This novel is set in Germany before, during, and mostly after World War II, with the post-war part set in part a crumbling castle in Germany where 3 widows of German war resisters are living together with their children. I have read a lot of WWII fiction, so it's always interesting to read a book with a unique take on it, which this book definitely was.

I was intrigued by the plot, but found many of the characters underdeveloped, which ultimately affected the plot.

Marianne von Lingenfels knew that the work that her husband and friends were doing was dangerous. While she may not have known all the details, she knew that they were planning to take down Hitler. When they failed, her safe life of wealth and glamour is over. But she is determined to make the best of things after the war. She returns to the family home and begins a quest to find the wives and families of the other conspirators. Marianne rescues Benita from the Russian army and finds her son and then brings Ania and her children from a refugee camp to join their home. She feels certain that she knows the right things to do now and that their shared history will bring the women together. But none of them are being entirely truthful about their experiences during the war and their secrets threaten to destroy the new family they have cautiously forged.

I read a lot of novels set during the era of WWII and I'm always grateful when an author introduces me to something new. In The Women of the Castle, Jessica Shattuck focuses on the plight of women during and after the war. We witness the impossible choices that civilians must make in the heart of battle and the ways that those choices continued to haunt them even when the war was over. It's easy to believe that things got easier when the war ended but, in many ways, things continued to be difficult for a long time. Things do not magically go back to the way they were before the war and Shattuck shows just how difficult it can be to trust people again when your entire world has been upended.

Note: My galley is called The Women of the Castle, but I see that most editions are The Women in the Castle. I don't know who changed the article or when, but they are the same book as far as I can tell!

The Women of the Castle
By Jessica Shattuck
Zaffre Publishing May 2017
357 pages
Read via Netgalley

As Hitler's true atrocities dawn on the German public, Marianne von Lingenfels, her husband, and their band of resisters make plans to thwart the Nazis' plans, but the end of the war finds Marianne widowed - her husband executed after he participated in a foiled plot to assassinate the Fuhrer. Now largely on her own in a neglected Bavarian castle, Marianne must raise her children and the son of her childhood friend amidst the rubble. Marianne - a woman of high ideals, great intellect, and culture - must confront the grayer aspects of life, the harsh realities that most people of her background and learning prefer to ignore. With her is the beautiful, headstrong Benita who must confront her late husband's legacy while reconnecting with their son Martin. And then there's the secretive Ania and her two boys, whose past comes to haunt them all even after the war has ended. Decades later, when their children have become parents and grandparents, Marianne reflects back on that time in the castle and realizes what an incredible journey their story has been.

I'm not sure there are many women who have not undergone a shift similar to Marianne's at some point during her life - the time when you realize that the good/bad, light/dark, right/wrong lessons of your past do not reflect reality as you go through life. That there may be goodness in "bad" people, that legacies are not as uncomplicated as we'd like them to be, that someone you vehemently disagree with may have a point, and the friend that rashly intervenes may still have the best of intentions. This is about the lies and stories we women tell ourselves and others, the pain we withstand, the understanding that comes only with first-hand experience, and the forgiveness we eventually come to embrace. This is a vivid tale of imperfection, survival, and of the love of families and friends who have made it to the other side of great hardship; a moving tale of imperfect women doing what they must to survive and overcome.

Many thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is not the story of WWII nor is it the story of the holocaust, although those events are responsible for this story. This is the story of survival and friendship in the aftermath of a terrible time in history. Jessica Shattuck tells the story of three German women whose husbands were resistors and were killed for planning the assassination of Hitler.

When we meet Marianne von Lingenfels it is at her husband's aunt's annual party at the Castle, on the night that will become known as Kristallnacht. She happens upon a meeting of her husband and several other resistors plotting against Hitler. "Connie" Martin Constantine Fledermann, her childhood friend jokingly appoints her Commander of wives and children. She is annoyed, but this title and promise is what brings these three women together. After the war ends, Marianne finds Martin, Connie's son and Benita his wife, both in unsavory locations/situations and takes them with her to live in The Castle. Shortly after, she receives a call from an American Officer that they have located another wife and children of one of the names she gave them. She moves Ania and her two boys to The Castle from a Displaced Person's Camp. The story tells about the trials and tribulations these women and children had to deal with during this period. The dangers from roving Russian soldiers, the lack of food and water as well as other creature comforts, yet they were better off than many others. As the story unfolds we learn about their past and how it brought them to where they were and what will become of them in this "New Germany".

This story is one that needed to be told. I had not heard about what the citizens went through after the war. The scars that they had and the animosity between the resistors and the Nazis. Marianne was a strong woman who took a stand and helped others to the best of her ability. She was not perfect, but she was human. The plot had some slow spots but overall, kept me engaged and I enjoyed this story. A good one for historical fiction lovers.

Such an absorbing read! Wonderful piece of historical fiction.

I studied European History in college for a while, and WWII was always a dominant theme. You would think that there would be no new stories to be told about this time frame, no new characters. The Women of the Castle added a whole new nuance for me, I was pleasantly surprised that the book pulled me in as quickly as it did.

The Women of the Castle was a beautiful book!! The storytelling grabbed me immediately and really hit home, even though the genre is historical fiction. The perspectives we see in this book are so unique. I just loved reading the phrase that "Marianne was the last man standing." This book reminded me of two big things: women and children at home were also affected by the war. Germans were also affected by the war. Not all Germans supported Hitler.

As I said, this was a very unique story and so beautiful. I don't want to give too much summary and give a lot away, but know that this was one of the best historical fiction pieces I have read. Wonderful writing, amazing and strong characters, brilliant details, just wonderful through and through.

Interesting study of women in difficult circumstances. Somewhat confusing to follow stories lines that flip between time frames.

A real look at the other side of the war. Real characters. Made you think of what you would do in this situation. A little scary in view of world problems in our current times

This was an interesting concept for a story. I enjoyed reading about the resistance and the different ways the war affected women in Germany. The story followed three women who had their own unique experiences during the war and it was interesting to see the perspective of those living in Germany. That being said, I didn't find most of the characters to be very likable. I think Ania was the only character who I liked. I was really happy to have Ania's story told in full at the end of the book. Marianne was so self-righteous and Benita was kind of whiny. I know they all went through a lot during the war but since most of the story was told from Marianne's point of view, it was all kind of colored by her opinion. I don't think this was a bad story, it just kind of fell flat for me. 2 1/2 stars

I did not like this book and ended up not finishing it.

3.75 stars

I enjoyed The Women in the Castle and thought it was a solid historical fiction book. However, there were parts that were rather slow and quite boring, which is preventing me from giving it the full 4 star rating. I liked it, and I was especially drawn into Ania’s story, but did it blow my socks off? No, it did not. I have read other historical fiction books that did. With that being said, it was still a highly enjoyable read.

The Women of the Castle are a mixed bag of women and their children dealing with post WWII Germany. They are all very strong characters in their own right and their character development throughout the book was excellent. The story is told from all 3 POV, which ends up working very well. I liked the way the story was broken into 4 parts, spanning different timelines. Although I do wish that Shattuck had spent a little more time in Part I setting up the planning and why Marianne felt so compelled to follow through with her portion of the plan. She was very passionate about being the Commander of Women & Children, but there wasn't a lot of context behind the planning and how she came to be.

I would recommend this book to any fan of historical fiction, especially WWII. It is told from a completely different angle, which was enjoyable, and as with any historical fiction novel, taught me something new.

Very interesting. A lot of history. It didn't make me want to return to the book. I sort of had to force myself to keep reading it. Once I was reading it, i really enjoyed it, but i had to force myself to keep on reading.

Burg Lingenfels castle is the setting for a yearly gathering of German aristocrats. The countess of the castle has always encouraged intellectual sparring on liberal, bohemian or risque topics. Niece-in-law Marianne von Lingenfels hosts the festivities. Marianne's husband Albrecht, a university professor, and family friend Connie Fledermann, along with several other male guests are engaged in serious discussions in the study. Focusing on the world at large, Albrecht and Connie determine that they cannot sit back and allow Hitler to continue his policies. An assassination plot will be planned. Marianne, upon hearing the discussion, promises the full support of the wives. Connie asks her to be "commander of wives and children" if the plan goes awry. She readily agrees.

1944. The attempt on Hitler's life has failed. Albrecht, Connie and other conspirators are executed. Albrecht von Lingenfels was a descendant from a long line of revered generals. Perhaps this protected wife Marianne from scrutiny. Marianne began her search for war widows and children of conspirators. She located Connie's son Martin in a Children's Home where instructors taught the doctrine of racial purity. Benita, Connie's wife and Martin's mother, had been repeatedly raped but was now mistress of a Red Army Captain, hoping he would make inquiries about Martin. Marianne was able to reunite mother and son and bring them to the Bavarian castle.

A second widow, Ania Gruber with children in tow, was rescued from a displaced persons camp. Now three widows with their children lived in the castle. Widow co-dependence was based upon need. Each one had secrets and a cross to bear.

Marianne was a product of a strict Prussian upbringing. She was organized and efficient. Benita Fledermann was a country bumpkin and the love of Connie's life. Having a delicate nature, she was traumatized by her captivity and separation from Martin. Her health was compromised and she needed to regain her strength. Ania was a mystery. Having fled the Red Army, Ania and sons embarked upon a journey, hiding in the forest or walking toward the next piece of bread or place to rest. Ania and her children never smiled, seldom spoke. Three widows with children trying to deal with the stark realities of the present, haunted by secrets of the past.

"The Women in the Castle" by Jessica Shattuck showcases three women who find difficulty coming to terms with their individual guilt and shame during World War II. The secrets they keep prevent healing from personal trauma and overall crimes against humanity.

Thank you Bonnier Zaffre Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "The Women in the Castle.

Great story about 3 women with differing backgrounds finding themselves in the same situation, as they struggle to survive the aftermath of World War II. They struggle to recover from the loss of loved ones, the damage to their country, and the hatred many felt for their German bloodline. It is an eye-opening view of non-Jewish German's perspective of Hitler and of the atrocities their people endured at the hands of other Germans and after the war. Enlightening, original view of a terrible time in history.

A fabulous read! Very well written historical fiction novel set in post WWIII Europe. Told from the perspective of 3 widows, their trials and victories against overwhelming odds. Definitely recommended.

Three brave widowed women reside in the castle with their children during the turmoil and suffering of WWII. Marianne is the mistress of the castle and the wife of a resister. Marianne's husband was killed by the Natzis when his plans to kill Hitler were discovered. The two other women and their children were rescued by Marianne and they lived together and survived the deprivation and horrific events of Hitler's reign. After the war they remained together for a time and the novel goes back and forth to reveal their history and stories. Some have well kept secrets that once revealed put a strain on the bond the three women have. It is a story of bravery, love, understanding and forgiveness. I like the way the book ended with later life reflections and appreciation for each women's choices and the secrets they held. The story is a testament to how strong women really are. This WWII historical fiction novel is different as it focuses on the time after the war ended and the life long effects a war has on a family and a country. I found the story interesting and believable.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and this is my honest review.

I received this book free from Netgalley. This did not influence my review.

I just finished a beautiful, melancholy World War II novel, The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck. Two of the main characters, Marianne von Lingenfels, an aristocrat, and Benita Gruber Fledermann, a peasant who married Marianne’s best friend, are introduced at a party in 1938. During the party (at the von Lingenfels country castle), they learn of the rioting and destruction of Jewish businesses and property later known as Kristallnacht. A small group of guests, anti-Hitler intelligentsia, coalesce in their determination to stand against fascism. One of these is Albrecht, Marianne’s husband, and another is Connie Fledermann, Marianne’s oldest and dearest friend, with whom she is more than a little in love. Connie assigns Marianne the task of being “commander of the wives and children.” Even though she finds the designation affronting, she takes the task to heart.

The story is told in non-chronological order. The story jumps to the end of the war to find Marianne searching out the wives and children of men who had bound themselves to the resistance. Albrecht and Connie had been among the conspirators who attempted to assassinate Hitler but were caught and executed. During the war, wealth and connections helped spare Marianne the worst of Nazi punishments, but she could do nothing to help her fellow widows. As the war drew to a close, Marianne found Benita and her son Martin, and later, a woman she’d never met but whose name had been on her list: Ania Grabarek, along with her two sons. Marianne brings these families to live with her at an old family castle in the countryside.

The novel tells these women’s stories, what they experienced during and after the war. They are very different but linked through suffering and the desire to protect their children. Each is guarding secrets which are slowly revealed through the course of the narrative.

Although the time shifts in the novel make it a bit choppy, the story holds together well and is, in fact, difficult to put down. The psychological studies of the women are poignant and credible. Marianne is at the center of the book. Extraordinarily strong and full of conviction, she never strays from her sense of duty or her clear-eyed view of right and wrong. While this serves her well as far as moving forward despite aching loss, it does blind her to shades of gray that have influenced the actions of the other women, costing her friendships that might have blunted her own pain.

A varied exploration of the experiences of women inside Nazi Germany, The Women in the Castle is deeply moving, important, and sad.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the Publishers for their advance copy in return for an honest review.

The women in the castle cited are three widows living in a crumbling Bavarian castle after the end of World War 2. They are widows in that their husbands were part of the Nazi resistance in Germany during WW2, and were executed for their involvement in a plot to assassinate Hitler.

The castle has been inherited by one of the widows Marianne von Lingelfels, who was named by the resistors as commander of wives and children. Whilst she initially sees this as a sexist slap in the face, after the war she realises that it is her job, as said Commander, to ensure that all wives and children of the executed are looked after. After the war Marianne uses her connections to track down three of the widows, Benita and Ania to bring them with their children, to live in with her in her castle in Bavaria.

This is the story of ordinary people, who would have lived ordinary lives, and they not lived in Germany during the Nazi Regime. The women struggle to live in a Germany that is struggling with its own identity. The women were ordinary people who believed Hitler, and in some instances, supported him without question. And, when they began to question the rhetoric, like many were too afraid to voice their views out loud.

After the war they have to live with the guilt of their actions. The war is mostly told in hindsight. It has happened and the woman’s experience of the war is told through recollections. Some of it makes harrowing reading. I found myself questioning would I have done it differently had I been there, and not had the benefit of hindsight. I came away not entirely sure I would have been different from them and that is an uncomfortable thought to have. I found I had to re-read Ania’s story most harrowing, and had to re-read her story twice.

This is an addictive novel that at times you find you are holding your breath. Some of the horrors of it are difficult to digest, particularly as you know they are real experiences for many women during and after the WW2. As I am British I am sorry to say I have never thought of, or at least considered how an involvement in WW2 would affect Germans after 1945. This was a rather an emotional awakening to this point.

Definitely recommend. Just grab the tissues, and be prepared to go back and re-read bits of it as it is harrowing. I find myself still thinking about Ania a couple of days after finishing the book.