Page 89 of The Pianist's Wife
What happened in Nazi Germany was horrific, and I often find myself truly devasted to imagine a time when the majority could turn so cruelly on a minority, which is what happened to the Jewish people. But I also understand that not everything is black and white – there are areas of grey in any situation, and that’s what I love to explore the most. Yes, there were many Germans complicit in what happened, but there were also many who weren’t.
That led me to imagining what it must have been like for someone who had a close friend or spouse who was Jewish. What if that person didn’t believe the rhetoric about the Jews? What if they were prepared to risk their own life to keep their friend or loved onesafe? And then my research led me down the rather horrific rabbit hole of reading about gay men in Nazi Germany, and the horrendous experiments that were carried out on those imprisoned in the camps, particularly at Buchenwald. The doctor at the camp was called the ‘Butcher of Buchenwald’ for a reason, and I encourage you to conduct a Google search if you feel you have the stomach to read more about him! Even though he didn’t feature in my story due to my chosen timeline, he is worth reading about if you’d like to understand the fear the prisoners at Buchenwald felt about seeking any medical treatment.
Amira and Fred’s escape in this novel was based on fact, and I chose to have them escape in much the same way as an actual escape from Buchenwald to ensure it was logistically possible for it to happen. In the true story though, there was no SS officer helping the prisoner to escape – the prisoner planned and executed his escape all on his own, hiding among the dead bodies and killing a guard in order to take his uniform. Also, just as a side note, for my timeline to work in my novel I had the crematorium run out of fuel in 1945, immediately before the liberation; however, in reality it was in March 1944 that this situation arose.
Speaking of facts, Fred’s fortunate escape from the gas chamber in Auschwitz-Birkenau was also based on a true story, even though I’m sure it seemed entirely implausible as you were reading it! One of the men I was reading about during my research, who was an electrician, was standing in the gas chamber in the same way I describe in the novel. An SS man called out asking if any of the men present were skilled labourers, and this prisoner was taken from the chamber and escorted out to retrieve his clothes. Only seconds later, the doors to the chamber were locked and everyone else inside was murdered. And speaking of facts, if you haven’t heard of former French Premier Léon Blum and his wife Janot, I encourage you to read more about them. Janot famously followedLéon into Buchenwald, much in the same way as my character Amira followed Fred. They were married within the special camp there, as she refused to be parted from him and was prepared to stand by his side, no matter what.
It isn’t a stretch to say that my research for this novel, and indeed all my WWII novels, affects me greatly, especially reading about the deaths of millions of Jewish people, political prisoners and others. My thoughts are always with the families of those who lost their lives during the Holocaust. My hope in telling stories such as this, and including important pieces of factual information throughout, is that the history of World War II will live on. I truly believe that our children should be learning about the war at school, that we should keep the past alive in order for it not to repeat itself. And I also hope that by writing these stories that I’m so passionate about, I will encourage my readers to keep learning about history and become even more curious about the women who came before us, as I am.
Ten years ago, when I wrote my very first historical fiction novel,Voyage of the Heart, I never imagined that I would still be writing about WWII over a decade later. But I am as intrigued about this period in history now as I was then, and I feel a great privilege in being able to share these stories with you. Every time I wonder if this might be my last WWII novel, and then my research uncovers something else extraordinary about this period in time, so I’m pleased to say that I still have many, many more war novels to write.
My publisher, Lake Union, has now sold over one million copies of my historical novels worldwide, and this journey simply could not have been possible without such a dedicated readership. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, and I hope you enjoyedThe Pianist’s Wifeas much as the other books of mine that came before it!
Soraya x
Acknowledgements
Every time I sit down to write the acknowledgements for a book, I’m reminded of how fortunate I am to have such great people in my life. First of all, I have to say a huge thanks to Victoria Pepe, my new editor at Amazon Publishing, who gracefully stepped in and joined the team midway through the edits, providing wonderful feedback on this novel. Thanks also to Victoria Oundjian, who has been the most fabulous editor and will be missed dearly. I would never have had the confidence to write this book or others without your incredible enthusiasm and belief in me! And Sophie Wilson, editor extraordinaire, you are such a vital part of my process every single time, and I love how you always seem to know just how far to push me! I am so genuinely lucky to have had three such incredible editors working with me on this story. VP, it’s now time to officially welcome you to the dream team!
Publishing a novel truly takes a village, so on that note I’d also like to thank my wider team at Amazon Publishing, with a special note to editorial director Sammia Hamer, author relations manager Nicole Wagner and global rights director Alex Levenberg. It’s an amazing feeling to know that I have such a great team behind me, who are so invested in my success. I would also like to thank copy-editor Sadie Mayne and proofreader Gemma Wain, both of whom have worked on many of my books now – I truly appreciateboth of you for the work you do! Thank you also to my long-time agent, Laura Bradford.
On the home front, I am equally supported, and must thank my husband Hamish, and my boys, Mack and Hunter. They must get so tired of me talking about books and characters, but somehow they never show it! Thanks also to my wonderfully supportive parents, Maureen and Craig. I dedicated this book to my mum because she is my hugest fan, the first to read every book as soon as my author copies arrive. She said to me when she read my last novel, ‘I cannot believe my daughter wrote this’, and that is now the benchmark for how I want her to feel after every book of mine! Speaking of early readers, I have to say an enormous thank you to my assistant, Lisa Pendle, whom I could not function without. Thank you for all the things you do for me each week, and for being such a huge supporter of my writing.
Finally, I’d like to thank author Natalie Anderson, who has been my daily support while I wrote this book. Those morning text messages were fantastic at motivating me to write! Thanks also to fellow author Yvonne Lindsay – I never take our friendship for granted.
I truly hope you loved reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. I feel as if I stepped greatly outside of my comfort zone to write this story, and it’s one that I am so proud of. To all my readers around the world – thank you. Thank you for every single book of mine you purchase. Without you, I couldn’t be doing the job I love!
If you’d like to connect with me, you can find me on Facebook or Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor, and I encourage you to join my Facebook reader group, where I connect with my readers every single day, chatting about books and sharing behind the scenes info! You can find the reader group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorayalanereadergroup. I have also just launched my new website – sorayalane.com – so please take a look!
Soraya x
If you lovedThe Pianist’s Wife, then turn the page to discover another gripping historical novel from Soraya M. Lane,The Berlin Sisters.
Out now!
Chapter One
The Ministry of Propaganda & Enlightenment
Berlin, Germany
23 December 1943
Ava’s fingers moved quickly over the keys of her typewriter, her back straight as she sat at her desk. When she finished, she took the paper and set it beside her, carefully reviewing it to ensure she hadn’t made any mistakes. Although she was one of five women in the room, no one spoke; the only sounds were the constant clack of fingers touching keys and the shuffle of papers, and it would be that way until lunchtime when they all took a short break.
Satisfied with her work, she moved on to her next assignment, although a noise made her pause. It was the sound of a child giggling, which could only mean one thing.
‘They’re here again,’ said Lina, the secretary seated closest to her. ‘Don’t you just love it when they come to visit?’
Soon all five of them had stopped typing, their eyes glued to the door as first a beautifully groomed Airedale dog trotted in, followed immediately by six immaculately dressed children, their facesbeaming with smiles. Their mother was only a few steps behind, wearing a tailored, emerald-green dress, her hair swept elegantly from her face; as meticulously presented as her husband always was, in perfectly cut cloth with never a wrinkle to be seen.
There was nothing quite like a visit from the Goebbels family, and it was almost certain to put her boss Joseph in a good mood. He loved when his children came to see him for lunch – every visit boosted the morale of the entire office – and this time Magda had brought all of them, instead of just the youngest two.
‘Frau Goebbels, it’s such a pleasure to see you,’ Lina said, standing. ‘I shall go and tell Dr Goebbels you are here.’ As his personal secretary, she was permitted to knock on his door.
‘No need, Helga will surprise him. She’s been looking forward to seeing her papa all morning.’
Ava smiled at Heidrun, who was standing tucked against her mother’s leg, the youngest of the brood. She gave the little girl a wave as the child smiled and fiddled with the large bow in her hair, her smile melting Ava’s heart. They were the most gorgeous children, and Goebbels’ wife was always as friendly and kind to the secretaries as he was himself. Magda was the epitome of the perfect German wife and mother, and they were always rather star-struck when she came to visit.
