The Lost Wife

A Novel

By: Alyson Richman

Narrated by: George Guidall, Suzanne Toren

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

In pre-war Prague, the dreams of two young lovers are shattered when they are separated by the Nazi invasion. Then, decades later, thousands of miles away in New York, there's an inescapable glance of recognition between two strangers. Providence is giving Lenka and Josef one more chance. From the glamorous ease of life in Prague before the Occupation, to the horrors of Nazi Europe, The Lost Wife explores the power of first love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the strength of memory.

©2011 Alyson Richman (P)2012 Recorded Books, LLC

What a great book with the best narrators!

One of my favorites! The narration was beautiful. I could listen to them all day. The story and their voices transported. A must read!

One I won't forget

As the Brits would say "It's BRILLIANT!" Alyson Richman is one hell of a writer to be able to switch back and forth between two equally engaging people who fall in love, get married, get separated, and, 60 years later, come back together. She shows you Prague before and after the Nazis take over, what might happen to people who "got out in time", and those who stayed...and how they could come back together.

It's all so believable! Ms Richman has made all the characters believable. While some of the Germans only appear briefly, most of us have watched enough movies and TV drama to see them as full fleshed out. And the narrators! George Guidall and Suzanne Toren are as near perfect as one could wish. This is one book that I am glad I purchased in audible format rather than paper.

I don't know why I've always had an interest in WWII in Europe rather than the Pacific, but I have. Many of books have been biographic. This one sounds like it was...the clarification will be in the epilog. It seems well researched.

If you like a love story...an insight into what one person might have experienced in the camps...or what a person who made it safely to America might have experienced...how likes history, you should purchase this novel and more to share with your friends and relations!

Outstanding!

I didn't want to put it down! Then I didn't want it to end! Well written, great story, beautifully performed.

Beautiful Love Story

I really like the interplay of the main characters stories from their own points of view. I do wish there was more of Josef's story. I think both narrators did a great job.

Amazing Book!

This book made me cry through its clear and concise depiction of the horrors of the holocaust. It's amazing that so many people who lived and survived the concentration camps were resilient in rebuilding their lives; and in honoring the lives of those who perished. I enjoyed the love story being a theme in the story without taking away any of the raw pain and cruelties experienced by the Jewish people during WWII.

Beautifully Poignant

Because it takes place during the Jewish holocaust, it is, of course, a story filled with sadness. But beneath the heart-rending tale of misery and loss, lies a truly magnificant love story, told with perfection by George Guidall and Suzanne Toren. A must listen.

Beautiful voices, beautiful story.

This story is so beautiful and engaging. You fall in love with the characters, you see what they see and feel their pains. And the voices we're perfectly chosen, it feels like sitting with grandparents telling you their most personal and poignant story. I recommend it to anyone needing a dose of perspective and a reminder of love.

Incredible in every way

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would completely recommend this book to anyone with even the slightest curiosity to what life was like for those that went through this horrible time in the history of man kind.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It's hard to choose a favorite in this particular book. I was written from two points of view, giving you a very well rounded picture of what happened. They both describe their experiences with such detail and emotion. You feel as though you have been taken back into their memories with them as they recall them.

Which scene was your favorite?

One of my favorite scenes in this book (there were many) had to be the beginning. The book opens with such a monumentous moment for both of them. In your mind as you are listening to the scene unfold you almost want to hold your breath in anticipation for what you can already see will be the most bitter sweet of reunions.

Any additional comments?

It is an absolutely soul lifting book, though it has its moments that bring you to heart wrenching tear and thoughts of how this world could be so cruel, it also makes you open your heart to the experiences of others and past happenings in the history of our kind as a whole!

Excellent narration for a moderately good story

The narration for this book was excellent, especially the parts done by George Guidall. The depth of emotion he brought to the story actually changed my perception of the story, as opposed to the parts narrated by Suzanne Toren. Toren was excellent in some parts, but in others her voice was too sharp or harsh for the storyline, and her tone lacked the intense emotional qualities of Guidall's. But her narration was still very good.

This is a book I would not consider reading in print because, as literature, the writing is just ok. But the story was brought to life by the narration and because of this I thoroughly enjoyed it. I listened to it while exercising and the time just flew by. I even found myself running longer and further than I had planned just so that I could keep listening.

I would highly recommend the audio version of this book.

Good story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It was very entertaining and I enjoyed listening to it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

They were all good.

What about George Guidall and Suzanne Toren ’s performance did you like?

Their voices were believeable.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I don't know