Nineteen year old Emma Bau had only been married a short time when the
Germans invaded Poland. Her new husband, Jacob tells her that he must
leave her, and that she is to return to her parents. However, she soon
discovers that they have been taken to the Krakow ghetto. She decides
to join them. It isn't long before she is very aware of the harshness
of Nazi rule.
Jacob arranges Emma's escape from the ghetto to his aunt' Krysia's home
in the country. Krysia is a devout Catholic. There Emma takes on a new
persona as a gentile. In addition to her new life, a young boy would
be added as her brother. He was the son of a rabbi. Some time after
learning her new persona, Emma is surprised when Krysia decides to host a
dinner party, which will include Germans. One of their guests is
Kommandant Richwalder, the deputy to the governor. Emma is shocked by
her reaction to him. She finds him very attractive. Later in the
evening her offers her a job as his secretary. She hesitantly accepts
the job.
Krysia sees it as an opportunity to gather information for the
resistance. However, on the first day, Emma quickly learns that mail
marked confidential is not to be touched by her. It isn't long before
she is nicknamed "The Kommandant's Girl" by jealous women working in the
office. After about a month she is asked to get security passes for
the resistance. Her work has now become more dangerous.
How long will it be before Emma is recognised by someone who knew her in
the past? How can she stop herself from the feelings that she is
beginning to feel about the Kommandant, for she knows that his feelings
for her are becoming serious. What will it cost her to take the next
step?
Once that step is taken, Emma feels betrayed by the Kommandant when he
goes on a date with another woman. Her feelings are getting the better
of her. Not long after this, Krysia informs Emma that it appears that
there is an informant in the resistance. If that is the case, Emma and
the whole resistance is in jeopardy.
Author Pam Jenoff's historical novel is well written and full of
tension. On cannot help but feel for the young Jewish woman caught up
in the situation. Will she survive or will she be condemned by an
informer? A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read.
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