All That Lingers by Irene Wittig

 

Setting

The book spans over more than four decades, 1934-1960. Austria, in 1934 was witnessing the rise of Nazism due to the growing influence of Hitler in neighbouring Germany. Socialists were being suppressed and Jews began fearing for their rights and their lives. Anti-semitism was widespread. The political future of Austria was in shambles. In 1938, after the Anschluss- the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany without even a shot being fired, Jews fled the country. Nuremberg Laws forbade marriages between Jews and Germans. Jews were declared as state subjects without any citizenship rights.

Storyline

The book follows the life of Emma and her friends in Vienna. Emma was at the brink of happiness in her life. She was looking forward to a future with Theo. Then the whole world was thrown into chaos and everything was snatched away from her.  When Hitler marched into Austria, almost all the Jews attempted to flee including her friends. Some managed with success while others disappeared or assumed dead. Emma spent the war years confined in her house along with her mother and friend Leonie, stepping out only when required. When she lost Leonie, it broke her. After the war, she gradually picked up the pieces of her life and found meaning in lending a hand to those in need. In due course, she found contentment and closure too. 

Another subplot follows Friedrich, a poor nobleman from Germany who marries into an elite Austrian family.  Also, Sophie who with her mother managed to reach America and was spared the horrors of the war. She travels back to Vienna to track down her father. 

My Thoughts

Most of my World War II fiction has been limited to Great Britain or Germany. So a story set in Austria, whether a victim or a reluctant co-perpetrator of the war was thought-provoking. More appreciably the story is not just about the war but also dealt with the aftermath of it. The physical and emotional scars it left on the people. It is slightly slow in the middle but picks up pace after the war ends. Another thing to reflect on is the effect of war on the privileged class. Did it have any effect on their lifestyle?

The character of Emma is well sketched out and is by far my favourite. She is a loyal and true friend who hides her friend Leonie, a Jew despite the constant threat of getting caught. I could feel her grief and misery. I was transported right into her apartment doing the mundane work of washing and mending. Friedrich's character is not black or white but somewhere in between. He is not bad at heart but due to his circumstances, he does what he deems right for his survival. Soon this becomes his second nature. Even though he got several chances to redeem himself but his actions were always guided by his self-serving nature. 

It is a touching story that would tug at your heartstrings.  

Star Rating - 4/5

Recommend - Yes please!