City of Women by David R. Gillham

I received a galley of this novel from NetGalley for review. This in no way affected my opinions.

A simply stunning novel set in Germany during World War II.

How unique to read a historical fiction book set during World War II that shows the life of a German wife at home. Sigrid is a unique woman, but she herself does not see it. Every day she gets up and goes to work and comes home to an overbearing mother-in-law who she does not care for, and the feeling is mutual. Her husband, a soldier, is away, but it is clear that she is not missing him very much.

Sigrid becomes involved in the business of helping Jewish men, women, and children out of Germany. Very dangerous business, indeed. Not only will the consequences affect her, but those closest to her. All the while, Sigrid wonders what became of her Jewish lover, and dreams of him constantly.

I found the writing to completely gripping. From the synopsis, I knew this was going to be a good one, but I don't think I was prepared for how good. The writing reflected the story: suspenseful, not knowing what's around the corner, not knowing if you're being followed. The story was not so much action-packed, but the writing felt like it was. I would zip through pages and pages before I even realized how much time had gone by. I was completely absorbed in the story, holding my breath.

The ending was to my liking. It was the perfect ending for a story taking place during a war.

The story was a mix: suspense, mystery, thriller, all in the middle of a very intense time and place. How very suffocating I felt while reading, something that I'm sure I would have felt if I had actually been experiencing the events in the book.

A definite winner. I would be surprised if City of Women didn't become a bestseller.