The Soul of a Thief

By: Steven Hartov

Narrated by: Matthew Waterson

In the spring of 1944, I realized that I was not going to survive the war…

Shtefan Brandt, adjutant to a colonel of the Waffen SS, has made it through the war so far in spite of his commander’s habit of bringing his staff into combat, and a pair of secrets that are far more dangerous than the battlefield. Shtefan is a Mischling and one of the thousands of German citizens of Jewish descent who have avoided the death camps by concealing themselves in the ranks of the German army. And he is in love with Gabrielle Belmont, the colonel’s French mistress. Either of those facts could soon mean his end, were Colonel Erich Himmel to notice.

Colonel Himmel has other concerns, however. He can see the war’s end on the horizon and recognizes that he is not on the winning side, no matter what the reports from Hitler’s generals may say. So he has taken matters into his own hands, hatching a plot to escape Europe. To fund his new life, he plans to steal a fortune from the encroaching Allies. A fortune that Shtefan, in turn, plans to steal from him…

Atmospheric and intense, The Soul of a Thief captures the turbulent emotional rush of those caught behind the lines of occupied France, where one false step could spell death, and every day brings a new struggle to survive.

Beautifully written and very entertaining story. Well developed characters with unique personalities.

Definitely in my top 10. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys well written stories about WWII

SPELLBINDING!

What made the experience of listening to The Soul of a Thief the most enjoyable?

Compelling story, characters and tension. Beautifully interwoven narratives of war, desperation to survive, and love. Often poetic -- made me want to rewind to hear passages again. Couldn't stop listening. Stayed up all night to finish.

What other book might you compare The Soul of a Thief to and why?

The writing evokes Fitzgerald.

Which character – as performed by Matthew Waterson – was your favorite?

Colonel Himmel

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

Stealing to survive -- money, love and time as the Allies close in.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for the movie!!

Never Again...

Loved the way the reader presented the challenges and destruction of the war. Good pace and very believable.