The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan
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Web ID: 15640718Gripping, heartbreaking, hopeful read
4.5 stars Mom read this book years ago and recommended it, but I never took the time to pick it up until recently, when I needed something new to listen to. I’m so glad I finally took the time for this book; it turned out to be a gripping, unusual read! While I’d classify this book as a World War II novel, one of the things that both surprised and delighted me was that this story starts well before World War II. I don’t feel like I’ve read many books that show what was happening in places like Austria before the war, so that aspect of the story was fascinating to me. As far as the storyline, I found myself heavily invested in both of the main characters’ perspectives. I couldn’t wait to get back to the other person’s perspective, while I thoroughly rooted for the one at hand. That part of the story was well done! I also loved that the main characters in this story were based on real people—it was a treat to get to know the “real” story after getting to experience all the drama and heartache of the fictional version. (And what happened near the end? Blew my socks off, and may have brought tears to my eyes—so beautiful!) If you enjoy women’s fiction with a good amount of history, some realistic drama, sacrificial love, and/or stories of women who become such good friends you could think they were sisters, you’d likely love this book. I enjoyed this read, and was only sad that it finished so quickly. I’m looking forward to checking out other books by Renee Ryan soon!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Who is your enemy
This book will awaken in you need for America to wake up. I read all Corrie Ten Boone's books on this time and saw the movies. Elsa was an Australian opera singer who became friends with Hattie a British typist. Hattie later turned to the art she wanted to do. It takes place in Europe during time of Hitler's reign. Good and bad happen during dark times. A husband may totally change and another couple work together to help the Jews escape Germany and draw closer. The pictures Hattie paints I spired by what she feels from opra music. The description are so good it is like you see the pictures in your mind. I have never been to an opera but through this book. I could picture the scenes. Excellent read for the time we live in
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Compelling
The story of two women, an opera singer and an aspiring artist who risk it all to help Jews escape the wrath of the Nazis. A gripping historical read, compelling characters and courageous women, as they face the growing unrest in Austria and Germany in the first rumblings of WWII. Based on a true story this is a rich historical novel of love and sacrifice. Elsa is a gifted singer, admired by Hitler, but she hides a dangerous secret of Jewish heritage. Her unlikely friendship with Vera and Hattie Featherstone allows them to work together to help Jews escape Germany. The story follows Elsa in two separate timelines, and I admired her strength throughout. Overall, a engaging and heartbreaking read, compelling and well written. Bringing to life treacherous times, and the courage of remarkable women. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Excellent Book. Hard to put down.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wonderful characters and topic. Anyone interested in early World War II history (late 30s/early 40s) as Hitler and the Nazis came to power will like it. It's a novel, but there is a lot of true-to-life events woven in.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
This is the first book of Renee Ryan's I've read, and it won't be the last. She writes well, and quickly engages the reader in the characters, plot, and setting. I had no idea that _The Secret Society of Salzburg_ was based on a true story until I read the author's note at the end, so hey guess what! :) It's based on a true story! LOL. This was also a very pleasant surprise, to be hooked so quickly after a read by another author that I, surprisingly, really couldn't get into; it was great to just dive right in and go, "I need to find out what happens here." For all the build-up and detail prior to the climax, I will say that the denouement felt a little rushed and lacking. "Here it is! The big question is resolved! And ... scene." The story easily could have been fleshed out more after--or some balance achieved by less detail from the get-go. I'm not sure what would have been best in either direction. That being said, the read is worthwhile and powerful. It's a story primarily about friendship; yes, there's romance, but the friendship is at the forefront, and that was a beautiful thing. Being a European Studies major and huge "White Collar" TV-series fan, I really enjoyed the insight into art and music during WWII (especially also given the amount of art theft during that time). (Note of caution, I will add there was a scene depicting a female character's intake into a concentration camp. The entire scene was maybe a page, and certainly light on details--but also didn't gloss over what the character went through, including a guard forcing himself on her. A brief and factual accounting, but in case it's problematic for the reader: it's there.) I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A Wonderful Novel Set During WWII
I love a good novel set during World War II and The Secret Society of Salzburg is not just a good novel it was a GREAT novel. It was quite apparent that Renee Ryan did extensive research. The story jumps between the 1930s and the 1940s and between England, Austria, and Germany. It tells the story of Austrian opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun and her friendship with sisters, Hattie and Vera Featherstone from London, England. Vera and Elsa formed a strong bond and helped each other to extract Jewish people from Austria The story was inspired by true events from WWII and Ms. Ryan brought her story to life beautifully. Ms. Ryan has created such strong, believable characters that they almost danced right off the page. Her words were at times almost poetic and deeply touched my heart. If you enjoy a good historical novel set during WWII then The Secret Society of Salzburg is a must-read. I highly suggest it. On a Five Star scale - 5 Stars! I would like to thank the author, Renee Ryan for my copy of The Secret Society of Salzburg. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review. The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
What a powerful story!
The Secret Society of Salzburg is a powerful story of courage and friendship set in WW2 that will stay with you forever! Renee Ryan tells the story of two girls, Elsa & Hattie, who become friends even though they couldn't be move different, to save as many Jews as they can. What a wonderful story filled with suspense, action and remarkable bravery in the midst of such evil. It really makes you think of what you would do if you were in either girls situation. A must read! I received a complementary book and in no way was required to leave a positive review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Loved This Book - Stongly Recommend!
Many people have referred to the leaders and heroes of the WWII time period as "The Greatest Generation" and that phrase brings to mind Winston Churchill, General Eisenhower, and the many military personnel from both side of the Atlantic. This historical novel features women who become heroes by saving the lives of Jews persecuted under Hitler's cruel anti-semitic laws in the 1930's and 1940's. The author makes these captivating women come to life with excellent, very believable, storylines and well-written characterization. The wordcraft is so well done that you believe that these are real people that you know and understand how they think and feel and even go about their daily routines. The reader grows to care very much about them and really wants to know how everything will work out for them. While one can learn about some truths about life during that time period, this is not at all a dry, boring, history class textbook. It is an intriguing story that starts with a shocking event and leads you through chapter after chapter wanting to find out what led up to the shocking event. And while the women are heroes because they have hearts of compassion for those they save, they are also women with hearts longing for someone to love them and care for them. While working on their secret society to save lives they also wonder about, and work on, their own relationships which keep us waiting until close to the end to find out what happens to each character. I received an advance copy of this book from the author for an honest review. All opinions given in this review are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com