The Kommandant's Mistress by Alexandria Constantinova SzemanMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Deeply satisfied is how I describe my time spent reading The Kommandant's Mistress.
This isn't a book for casual reading. Rather, the reader must pay attention because the story is written in a way that an image, a thought, a sound can transport the speaker to another scene. It's engaging, and engrossing, deserving all the praise that it has received.
The story is about the life of a ranking Nazi officer and his mistress told in their voice with their thoughts and feelings. It's not graphic although some parts are described so vivid, it's a challenge NOT to feel sympathy for each person despite how dastardly their actions appear.
The book begins with part one, The Kommandant, and immediately it's a challenge to find sympathy for this man given what history has taught us about the Holocaust. As the story unfolds, we see his rise to power, his ambition, and a small portion of his heart. The reader is offered a glimpse in his thoughts and although his crimes are heinous, we can see that this man is just doing his "job."
Part two is in the voice of the Mistress. Here we are seen how a person tries to survive in a world that she has no control over because of both her sex and her culture. When she does things that will allow her to survive, she is shunned by others in a less 'appealing' captivity. She is also hurt by those who are 'protecting' her. She is tortured with her desire for survival while living in an artificial existence.
Part three serves as a wrap up to the book, offering readers an opportunity to have closure while still having some things to ponder long after the book is completed.
The version I read also included a guide for readers who want to follow the story in a linear way as well as the thoughts of Alexandria Szeman. This was another bonus because this type of story is one that BEGS to know what the author was thinking.
While difficult to read for those not accustomed to the scene shifts, I recommend that you stick with this story. The ride is worth it.
Disclosure ***This post contains affiliate links. Alexandria Constantinova Szeman
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oooh that sounds like an intelligent read!
ReplyDeleteIt most certainly was! I read it last month and I'm still captivated by it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a book I am adding to my TO read list on Goodreads! Might have to pick it up for my upcoming vacation!
ReplyDeleteIt's worth the read!
DeleteWow-- not something that I would have picked up on my own, but will add it to my "to read" list.
ReplyDeleteIt took me three months to get past the first line. I was hooked after it. I had to slow down so I could savor the story!
DeleteI lived in Germany for awhile, and have an interest in European history because of it. This sounds like something that I would really like!
ReplyDeleteIt's really a great book. I am so glad I stumbled across this author.
DeleteWow--Definitely sounds like an intriguing read!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely!
DeleteSounds interesting. I may reccommend it for my book club tonight.
ReplyDeleteI hope they choose it. The version I have also has a readers guide from the author.
DeleteThis sounds like it would hard to read for a 'bleeding heart' like me LOL
ReplyDeleteThis def sounds like an interesting read! Thanks so much for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI have to make more time to read for leisure. I am constantly reading business books. Sigh. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I love to read and this sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I'll add this story to my reading list.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest. I'm not sure I'd like to read two perspectives. But I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIt was hard to switch from the characters, but I found it worked. I was able to draw the characters myself rather than let the author decide who I would like.
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