The relationship between the Kommandant of a Nazi concentration camp and the Jewish woman inmate whom he forces to become his "mistress," is revealed from the perspectives of both protagonists, as well as from ostensibly objective biographical encyclopedia entries on each. 2nd edition (includes translations of Verdi's opera La Traviata). Arcade (Trade Paper) 2000.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Alexandria Constantinova Szeman (formerly writing as "Sherri")
A somber what-if first novel that vividly explores a possible relationship between the Kommandant of a Nazi concentration camp and a Jewish inmate. The story is first told by the Kommandant, then by Rachel, his mistress, with a concluding chapter purporting to be the official record that calls into question all that has gone before. Maximilian von Walther is an idealistic young man who joins the Nazi party and is soon promoted to Camp Kommandant for his loyal service. He is also a coldblooded sensualist who treats his wife and former mistresses with disdain, but Rachel, the beautiful Jewish woman he selects out of a group of new arrivals at the camp, is different: she makes him feel ``almost happy.'' When the war ends, Walther sends his family to South America and somehow manages to evade prosecution. His past, however, catches up with him: a young man threatens to expose him; another tries to kill him; and The Dead Bodies, a book he believes Rachel has written, is published. Finally, Walther seeks out Rachel in the American countryside, where he tries to defend himself against ``the lies'' in her book. Rachel then takes up the story: she's a promising poet, but as the Germans tighten their control, she gives up her writing to help her elderly parents survive. Unlike Walther, she has no tender memories of their relationship. Raped and brutalized by him, she struggles to survive not only his treatment but the scorn of fellow inmates whom she tries to help. Now, the war over, Rachel is haunted by the past--and an encounter she knows must occur. A provocative exploration of a complex and disturbing relationship--the parameters of which are sometimes overwhelmed by the lyrical intensity of Szeman's writing and vision. -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 3.99
Within U.S.A.
Seller: Books From California, Simi Valley, CA, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: Good. Seller Inventory # mon0003086681
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Irish Booksellers, Portland, ME, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. SHIPS FROM USA. Used books have different signs of use and do not include supplemental materials such as CDs, Dvds, Access Codes, charts or any other extra material. All used books might have various degrees of writing, highliting and wear and tear and possibly be an ex-library with the usual stickers and stamps. Dust Jackets are not guaranteed and when still present, they will have various degrees of tear and damage. All images are Stock Photos, not of the actual item. book. Seller Inventory # 10-0749397403-G
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The Kommandant's Mistress This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9780749397401
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Reuseabook, Gloucester, GLOS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Used; Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading. Seller Inventory # CHL4923822
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: HPB Inc., Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_411413853
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: High-Lonesome Books, Silver City, NM, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Good+. Reprint. 5 x 8, 273 pgs. Story about a Nazi camp commander and a Jewish prisoner, their lives before, during and after the war. Signed and inscribed by the author. Seller Inventory # 28397
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Bahamut Media, Reading, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780749397401
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Dromanabooks, Newstead, VIC, Australia
Soft Cover. Condition: Very Good. First Edition. 274p. Remainder mark to base. Covered in adhesive plastic.; Remainder; 8vo. Seller Inventory # 7803
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Yare Books, Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom
Trade Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Reissue. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Seller Inventory # 021528
Quantity: 1 available