In December 1913, the city of Vienna glitters with promises of the future for sought- after debutante Amalia Faulhaber. But life takes a dramatic t...
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reviews
Mar 31, 2009
Heather
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Modern teenagers of today might think people of early twentieth century Europe were a simple lot. After all, they rode in carriages, wrote letters by hand, and attended formal balls. The nobility did little else but gossip and discuss Parisian fashions. Yet, in GG Vandagriff’s newest novel, pre-World War I Austria explodes with intrigue, volatile politics that would eventually bring the Austrian people under Hitler’s rule, and a love story that proves that a woman’s heart is as vast as the More...
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Mar 24, 2009
Tristi
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When I first received my copy of “The Last Waltz” in the mail, I was a little intimidated by its size. This bad boy comes in at 591 pages and one deftly placed blow would stop a midnight marauder in his tracks. But once I opened the covers, I was hooked and the size didn’t matter so much—in fact, it meant more story to enjoy.
The first thing that attracted me to the story is the fact that it’s set during World War I. We don’t see a lot of fiction based on this era—World War II gets More...
The first thing that attracted me to the story is the fact that it’s set during World War I. We don’t see a lot of fiction based on this era—World War II gets More...
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Mar 30, 2009
Suzanne
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It’s not very often that a fictional character comes to feel like an old friend. But that’s exactly how I feel about Amalia, the heroine of G.G. Vandagriff’s ‘The Last Waltz’. Ever since my high school visit to Europe, where I danced around the gazebo used in ‘The Sound of Music’ singing ‘I am seventeen going on eighteen’ (Yes, I was one birthday too many for it to be the perfect moment), I’ve had a fondness for Austria and its rich history. The Last Waltz didn’t disappoint in any way. It is a b
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Mar 25, 2009
Anne
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I’m sad to have finished G. G. Vandagriff’s epic historical romance, The Last Waltz, and grateful for the splendid read. What a grand, eye-opening adventure! I feel like I’ve lived in Austria and Germany since Page 1 and enjoyed every minute of my visit.
This novel of love and war carries messages from which nations today could well take heed. Dangerous politics that produced World Wars I and II also brought immeasurable tragedies to individuals and families.
Along with hea More...
This novel of love and war carries messages from which nations today could well take heed. Dangerous politics that produced World Wars I and II also brought immeasurable tragedies to individuals and families.
Along with hea More...
Jan 29, 2012
Rebecca
rated it:
The Last Waltz is an amazing journey through the life and times of a young lady growing up in Austria at the start of WWI and carrying through to the invasion of Hitler and the fall of Austria. Amalia is 19 years old and part of a dying upper aristocratic class in Austria at the start of the story. Amalia finds love, looses love and runs off to a former love while the nation is preparing for WWI. The scenes in ballrooms, train stations and sitting parlors are exquisite and delightful. the develo
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May 04, 2010
Shelah
rated it: 
The Last Waltz is epic, big, and sprawling. In many ways, it reminded me of War and Peace and Anna Karenina (I hope Tolstoy is not offended by the comparison), with years of life presented against the backdrop of political unrest, this time in Vienna, Germany and Poland. The book begins in 1913, on the day Amalia meets Andrzej (a name I can no longer spell, probably due to the fact that I could never figure out how to pronounce it, which bugged me for the entire 608 pages of the novel), and cont
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Jan 15, 2010
Tanja
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I have spent 18 years of my life dancing and many of those years were spent performing. Often we would talk about different types of performers and the kind of experience you can give as a performer and the kind of experience you can have as an audience. One type of performer is one who can tell a story. Often I have watched dance, or viewed any type of art, and knew the story they were trying to tell. It is like being read to as a child, you know what is coming and you enjoy the telling of the
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Aug 23, 2009
Wendy
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Apr 26, 2009
Kathryn
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amazing book dipicting life in world war 1 and 2 from an austrians womans point of view. Amalia Faulhabor was a middle case Austrian with with ancestry back to a count and so lived in style. However she didn't let this get to her head. she was engaged to be married to a baron Ebenhard, a Prussian until he broke it off to enlist in the army. She was so devistated by his dismissal that she broke protocal and went unescorted to a university bar and met the Doktor Andrzej, a polish training doctor t
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Jun 15, 2011
Annie
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I really enjoyed this book. It had a very interesting plot and I loved being able to watch the characters progression throughout their lives. The book starts shortly before World War 1 starts and it ends a little after World War 2 starts. I liked having the romance and seeing the different kinds of love that Amalia experiences and how she grows because of who is in her life at the time. I like how independent she is, but still holds on to the dependency she needs from those that are closest
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Jun 13, 2011
Cindy
rated it:
This book and I had a tempestuous relationship! At different times I was tempted to throw it against the wall, give it 5 stars, stop reading it, and name it my new favorite book. Vandagriff did an amazing job of giving life to Austria around the time of the two World Wars; she obviously had done her research! I gained a much clearer understanding of the Austrian politics of the time, and especially the tragic story of Austria's annexation by Germany. Vandagriff reminded me a little of one of my
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Mar 12, 2010
Wm
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Note: this is one of the novels I'm reading as a voter for the Whitney Awards. My rating and review may or may not be indicative of how I will cast my vote.
I'm not sure what makes a book more historical fiction than romance (this is an entry in the historical fiction category of the Whitney Awards), but this may be the only kind of romance that really works for me. In fact, this is more like 2 and a half stars because I enjoyed some parts of it.
It was entirely too predi More...
I'm not sure what makes a book more historical fiction than romance (this is an entry in the historical fiction category of the Whitney Awards), but this may be the only kind of romance that really works for me. In fact, this is more like 2 and a half stars because I enjoyed some parts of it.
It was entirely too predi More...
May 29, 2011
Nellie
rated it:
Big book, almost 600 pages. Amalia lives in Vienna during World War I in 1913, and is struggling with heartbreaking relationships, and difficult family.
This story was captivating. I liked this story because it gave me an idea of peoples experiences in war times having to flee their homes and country. It also kept the main character moral, when she easily could have gone another direction. I thought the main character was very strong, but made rash decisions before finding out the reality More...
This story was captivating. I liked this story because it gave me an idea of peoples experiences in war times having to flee their homes and country. It also kept the main character moral, when she easily could have gone another direction. I thought the main character was very strong, but made rash decisions before finding out the reality More...
Jan 29, 2011
B
rated it:
I was impressed. This is a long book, and there's a lot of back and forth between the characters but it is interesting and enthralling. I couldn't put it down.
The Last Waltz follows a young girl of 19 from pre-ww1 Vienna, Austria to when she becomes a 40-something woman at the start of ww11 in Austria. She falls in love, but also learns about fidelity and the deeper love that can grow in a marriage. She is sometimes foolish and selfish and plays (unwittingly in some ways) with the hearts o More...
The Last Waltz follows a young girl of 19 from pre-ww1 Vienna, Austria to when she becomes a 40-something woman at the start of ww11 in Austria. She falls in love, but also learns about fidelity and the deeper love that can grow in a marriage. She is sometimes foolish and selfish and plays (unwittingly in some ways) with the hearts o More...
Sep 07, 2009
Mie
rated it:
I enjoyed this novel very much. One of those books I was sad to have finished!
It was great to get specific historical information about what happened in Austria during WWI and the beginning of WWII.
Through out we follow Amelia from being a 19 year old middle class Austrian. She is a strong, independent, idealistik, loving caracter who grows and becomes someone I would admire. We read about her lovestory and freindships and how the war brought tragedies to many individuals. We r More...
It was great to get specific historical information about what happened in Austria during WWI and the beginning of WWII.
Through out we follow Amelia from being a 19 year old middle class Austrian. She is a strong, independent, idealistik, loving caracter who grows and becomes someone I would admire. We read about her lovestory and freindships and how the war brought tragedies to many individuals. We r More...
Aug 10, 2010
Annabeth
rated it:
Phew, that was close. There were a couple times when I thought I was going to be severely disappointed in the main character, but she pulled through.
Seriously, though, the self-proclaimed 'true love' of her life, Andrjez, should never have meddled back into her life once she became a wife to someone else and a mother.
I was sad at the ending. It wasn't a perfect closure, but I suppose how else would the author leave it open for her to get along in life with 2 men that she loved? Deat More...
Seriously, though, the self-proclaimed 'true love' of her life, Andrjez, should never have meddled back into her life once she became a wife to someone else and a mother.
I was sad at the ending. It wasn't a perfect closure, but I suppose how else would the author leave it open for her to get along in life with 2 men that she loved? Deat More...
Jan 04, 2010
Kirsty
rated it:
I found this book at my Grandparent's house. I was curious, because usually, my grandpa reads books from Louis L'Amour and my grandma reads Mary Higgins Clark. But I borrowed it and was hooked from the first page. It's full of amazing little quotes and such tidbits. The lead female is brave and strong and beautiful. The plot is thick, and though the book spans both World Wars, it never lets you down. Ms. Vandagriff writes with a beautiful prose that paints the exquisite landscape of Vienna and G
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Jan 17, 2010
Nicole
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I have never been one for historical fictions, that is why when my mom gave me this book months and months ago it ended up just sitting on my bookself. Out of desperation to read something I picked this book up and decided to take on the daunting task of reading it. Boy, was I surprised at how quickly I got wrapped up in the story, it pulled me in right from the beginning. I really ended up enjoying the story and even the history. For me there were a few holes here and there, nothing crucial
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Sep 21, 2009
Karin
rated it:
My mother-in-law lent me this book to read in Lake Powell last month. I only got a couple chapters into it on the trip, but was able to finish it this week, finally. I really loved it and can't wait till the next volume comes out (it was very obvious at the end that there was at least another book to come). This is one you can pick up at Deseret Book.
The book takes place in Vienna, starting just before the outbreak of WWI and ending just before the outbreak of WWII. I have read a More...
The book takes place in Vienna, starting just before the outbreak of WWI and ending just before the outbreak of WWII. I have read a More...
Feb 11, 2010
Susie
rated it:
*** My review has spoilers, but dont worry about it cause I wouldn't recommend the book anyhow***
I was kind of disapointed in this book. I was really excited to read this after the last several books i've read being about vampires or werewolves or the combination of the 2, I was excited to get back to reality, and what better way to delve into reality than with a little historical fiction taking place from pre-WWI to pre-WWII era. I generally enjoy books from this era and this book showed More...
I was kind of disapointed in this book. I was really excited to read this after the last several books i've read being about vampires or werewolves or the combination of the 2, I was excited to get back to reality, and what better way to delve into reality than with a little historical fiction taking place from pre-WWI to pre-WWII era. I generally enjoy books from this era and this book showed More...
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Feb 16, 2010
Angela
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I could not put this book down.
THE LAST WALTZ is romantic historical fiction. The story starts with a romance story arc that carries through the whole novel. But the story is also heavily tied to the events of the time period - just prior to WWI in Vienna, Austria. I LOVE historical fiction but this isn't a time period that I really know a lot about. I have read mostly about WWII. Through this story I could see how big the changes in central Europe were following WWI and how t More...
THE LAST WALTZ is romantic historical fiction. The story starts with a romance story arc that carries through the whole novel. But the story is also heavily tied to the events of the time period - just prior to WWI in Vienna, Austria. I LOVE historical fiction but this isn't a time period that I really know a lot about. I have read mostly about WWII. Through this story I could see how big the changes in central Europe were following WWI and how t More...
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Dec 16, 2009
Taffy
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Mrs. Vandagriff's book is full of history and rich storytelling. Her research and characters shine throughout the book.
The story starts with an engaged Amalia, an idealistic teen living in Austria right before WWI. Her fiance, a Baron who will help her family's social status, feels he can not be married and a soldier at the same time so he breaks off the engagement. Amalia is shocked and embarrassed and hides the breakup for as long as she can.
Almost immediately, two men seem t More...
The story starts with an engaged Amalia, an idealistic teen living in Austria right before WWI. Her fiance, a Baron who will help her family's social status, feels he can not be married and a soldier at the same time so he breaks off the engagement. Amalia is shocked and embarrassed and hides the breakup for as long as she can.
Almost immediately, two men seem t More...
Mar 17, 2010
Jessica
rated it:
I gained such a greater perspective of World War 1 and the time period following it in Europe. I felt so strongly attached to the characters and the political ideals presented. Though a bit on the lengthy side, I had a hard time putting this one down especially the last 150 pages or so.
This book was listed in the LDS fiction section, simply because the author must be LDS because the book does not even mention the LDS faith. I appreciated this since it gave the book a very real. More...
This book was listed in the LDS fiction section, simply because the author must be LDS because the book does not even mention the LDS faith. I appreciated this since it gave the book a very real. More...
Dec 05, 2009
TJ
rated it:
Incredible, beautiful, breathtaking... I could go on and on. EXACTLY what a historical romance should be. Although the setting is not usually my forte (WWI through WWII), Vandagriff wove information into such a riveting story and through the eyes of such an admirable heroine that I was hardly aware of how much I was learning! The development of each character was handled in such an adept yet understated way that it is not until the very last page that the reader truly understands the incredible
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Feb 09, 2012
Michelle
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I can't decide if I like this book or not. Right now, I'm leaning toward not. From the very start the main character, Amalia, bugged me. I felt no connection to her and alot of her problems seemed of her own selfish making. I did like the historical backdrop of the story, Austria from the beginning of WWI to Hitler's take-over before WWII. That was interesting. Most of all, I HATED the ending! I could understant why the author did it, I just don't agree with the direction she wanted the characte
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Jul 11, 2011
Alison
rated it:
The beginning started out strong, then there was a lull and I considered setting it aside, but I kept reading and am very glad I did. I learned a lot about why WWI started and how it affected people in Central European countries, especially Austria. The later half of the story involving the German invasion of Austria at the beginning of WWII reminded me of 'The Sound of Music' so if you like that, this story will probably interest you. The characters were engaging and I especially liked the m
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Jun 27, 2010
Kathi
rated it:
This is a very rich book. It brings the reader through the historical period just before WWI up to the point when Hitler is taking over Germany and ready to move into Austria. The main character, Amalia, is a strong personality who lives her life doing what she feels strongly about, whether it be right or wrong. However, her values are always in the right place. This is a powerful way to get a good perspective on the Austrian side of the Hitler situation. Loved it!
Jan 26, 2010
Heather
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This book started off very exciting and promising, but I soon grew dismayed at the choices Amalia was making. Hello, did she learn nothing from her uncle? However, I really enjoyed the story. It took a lot of turns that I expected it to, and a lot I didn't. The end was particularly interesting. I'm still not sure I am happy with the way it ended. My only problem was with all the political stuff. I realize it was important to the story line, but it was boring to me.
Sep 02, 2009
Liz
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This novel is set in WWI, which I know very little about so it's interesting in that way. It is mostly a book about a young aristocratic woman, her several male relationships and how the war twists its way into her loves, her life, her family and her character. Perhaps not a book for "the guys" but all you romance-loving ladies would probably like it. *Finished it; the plot really snowballs by the end, so I was flipping pages like crazy trying to finish!*
Nov 23, 2011
Summers
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This was good, even though it really is more a romance than a historical novel. I like the way Vandagriff writes -- very insightful without dragging the story down too much. An interesting look at that era (WWI and WWII) from a viewpoint (Austria) not often found.
Favorite quote: "It was all about darkness and light. She said darkness is really a lie, because all the goodness is still there. God is still there. Ultimately, everything is redeemed. But you can't see it because there More...
Favorite quote: "It was all about darkness and light. She said darkness is really a lie, because all the goodness is still there. God is still there. Ultimately, everything is redeemed. But you can't see it because there More...
