BOOK REVIEW
The German Wife
Author: Kelly Rimmer
This story, while fictional, does refer to actual events that took place before and after World War two. It is set in both Berlin and Alabama, USA.
Told through the eyes of the wife of a German scientist, the story begins in 1934 in Berlin when her family and families like them are living fairly comfortably but at the same time are aware of changes that are taking place.
Her husband, Jurgen, is recruited to work for Hitler’s new rocket project but he eventually realises the Nazis plan to weaponise his technology. He is, also against his wishes, forced to join the Nazi Party.
In 1950 Jurgen and many other scientists are given a pardon and sent to USA to work for the USA’s fledgling space program.
Jurgen and his family, along with other German families, are settled in Alabama.
Life becomes very difficult for these families. They are not accepted by the local people. There is gossip which turns to fear and rage as they learn of their affiliation with the Nazi party. It takes some time before the actual truth is revealed but in the meantime much suffering takes place.
Kelly Rimmer has introduced me to an event in history of which I knew little and can see a link of non acceptance of people without knowledge of their ‘story’ to today’s world.
Rosalie Howarth
Author: Kelly Rimmer
This story, while fictional, does refer to actual events that took place before and after World War two. It is set in both Berlin and Alabama, USA.
Told through the eyes of the wife of a German scientist, the story begins in 1934 in Berlin when her family and families like them are living fairly comfortably but at the same time are aware of changes that are taking place.
Her husband, Jurgen, is recruited to work for Hitler’s new rocket project but he eventually realises the Nazis plan to weaponise his technology. He is, also against his wishes, forced to join the Nazi Party.
In 1950 Jurgen and many other scientists are given a pardon and sent to USA to work for the USA’s fledgling space program.
Jurgen and his family, along with other German families, are settled in Alabama.
Life becomes very difficult for these families. They are not accepted by the local people. There is gossip which turns to fear and rage as they learn of their affiliation with the Nazi party. It takes some time before the actual truth is revealed but in the meantime much suffering takes place.
Kelly Rimmer has introduced me to an event in history of which I knew little and can see a link of non acceptance of people without knowledge of their ‘story’ to today’s world.
Rosalie Howarth
