The School for German Brides: A Novel of World War II
The School for German Brides examines the impact of social and political beliefs on the lives of three young women living in Germany in 1938 and beyond. Hanna Rombauer, following her mother’s unexpected death, has been sent to live in Berlin with Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Otto, who are Hitler supporters. Hanna’s aspiration is to study medicine at university, following in her mother’s footsteps.
Hanna is befriended at school by a second teen, Klara Schmidt. Klara’s parents, active in the Nazi Party, have grand plans for Klara to marry an SS officer. Runyan’s discerning insights into the strained social settings the teens are thrust into will cause readers sincere stress and angst. Events hosted by Charlotte and Otto and the deplorable, disgusting plans that involve Hanna are unimaginable. Thirdly, Mathilde Altman, a “Mischling” (of mixed Jewish and Gentile heritage), is an amazing seamstress, and she and her mom live in fear for their safety. They earn a meager living at a fabric shop while Tilde’s dream of studying law disappears.
The story is filled with historical details and political views of women’s “duty” to Germany. Young girls, groomed to be in service to the Fatherland, are encouraged to join the BDM—Bund Deutscher Mädel (Band of German Maidens), which is part of the Hitler Youth. The “schools for German brides” teach that “motherhood is your sacred duty… the very reason you were born.” Hanna, Klara, and Tilde cross paths at the school for brides, the luxurious Villa on Schwanenwerder Island. Each young woman is at a crossroads, facing life-changing decisions. Runyan’s novel is compelling and intriguing as readers find out how the girls serve their country and find one last gesture to honor the memory of their friendship.
