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The Diplomat's Wife #1
The American Wife
With her heart in her mouth, Kitty let herself into her husband’s private study. She knew where he kept the papers that might save her dearest friend from the Nazis. She just had to steal them…
Vienna, 1937. When beautiful American Kitty becomes engaged to Austrian diplomat Edgar, she finds herself thrown into a very different world in Europe, and soon longs for home. But when the woman designing her wedding dress, Judith, takes Kitty under her wing, she sees the city of Vienna in a new light – a city of culture and music that she can explore with her new friend.
But when the Nazis come, the fact that Judith is Jewish means she is no longer safe. Kitty knows that as a diplomat’s wife she can steal the papers that will allow her closest friend to escape to safety, but will it mean betraying the love of her life?
Except that Edgar has grown distant and secretive since she joined him in Europe and, when war breaks out, Kitty wonders which side her husband is really on. And, as she prepares to betray him, Kitty begins to fear that she doesn’t really know the man she married at all.
Facing an impossible choice between her dearest friend and the man she loves, Kitty knows she must be brave, and do the right thing, no matter the personal cost…
An absolutely heartbreaking, powerful and gripping story about finding love, resilience and friendship in the midst of the darkness of World War 2. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, My Name is Eva and All the Light We Cannot See.
Praise for The American Wife:
“Fantastic… Wonderful… Superb… I did not want to put this story down. When my e-reader battery wore down I stood by the charger and read.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Outstanding… I was hooked by this book and couldn’t put it down… Incredible… Brilliant…
Oh my goodness… I loved this book.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A truly unputdownable book! The story kept getting better and better… You will have a hard time putting this book down.” @kayy_lambert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“INCREDIBLE!!!… Not to be missed. I cannot wait for the next in this series.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat right up till the end.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I loved loved loved this story!... I look forward to reading the next installment… Beautifully written!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Achingly beautiful… Fascinating… Stunning… It engrossed me to the point of ignoring my surroundings!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wow! What a story!... I was on the edge of my seat!” @thattravelinglibrarian ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Thrilling… Kept me riveted to my sofa.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely heartbreaking, powerful and gripping.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Fantastic… I read this book in two days… It was a treat from start to finish.” @justineg_author ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Incredible… Fascinating… Wonderful… I laughed a little and cried a lot.” Rachel Wesson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I cannot wait for the next book to be published… Highly recommend to every reader!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Will keep readers in suspense until the very end!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Easily one of my favorite reads this year.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vienna, 1937. When beautiful American Kitty becomes engaged to Austrian diplomat Edgar, she finds herself thrown into a very different world in Europe, and soon longs for home. But when the woman designing her wedding dress, Judith, takes Kitty under her wing, she sees the city of Vienna in a new light – a city of culture and music that she can explore with her new friend.
But when the Nazis come, the fact that Judith is Jewish means she is no longer safe. Kitty knows that as a diplomat’s wife she can steal the papers that will allow her closest friend to escape to safety, but will it mean betraying the love of her life?
Except that Edgar has grown distant and secretive since she joined him in Europe and, when war breaks out, Kitty wonders which side her husband is really on. And, as she prepares to betray him, Kitty begins to fear that she doesn’t really know the man she married at all.
Facing an impossible choice between her dearest friend and the man she loves, Kitty knows she must be brave, and do the right thing, no matter the personal cost…
An absolutely heartbreaking, powerful and gripping story about finding love, resilience and friendship in the midst of the darkness of World War 2. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, My Name is Eva and All the Light We Cannot See.
Praise for The American Wife:
“Fantastic… Wonderful… Superb… I did not want to put this story down. When my e-reader battery wore down I stood by the charger and read.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Outstanding… I was hooked by this book and couldn’t put it down… Incredible… Brilliant…
Oh my goodness… I loved this book.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A truly unputdownable book! The story kept getting better and better… You will have a hard time putting this book down.” @kayy_lambert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“INCREDIBLE!!!… Not to be missed. I cannot wait for the next in this series.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat right up till the end.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I loved loved loved this story!... I look forward to reading the next installment… Beautifully written!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Achingly beautiful… Fascinating… Stunning… It engrossed me to the point of ignoring my surroundings!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wow! What a story!... I was on the edge of my seat!” @thattravelinglibrarian ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Thrilling… Kept me riveted to my sofa.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely heartbreaking, powerful and gripping.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Fantastic… I read this book in two days… It was a treat from start to finish.” @justineg_author ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Incredible… Fascinating… Wonderful… I laughed a little and cried a lot.” Rachel Wesson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I cannot wait for the next book to be published… Highly recommend to every reader!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Will keep readers in suspense until the very end!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Easily one of my favorite reads this year.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2023
2211 people are currently reading
2124 people want to read
About the author
Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger
17 books250 followersAward-winning historical fiction!
Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger is a Ukrainian-American who transplanted to Austria.
Born in 1969, she grew up in the culture-rich neighborhood of "Nordeast" Minneapolis and started her writing career with short stories, travel narratives, and worked as a journalist and managing magazine editor, before jumping the desk and pursuing her own writing and traveling.
Her books tackle David-vs.-Goliath themes with strong women battling for the Underdogs against a system, be it political, geographical, or industrial. Sometimes all three. "I enjoy discovering the good, the bad, and the ugly in my characters when they come into conflict," she says. "And all of my stories have been inspired by injustices I've discovered along my travels."
The RESCHEN VALLEY series is based on the South Tyrolean-Italian conflict during the interwar period and was inspired by her travels to the Reschen Lake reservoir.
Her collection of short stories, which "reads like a novel", SOUVENIRS FROM KYIV won the silver medal in the IPPY Book Awards 2020 and features six stories inspired by true accounts from WW2 Ukraine. THE WOMAN AT THE GATES is what she identifies as her magnum opus and is based on her family in WW2 Ukraine.
THE GIRL FROM THE MOUNTAINS was inspired by an anecdote about a Nazi family from Austria.
The DIPLOMAT'S WIFE trilogy (released in 2023) follows Kitty Larsson, a U.S. senator's daughter who marries an Austrian diplomat before the Anschluss, only to discover that his family is not what she thought they were. Part spy-thriller, part political-thriller, the series promises a wild romp as Kitty navigates the events of WW2 with her moral compass in hand.
And in 2024, Chrystyna's first middle-grade historical fiction novel will be published by Scholastic USA. Set in 2014 Sevastopol, SWIMMING WITH SPIES is about 12-year-old Sofiya who is forced to wrestle with her Ukrainian identity as Russians swarm her peninsula and annex it. When they threaten to seize the dolphins in her father's care, she races against time to save them from a brutal fate.
Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger is a Ukrainian-American who transplanted to Austria.
Born in 1969, she grew up in the culture-rich neighborhood of "Nordeast" Minneapolis and started her writing career with short stories, travel narratives, and worked as a journalist and managing magazine editor, before jumping the desk and pursuing her own writing and traveling.
Her books tackle David-vs.-Goliath themes with strong women battling for the Underdogs against a system, be it political, geographical, or industrial. Sometimes all three. "I enjoy discovering the good, the bad, and the ugly in my characters when they come into conflict," she says. "And all of my stories have been inspired by injustices I've discovered along my travels."
The RESCHEN VALLEY series is based on the South Tyrolean-Italian conflict during the interwar period and was inspired by her travels to the Reschen Lake reservoir.
Her collection of short stories, which "reads like a novel", SOUVENIRS FROM KYIV won the silver medal in the IPPY Book Awards 2020 and features six stories inspired by true accounts from WW2 Ukraine. THE WOMAN AT THE GATES is what she identifies as her magnum opus and is based on her family in WW2 Ukraine.
THE GIRL FROM THE MOUNTAINS was inspired by an anecdote about a Nazi family from Austria.
The DIPLOMAT'S WIFE trilogy (released in 2023) follows Kitty Larsson, a U.S. senator's daughter who marries an Austrian diplomat before the Anschluss, only to discover that his family is not what she thought they were. Part spy-thriller, part political-thriller, the series promises a wild romp as Kitty navigates the events of WW2 with her moral compass in hand.
And in 2024, Chrystyna's first middle-grade historical fiction novel will be published by Scholastic USA. Set in 2014 Sevastopol, SWIMMING WITH SPIES is about 12-year-old Sofiya who is forced to wrestle with her Ukrainian identity as Russians swarm her peninsula and annex it. When they threaten to seize the dolphins in her father's care, she races against time to save them from a brutal fate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
April 15, 2023
Kitty's meeting with Edgar, a friend of her brother, Nils, meant Kitty had no desire to return to America. Instead she gained a position in Vienna which would keep her close to where Edgar lived and worked. Kitty's position became tenuous when the Nazis infiltrated Vienna, and her marriage to Edgar on New Year's Eve held great excitement, as well as trepidation, for Kitty. Her dress had been designed by a woman who'd become a close friend, but Judith and her son Oskar were Jewish and danger was creeping closer. Kitty was determined to help her friends - the gang as she called them - without her husband's help, as she was certain he was on the side of the Germans.
The Resistance were flourishing in Vienna and soon Kitty was deeply involved, without Edgar knowing what she was doing. He travelled a lot with his work, which made it far easier for her. But when the Germans picked her up for a misdemeanor, they told her they now had a folder of her. Kitty knew she needed to be more careful than ever. As danger came closer, Edgar and Kitty grew further apart. But she didn't trust him - how could she? Would her plans succeed?
The American Wife is the 1st in The Diplomat's Wife series by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kitty's courage and bravery stood out as she struggled to overcome her terror at what was happening. Plus her determination to stay in Vienna to help her dearest friends, instead of escaping to safety in America, showed her true strength. I'm looking forward to #2 very much. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The Resistance were flourishing in Vienna and soon Kitty was deeply involved, without Edgar knowing what she was doing. He travelled a lot with his work, which made it far easier for her. But when the Germans picked her up for a misdemeanor, they told her they now had a folder of her. Kitty knew she needed to be more careful than ever. As danger came closer, Edgar and Kitty grew further apart. But she didn't trust him - how could she? Would her plans succeed?
The American Wife is the 1st in The Diplomat's Wife series by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kitty's courage and bravery stood out as she struggled to overcome her terror at what was happening. Plus her determination to stay in Vienna to help her dearest friends, instead of escaping to safety in America, showed her true strength. I'm looking forward to #2 very much. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2023
It's Vienna in the year 1937, when our heroine Kitty becomes engaged to an Austrian diplomat and once they prepare for their wedding, Kitty meets and becomes best friends with Judith a Jew. When the Nazis take over Vienna, Kitty realizes that Judith's life as well as those of the other Jews is in grave danger.
Her new husband, Edgar, seems uninterested in the political rumblings of the time, as well as losing interest in his wife, Kitty. As war approaches, their rift seems to deepen and Kitty is torn between Edgar, who she believed she had loved, or to her friend, Judith.
Where her dilemma takes her is the basis of this new series and was an exciting adventure into the world of intrigue, spies, and lives threatened and danger around every door.
I really enjoyed this fast moving story and will continue into the next book which promises more intrigue and danger for Kitty and Edgar.
Thank you to Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ability to listen to this exciting story narrated by Narrated by Madeline Pell published on April 14,2023.
Her new husband, Edgar, seems uninterested in the political rumblings of the time, as well as losing interest in his wife, Kitty. As war approaches, their rift seems to deepen and Kitty is torn between Edgar, who she believed she had loved, or to her friend, Judith.
Where her dilemma takes her is the basis of this new series and was an exciting adventure into the world of intrigue, spies, and lives threatened and danger around every door.
I really enjoyed this fast moving story and will continue into the next book which promises more intrigue and danger for Kitty and Edgar.
Thank you to Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ability to listen to this exciting story narrated by Narrated by Madeline Pell published on April 14,2023.
October 9, 2023
Don't shoot the messenger: I'm going to admit that I am the author's husband and I have never left a review. Ever. Of anyone's work, but I am compelled to do so in this case.
I usually read all of her books as she is writing them, but our circumstances are such that I never got to sneak-peek past the first three chapters, Now that I've had access to the audiobook, I can't help it. I have to write this down. Usually, I thrive on late-night dinners, and hashing out plotlines, but I've been out of the loop on this whole series (except that I know when she's in Vienna researching, or in Paris, or in Vienna, or ... you get the idea). So, when she asked whether I wanted the early reviewer's audiobook, I was jumping up and down with excitement. The book blew me away.
Hist fic fans, you need to not just get it, but avoid putting it on your TBR pile. Read it. I mean, really, really read it. I thoroughly enjoyed this. It is a GREAT story. I was "there" when my wife conceived Kitty Larsson. On a Spanish beach, we hashed out a pitch. But this is nothing like I expected. Besides the fact that my wife essentially depicted our marriage during a very divisive time in Europe (btw: I'm Austrian, she's Minnesotan; I'm the "diplomat" in our relationship; she is the fireball and man, does she get things done!), I think she provides additional enlightening facts to Austria's AND America's roles in the events leading up to WW2. Wonderful insights, exciting story, and fantastic characters. And yes, she's my wife, but I am also her toughest critic (on second thought, maybe her mother is, but I definitely follow). Thank you to NetGalley for access to the audiobook. You helped me catch up on my wife's work and I really can't wait for the second one!
All opinions are my own. (She is not standing over me as I write this.)
I usually read all of her books as she is writing them, but our circumstances are such that I never got to sneak-peek past the first three chapters, Now that I've had access to the audiobook, I can't help it. I have to write this down. Usually, I thrive on late-night dinners, and hashing out plotlines, but I've been out of the loop on this whole series (except that I know when she's in Vienna researching, or in Paris, or in Vienna, or ... you get the idea). So, when she asked whether I wanted the early reviewer's audiobook, I was jumping up and down with excitement. The book blew me away.
Hist fic fans, you need to not just get it, but avoid putting it on your TBR pile. Read it. I mean, really, really read it. I thoroughly enjoyed this. It is a GREAT story. I was "there" when my wife conceived Kitty Larsson. On a Spanish beach, we hashed out a pitch. But this is nothing like I expected. Besides the fact that my wife essentially depicted our marriage during a very divisive time in Europe (btw: I'm Austrian, she's Minnesotan; I'm the "diplomat" in our relationship; she is the fireball and man, does she get things done!), I think she provides additional enlightening facts to Austria's AND America's roles in the events leading up to WW2. Wonderful insights, exciting story, and fantastic characters. And yes, she's my wife, but I am also her toughest critic (on second thought, maybe her mother is, but I definitely follow). Thank you to NetGalley for access to the audiobook. You helped me catch up on my wife's work and I really can't wait for the second one!
All opinions are my own. (She is not standing over me as I write this.)
December 17, 2024
Achingly beautiful The American Wife is the first in the new The Diplomat's Wife series. I am besotted and thirsty for subsequent installments.
In late 1930s Vienna, American Kitty and her new Austrian diplomat husband are passionately in love but both have secrets and political loyalties. Jews and other "undesirables" are persecuted and war is on the horizon. Judith is a Jewish friend of Kitty and Kitty uses her respected social position, verve, courage and tenacity to work with the Resistance. Edgar wishes neutrality.
Secrets have a way of ripping apart lives and relationships and entire countries are on edge. How far does one go to do the right thing? And who decides?
Chock full of fascinating historical detail, convincing characters, stunning twists and breath-holding situations, this novel encapsulates what I yearn for and dream of in a Historical Fiction. It engrossed me to the point of my ignoring my surroundings.
Author Chrystyna Lucyk Berger has a special way with words, making each count. Nothing is superfluous. She creates grippy atmosphere and tension and writes vividly with balanced detail. I was there!
My sincere thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this stupendous novel which really got under my skin in the best possible way. What a treat!
In late 1930s Vienna, American Kitty and her new Austrian diplomat husband are passionately in love but both have secrets and political loyalties. Jews and other "undesirables" are persecuted and war is on the horizon. Judith is a Jewish friend of Kitty and Kitty uses her respected social position, verve, courage and tenacity to work with the Resistance. Edgar wishes neutrality.
Secrets have a way of ripping apart lives and relationships and entire countries are on edge. How far does one go to do the right thing? And who decides?
Chock full of fascinating historical detail, convincing characters, stunning twists and breath-holding situations, this novel encapsulates what I yearn for and dream of in a Historical Fiction. It engrossed me to the point of my ignoring my surroundings.
Author Chrystyna Lucyk Berger has a special way with words, making each count. Nothing is superfluous. She creates grippy atmosphere and tension and writes vividly with balanced detail. I was there!
My sincere thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this stupendous novel which really got under my skin in the best possible way. What a treat!
May 6, 2023
The American Wife was a story that page after page started to grow and evolve better, at the beginning the heroine acted in a way that made me feel like the book was going to fall short but hey wait a minute, Chrystynas writing is always known at least to me to change in a way that you never know where the story or the characters will take you and that's is what I like about her books.
The American Wife is the story of Kitty a heroine who fell in love with a man who grew colder and more distant with each new day, making her feel like she did the wrong thing to marry someone who in the end was not what she knew or respected.
Kitty is one of those heroines who grew up with the story, who will surprise you and make you fall in love with her strength and her vivacious humor that constantly bothers the rest of the people who didn't understand her at all. This is exactly what I love about Kitty how she started as someone very naive and end up empowering herself and moving forward without looking back no matter what.
This is when she started to get involved with the resistance a group that will give her hope but at the same time, things will change forever in her life and also in her marriage making her also aware that she was living a very dangerous life one that she never had imagined.
without giving too much away this is a story that will captivate you and will leave you wanting more to the point that we can't wait for the second book to come out.
Audiobook: The Narrations by Madeline Pell were amazing, adding so much to the story and the characters making it even deeper.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the advanced copy of The American Wife in exchange for my honest review
The American Wife is the story of Kitty a heroine who fell in love with a man who grew colder and more distant with each new day, making her feel like she did the wrong thing to marry someone who in the end was not what she knew or respected.
Kitty is one of those heroines who grew up with the story, who will surprise you and make you fall in love with her strength and her vivacious humor that constantly bothers the rest of the people who didn't understand her at all. This is exactly what I love about Kitty how she started as someone very naive and end up empowering herself and moving forward without looking back no matter what.
This is when she started to get involved with the resistance a group that will give her hope but at the same time, things will change forever in her life and also in her marriage making her also aware that she was living a very dangerous life one that she never had imagined.
without giving too much away this is a story that will captivate you and will leave you wanting more to the point that we can't wait for the second book to come out.
Audiobook: The Narrations by Madeline Pell were amazing, adding so much to the story and the characters making it even deeper.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the advanced copy of The American Wife in exchange for my honest review
April 20, 2023
The American Wife kept me interested but not delighted. Instead of being swept up in the tale, I was frequently sidelined by asking "really?" Would Kitty really have fallen so quickly for someone she met briefly at a dinner? Would she really have been assigned to Vienna so easily? Would she really have been introduced so instantly to a group of marginalized characters? Were diplomatic assignments really made/broken/changed so indiscriminately? And I do not think it a great spoiler to say that Kitty REALLY could have guessed the ending of the story at least as far back in the book as I did. However, there were innumerable fascinating historical details I had not known, including the interesting fact that the voting age was raised in Vienna just prior to the Anschluss. I listened to the audio book, and the narration was excellent. I'm glad I read/listened to it, but I'm not itching to immediately get my hands on more of the author's work. I'm assigning four stars but rounding up from 3.5.
April 21, 2023
The American Wife is the first book in the new series, The Dilpomat’s Wife, recently read which takes us back in time to several years before the outbreak of World War Two. It’s refreshing to see the historical fiction genre being changed up a little bit instead of books just always solely focusing on the war years. I am loving that I am getting more background information as to the causes of the war and detailed explanations and explorations of the rise of Hitler and his anti-Semitism. This book is set primarily in Austria. We have all learned in history lessons in school that Hitler invaded Austria but then the actual details and the people who lived there well we never read about what happened to them. How their lives changed and what life was like under occupation. It was like it was one sentence in a book and then we learned about the next big move by Hitler. But here the author has given a voice to so many people and detailed how one American woman full of anger and grief at the futility of what was happening did so much to help those whose lives were more or less being annihilated all because of their religion and beliefs.
Kitty is a young American woman who wants to make her mark on the world. She comes from an affluent and influential family. Her brother Nils is a diplomat working in Japan is a strong influence on her life. She travels to Japan to visit him and she is shown a world that she would long to get her teeth into as she would love to work as a foreign service officer. Kitty meets Edgar an Austrian diplomat and she is totally struck by him. She can’t get him out of her mind so much so that she decides to go to Austria and seek him out. Her father gets her work in the US consulate in Vienna and here she is where she meets Millie who introduces her to the Gang. The Gang are a group of men and women from all walks of life. They are free and liberal and no one is judged for their sexual preference, their beliefs or religion. Kitty soon becomes firm friends with all of the gang and in particular Judith who is a Jewish fashion designer. She balances her time between work, Edgar and the gang and by the end of 1937 herself and Edgar are celebrating their marriage. Little does she know her love and faith are about to be severely tested.
1938 and the Nazi’s invade Vienna.Working at the consulate Kitty and her fellow workers know that there will be a stream of people seeking visas and passports as the net tightens around them. They do their best in what becomes a difficult and heart-breaking situation and when her friends need a lifeline she tries her best to give it to them. It really struck me how if you hadn’t any way of getting a visa and getting out of the country than you really were stuck and that there was nowhere to run to. So many people must have thought why is this all happening just because they were Jewish. They must have been in such a limbo waiting to see whether they would get a visa or else face the inevitable which would turn out to be the death camps but I guess they wouldn’t even have known anything about these horrific places given it was quite some time before the official outbreak of war when the majority of the story takes place.
I loved how Kitty always fought for the cause and the resistance work she becomes engaged in was fascinating and the fact that she used what was readily at her disposal really gave her the one up on Edgar. It was like she was putting two fingers up to him as he seemed to distance himself from her the further the book developed and the country’s situation changed. More so in the later half, I became fascinated with all of Kitty’s clandestine work and the fact she was so selfless and courageous.
The book is split into four different parts and to be honest I found the first half of the book hard work and I struggled to get through some of the chapters. I found the wording was heavy going at times and I found myself stopping to reread paragraphs to try and understand the bigger situation that was transpiring and how the characters slotted into this. The start was very slow. I do understood it all needed to occur so that the main characters could meet and fall in love but having the beginning set in Japan just more or less so that the meeting of two like minds could occur did nothing for the story in my opinion. I felt the story couldn’t get going as it was bogged down in unnecessary detail. If the opening section could have been shorter and subsequently the pair got together in a chapter or two and then move to Austria it would have been much better. I just kept waiting for the story to kick off so to speak and for me that didn’t occur until the midway point.
Then when things started to click for me, I really got into the plot and Kitty became an incredible character. She could see the brutality and violence starting to erupt all around her and knew how unjust and unreasonable the whole situation was. She was a clever woman who wanted to do everything in her power to help those who needed to get out of the country. I thought she was incredibly brave and forthright and never allowed men in a role of privilege to shoot her down especially when she had such valid and erstwhile opinions. Kitty really was torn between a rock and a hard place as Edgar was on the other side working as a diplomat and legal advisor to the German office in Vienna. Initially, they had seemed like a match made in heaven and throughout the years leading up to the war and the during the annexation of Austria they became polarised in their opinions. Needless, to say this caused anguish and mistrust in their relationship.
I couldn’t fathom how a man who was so enamoured with Kitty could not share the same beliefs as her. That he couldn’t be on the right side instead of supporting what the Nazi’s were doing with their racial laws. It just seemed unbelievable that someone could turn like that and I think kitty felt the same way and grappled with the fact that the man she loved was doing the exact opposite of what she was in her daily life. That being he supported the actions and rules introduced whereas Kitty was doing everything to save those affected by the new laws. Yet, there were moments of tenderness and togetherness that occurred every now and then between them. I questioned whether Kitty should have just gotten out of the marriage? Why stay with someone who becomes part of a regime that devoured, smashed and destroyed everything and everyone in its path?
After what I believe to be a rocky start, The American Wife redeemed itself in the second half. The writing didn’t feel as challenging to read and comprehend and I could see where the story was going and how little things were starting to fall into place. Kitty really does come into her own and the bravery, courage and resilience she shows is remarkable. She goes through heartache and devastation but friendship and love will be found amidst the darkness and her undercover work trying to assist in the bigger picture deserves nothing but admiration. At the start of the book she wants to work in the foreign service and little did she know that meeting Edgar would allow her to fulfil her potential in this regard and take her on a personal journey far beyond her realms of possibility.
Towards the end, I came to a certain realisation and I was kicking myself not to have guessed it earlier given upon reflection all the clues were there and this was another point that made the book redeem itself. It was a brilliant twist and made me revaluate everything I had read and the opinions I had formed. Things were left on a cliff-hanger of sorts in terms of what Kitty now knows and what she will do.Where she will venture next will be interesting to see in book two. I am caught up in her story now and can’t wait for the next instalment which I hope we will get sometime later this year.
Kitty is a young American woman who wants to make her mark on the world. She comes from an affluent and influential family. Her brother Nils is a diplomat working in Japan is a strong influence on her life. She travels to Japan to visit him and she is shown a world that she would long to get her teeth into as she would love to work as a foreign service officer. Kitty meets Edgar an Austrian diplomat and she is totally struck by him. She can’t get him out of her mind so much so that she decides to go to Austria and seek him out. Her father gets her work in the US consulate in Vienna and here she is where she meets Millie who introduces her to the Gang. The Gang are a group of men and women from all walks of life. They are free and liberal and no one is judged for their sexual preference, their beliefs or religion. Kitty soon becomes firm friends with all of the gang and in particular Judith who is a Jewish fashion designer. She balances her time between work, Edgar and the gang and by the end of 1937 herself and Edgar are celebrating their marriage. Little does she know her love and faith are about to be severely tested.
1938 and the Nazi’s invade Vienna.Working at the consulate Kitty and her fellow workers know that there will be a stream of people seeking visas and passports as the net tightens around them. They do their best in what becomes a difficult and heart-breaking situation and when her friends need a lifeline she tries her best to give it to them. It really struck me how if you hadn’t any way of getting a visa and getting out of the country than you really were stuck and that there was nowhere to run to. So many people must have thought why is this all happening just because they were Jewish. They must have been in such a limbo waiting to see whether they would get a visa or else face the inevitable which would turn out to be the death camps but I guess they wouldn’t even have known anything about these horrific places given it was quite some time before the official outbreak of war when the majority of the story takes place.
I loved how Kitty always fought for the cause and the resistance work she becomes engaged in was fascinating and the fact that she used what was readily at her disposal really gave her the one up on Edgar. It was like she was putting two fingers up to him as he seemed to distance himself from her the further the book developed and the country’s situation changed. More so in the later half, I became fascinated with all of Kitty’s clandestine work and the fact she was so selfless and courageous.
The book is split into four different parts and to be honest I found the first half of the book hard work and I struggled to get through some of the chapters. I found the wording was heavy going at times and I found myself stopping to reread paragraphs to try and understand the bigger situation that was transpiring and how the characters slotted into this. The start was very slow. I do understood it all needed to occur so that the main characters could meet and fall in love but having the beginning set in Japan just more or less so that the meeting of two like minds could occur did nothing for the story in my opinion. I felt the story couldn’t get going as it was bogged down in unnecessary detail. If the opening section could have been shorter and subsequently the pair got together in a chapter or two and then move to Austria it would have been much better. I just kept waiting for the story to kick off so to speak and for me that didn’t occur until the midway point.
Then when things started to click for me, I really got into the plot and Kitty became an incredible character. She could see the brutality and violence starting to erupt all around her and knew how unjust and unreasonable the whole situation was. She was a clever woman who wanted to do everything in her power to help those who needed to get out of the country. I thought she was incredibly brave and forthright and never allowed men in a role of privilege to shoot her down especially when she had such valid and erstwhile opinions. Kitty really was torn between a rock and a hard place as Edgar was on the other side working as a diplomat and legal advisor to the German office in Vienna. Initially, they had seemed like a match made in heaven and throughout the years leading up to the war and the during the annexation of Austria they became polarised in their opinions. Needless, to say this caused anguish and mistrust in their relationship.
I couldn’t fathom how a man who was so enamoured with Kitty could not share the same beliefs as her. That he couldn’t be on the right side instead of supporting what the Nazi’s were doing with their racial laws. It just seemed unbelievable that someone could turn like that and I think kitty felt the same way and grappled with the fact that the man she loved was doing the exact opposite of what she was in her daily life. That being he supported the actions and rules introduced whereas Kitty was doing everything to save those affected by the new laws. Yet, there were moments of tenderness and togetherness that occurred every now and then between them. I questioned whether Kitty should have just gotten out of the marriage? Why stay with someone who becomes part of a regime that devoured, smashed and destroyed everything and everyone in its path?
After what I believe to be a rocky start, The American Wife redeemed itself in the second half. The writing didn’t feel as challenging to read and comprehend and I could see where the story was going and how little things were starting to fall into place. Kitty really does come into her own and the bravery, courage and resilience she shows is remarkable. She goes through heartache and devastation but friendship and love will be found amidst the darkness and her undercover work trying to assist in the bigger picture deserves nothing but admiration. At the start of the book she wants to work in the foreign service and little did she know that meeting Edgar would allow her to fulfil her potential in this regard and take her on a personal journey far beyond her realms of possibility.
Towards the end, I came to a certain realisation and I was kicking myself not to have guessed it earlier given upon reflection all the clues were there and this was another point that made the book redeem itself. It was a brilliant twist and made me revaluate everything I had read and the opinions I had formed. Things were left on a cliff-hanger of sorts in terms of what Kitty now knows and what she will do.Where she will venture next will be interesting to see in book two. I am caught up in her story now and can’t wait for the next instalment which I hope we will get sometime later this year.
January 31, 2025
Gertrude (Kitty) Larsson eagerly accepted her brother Nils's timely invitation to visit Tokyo, recognizing it as an opportunity for a variety of reasons. Nils, a skilled diplomat, is perfectly positioned to assist Kitty in landing a job and building vital connections toward her goal of becoming a Foreign Service officer.
Within hours of her arrival, Nils unexpectedly encounters an old friend from Oxford, Dr. Edgar Ragatz, who now holds a prominent role at the Department of Foreign Economics in Vienna. Little did they know that this seemingly chance meeting would lead to a web of intrigue and secrets as the world transformed in unimaginable ways.
The compelling novel is structured in four parts: Part 1 covers May to December 1937, Part 2 spans March to August 1938, Part 3 takes place from October 1938 to February 1939, and Part 4 unfolds between June and November 1939. The characters are vividly portrayed, bringing them to life on the pages. As individuals evolve in response to the turbulent events happening in their lives, country, and the world at large, their relationships are profoundly tested. Actions and reactions are hampered by secrets, most held with the best of intentions or required by employment, but without explanation, create a way of life marked by doubt and suspicion regarding one another’s loyalty, trust, love, and humanity. This story powerfully explores the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and its gripping nature is amplified by its foundation in historical events.
I recommend reading "The Author's Note" to learn about the author’s research used to portray historical figures and events of the period.
I was excited to be the winner of a signed paperback copy of this title in a drawing for newsletter subscribers. Thank you, Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger!
Within hours of her arrival, Nils unexpectedly encounters an old friend from Oxford, Dr. Edgar Ragatz, who now holds a prominent role at the Department of Foreign Economics in Vienna. Little did they know that this seemingly chance meeting would lead to a web of intrigue and secrets as the world transformed in unimaginable ways.
The compelling novel is structured in four parts: Part 1 covers May to December 1937, Part 2 spans March to August 1938, Part 3 takes place from October 1938 to February 1939, and Part 4 unfolds between June and November 1939. The characters are vividly portrayed, bringing them to life on the pages. As individuals evolve in response to the turbulent events happening in their lives, country, and the world at large, their relationships are profoundly tested. Actions and reactions are hampered by secrets, most held with the best of intentions or required by employment, but without explanation, create a way of life marked by doubt and suspicion regarding one another’s loyalty, trust, love, and humanity. This story powerfully explores the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and its gripping nature is amplified by its foundation in historical events.
I recommend reading "The Author's Note" to learn about the author’s research used to portray historical figures and events of the period.
I was excited to be the winner of a signed paperback copy of this title in a drawing for newsletter subscribers. Thank you, Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger!
July 21, 2023
What an opening book for the series. This has it all set between the backdrop of war. This deals with so much. A lot of research has clearly gone into the novel and this helps give it depth and keeps you hooked. The pace is pwrfect. There is just enough backstory.
The narrator does a good joy of protraying multiple characters without relying on too many accents. The story is brought to life. As the story centres on kitty i did find the male characters lacked a little deprh and sometimes found it harder to relate to rhem especially Edgar. This is how it meant to be qritten. In sime ways ots a love atory about discovering your true self against a backgroup of the worse human tragedy imaginable. I loved the twist at the end as it was unexpected and yet fitted so wrll.
It was a pleasure listen to and look firward to the next. This would appeal to a great number of readers not just those like historical romances.
Thank you net gallery and publisher for my arc
The narrator does a good joy of protraying multiple characters without relying on too many accents. The story is brought to life. As the story centres on kitty i did find the male characters lacked a little deprh and sometimes found it harder to relate to rhem especially Edgar. This is how it meant to be qritten. In sime ways ots a love atory about discovering your true self against a backgroup of the worse human tragedy imaginable. I loved the twist at the end as it was unexpected and yet fitted so wrll.
It was a pleasure listen to and look firward to the next. This would appeal to a great number of readers not just those like historical romances.
Thank you net gallery and publisher for my arc
May 22, 2023
This WWII story included some interesting details about the visa process for those trying to escape Nazi persecution. It also shed light as to why countries, such as the United States, were unwilling to change their immigration policies. Anti-Semitism guided immigration policies and led to countless deaths. FDR, president of the United States, used his anti-Semitism to allow the misery and suffering of others.
April 29, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really liked it, stuck with me & would recommend
Set in Vienna at the dawn on World War II, this book tells the story of Kitty, an American wife of an Austrian diplomat who befriends a group of artists who happen to have members who are Jewish and some, gay. When Kitty's friends are systematically arrested by the Nazi's, she joins the Resistance.
I loved how all the relationships were written and I really was rooting for Kitty and her friends. There is a plot twist that wasn't completely surprising, but enjoyable none the less. The historical figures and situations were meticulously researched and add so much to the story.
This book was true historical fiction, but with added mystery and intrigue, that was quite entertaining. I read it pretty quickly and loved the American diplomatic perspective.
The narrator, Madeline Pell, did a good job distinguishing the different characters with the way she used her voice with octaves for different characters. When she read Kitty, her voice was higher than I normally like, but I understand her artistic choices.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio, NetGalley, and author Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The American Wife is out April 14, 2023.
Set in Vienna at the dawn on World War II, this book tells the story of Kitty, an American wife of an Austrian diplomat who befriends a group of artists who happen to have members who are Jewish and some, gay. When Kitty's friends are systematically arrested by the Nazi's, she joins the Resistance.
I loved how all the relationships were written and I really was rooting for Kitty and her friends. There is a plot twist that wasn't completely surprising, but enjoyable none the less. The historical figures and situations were meticulously researched and add so much to the story.
This book was true historical fiction, but with added mystery and intrigue, that was quite entertaining. I read it pretty quickly and loved the American diplomatic perspective.
The narrator, Madeline Pell, did a good job distinguishing the different characters with the way she used her voice with octaves for different characters. When she read Kitty, her voice was higher than I normally like, but I understand her artistic choices.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio, NetGalley, and author Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The American Wife is out April 14, 2023.
July 21, 2023
What an opening book for the series. This has it all set between the backdrop of war. This deals with so much. A lot of research has clearly gone into the novel and this helps give it depth and keeps you hooked. The pace is pwrfect. There is just enough backstory.
The narrator does a good joy of protraying multiple characters without relying on too many accents. The story is brought to life. As the story centres on kitty i did find the male characters lacked a little deprh and sometimes found it harder to relate to rhem especially Edgar. This is how it meant to be qritten. In sime ways ots a love atory about discovering your true self against a backgroup of the worse human tragedy imaginable. I loved the twist at the end as it was unexpected and yet fitted so wrll.
It was a pleasure listen to and look firward to the next. This would appeal to a great number of readers not just those like historical romances.
Thank you net gallery and publisher for my arc
The narrator does a good joy of protraying multiple characters without relying on too many accents. The story is brought to life. As the story centres on kitty i did find the male characters lacked a little deprh and sometimes found it harder to relate to rhem especially Edgar. This is how it meant to be qritten. In sime ways ots a love atory about discovering your true self against a backgroup of the worse human tragedy imaginable. I loved the twist at the end as it was unexpected and yet fitted so wrll.
It was a pleasure listen to and look firward to the next. This would appeal to a great number of readers not just those like historical romances.
Thank you net gallery and publisher for my arc
April 28, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for the e-ARC of this book for an honest review!
For friends who loved The Nightingale, this is a very similar story (but different plot, in all the best ways).
Kitty is a strong woman, looking to change the world and then she meets Edgar, a very established gentleman, but very mysterious. Kitty's brother warns her that Edgar is not the best choice, but Kitty thinks he is being ridiculous.
Kitty finds herself in a very strange predicament when her Jewish friends start disappearing and she finds out that her husband Edgar is one of Hitler's biggest supporters. Kitty struggles between love and friendship as well as what in the world she should do in this wildly dangerous situation.
I loved this book, it did end the way I hoped it would and I thought that the author did an amazing job at telling this story. I see that there is another book in the works and I am READY for the sequel to this story.
If you enjoyed The Nightingale, I would say this would be a safe pick if you're looking for a similar story/setting.
Overall, I loved this book and I can't wait for book 2!
For friends who loved The Nightingale, this is a very similar story (but different plot, in all the best ways).
Kitty is a strong woman, looking to change the world and then she meets Edgar, a very established gentleman, but very mysterious. Kitty's brother warns her that Edgar is not the best choice, but Kitty thinks he is being ridiculous.
Kitty finds herself in a very strange predicament when her Jewish friends start disappearing and she finds out that her husband Edgar is one of Hitler's biggest supporters. Kitty struggles between love and friendship as well as what in the world she should do in this wildly dangerous situation.
I loved this book, it did end the way I hoped it would and I thought that the author did an amazing job at telling this story. I see that there is another book in the works and I am READY for the sequel to this story.
If you enjoyed The Nightingale, I would say this would be a safe pick if you're looking for a similar story/setting.
Overall, I loved this book and I can't wait for book 2!
April 10, 2023
3.5/5 - This book was a fun take on WWII historical fiction. The book is set in 1938 Austria, in the time leading up to the German annexation of Austria. Kitty is the American wife of an Austrian diplomat and working in the US consulate in Austria. I found the perspective of a American consulate employee working to help approve US visas—and the politics around it—to be very interesting. The book was well paced and had a fun twist at the end — though a lot of hints in the last quarter of the book had me guessing the twist before it came. Overall, I’d recommend this book to any WWII historical fiction fans.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2023
I found the American Wife to be an interesting story that has kept my attention throughout. The author has done a fantastic job with character development and setting. The characters are wonderfully written and relatable, and descriptions of the places are easily imagined. I find myself thinking about the book even when I'm not reading it. This book is not simply another account of life during WW2 but captures unique struggles that occurred during this period. The pressure of the political tide causes stress in the workplace, strife amongst family, affects friendships, and even causes issues in marital relationships.
Kitty finds herself in a difficult situation. She's newly married and because of political differences she is caught between her husband and her friends and struggles with the decisions that she must make which will affect those she knows and loves.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Kitty finds herself in a difficult situation. She's newly married and because of political differences she is caught between her husband and her friends and struggles with the decisions that she must make which will affect those she knows and loves.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
March 24, 2023
I loved this book, I loved the characters, I loved the story,it keeps your interest from the beginning till the end. The story has romance, friendship, mystery and suspense. It is a great book I highly recommend it to anyone. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I received a ARC copy of this book and this review is my own.
April 14, 2023
You know when you start reading a book by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger that you are going to get a book that will leave you thinking about it and compelling yourself to debate, what would I have done in this case. This book is exactly that and more, it will stay with you for long after you finish reading it.
The book is so well written that you feel inside the story, living the rising of the Nazi party and the beginning of WWII along with our protagonist Kitty Larsson, and American woman trying to become a diplomat in Europe and her Austrian husband Edgar.
The story is one of patriotism, love, danger, resilience, and standing up for your principles and what you think is right. The accurate historical details show the amount of research the author did in order to write the book and the dedication cates to her writing.
By mixing actual historical people, like the Americans Wiley and Morris and the British Thomas Kendrick, with fictional characters along with a superb plot and good characters we got a hard to put down book.
You should definitely get and read this book as soon as you can.
I can wait for the next book in the series.
Merged review:
You know when you start reading a book by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger that you are going to get a book that will leave you thinking about it and compelling yourself to debate, what would I have done in this case. This book is exactly that and more, it will stay with you for long after you finish reading it.
The book is so well written that you feel inside the story, living the rising of the Nazi party and the beginning of WWII along with our protagonist Kitty Larsson, and American woman trying to become a diplomat in Europe and her Austrian husband Edgar.
The story is one of patriotism, love, danger, resilience, and standing up for your principles and what you think is right. The accurate historical details show the amount of research the author did in order to write the book and the dedication cates to her writing.
By mixing actual historical people, like the Americans Wiley and Morris and the British Thomas Kendrick, with fictional characters along with a superb plot and good characters we got a hard to put down book.
You should definitely get and read this book as soon as you can.
I can wait for the next book in the series.
The book is so well written that you feel inside the story, living the rising of the Nazi party and the beginning of WWII along with our protagonist Kitty Larsson, and American woman trying to become a diplomat in Europe and her Austrian husband Edgar.
The story is one of patriotism, love, danger, resilience, and standing up for your principles and what you think is right. The accurate historical details show the amount of research the author did in order to write the book and the dedication cates to her writing.
By mixing actual historical people, like the Americans Wiley and Morris and the British Thomas Kendrick, with fictional characters along with a superb plot and good characters we got a hard to put down book.
You should definitely get and read this book as soon as you can.
I can wait for the next book in the series.
Merged review:
You know when you start reading a book by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger that you are going to get a book that will leave you thinking about it and compelling yourself to debate, what would I have done in this case. This book is exactly that and more, it will stay with you for long after you finish reading it.
The book is so well written that you feel inside the story, living the rising of the Nazi party and the beginning of WWII along with our protagonist Kitty Larsson, and American woman trying to become a diplomat in Europe and her Austrian husband Edgar.
The story is one of patriotism, love, danger, resilience, and standing up for your principles and what you think is right. The accurate historical details show the amount of research the author did in order to write the book and the dedication cates to her writing.
By mixing actual historical people, like the Americans Wiley and Morris and the British Thomas Kendrick, with fictional characters along with a superb plot and good characters we got a hard to put down book.
You should definitely get and read this book as soon as you can.
I can wait for the next book in the series.
September 20, 2024
Oh, this book...my anxiety level got way too high for someone my age! This is set in Vienna, in the years just prior to World War II which means the reader knows what is coming for the main character, Kitty Larsson. When women aren't considered for positions other than as secretaries, she desperately wants to join the U.S. State Department as a Foreign Service Officer. Of course, this is not to be even though she is more than qualified. Kitty manages to get a job in the secretarial pool of the U.S. Consulate in Vienna. We view the Nazi nightmare through this lens as desperate people are trying to get the few American visas available. The author uses American historical figures as part of the plot that are rarely mentioned when reading about World War II. The story provides insight into the shameful truth of U.S. immigration policies when we knew what was happening to Jews.
In this book, Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger has written a multi-layered story. There is Kitty's complicated marriage to an Austrian government official, her eclectic group of Viennese friends, and her work with the Austrian resistance group O5. As the daughter of a career Foreign Service Officer, I was impressed by how much research must have been done to write this. The author doesn't shy away from uncomfortable politics and she made me care desperately for Kitty's Viennese friends. Although this is the first in a new series, the ending doesn't leave you hanging in mid-air as some books in a series do. I highly recommend this to every reader and I cannot wait for the next book to be published! Many thanks to the author for inviting me to read the ARC and to NetGalley for making it possible.
In this book, Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger has written a multi-layered story. There is Kitty's complicated marriage to an Austrian government official, her eclectic group of Viennese friends, and her work with the Austrian resistance group O5. As the daughter of a career Foreign Service Officer, I was impressed by how much research must have been done to write this. The author doesn't shy away from uncomfortable politics and she made me care desperately for Kitty's Viennese friends. Although this is the first in a new series, the ending doesn't leave you hanging in mid-air as some books in a series do. I highly recommend this to every reader and I cannot wait for the next book to be published! Many thanks to the author for inviting me to read the ARC and to NetGalley for making it possible.
September 2, 2023
Really loved this book never knew the history of Austria during WW 2 so I found it fascinating to learn more about it.
Highly recommend for lovers of this genre
Highly recommend for lovers of this genre
April 26, 2023
This book was ok. I have read and listened to a lot of World War Fiction. It was interesting to learn from the viewpoint of people in Austria. I also liked the depictions and descriptions used. I thought the main character was not the most intelligent and certain things annoyed me. For example, I thought the word "gang" was used way too often and most likely would not be used in the late 1930s. There were also other things that wouldn't be accurate for that time period such as the ease of travel between Asia to Europe/US and the amount of telephones being used and ease of calling without operator assistance. The idea of a wealthy senator from Minnesota also didn't seem to be historically accurate but I have not read much political historical fiction to know about this. There was also a detail in the beginning of the novel where Kitty said there was a palm tree, it might have been fake, in the home she shared with Millie which really struck me as odd. I also figured out the identity of Pimm way before the reveal. I would give this novel three stars for the pacing of the book which kept me interested and engaged.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance listener copy of the American Wife.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance listener copy of the American Wife.
March 13, 2023
The American Wife, first in The Diplomat’s Wife series from Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger, is an excellent introduction to the series. Primarily set in Austria in the late 1930s, it tells the story of the rise in Hilter’s power and how easily the Nazi regimen- and their prejudicial sentiments- expanded beyond Germany. Lucyk-Berger paints a vivid imagery life in Vienna during that perilous time. Whether on purpose or accident, it draws the reader’s attention to how unethical leadership must be stopped and pushes the reader to draw the parallels between then and now. The main character is a tenacious fighter, unafraid for her own well-being, and determined to help who she can. I found myself holding my breath during certain parts, and completely blown away by the unexpected twist at the end. I am very much looking forward to the next installment. This series is a must-read!
Special thanks to Net Galley for providing an advanced reader copy to me, in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
Special thanks to Net Galley for providing an advanced reader copy to me, in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 8, 2023
This is an incredible book - I knew some of the real life characters whose stories inspired the book from the American Wiley and Morris to the British Thomas Kendrick. The author does a wonderful job of mixing fictional characters in with these real life people and the resulting story is fascinating. The 05 resistance group should be better known and thanks to this book, more people will learn about the bravery of some of the Viennese people. Not everyone welcomes the Nazis into Vienna and many of those who resisted paid the ultimate price. There are hints of torture and multiple deaths as you would expect from a novel based in this time period but none of it is gratuitous. The author leaves most details to the readers imagination. Against the background of true events, the fictionalised love story between Kitty and Edgar plays out beautifully. I laughed a little and cried a lot. Highly recommended.
April 14, 2023
A well researched WWII historical novel.
Set in Vienna in the years just prior to World War II
Kitty and Edgar, her Austrian husband have the perfect life until Hitler and his Nazi regime start to annexe Austria.
It’s a story of resilience and courage, as Kitty decides to join a resistance group to fight back against the Nazi’s.
A very informative and emotive book.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
Merged review:
A well researched WWII historical novel.
Set in Vienna in the years just prior to World War II
Kitty and Edgar, her Austrian husband have the perfect life until Hitler and his Nazi regime start to annexe Austria.
It’s a story of resilience and courage, as Kitty decides to join a resistance group to fight back against the Nazi’s.
A very informative and emotive book.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
Thanks Chrystyna, Bookouture & Netgalley for the preview copy
Set in Vienna in the years just prior to World War II
Kitty and Edgar, her Austrian husband have the perfect life until Hitler and his Nazi regime start to annexe Austria.
It’s a story of resilience and courage, as Kitty decides to join a resistance group to fight back against the Nazi’s.
A very informative and emotive book.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
Merged review:
A well researched WWII historical novel.
Set in Vienna in the years just prior to World War II
Kitty and Edgar, her Austrian husband have the perfect life until Hitler and his Nazi regime start to annexe Austria.
It’s a story of resilience and courage, as Kitty decides to join a resistance group to fight back against the Nazi’s.
A very informative and emotive book.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
Thanks Chrystyna, Bookouture & Netgalley for the preview copy
March 9, 2023
The American Wife will keep readers in suspense until the very end. American citizen Kitty thinks she has found the perfect husband in Austrian Edgar, and life is good until Germany starts looking at annexing Austria. Her new husband’s activities and his changing attitude towards her bring questions and fears, especially fears for her Jewish friends, as do the changes at the office where Kitty works. This is a story about resilience and resistance in the late 1930s when the Nazis were showing exactly what they were capable of but the world’s response seemed to be predicated on not seeing them as a significant evil. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
April 20, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC of The American Wife!
While I truly enjoyed the audio (the narration was effortless and drew me in!) I struggled with the plot. I had a few questions throughout and found myself raising my eyebrows instead of being blown away by the story. (Some situations came about a little too easily for a pre WWII era).
Kitty is quite a unique character, and I did enjoy getting to know her. I was fascinated with details that I didn't know before and that kept me going! I love a redemption story and the marginalized characters in the book definitely told an incredible one.
Overall, I give this book 3/5 stars.
While I truly enjoyed the audio (the narration was effortless and drew me in!) I struggled with the plot. I had a few questions throughout and found myself raising my eyebrows instead of being blown away by the story. (Some situations came about a little too easily for a pre WWII era).
Kitty is quite a unique character, and I did enjoy getting to know her. I was fascinated with details that I didn't know before and that kept me going! I love a redemption story and the marginalized characters in the book definitely told an incredible one.
Overall, I give this book 3/5 stars.
April 26, 2023
Harlequin sure, historical fiction not so much... No
5 star for the wife who can't/didn't look at the big picture harlequin-ish, selfish. It started off good pulling in for intrigue, but dropped from there to a 2-3 for historical relevance.
The story pulled no major emotions after the beginning intro to all the players. It then lost traction, lightly skimmed over some historical actors, who while not the most likeable characters did do something in the right place at the right time, but only almost.
Having read other work by this author I found this as a bit of a let down.
5 star for the wife who can't/didn't look at the big picture harlequin-ish, selfish. It started off good pulling in for intrigue, but dropped from there to a 2-3 for historical relevance.
The story pulled no major emotions after the beginning intro to all the players. It then lost traction, lightly skimmed over some historical actors, who while not the most likeable characters did do something in the right place at the right time, but only almost.
Having read other work by this author I found this as a bit of a let down.
April 14, 2023
This is a behind the scenes looked from the perspective of an American who married an Austrian and what life was like in Austria and Germany as the Nazi party began its takeover.
It was refreshing to have a wwii historical fiction that was focused more on the beginning of the Nazi takeover and what it looked like from inside Austria as it was annexed into the German Reich.
There are quite a few characters but it was never difficult to keep them straight and I was completely invested in all of their stories. It was a very fast one to listen to, taking only a day for me to finish it. It’s actually the first in a new historical series and I’ll be very curious to see where the next book goes!
Thank you Bookouture & Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
It was refreshing to have a wwii historical fiction that was focused more on the beginning of the Nazi takeover and what it looked like from inside Austria as it was annexed into the German Reich.
There are quite a few characters but it was never difficult to keep them straight and I was completely invested in all of their stories. It was a very fast one to listen to, taking only a day for me to finish it. It’s actually the first in a new historical series and I’ll be very curious to see where the next book goes!
Thank you Bookouture & Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2023
I was completely enthralled by The American Wife by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger. The story takes place in Vienna just before World War II and follows the life of Kitty Larsson, an American woman who becomes engaged to an Austrian diplomat, Edgar. Through Kitty's perspective, the author masterfully portrays the terror of the Nazi regime and the anguish of those struggling to obtain American visas. The plot is intricate and engaging, with Kitty's marriage to Edgar, her involvement with the Austrian resistance group O5, and her diverse group of friends in Vienna. As the daughter of a career Foreign Service Officer, I was impressed by the amount of research that must have gone into creating such a realistic and powerful story. The author bravely addresses uncomfortable political issues, revealing the shameful truth of U.S. immigration policies at that time. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and I am eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
Thank you netgalley for the advance readers copy!
Thank you netgalley for the advance readers copy!
July 22, 2023
couldn’t stop reading!
Another great WW 2 novel about a courageous woman in Vienna before and during Germany’s invasion. Kitty Larsson has spunk and heart as she fights the Germans secretly to save her friends and Jewish citizens. It’s a love story too with a twist at the end. A super read!!!
Another great WW 2 novel about a courageous woman in Vienna before and during Germany’s invasion. Kitty Larsson has spunk and heart as she fights the Germans secretly to save her friends and Jewish citizens. It’s a love story too with a twist at the end. A super read!!!
September 20, 2024
I really wanted to love this book but it just wasn't the book for me. I found the main protagonist whiny and over-dramatic. The twist that comes at about the 80-85% mark was predictable from the first time the character was mentioned. I did find the ending to be heartwarming and it gave me the closure I needed so I didn't end with a bad taste in my mouth. Historically interesting too.
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