V Alexander - The Taster

“Alexander sweeps readers into a different WWII novel, exploring the inner circle at Hitler’s mountain retreat through the eyes of a German girl. 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. Alexander deliberately changes what could be a tense portrait of the era into a calm picture of the bucolic lifestyle of the retreat. Yet, readers still feel the tension between the Nazis, the ordinary German people, and the resistance, as one woman is caught in a moral dilemma with only her courage to keep her alive. Certainly, this book is an interesting re-imagining of a key moment in history.”

“A totally gripping and credible imagining of how a young German woman was affected by the building chaos and cruelty during the late stages of Hitler’s rule. It gains its power through the very special perspective of its main character, who is also the narrator… Through her, Mr. Alexander creates an impressive and engaging novel that humanizes historical events and provides the rich texture of a life meeting momentous challenges in momentous times. The Taster has a few similarities with his earlier The Magdalen Girls . Both involve a community of women living in severely confined situations. Both offer an unusually complex, nuanced rendering of a young woman’s personality (unusual, that is, for a male writer). And both demonstrate a great talent for blending recovered fact with vivid imagination.”

“A haunting novel that takes the reader into the cruel world of Ireland’s Magdalen laundries, The Magdalen Girls shines a light on yet another notorious institution that somehow survived into the late twentieth century. A real page-turner!”

“An unusual novel… this author has a magnificent eye for detail.”

“Like the film Philomena, Alexander sheds light on the dark, hidden world of the Magdalen laundries run by the Catholic Church. Based on actual historical events, the novel focuses on the lives of three young girls trapped in a hellish nightmare, yet who are filled with hopes and dreams for the future. This is a tale of friendship, bravery, faith, and forgiveness that transcends many of the books written on the subject.”

“Alexander has clearly done his homework. Chilling in its realism, his work depicts the improprieties long condoned by the Catholic Church and only recently acknowledged. Fans of the book and film Philomena will want to read this.”

“Filled with authentic details.”

“Fans of Barbara Davis and Ashley Hay will enjoy this tenderhearted story of sinner, saints, and redemption.”

THE MAGDALEN GIRLS

THE TASTER

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Copyright © 2018 by Michael Meeske

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eISBN-13: 978-1-4967-1228-8

eISBN-10: 1-4967-1228-5

First Kensington Electronic Edition: February 2018

ISBN: 978-1-4967-1227-1

ISBN-10: 1-4967-1227-7