The Taster

By: V.S. Alexander

Narrated by: Carol Monda

Length: 11 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Amid the turbulence of World War II, a young German woman finds a precarious haven closer to the source of danger than she ever imagined - one that will propel her through the extremes of privilege and terror under Hitler's dictatorship.

In early 1943, Magda Ritter's parents send her to relatives in Bavaria, hoping to keep her safe from the Allied bombs strafing Berlin. Young German women are expected to do their duty - working for the Reich or marrying to produce strong, healthy children. After an interview with the civil service, Magda is assigned to the Berghof, Hitler's mountain retreat. Only after weeks of training does she learn her assignment: she will be one of several young women tasting the Führer's food, offering herself in sacrifice to keep him from being poisoned.

Perched high in the Bavarian Alps, the Berghof seems worlds away from the realities of battle. Though terrified at first, Magda gradually becomes used to her dangerous occupation - though she knows better than to voice her misgivings about the war. But her love for a conspirator within the SS and her growing awareness of the Reich's atrocities draw Magda into a plot that will test her wits and loyalty in a quest for safety, freedom, and, ultimately, vengeance.

Vividly written and ambitious in scope, The Taster examines the harrowing moral dilemmas of war in an emotional story filled with acts of extraordinary courage.

©2018 V.S. Alexander (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

German perspective on WWII

I’ve read a lot of books written from the Jewish perspective on WWII, but this was the first time I’ve experienced it from a German forced into service to Hitler. The story is interesting and well told. I really enjoyed the narrator as well. Great read!

A riveting story of human tragedy and survival.

This book truly captures a story of people caught in a deadly time in history.

A must read

I rarely write reviews but when a book is as good as this I have to share. This was one of those books you can't stop reading or in this case listening. It was engaging right from the start and the narration was also excellent! Incredible story from this young girls perspective and a rare glance into the inner circle of Hitler. I felt like I was there! I can't imagine not liking this book.

Prior reviewers require English writing lessons

The novel represents historical fiction at it’s best with necessary patches of doubtful historical fact. This said, I have not previously read any accounts focusing on the role of tasters.And credit is due to the narrator.The task is challenging but I thought that the net effect did justice to the author’s intended goal.
When reviewers use terms such as ‘bad’or’lousy’ or even plain ‘Good’ without further descriptors I am inclined to take a pass on the merit of the review. The paucity of adequate language evident in most of the reviews doesn’t surprise me. However, I look forward to the editor’s comments.

Excellent Narration

The narrator can make or break these stories. This one was very well done. Enjoyed!

this is fiction right..I've heard that he escaped

I have heard that Hitler escaped to Argentina. There has been documentation of this for years after that this was what happened.

Great Story!

This is a really interesting and well written book. The narrator w told the story exceptionally well. I love the the history off WW2 told by a German lady.

The taster

A very good book. Very insightful into the life of those working for the German government during ww2. So sad but so true

Excellent Read

I have to admit that I was a little skeptical about listening to this book but I was pleasantly surprised with how great it was. the book was written and narrated so well that the scenes in the book were so vivid in my mind as the story was being read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone

Excellent Audio and Amazing Story

completely loved this book. it grabbed me from the beginning and did not let go. the narrator fits perfectly. the voice fades into the background as the worrds of the story come forward. I highly recommend.