Hotel Sacher
Hotel Sacher is the high-class hotel in Vienna where all the important dignitaries stay while in the city. This is the setting where people meet, Love and Death come calling, and futures change. The love stories are complicated and many characters feel obligated to choose family social status over emotion and desire. There is also a wonderful narrative about the politics and history during this time, when Europe was gearing up for WWI and the death of Franz Ferdinand that brought war to the forefront. This book is full of complex characters fighting their way into the 20th century in times of national struggle.
This book is short, and therefore, a rather quick read. I was amazed at how quickly I was engrossed in each character’s background and began rooting for them to get all that they desired. I think it’s a true testament to the author’s ability to grow such deep characters in a short amount of time. It was a struggle to see almost the entire cast of characters wallow in their misery when their dreams are quite literally right in front of them. I had to remind myself that it was a sign of the times; people were expected to accept their lot in life and move on with it. I was fairly satisfied with the ending. It wasn’t a perfect ride-into-the-sunset moment, but it was realistic and enjoyable conclusion.
I thought many times throughout the novel that it reminded me of Downton Abbey. So if you’re a fan of that TV series, then I think you’ll really like this book.
Malia's Pizza Rating
EVOO base, topped with zucchini strips, basil, and goat cheese. For dessert - Sachertorte