

The Taster
Author: V. S. Alexander
Narrator: Carol Monda
Unabridged: 11 hr 58 min
Format: Digital Audiobook Download
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Published: 01/30/2018
Categories: Fiction, Historical Fiction
Author: V. S. Alexander
Narrator: Carol Monda
Unabridged: 11 hr 58 min
Format: Digital Audiobook Download
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Published: 01/30/2018
Categories: Fiction, Historical Fiction
V. S. Alexander is the acclaimed author of The Sculptress, The Traitor, The Irishman’s Daughter, The Magdalen Girls, and The Taster. His novels feature strong women protagonists whose lives take them on incredible journeys in settings fraught with danger and intrigue where, along the way, they learn about life, love, and themselves. He is an ardent student of history with a strong interest in music and the visual arts, and some of his writing influences include Shirley Jackson, Oscar Wilde, Daphne du Maurier, or any work by the exquisite Brontë sisters. Find him online at VSAlexander.com.
Carol Monda is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and accomplished voice-over artist. She is also an award-winning actor known for her work in Out of Season, After You Left, and The Gentlemen.
5 stars! This was a captivating, suspenseful, addictive and fascinating read! This story revolves around Magda Ritter, a young woman employed by Hitler during WWII. Magda blindly applied for work with the Third Reich, not knowing what the job would be – she was simply looking for employment. She was......more
Classic case of "good concept, bad execution". The Taster is a World War II story told from the point of view of one of Hitler's food tasters, meant to protect him from poisoning attempts. Great concept, but that's about all this book has going for it. (WARNING: I'm going to spoil the ending a the e......more
4.5 It's 1943- Magda Ritter, young ,naive and German. She is a food taster for the Fuhrer. Her position would place her in the Teahouse at Hitler's Berghof, The Wolf's Lair and The Furer's Bunker in Berlin. -Is this a job she seeked? NO -Did she want to be separated from her parents/family? NO -Was she a......more
(Please excuse the really bad pun! I can’t believe I’m using it! 😬 ) 4 delicious stars to The Taster! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ The Taster was highly recommended by my friend, Holly. Who knew there were food tasters for Hitler during WWII? This dangerous job was viewed as their service to The Reich. Magda’s story......more
“Monda adds an authentic German accent and accurate pronunciations to her excellent narration. Her rich alto makes the male voices particularly convincing…[and] creates a memorable listening experience.” Booklist (audio review)
“Totally gripping and credible…an impressive and engaging novel that humanizes historical events and provides the rich texture of a life meeting momentous challenges in momentous times…[Alexander] demonstrate[s] a great talent for blending recovered fact with vivid imagination.” Florida Weekly
“This well-researched novel allows readers an intimate glimpse into Hitler’s mental state, Eva Braun’s place in his life, and his war strategies…An interesting reimagining of a key moment in history.” RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
“Alexander’s intimate writing style gives readers openings to wonder about what tough decisions they would have made in Magda’s situation…Book clubs and historical fiction fans will love discussing this and will eagerly await more from Alexander.” Library Journal
“This haunting and engrossing novel will appeal to fans of Anthony Doerr and Kristin Hannah.” Booklist