few years (I read it probably 20 years ago), it is worth reading the story of the "Wild Rose", the daughter of a brilliant violinist and a brilliant pianist in her own right. I first learned of the composer Liszt while reading this book, and discovered his music as well.
April 24, 2020
Read this ions ago, 1991? Remember reading it on a vacation, staying up way too late in motel rooms enjoying this book immensely. Music, music and quite a story ....
April 17, 2008
My mother-in-law lent me this book. She used to live in Budapest, Hungary, where the novel is set, and she said it was the best telling of the Hungarian Revolution in a novel format.
I found the writing to be pretty cheesy, but I kept reading and ended up getting interested in the story and the characters despite the cheesy-ness and melodramatic style. I read it right after returning from Budapest where our second child was born. Having spent just a little bit of time in Budapest, it was really interesting to read about the history of the city and everything that went on from World War II through to the 1980's. Interesting to see life under communism through these characters eyes, but also fun just to follow the love story.
I found the writing to be pretty cheesy, but I kept reading and ended up getting interested in the story and the characters despite the cheesy-ness and melodramatic style. I read it right after returning from Budapest where our second child was born. Having spent just a little bit of time in Budapest, it was really interesting to read about the history of the city and everything that went on from World War II through to the 1980's. Interesting to see life under communism through these characters eyes, but also fun just to follow the love story.
October 9, 2014
A truly moving story.. Found it really engaging and it speaks of love, war, passion, music, family and hope. Read it long time ago and I guess it's for anyone who enjoys a love story with the backdrop of a war.
February 7, 2011
I absolutely loved this book. It was compelling, sexy, dramatic, and enlightening. I never knew so much about the music business. It's one of the greatest love stories that I've read.
November 8, 2017
Books like this are rare...loved it! On my list of top 20 books of all time. How could I have forgotten to put it on my list here? Huge mistake.
February 17, 2024
I found The Wild Rose in the romance section of my local used bookstore and decided to give it a chance. The book synopsis says it’s a love story between Katalin and Steven, who are separated by the Cold War. What I didn’t know is that this love story was told from the very beginning, when their parents were born and how their parents fell in love.
This novel is an epic, taking place between 1920 and 1989. We meet Zoltan, Katalin’s father, when he is born on a farm in Hungary, and watch him as he learns violin and meets Katalin’s mother. We march with Katalin’s parents and Steven’s parents during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. And yes, then we do watch Katalin and Steven grow up, fall in love, live life on their sides of the Iron Curtain. It is a story of music, as Katalin shows the same gift for piano that Zoltan did for violin, and it is a story of Communism as well, showing us the resentment and fear Hungarian citizens felt at the control of the Soviet Union.
This is a slow book, but I was engaged with the characters enough to keep picking it back up. It wasn’t until the last 50 pages (and this book is over 800 pages) that the plot picked up and I couldn’t put the book down if I tried. We get great characterization of everyone in here, maybe to a fault, in that this story has an omniscient narrator, and we learn everyone’s backstory, childhood, and thoughts. I think I could have learned less about some characters and still enjoyed this book. I also think this story could have been pared down and been enjoyable. But I also enjoyed it in its current form and didn’t resent the author for all the detail she provided.
This novel is an epic, taking place between 1920 and 1989. We meet Zoltan, Katalin’s father, when he is born on a farm in Hungary, and watch him as he learns violin and meets Katalin’s mother. We march with Katalin’s parents and Steven’s parents during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. And yes, then we do watch Katalin and Steven grow up, fall in love, live life on their sides of the Iron Curtain. It is a story of music, as Katalin shows the same gift for piano that Zoltan did for violin, and it is a story of Communism as well, showing us the resentment and fear Hungarian citizens felt at the control of the Soviet Union.
This is a slow book, but I was engaged with the characters enough to keep picking it back up. It wasn’t until the last 50 pages (and this book is over 800 pages) that the plot picked up and I couldn’t put the book down if I tried. We get great characterization of everyone in here, maybe to a fault, in that this story has an omniscient narrator, and we learn everyone’s backstory, childhood, and thoughts. I think I could have learned less about some characters and still enjoyed this book. I also think this story could have been pared down and been enjoyable. But I also enjoyed it in its current form and didn’t resent the author for all the detail she provided.
January 1, 2026
I wasn’tfeeling well over this Christmas holiday so I decided to take on one of my project books, These are books that are over 20 hours in audio which is my preferred form. This one was 30 hours. My mother recommended this one when I expressed an interest in learning about the Romani culture. Even though it was fiction I did get a real sense about things that were ijmportant to this much meligned culture, music, family, and tradition., This book told the story of Katerine Gashbar who was groomed from an early age to follow her father on to the concert stage. Until he was imprisoned in a political work came where a sadistic guard rendered him in capable of playing violin the way. He wantedd. At the same time,Katerine is in love with Handsome war hero and rising star Stephen Cardos. Time and again as they try to come together family obligation and politics conspire to keep them apart. This is at once a soul stirring romance, and a sweeping historical saga as well as a tale of friendship that dares to cross societal prejudices in the name of loyalty. This is the perfect answere to what do you do when you are snowed in or kept in by the winter dulldrums. Warning, there is some very strong descriptions of the violence committed by The Hungarian, Russian and Nazzi tormentors that occupied Hungary and tried to break the people’s spirit and thirst for freedom. But if you can handle that you will laugh, cry, and cheer for the characters MS. Mortman has drawn in this wonderful book.
January 29, 2026
What can I say? I first read this book when it was published 30 or so years ago. It was one of those books that was hard to put down. The characters, passions, history and story lines stayed with me back then. I have now just finished re-reading it on kindle. The story is still equally as good. It was still very hard to put down; and still remains one of my all time favorites. It's worth the read... even on kindle!
February 2, 2021
This is the sort of book which you wish would never end, or that you never read so you still have the delicious option of reading it for the first time. It is a perfect balance of historical events and an engaging storyline. No cliffhangers at the end. The storyline is neatly stitched up in an enthralling parcel. Couldn’t recommend more highly!
May 2, 2020
I have read A Wild Rose twice,,,years ago when first came out
And now on my e reader,,,loved it as much this time as first,,,,please readers if you want a great book,,,please read this one, thank you for making it digital, a now looking for Country Club Mysteries,
And now on my e reader,,,loved it as much this time as first,,,,please readers if you want a great book,,,please read this one, thank you for making it digital, a now looking for Country Club Mysteries,
August 30, 2025
Well over 800 pages which may deter others from reading but well worth the effort. The story centers on life and music in Hungary during WW2. While some of the storyline is hard to read (atrocities of war) the balance embraces the beauty of music and the strength of true love.
June 30, 2018
One of the best books I've read. It's about WWll and survival and triumph during great trials.
January 13, 2019
This was a exceptional read! There were numerous story lines that were all linked together with a huge mix of emotions.
Truly worth reading I will pour this book on my top 10 of all times!
Truly worth reading I will pour this book on my top 10 of all times!
January 2, 2020
Excellent book
Read
March 3, 2020The book was very good.
February 8, 2022
I enjoyed reading it a few years back. Such a wonderful book. I would want to read it again but dont know were to find it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2024
Loved this book, brilliantly written.
May 6, 2010
I am half way through this 837 page book. Detail after cumbersome detail about everything which takes you away from the story time after time. Is this an author's ego who wishes to tell you she can write an encyclopedia as well as a novel? Yes, it is said to be a Hungarian GWTW and the story goes over quite a vast time period. It is a beautiful story but I can do with out all the extras. I find myself glossing over it just to find out what happens next.
Also, the main character's perfect traits are tiresome as well. I am so sick of hearing how beautiful she is, how well she plays, how she wins at everything. As a reader, I feel like Judit in the novel. When you read it, you will understand. Even Scarlett wasn't written like this, you knew her beauty and grace from the way people described her, from her personality and with her courage to get through each day. Katalin is self-obsessed from beginning to end and it fits with the character but it could have been written much differently.
I did not finish reading this book because I got tired of it.
Also, the main character's perfect traits are tiresome as well. I am so sick of hearing how beautiful she is, how well she plays, how she wins at everything. As a reader, I feel like Judit in the novel. When you read it, you will understand. Even Scarlett wasn't written like this, you knew her beauty and grace from the way people described her, from her personality and with her courage to get through each day. Katalin is self-obsessed from beginning to end and it fits with the character but it could have been written much differently.
I did not finish reading this book because I got tired of it.
June 19, 2013
While grandiose in its setup, the novel falls short every time the author pauses to present a treatise on history -- either the history of a people, a nation, or a character. The timeouts are unnecessary and lend a weight to the novel that makes it too heavy rather than just rich enough.
Mortman's ability to write a grand story is something the book testifies to, but her desire to include so much backstory, much of it graphically violent and unnecessarily detailed for a romance makes it not richly drawn but almost roccoco. The characters stay flat and black and white with very few exceptions (the reader is well advised to keep an eye out for Matthew and Judit, both of whom far outshine the lead characters they're meant to support.) The novel is strongest where the author feels most at home: the riches of America's movers and shakers, the bustling but integrated diversity of New York City, and the minutiae of Congress. The rest of it, no matter how fascinating, belongs in a different novel.
Mortman's ability to write a grand story is something the book testifies to, but her desire to include so much backstory, much of it graphically violent and unnecessarily detailed for a romance makes it not richly drawn but almost roccoco. The characters stay flat and black and white with very few exceptions (the reader is well advised to keep an eye out for Matthew and Judit, both of whom far outshine the lead characters they're meant to support.) The novel is strongest where the author feels most at home: the riches of America's movers and shakers, the bustling but integrated diversity of New York City, and the minutiae of Congress. The rest of it, no matter how fascinating, belongs in a different novel.
December 29, 2013
I enjoyed reading about Katalin and all her many family, friends and acquaintances, but it took me FOREVER to get through the book. I'd never read anything about Hungary, or gypsies, so it was fun learning a little about those subjects. I think this book would make a good mini-series, as there is so much detail about lots of supporting characters. I am also a pianist, so I enjoyed the musical references.
The style of writing was a little too saccarin oftentimes for me, and the plot at times was a little too pat. The characters were a little too one-sided -- the good guys a little too good, the bad guys pretty obviously so. I think I liked Judit and Zsuzsanna the best -- a couple of "good guys" that showed some flaws. But the climax at the end was very clever, so all in all, I'm glad I stuck with it to the end.
The style of writing was a little too saccarin oftentimes for me, and the plot at times was a little too pat. The characters were a little too one-sided -- the good guys a little too good, the bad guys pretty obviously so. I think I liked Judit and Zsuzsanna the best -- a couple of "good guys" that showed some flaws. But the climax at the end was very clever, so all in all, I'm glad I stuck with it to the end.
June 24, 2024
Beautiful book, intriguing, heartfelt with just the right amount of realism on the one hand and glamour on the other. Loved the intertwining stories, second chance at love, the threat of losing it all. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves drama/romance novels set relatively realistically in history.
January 23, 2009
Despite the title and cover, this is one of my all time favorite books. Fantastic for a beach read or a wintery night, this is a riveting story.
January 30, 2009
This book is fantastic! One of my favorites! I would encourage anyone to give it a read! Doris Mortman is clearly underrated.
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May 8, 2009I read this before - it was great - so reading it again - my "light" reading - romance
Decided waste of time to reread a book -
Decided waste of time to reread a book -
August 4, 2011
I read this book when I was in college, and I know I have this in DTB format somewhere...and I really loved it!
April 3, 2012
Memorable and heart-wrenching.
Or maybe it's just because I'm in love with the guy who lent the book to me.
Or maybe it's just because I'm in love with the guy who lent the book to me.
June 28, 2012
Big and fat, really enjoyed it. Read every word.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews