This tale, set in the fall of Germany in World War II, unpacks themes of love, loss, the Third Reich, the Holocaust, and the meaning of life. One of the main characters Max returns home after being injured fighting for the Nazis only to find his mother housing two Jewish girls in the attic. All the girls’ relatives have been murdered. Max’s values – formed by the Hitler Youth in rebellion against his Christian parents – are quickly called into question by his mother’s persevering faith and by the decency of the Jewish sisters Lola and Heidi.
Thus begins a road where this once-Nazi soldier becomes an opponent of the Third Reich. In the process, he falls in love with one of the Jewish sisters. They seek shelter together, and he defends her as Germany crumbles to Soviet, British, and American invaders. They lose everything, but seem to gain an inner sense of self-respect with each indignity. Survival amidst abiding love becomes the motif of their lives.
Gabriel integrates a wide scope of history into this text. He also alternates genres of fiction in rapid sequence. Just when it seems that the novel has settled into one archetype (like a romance or a war novel), the action alternates into something different. Clearly, Gabriel is a master of writing historical fiction. Not much stands to be improved, but were I to suggest something, it would be in pulling minor historical details into the narrative. I didn’t learn a whole lot I didn’t know about the time period, but I am already well-read in this era. I would have liked to have learned a few nuggets of new material that could drive the unfolding of plot.
Appropriate audiences include war-buffs as well as fans of romances. Be forewarned: Many dark and tragic losses occur in this book. Positive human themes shine through, but the end of Nazi Germany and the Soviet invasion of eastern Europe did not, to say the least, usher an immediate utopian era. There are periods of positivity, but those are bookended by sadness. The perseverance of love amidst sorrow abides as a theme. As previously mentioned, readers steeped in World War II history might find some of the historical details superficial.
Overall, Gabriel spins together an interesting tale full of intrigue. This page-turner should collect larger audiences of those who appreciate good stories. The book is skillfully told, and its fast-moving plot will not disappoint. Love ultimately triumphs despite all the dark that Nazis and Soviets can throw at it and despite how tragedy seems to ineluctably follow moments of human warmth. In that respect, this story captures the essence of human life on earth and reminds readers of the inner strength that can be gained through suffering.
The Girls in the Attic
By Marius Gabriel
Copyright (c) 2021
Lake Union Publishing
ISBN13 9781542028059
Page Count: 345
Genre: Historical Fiction
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