Review: City of Women
In the midst of World War II, all the men are off fighting so Berlin has become a “city of women.” Sigrid’s husband is an officer and, for the most part, she does what’s expected of her. That is until she takes on a lover who happens to be Jewish. Sigrid becomes involved in the underground and finds herself facing the most difficult decision of her life.
City of Women by David R. Gillham is a little different than most World War II books because it focuses on the German women who are left behind while their husbands wage war. Gillham paints a bleak picture of a city deeply affected by war so the book is dark and brooding but I found it satisfying, even though the pacing is slow. I did have to suspend disbelief at one point but, as I questioned Sigrid’s decisions, I thought about what I would do in the same situation. Because of that, I think book club’s could find a lot to discuss with this book.
I listened to the audio version of City of Women because I’d read a lot of great things about Suzanne Bertish’s narration. I thought her voice and her accent were terrific but found her delivery flat at times.
WWII is one of my favorite time periods to read about, but you said the words I dread- “slow”.
I find a number of these sorts of books have moments in which one has to suspend belief!
Hm, I have the audiobook but a flat delivery isn’t going to push it up my TBR list. The perspective sounds interesting though so I know I’ll listen at some point.
I read this a few years ago and found it very compelling. I also liked the emphasis on the women during war.
I like this era and this story such a complicated one.
I had to look at my review, because I really don’t remember this too well. I gave it 3. I said I ‘really’ liked it, but it sure didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.
I like stories that take on a different angle to WWII. This one sounds good. I debated on if I should listen to the audio which I saw at my local library.
This reminds me of The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah, because it deals with the women left behind in Paris while the men were off fighting the war. It’s obviously different in that these women were subject to the occupation (and abuses) by the Germans. But it’s still about the women and not the men. I like the different approach.
Hmmm… I do like reading about this place in time even though it’s always so heartbreaking.
I love this era, too, and I remember ogling this one when it first came out…must add it! Thanks for sharing.
I have the audio of this one, but haven’t listened to it yet. I’m sorry to hear it fell flat in spots. I enjoy WWII fiction and the premise behind this one caught my attention when I first heard about it.
I read (listened) to this a few years ago and I remember liking it although it was a little depressing.
This could be good
Thanks for your honest review, Kathy.
Probably too slow for my state of mind but the premise does sound interesting.
It does sound like a good book club book. Thanks for the reminder about this one!
certainly a new perspective on the War.
I listened to this a year or so ago and though the audio was well done. It was tense and intense… really put me on edge.
I haven’t read or listened to this one, but I am still intrigued by the story. Maybe I’ll get the print version
I read this one a few years ago and loved it!
I had heard of this one, so I’m glad to see your feedback on it. Sounds a bit different than most WWII novels, so that’s a bit refreshing.
I didn’t find this one to be slow, but I agree there was one part that was hard to believe.