The Taster, V. S. Alexander
The Taster, V. S. Alexander
List: $22.95 | Sale: $16.07
Club: $11.47

The Taster

Author: V. S. Alexander

Narrator: Carol Monda

Unabridged: 11 hr 58 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/30/2018


Synopsis

Amid the turbulence of World War II, a young German woman finds a precarious haven closer to the source of danger than she ever imagined—one that will propel her through the extremes of privilege and terror under Hitler’s dictatorship.In early 1943, Magda Ritter’s parents send her to relatives in Bavaria, hoping to keep her safe from the Allied bombs strafing Berlin. Young German women are expected to do their duty—working for the Reich or marrying to produce strong, healthy children. After an interview with the civil service, Magda is assigned to the Berghof, Hitler’s mountain retreat. Only after weeks of training does she learn her assignment: she will be one of several young women tasting the Führer’s food, offering herself in sacrifice to keep him from being poisoned.Perched high in the Bavarian Alps, the Berghof seems worlds away from the realities of battle. Though terrified at first, Magda gradually becomes used to her dangerous occupation—though she knows better than to voice her misgivings about the war. But her love for a conspirator within the SS and her growing awareness of the Reich’s atrocities draw Magda into a plot that will test her wits and loyalty in a quest for safety, freedom, and, ultimately, vengeance.Vividly written and ambitious in scope, The Taster examines the harrowing moral dilemmas of war in an emotional story filled with acts of extraordinary courage.

About V. S. Alexander

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.

About Carol Monda

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.


Reviews

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

Goodreads review by Sheryl

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

Goodreads review by Holly

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


Quotes

“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