The Taster
The Taster by V.S. Alexander, published by Kensington on January 30, 2018, is a historical fiction novel that delves into the complexities of life during World War II. Set against the backdrop of Hitler’s regime, the story follows Magda Ritter, a young German woman whose parents send her to Bavaria in hopes of shielding her from the dangers of war. Assigned to the Berghof, Hitler’s mountain retreat, Magda’s role as a food taster places her in a precarious position, balancing the extremes of privilege and terror while grappling with her own moral dilemmas.
Readers will find a vivid exploration of Magda’s experiences as she navigates her dangerous occupation and the realities of the Reich’s atrocities. Her growing awareness of the war’s impact, coupled with her love for a conspirator within the SS, draws her into a plot that challenges her loyalty and courage. The Taster examines themes of sacrifice, safety, and vengeance, presenting an emotional narrative that reflects the harrowing moral choices faced during this tumultuous period. With 336 pages, this edition offers a compelling look at the historical and personal struggles of its characters.
Official synopsis Publisher
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.
Praise for V.S. Alexander’s The Magdalen Girls
“Fans of Barbara Davis and Ashley Hay will enjoy this tenderhearted story of sinner, saints, and redemption.”
–Booklist
“Alexander has clearly done his homework. Chilling in its realism, his work depicts the improprieties long abandoned by the Catholic Church and only recently acknowledged. Fans of the book and film Philomena will want to read this.” –Library Journal
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