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

Couldn’t stop listening

This story was riveting and well-told. It spent the whole time leading up to one event, and ended a little too abruptly, so it wasn’t completely satisfying.

Wonderful

Sometimes stories are disappointing. This was not one of those times. The Lost Wife is a magnificent story that will forever be instilled in my heart. Thank you, Alyson Richman.

Never read a book so fast

What did you love best about The Lost Wife?

Everything. I loved the way the two narrators wove the story of the star-crossed lovers chapter by chapter. I loved the character development and the way the accents were done.
I enjoyed the epilogue and felt the ending was perfect. This is one of the most endearing books I've listed to and I was sorry to have it end.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Lost Wife?

Josef's careful descriptions of his feelings are precious. I felt that when he burned his letters to Lenka, he was putting to rest his restless longing for her. His dreams of his family being happy for him are foreshadowing for what is to come. Don't want to spoil the book by saying much more.

What does George Guidall and Suzanne Toren bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The two narrators brought the characters to life and I could not possibly have gotten the same feeling I got listening to their voices. I was impressed by Mr. Guidall's recitation of the Kaddish prayer, which was very authentic. I would seek out more books narrated by him.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The meeting of the two grandparents at the end was memorable.

Any additional comments?

Run don't walk to download this book. I don't think I've ever worn my earbuds for so long!

So much, and yet - not too much!

This book found the important balance between tragedy and evil on the one side and strength and character to overcome it all on the other side. Sometimes an author can create a story about losing everything without losing oneself. In these stories the characters, while you mourn with them for their loses and for the impact of those loses on their lives, you still experience the resiliency of human spirit to make a life in the wake of it all. This book was so good I bought it for others as a gift.

Beautiful Love Story

If you could sum up The Lost Wife in three words, what would they be?

Heartfelt, inspiring, magical

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the idea that "what is meant to be will be" no matter what. The story was awesome and I would not have minded if it had ended with a little more detail on this eternally loving couple had rekindled their love. Finding true love in your youth and innocence, and then being separated by unpredictable horrendous historical events. The Holocaust was a terrible injustice to a mass population and this is one of the most detailed, up close and personal accounts that I have ever listened to. I love how they met and was so disheartened with them having to live separate lives, and then became grateful and so happy when they found each other again. It was such a positive, moving story. Family loyalty and choices separated these soul mates for years, but it was the infinite connection of love between the main characters that reunited them at a perfect time, at a wedding of another beginning love story. I absolutely loved this story!!

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

I loved their voices; perfect for the characters they read for. They read with so much feeling and compassion; I was totally immersed in the story. I cried with each character reading in sad moments, and even the warm moments.

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

Forever love exists!!! Inspirational, sensational, even spiritual love story.

Any additional comments?

This story reminded me of stories in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Wonderful audiobook:)

Not a love story but a story of love

What made the experience of listening to The Lost Wife the most enjoyable?

The poignant delivery by the narrators

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Lost Wife?

Liesel's denial that the smoke stacks at Auschwitz were anything other than "industry"

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

For a story that spanned 70 years they were always true to the ages of their characters

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no - but never do

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended, poignant, sometimes chilling but never melodramatic

Enriching!

Would you listen to The Lost Wife again? Why?

Yes, I very rarely reread a book, but I would this one!

What other book might you compare The Lost Wife to and why?

Not sure.

Have you listened to any of George Guidall and Suzanne Toren ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, love them both.

If you could rename The Lost Wife, what would you call it?

Lost Love

Fabulous reading

I don't remember why I chose this book but it sat in my queue for some time. It is hard to listen to the suffering the characters have to endure. But it is never maudlin or sentimental. George Guidell nearly brought me to tears and Suzanne Toren is excellent. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a good, engaging story. I think the only negative is the title, could not have been the authors first choice.

Amazing book. Powerful narration

Both narrators were amazing and the book is a must read (listen). It will make you cry and smile and be thankful for everything you got.

Great listen

I loved everything about this book. It’s a “can’t put it down “ read. It would have been perfect if the ending had been a bit longer and answered the “what happened to them” question.