Many assassination attempts on the Führer’s life failed or were never carried out. Some were “lone wolf” plots; others were hatched by groups. My research indicated that a major factor in these attempts was the intention of killing not only Hitler but other major targets as well. Many conspirators were concerned about who would take over the government and, therefore, failed to act. Some plots were quashed over this important consideration. I used this idea as a fictional element in The Taster. This factor had faded considerably by the time von Stauffenberg came into the picture.
In the creation of this novel, I would like to thank my editor at Kensington Books, John Scognamiglio, for believing in this book; Evan Marshall, my agent, for steadfastly steering the course; and editors Traci E. Hall and Christopher Hawke, both of the brilliant red pen, for their invaluable suggestions in plotting, emotion, nuance and choreography. As always I rely on my beta readers for their astute observations: in this case, Robert Pinsky and Mike Deaton.
I have read too many books on the Third Reich over the years to cite them all, but a listing of a few major works in my library is necessary. There are also many invaluable Web sites, too numerous to mention, that aided me in the writing of The Taster.
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. William L. Shirer.
Inside Hitler’s Bunker: The Last Days of the Third Reich. Joachim Fest.
Inside the Third Reich. Albert Speer.
Until the Final Hour: Hitler’s Last Secretary. Traudle Junge, edited by Melissa Müller.
He Was My Chief: The Memoirs of Adolf Hitler’s Secretary. Christa Schroeder, with an introduction by Robert Moorhouse.
The Hitler I Knew: Memoirs of the Third Reich’s Press Chief. Otto Dietrich, with an introduction by Robert Moorhouse.
Night, Elie Wiesel.
The Holocaust Chronicle. Publications International, Ltd.
Of significant help with photos useful for historical reconstruction was Third Reich in Ruins at www.thirdreichruins.com.
Lest we forget, this book should serve as a remembrance for all who lost their lives in World War II. We tend to forget that the events portrayed in this novel occurred only seventy-five years ago, a blip in time. We can only hope and pray that God’s grace and our diligence will deliver us from similar events in the future. Another global war would surely lead to annihilation; therefore, we must maintain a constant vigil against those who would use their power to destroy.
A READING GROUP GUIDE
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The suggested questions are included to enhance your group’s reading of V. S. Alexander’s The Taster.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Magda describes what her life was like as a young woman in Germany. The Reich wanted women to be mothers as well as workers. Do you think she was happy under these restrictions?
2. Early in the book, Magda witnesses a couple being arrested on a train. What do you think their crime was?
3. Magda has little choice but to accept the job as a taster for Hitler. If you were in her place would you have continued or left the Reich’s service?
4. Cook teaches Magda about poisons. What do you think your reaction would have been to such training?
5. Eva Braun tells Magda a secret. Do you think Magda was correct in her understanding of the secret?
6. Karl shows Magda the pictures of the atrocities committed in the East. Would you have believed him?
7. Hitler loved his dog and acted as a father figure to many on his staff. Do you believe that he held any goodness in his heart?
8. How did Magda change in the course of the novel? Do you think she became a stronger woman?
9. Would you have pulled the trigger?
10. The Taster is written from the viewpoint of a German woman. Much has been written about “ordinary” Germans and their role in World War II. What do you think? Has the novel given you a new perspective on the war?
TEASER CHAPTER
Prologue
The nuns convened near the doorway like a swarm of black flies. Some giggled with nervous anxiety. Some clutched the crucifix that hung by their side and stared at the three young women who lay supine before them.
Sister Anne, the Mother Superior, had arranged them in the manner of Golgotha, much like the crucifixion depicted in a Renaissance painting. A punishment should never leave a bruise or draw blood. To do so would defile the body and bring disgrace upon The Sisters of the Holy Redemption. No, it was better to make the penitents realize their mistake through the love of Christ.
No crimson, royal purples, or azure blues adorned the three on the library floor. The composition was artfully arranged, the troublemaker with the most to regret, Teresa, pretty and blond, taking the place of Jesus. Her head was above the other two girls to the left and right, her compatriots in sin. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the room, catching the motes that swam in the air like beaded jewels in the convent’s old library. Seeing the girls in their plain uniforms, their arms spread in supplication, their bodies as stiff as the boards they were supposed to be nailed upon, gave Sister Anne modest pleasure. She didn’t want to hurt them; she wanted them to realize how much pain they had brought to the Order. She couldn’t tolerate insubordination and vain camaraderie from those who had sinned. Rehabilitation and penance were never far from her mind, nor was love.
The nuns craned their necks through the doorway to get a better look. They had seen punishments before from Sister Anne, but this was a new twist. A few clucked in anticipation of the admonishment the three penitents deserved. The Mother Superior towered over them like the Holy Ghost and marveled at the thought of the love flowing through her to them.
Sister Anne crossed herself. “Penance.” She pronounced the word slowly, accenting the two syllables distinctly, but barely loud enough for the girls to hear. She lowered her tall, thin body and knelt above Teresa’s face.
The girl stared at the ceiling and then closed her eyes. Monica, the dark-haired one, to the right of Teresa, seethed with anger, her gaze full of hate. Lea, white and slender, to the left, was already in prayer. Sister Anne didn’t want to punish Lea, because, of the three, she was the good girl. However, she had to break the bond between them.
“You know why you are here,” Sister Anne said. “Don’t speak. Just listen.” Her eyes flickered with irritation. “You have hurt us, damaged our Order with your words and deeds. You cannot defame the Lord, go against His will.” She wondered if the penitents were paying attention. Of the three, she judged Monica to be the most attentive, but that was only because she was angry. Why did these girls try her so?