The German Suitcase
Jul 2014 · Open Road Media
4.3star
9 reviewsreport
Ebook
274
Pages
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About this ebook
This novel from “a suspense pro” is part World War II thriller and part modern-day mystery (Chicago Tribune).
A vintage suitcase is pulled from the trash by a young New York advertising executive brainstorming a campaign on her way to work. The account is Steinbach Luggage, the German answer to Louis Vuitton and Hermes. There is only one problem with the vintage bag—like Steinbach’s CEO, it is a Holocaust survivor, as evidenced by the name and other personal data painted on it.
The suitcase is hallowed memorabilia, and no one dares open it until it is determined if the owner is still alive. The Holocaust survivor turns out to be an eighty-nine-year-old member of New York’s Jewish aristocracy, a prominent philanthropist and surgeon. When he gives his consent, the documents inside the suitcase pique the interest of a New York Times reporter—whose investigation begins to unravel a devastating secret that has been locked away since the day Dachau was liberated.
From an author whose work has been praised by the New York Times for “sharp insight into character,” The German Suitcase is a unique thriller focusing on the Nazi doctors who were conscripted by the Secret Service and given the task of carrying out Hitler’s Final Solution, delving deeply into questions that have been asked ever since the war ended. What is a war crime? What is guilt? How is justice best served? It is a novel that questions the very nature of identity, and ultimately asks if a lifetime of good deeds can make up for past acts of evil.
A vintage suitcase is pulled from the trash by a young New York advertising executive brainstorming a campaign on her way to work. The account is Steinbach Luggage, the German answer to Louis Vuitton and Hermes. There is only one problem with the vintage bag—like Steinbach’s CEO, it is a Holocaust survivor, as evidenced by the name and other personal data painted on it.
The suitcase is hallowed memorabilia, and no one dares open it until it is determined if the owner is still alive. The Holocaust survivor turns out to be an eighty-nine-year-old member of New York’s Jewish aristocracy, a prominent philanthropist and surgeon. When he gives his consent, the documents inside the suitcase pique the interest of a New York Times reporter—whose investigation begins to unravel a devastating secret that has been locked away since the day Dachau was liberated.
From an author whose work has been praised by the New York Times for “sharp insight into character,” The German Suitcase is a unique thriller focusing on the Nazi doctors who were conscripted by the Secret Service and given the task of carrying out Hitler’s Final Solution, delving deeply into questions that have been asked ever since the war ended. What is a war crime? What is guilt? How is justice best served? It is a novel that questions the very nature of identity, and ultimately asks if a lifetime of good deeds can make up for past acts of evil.
Ratings and reviews
4.3
9 reviews
Magical Doggies
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September 10, 2020
An absolutely fabulous book, alternating WW2 events with modern time events, the author explores the questions of guilt, complicity, ethics, morality, following orders and conscience. It’s impossible to not be caught up in the story and the conundrums the characters find themselves a part of - most through no fault of their own. The author is a master at characterization and the dilemmas faced by the characters are real and compelling - I feel like I lived through the events myself, experiencing anger, grief, confusion and torment! The book is so real, you will not come away unchanged! The characters were people that I wanted to know and some who I wanted to hate- the author made them that real and multidimensional. A great story for book clubs, as there is much to ponder and discuss, if only about choice vs mandate or right vs wrong. Is everything in life black and white?? This book will challenge the readers very basic sense of morality and ethics when it comes to war and choices made or made for us! This book should be mandatory reading!! I can’t say enough good things about it, and in closing it was amazing that the author did not resort to cliches and trite answers to life’s hardest questions!
Mary George
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November 6, 2015
This book is a wonderful exploration of such a dark period in history that serves as a reminder that we should never forget the atrocities committed. However, it also shows the wondrous resiliency of the human spirit and the hopefulness of what can be attained in the memory of those we love. It also proves there are so very many shades of gray. Excellently researched and written.
1 person found this review helpful
About the author
Greg Dinallo, a New York Times Notable author, has published six novels: Rockets’ Red Glare, Purpose of Evasion, Final Answers, Touched by Fire, Red Ink, and his latest, The German Suitcase. He has also written and produced many dramatic programs and movies for television. Dinallo lives with his wife in New York City’s Greenwich Village.
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