The Austrian Bride
My Review (4 stars out of 5)
Austria, 1938. Longing for a better future for her fellow Austrians, Ella is caught up in the excitement when Hitler marches into Linz. But her enthusiasm fades as she witnesses the Nazis methods. Encouraged to join the Reich Bride School by her boyfriend Max and his social circle, Ella begins to see a way that she might make a difference. Knowing she risks her own life and those of her family and friends, Ella must portray an image of herself that goes against everything she believes…
This is Helen Parusel’s second book focusing on World War Two, and it centres around a family who find themselves in a difficult position as they are forced to choose which side to support. Let’s be honest – this story has been told many times, but the author has her own take on these historic events, ably building tension as the influence of the Nazis pushes her characters towards danger and subterfuge. Ms Parusel’s use of language is occasionally a bit clunky, and some of the domestic scenes feel a little drawn out, but she tells a good story, throwing ever greater challenges and obstacles at her characters, and giving them plenty to think about.
A thoughtful and stimulating read.
Author Bio
Helen Parusel is a debut historical novelist, having been a teacher and a clothes buyer for M&S. She lives in Hamburg, and her first book is based on the Nazi invasion of Norway in 1940; while her second is inspired by war stories from her mother’s homeland of Austria, where she spent her early holidays.
Social Media Links
NB This post first appeared as part of the Blog Tour for The Austrian Bride, via Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources.
Colin Garrow 
HI Colin, another excellent book reminding readers about the horrors of WW2.
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Thanks, Robbie 😉
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Wonderful!
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Thankyou 😉
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