The Women in the Castle
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
356
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1940s
2017
Adult
18+ years
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck is a historical novel that follows three women, the widows of men involved in a failed plot to kill Hitler, as they navigate the post-World War II aftermath in Germany and confront their collective guilt and personal traumas. Set in a ruined castle, the story spans from the war's end to decades later, exploring themes of complicity and redemption. Topics include sexual violence, war trauma, and suicide.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
77,341 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jessica Shattuck's The Women in the Castle offers a compelling exploration of post-WWII Germany through the lives of three widows. Praised for its rich historical context and complex characters, it weaves their intertwined stories with emotional depth. Some readers, however, find pacing issues and a predictable plot. Overall, it’s a poignant narrative on resilience and reconciliation.
Readers who relish historical fiction, particularly about World War II, will find The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck compelling. Comparable to Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale and Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See, it appeals to those interested in resilience, female friendships, and moral complexity amidst war.
77,341 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
356
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1940s
2017
Adult
18+ years
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