The school for German brides A novel of World War II

Hanna and Tilde are intelligent, strong willed, and compassionate--unwelcome qualities in 1938 Germany. After her mother's sudden death, Hanna is sent to live with her wealthy aunt and uncle, who waste no time grooming her to be a suitable wife for an SS officer, her own feelings notwithstanding. Tilde runs the fabric shop her Jewish mother started, hoping the Aryan features she inherited from her absent father can keep them safe as tensions mount. When Hitler's rhetoric leads to violence, each woman understands that one step out of line can mean torture and death for themselves and those they care about. Though they barely know each other, their lives intertwine when Tilde finds herself in a desperate situation and Hanna may be the only one who can help. Despite their very different circumstances, Hanna and Tilde each embody a delicate balance between utter helplessness and defiant bravery as they share their moving stories. Readers who enjoyed Martha Hall Kelly's Lilac Girls (2016) or Pam Jenoff's The Woman with the Blue Star (2021) will hold their breath as they root for these strong women.