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City of Women

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City of Women

By: David R. Gillham
Narrated by: Suzanne Bertish
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About this listen

 A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND ONE OF KIRKUS REVIEWS' BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

It is 1943—the height of the Second World War. With the men away at the front, Berlin has become a city of women.

On the surface, Sigrid Schröder is the model German soldier’s wife: She goes to work every day, does as much with her rations as she can, and dutifully cares for her meddling mother-in-law, all the while ignoring the horrific immoralities of the regime.

But behind this façade is an entirely different Sigrid, a woman of passion who dreams of her former Jewish lover, now lost in the chaos of the war. But Sigrid is not the only one with secrets—she soon finds herself caught between what is right and what is wrong, and what falls somewhere in the shadows between the two . . .

READERS GUIDE INSIDE Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction War & Military Marriage Military War

Critic reviews

“David Gillham’s excellent new novel, City of Women, is built on one of the most extraordinary and faithful re-creations of a time in history—Berlin in World War II—that I’ve ever read.” —Alan Furst, New York Times–bestselling author of Spies of the Balkans

“In this moving and masterful debut, David Gillham brings war-torn Berlin to life and reveals the extraordinary mettle of women tested to their limits and beyond. Powerful and piercingly real. You won’t soon forget these characters.” —Paula McLain, New York Times–bestselling author of The Paris Wife

“Haunting and sensual, City of Women is a story of survival, of the unfathomable choices made and consequences suffered by those pushed to the brink. David Gillham has depicted a little-known aspect of the war with humanity and grace.” —Pam Jenoff, internationally bestselling author of The Things We Cherished

“If you enjoy beautiful story telling, gripping suspense, and a distractingly romantic plot, this is the book for you! An exciting, page turning read!” —Kathleen Grissom, New York Times–bestselling author of The Kitchen House

“City of Women is a big, brilliant, passionate book, a masterful evocation of Hitler’s Berlin in all its claustrophobia, duplicity, and fear. This is a thriller of searing intensity. . . . I found it utterly compelling.” —Margaret Leroy, New York Times–bestselling author of The Soldier’s Wife
All stars
Most relevant

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have already recommended this as an engaging listen. I really disliked most of the characters to begin with but over time they emerged as well rounded characters dealing with appalling situations as people do- some well, most not so well. Over time the enormous bravery of flawed people made for a fascinating listen.

What was one of the most memorable moments of City of Women?

There is a lot of well written sex!
The twists and turns of the plot were great- I don't want to give anything away...

Which character – as performed by Suzanne Bertish – was your favourite?

The protagonist of course

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

Lots of moments especially the friendships of women and the humanity and selflessness they showed

Any additional comments?

Persevere beyond the first couple of chapters as this is necessary scene setting- the mundane life of citizens at war

Powerful and thought provoking

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would certainly recommend this book to a friend with confidence they would enjoy it.

What other book might you compare City of Women to, and why?

Black Roses. The intrigue of the inside workings of the ordinary good german during WW2.

What does Suzanne Bertish bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Suzanne Bertish is a stunning narrator. She portrayed the v. nasty mother in law in genius fashion. I loathed the old cow as she intended me to. I would look out for books narrated by her in the future.

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

I will leave it a month or two and definitely listen to this again as it is many layered.

Excellent book.

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I found the start of the book a bit slow going, but after chapter 4 got into all the characters and enjoyed it from then on. The narrator was very good, and portrayed the different character very well.

Slow but good in the end

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Would you listen to City of Women again? Why?

I would certainly read it, whether I would listen again is another matter. What should be a really engaging story is sullied by a somewhat cold delivery. I'm not sure whether that's because the lead character is cold and aloof, or whether it's the delivery that has he words delivered exceedingly forcefully, which makes you feel she's almost shouting at the others in the story.
That said, the gradual immersion in the lot works well, and the slow realisation of the propaganda the citizens are being fed works well, and the characters surrounding her are well rounded and believable. Just a shame about that steam-rollering disconnection.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The slight and yet exceedingly strong willed young lady who leads with bravery, courage and not a little recklessness our heroine to act rather than wallow.

What three words best describe Suzanne Bertish’s performance?

Cold, disconnected, confident

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

No, it wasn't that engaging, although as you get into the story of Auntie and the undercover world, it certainly becomes much more engaging.

Sadly disconnected

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Thought-provoking story that played on my mind even when I wasn't listening to it & has stayed with me since. The characters were engaging and drawn with beautiful detail that brought them to life. But I struggled, really quite a lot at points, with the fact that the narrator couldn't do even a vaguely passable German accent. Credit to her, she kept trying. But at the point where two German characters were in conversation and, mystifyingly, one developed a Welsh accent and the other an Indian accent, I really wished she'd stop trying.

Jarring narration

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