The Taster by V.S. Alexander

 

Summary (from the publisher): Amid the turbulence of World War II, a young German woman finds a precarious haven closer to the source of danger than she ever imagined--one that will propel her through the extremes of privilege and terror under Hitler's dictatorship . . .

In early 1943, Magda Ritter's parents send her to relatives in Bavaria, hoping to keep her safe from the Allied bombs strafing Berlin. Young German women are expected to do their duty--working for the Reich or marrying to produce strong, healthy children. After an interview with the civil service, Magda is assigned to the Berghof, Hitler's mountain retreat. Only after weeks of training does she learn her assignment: she will be one of several young women tasting the Fuhrer's food, offering herself in sacrifice to keep him from being poisoned.

Perched high in the Bavarian Alps, the Berghof seems worlds away from the realities of battle. Though terrified at first, Magda gradually becomes used to her dangerous occupation--though she knows better than to voice her misgivings about the war. But her love for a conspirator within the SS, and her growing awareness of the Reich's atrocities, draw Magda into a plot that will test her wits and loyalty in a quest for safety, freedom, and ultimately, vengeance.

Vividly written and ambitious in scope, The Taster examines the harrowing moral dilemmas of war in an emotional story filled with acts of extraordinary courage.

Review: In 1943, young German woman Magda Ritter lands a job at the Berghof, Hitler's mountain retreat. Upon arrival, she learns that she will be one of 15 women given the task of tasting Hitler's food to ensure it isn't poisoned. Initially ambivalent about the Nazi party, she begins to fall in love with an SS officer who opens her eyes to Hitler's atrocities. Magda embarks on a conspirators' plot that, along with the looming dangers of the war, threaten her safety and freedom. 

This novel had a great initial concept that was ultimately poorly executed. The idea of a story from the perspective of one of Hitler's tasters was unique and intriguing. Magda has a unique position of a dangerous position yet is in close proximity to the Fuhrer and lives in relatively ease. But instead of just focusing on that unique storyline, the author decided to make this a far-fetched fantasy tale of a woman on a mission to kill Hitler. 

Furthermore, the characterization was poorly developed for many of the figures in this book. The romance in this book was so lifeless. There was no real sense of the characters' connections or feelings for one another other than the narrator informing the reader that they are madly in love and have confessed their feelings to each other. Similarly, was the poor character of Cook. For unknown reasons she becomes absolutely totally devoted to Magda but yet literally nothing is known about her beyond her profession. Even her name remains unknown! 

This ultimately just felt like the plot of a fantasy action movie. Brave, beautiful young woman on a secret mission to defeat evil! I applaud the author for such a fascinating idea and a unique take on a World War II story, but I was not impressed with the execution. 

Stars: 2.5