Ethel Rosenberg

An American Tragedy

By: Anne Sebba

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Anne Sebba's moving biography of Ethel Rosenberg, the wife and mother whose execution for espionage-related crimes defined the Cold War and horrified the world.

In June 1953, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, a couple with two young sons, were led separately from their prison cells on Death Row and electrocuted moments apart. Both had been convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage for the Soviet Union, despite the fact that the US government was aware that the evidence against Ethel was shaky at best and based on the perjury of her own brother.

This book is the first to focus on one half of that couple for more than 30 years, and much new evidence has surfaced since then. Ethel was a bright girl who might have fulfilled her personal dream of becoming an opera singer, but instead found herself struggling with the social mores of the 1950s. She longed to be a good wife and perfect mother, while battling the political paranoia of the McCarthy era, anti-Semitism, misogyny, and a mother who never valued her. Because of her profound love for and loyalty to her husband, she refused to incriminate him, despite government pressure on her to do so. Instead, she courageously faced the death penalty for a crime she hadn’t committed, orphaning her children.

Seventy years after her trial, this is the first time Ethel’s story has been told with the full use of the dramatic and tragic prison letters she exchanged with her husband, her lawyer and her psychotherapist over a three-year period, two of them in solitary confinement. Hers is the resonant story of what happens when a government motivated by fear tramples on the rights of its citizens.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

"Sebba vividly contrasts Ethel, who always put others first and whose poise during her nightmarish trial was used against her, with her devious accusers and rabid prosecutors. Ultimately, Sebba places the martyrdom of Ethel Rosenberg, a 'profoundly moral woman,' on the long scroll of anti-Semitic and sexist atrocities, creating a redefining and redemptive work of astute protest and caution." (Booklist, starred review)

©2021 Anne Sebba (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

thus story is frighteningly close to us

when Trump asked, *where is my Roy Cohn?* it brought the travesty of Ethel Rosenberg 's execution back full force. when will corruption and prejudice ever end?

Excellent history

This narration is well done.

This story is clearly told, important, and poignant.

Was she, ultimately, guilty? Thus author makes a persuasive case for “No!”

Heartbreaking

I'm so glad someone told this story,which is not what I expected. Before this book I had always accepted what my mother told me in 1977.

Very very sad

I do not think Ethel Rosenberg was treated justly. Basically I think she was find guilty purely based on association.

One of the best biographies out there!

This book is so exceptional that I will read it again....and then again! Regardless of 'good' government or 'bad' government - there are always secrets kept from the people and lies told. The travesties engendered by the 'red scare' in America continue to be disclosed to the shame and chagrin of many. For anther - listen to 'Trumbo'. We should all learn the truth if we can.

illuminating

A very enlightening story, one of love, that reveals Ethel Rosenberg as a humanist, devoted wife and mother, and an artist.

Wrong on so Many Levels

Outstanding research by the author. A very interesting accounting of Ethel Rosenberg's life and those closest to her. My heart ached for her two young sons.

All-You-Need-To-Know on Ethel

Most importantly, a big thank you to NetGalley, Anne Sebba and Grand St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this publication in exchange for an honest review.

“"If the English want a king, it is their business. If the Russians want communism, it is their business. If the Americans want our form of government, it is our business." -Julius and Ethel Rosenberg

I first learned of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg 14 years ago while I was in high school. Funny yet slightly embarrassing to admit, I was dubbed an "emo kid" and posting pictures and quotes on my then trendy MySpace page from these two solidifies my teenage persona. The admiration I had for their unwavering loyalty and affection toward one another has remained with me through all these years. But I wasn't old enough then to understand their story nor form a logical opinion on their guilt or innocence. 'Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy' was my first adult experience on the topic and I must say, Anne Sebba did a phenomenal job bringing her findings to the table in a user-friendly format.
Innocent is the color this book paints Ethel in, and I can't say I disagree. This account thoroughly details Ethel's childhood, meeting of Julius, marriage and beyond. It amazes me to learn so many new, significant tid-bits that most definitely help the reader understand more of where Ethel comes from and gives us some insight as to why she may have ended up in the situation that she did. Which is why I award this book a solid 4 stars for standing out in a sea of Ethel Rosenberg accounts.

Reviewing history

A fascinating listen regarding a woman who has been maligned in history. Loved learning a new point of view!

An unfortunate timeless story of when the government wants to do something, they will get “the evidence” one way or another.

Must read! I wasn’t alive at that time. This book really made me question early on whether they had enough solid evidence. Such a sad story, which hasn’t changed how certain groups of people are targeted and treated much harsher than others. This book is a great eye opener to see how our system can function improperly for those who don’t believe it does!