The Other Mrs. Samson by Ralph Webster

 

Summary

Surviving two wars, sharing one husband, searching for answers...

A hidden compartment in a black lacquer cabinet left in an attic reveals the secrets of two incredible women: Hilda, born and raised in one of the wealthiest Jewish families in turn-of-the-century San Francisco, and Katie, whose early life in Germany is marked by tragedy and death. Their lives are forever entwined by their love of the same man, the brilliant and compassionate Dr. Josef Samson.

From the earliest, rough-and-tumble days of San Francisco, through the devastation of the Great War in Berlin and the terrors of Vichy France, and then to a new yet uncertain life in New York City, their stories span the most tumultuous events of the twentieth century. In the end, one of these women will complete the life of the other and make a startling discovery about the husband they share.

My Thoughts

This book, this book, this book.... I am a bit at a loss for words!  I loved it, then I didn't, then I did again.  I can say that I definitely never hated it!  Ever!  It captured me from the beginning and, while there were times I did get somewhat... not quite bored but not extremely taken in (is there a word for that?!), I fell in love with this story.

I have to say, Hilda was my favorite.  I loved her!  Her end in the story left me brokenhearted and so unsatisfied!  And, while I did like Katie, I desperately wanted more of Hilda.

The twist at the end had me reeling!  I was not expecting that at all and, honestly, could have done without it.  It disappointed me.  I do still love this book, I just hated to be disappointed in the character so much!

I highly recommend this book and will probably be reading it again before too long!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.