Not Fully German. Not Fully Jewish. Not Fully Straight. How Will They Survive The Holocaust? Yet again Soraya Lane returns to historical fiction during WWII with yet another aspect you've never likely considered. Before the rise of Hitler, before the collapse of Germany due to the Versailles excesses, it was possible - if perhaps frowned upon in at least some circles - for a German to marry a Jew and have kids with them. What happens *after* the rise of Hitler and Nazism to those children?

We know from the history books that homosexuals were sent to some of the same concentration -and extermination - camps Jews were during the "Final Solution". But have *you* ever read a fictionalized version of what their lives could have been like? What if I told you that one particularly harrowing incident - you'll know it when you see it here - was taken straight from Lane's actual research and that that particular scene was only barely fictionalized at all?

Lane, as usual, manages to build a metric shit-ton of research into making her historical fiction as real and as tense as possible, without making it ever seem like an info-dump in any way. These people, though completely fictional, are going to *feel* like people you will think you could have known during this period. (Which gets weird if you, like me, are the grandchild of two American soldiers of this period, both of whom survived the Battle of the Bulge during the period of the story in this book, one of whom got a few fairly high ranking medals for his actions in that particular battle.)

For those that could ever doubt just how horrible the Third Reich was - and yet, just how *normal* at least some people who lived under it were - Lane is here to show you in stark imagery just how wrong you truly are. And yet she's never going to preach to you at all - she's simply going to tell her story her way and highlight several different very real incidents along the way. Incidents you may not have heard about, no matter how much you study that period yourself.

Very much recommended.

This is a deeply moving story about how and why Amira became the pianist’s wife, and what happened to her and Fred in WW2 and beyond. It’s a compelling and intense tale of strong friendship, loyalty and trust, but full of secrets that could kill. Gripping, raw & at times so harrowing as the Holocaust was for the Jews and the Mischling (one Jewish parent children/young adults). A very gutsy write by Soraya. Well researched and informative. It tells of bravery and survival. It’s an unconventional love story, but there’s despair and heartache too, with consequences.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley and Lake Union. I am writing a voluntary, honest review. Highly recommend

I feel like I’ve run out of words to describe how beautiful and moving Lane’s historical fiction books are. Every single time I see her name pop up on Netgalley or Amazon Reading Lists, my heart speeds up. She’s my favourite historical fiction author and this book further cements that. This could have been a run of the mill WWII story, but as always, she added something so much more to it. The plot itself was fresh and interesting, I’ve not read a war story that focuses on marriage of convenience, especially between two characters as different as Amira and Fred. Lane writes these two with so much passion and emotion that I truly felt myself compelled to keep reading, so much so that I finished this in one sitting!

As always, the sensitive subject was handled with immense care. It’s clear that research and time went into this novel as did planning and character development. I enjoyed every moment reading this and was crying by the end of it. If Lane writes 100 WWII novels, I’ll read them all. Another spectacular story packed full of real, raw feelings and sacrifices.

This is a WWII book that will really get you to thinking.
In this book, the pianist actually played piano. Many times., a pianist referred to a radio operator.
Jews were not the only people group condemned to death camps and this book bears that out.
Whether you agree with the moral choices of the characters or not, when push comes to shove to save yourself, many decisions may be based on survival.
This storyline tells about yet another camp where few “lucky” prisoners were kept. Their life span was usually longer.
I appreciate that the author wants readers to stay informed so that the past is not repeated.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

What an incredible piece of fiction! I absolutely adore any book that not only moves me but also wishes to make room in my memory for a long long time! Well written! Loved it!

Such a moving book with so many twists and turns!

This story is woven with betrayal, unwavering loyalty, love, and danger, and I could not put this book down. Soraya Lane is the Queen of WWII fiction!

5 stars out of 5 ⭐️

It's not often a book moved me to tears but this one had that effect more than once. Such sensitive handling of an incredibly painful subject. It's a book for our time and one that needs disseminating to all our younger generations as the very same prejudices and anti Semitic propaganda once again raise their ugly heads. How easy to forget the lessons of our so recent past and to let this evil once again infest our world. The author walked the tightrope of abhorring the evil perpetuated by the many whilst managing to show the human face of some brave Germans even those involved in these abominations. Amira and Fred's story and that of the fiercely brave and loyal Giselle and her SS husband Hans ,are handled with such loving empathy. I am in total awe and can't recommend this highly enough.

This book got me over my historical fiction reading slump! Lane weaves tales of friendship, love, and resilience, highlighting the difficult choices people made to survive. While some parts of the plot are predictable, the complex relationships and the high stakes make this an engaging and thought-provoking read. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a WWII historical fiction with heart!

I did the happy dance when NetGalley approved me for an ARC of Soraya M. Lane's newest novel, The Pianist's Wife and I was not disappointed. Lane's novels always catch my interest right away and make me want to read way longer than I should! Amira and Gisele are best friends in WWII Germany but Amira's mother was Jewish which made her, according to the Nazis, a "mischling," and for a while, she was able to continue to go to school and her life did not change that much. Her father, who worked for the Nazis, saw what was coming and was able to get her fraudulent documents which stated that she had no Jewish blood, and they move out of their small town to Berlin. Amira tries to live a normal life, socializing with Gisele when she moves to Berlin to further her studies. It is hard to detail the plot in any depth without major spoilers - and although it was difficult to read at times (because we know that the Nazis were awful people), I enjoyed the novel and recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

What a page turner, and it will stay with you after the last page. When Amira Schafer starts her young life with friend Gisele, little does she realise how important that friendship will be to her! When the nazis start persecuting Jews it threatens the friendship when Gisele’s mother forbids her to have anything to do with dirty Jews. Things can only get worse. Amira lives her life with her secret threatening her very existence, then she meets Fred who himself has a secret, what will become of the pair? Meanwhile Gisele marries Hans, a high ranking German officer . The two just don’t mix.
The theme that runs through the book is “loyalty “. It was so strong between the girls/women.
The story is thrilling as it takes you on Amira’s journey through the many dangers. You may need tissues!

My favourite character was Gisele, for her loyalty (especially when she had to make difficult choices). The character who got an unlikely place in my heart was Hans, for his dedication to his wife. I’d have loved to have heard more about Gisele’s story after she received her news.
I think it’s the book I’ve enjoyed most from Soraya, even with the gory parts, I love books that are related to history and give you things to look up yourself (Blum’s’)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I got to read this arc ebook thanks to net galley and honestly wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was. I felt like this was a real story ironically some of the true stories used are ones I have heard of. I fell in love with Amira and Fred. I will say this was a story I never considered until this book I never thought what happened to the people who were half Jewish and half German so in many ways this was a eye opener. And even the research gone into this was so good i know before getting to the end where she talks about the research I was searching some of the things myself. It was a learning experience while it made me feel so much it was beautiful written and i can't speak for people but I feel it's a beautiful representation. I must also say the love her and fred had and how they never divorced touched my heart cause at that point they had a bond going though what they did and for that staying married doesn't even half explain what they mean to each other. They are soulmates and i feel you can have that without romantic love feelings. I definitely love all the hard work put into this book and probably will end up reading some more of her World War II books.

The heartwarming and heartrending story of love and loss - and how love can mean many things and make people family.

This is an unconventional love story: not focused on romance (despite what the book blurb implies), but on friendship and loyalty. Amira is Jewish, and Fred is gay; they are keeping these secrets while living in Nazi Germany. They enter a marriage of convenience so Amira can have a home and Fred can try to pass as straight. Amira's loyalty and friendships with Gisele and Fred are heartwarming.

This is a difficult and painful read, even darker, in some ways, than other historical fiction set in Nazi Germany. The book also includes characters who commit horrific atrocities yet they protect their family (or perhaps they believe they must commit those atrocities in order to protect their family). Those characters are, rightly, not portrayed as heroes, but it was still hard to see them portrayed with any sympathy.

Though some aspects of the story troubled me, this book is overall well-written and thoughtful. People who are interested in nuanced historical fiction, and willing to suspend a little disbelief, will likely find this story engaging.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions. This review is cross-posted on Goodreads.

Based on true history. My heart aches for all affected by the war, any war, past present and future.
Childhood friends Amira and Gisele have enjoyed a lifelong friendship, now they are adults. Amira has a secret that she's been shieled from and it really hasn't affected her until her father passes away. After his death she must face the harsh realities who she is and realizes even more why her father kept her hidden away for her safety.
Full of secrets that if found out could be life altering. No one should have to worry about not being accepted for who you are and your secret meaning death if found out. I love reading the author's books. Her books are so well researched, and I simply can't put them down. Engrossed in the book, it kept me company for the while afternoon. This book honors women and the sacrifices they make. May we never forget the victims of the wars and the ultimate sacrifices they have given.
This author's writing keeps me coming back every single time. Amazing!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Brillant, heartbreak and heartwarming are only a few words that describe this book. Soraya’s in-depth research is intertwined with fiction to achieve the most beautiful and moving stories. I continue to learn something new, even as an avid WW2 historical reader. I was pulled into The Pianist’s Wife, a story of survival, trust, loss and friendship. But also the heartfelt generational trauma and quilt and that a unconditional and unconventional love isn’t confusing or complicated it’s just….. love. I loved this book and felt it had the perfect ending I highly recommend. 5 stars
I would like to thank the author, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#ThePianistsWife #NetGalley

This is one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read! This story is full of love, pain, and heartbreak. Amira and Fred’s love story is very unconventional, but it is a love that is true and never ending. Once again, the stories of the Holocaust in Germany are haunting and tragic. Soraya Lane has given a beautiful voice to these victims.

Soraya Lane explores how ordinary people stepped up to make a difference in the lives of others at the time it was needed most.

Three things that stood out to me most while reading:
1) The examination of how quickly one can go from friend to outcast; the instant hatred that emerges when classmates discover one of their own has a different heritage. How does this new discovery make the victim feel, especially when treated differently from one day to the next by people one considers a ‘friend’.
2) The knowledge that something beyond one’s control is the reason that friends are separated. Children shouldn’t have to worry if they’re ever going to see their best friend again or if playing with them is not allowed.
3) The irony of Amira’s dad’s new job in Berlin!

Lies and secrets play a big role in historical fiction set during the Holocaust. Lane brings something different to the table using the role that lies and secrets played at this devastating time in history.

As politics and ethnicity continue to divide us, books such as this one are precious. May we learn to value the ripple effect of extending a hand to help a fellow human being as we graciously offer a hand up.

I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.