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Mr Einstein's Secretary
A SECRETARY LIKE NO OTHERIN AN EPIC SPANNING 40 YEARS
All Hanna Fischer ever wanted to do was to study physics under the great Albert Einstein.
But when, as a teenager in 1919, her life is suddenly turned upside-down, she is catapulted into a new and extraordinary life - as a student, a secretary, a sister and a spy.
From racist gangs in Berlin to gangsters in New York City, Nazis in the 1930s and Hitler's inner circle during the Second World War, Hanna will encounter some of history's greatest minds and most terrible moments, all while desperately trying to stay alive.
She is a most unique secretary and she will work for many bosses - from shrewd businessmen to vile Nazis, to the greatest boss of them all, Mr Albert Einstein...
Spanning forty years, this is the thrilling tale of a young woman propelled through history's most dangerous times. But read it carefully, because all may not be as it seems...
All Hanna Fischer ever wanted to do was to study physics under the great Albert Einstein.
But when, as a teenager in 1919, her life is suddenly turned upside-down, she is catapulted into a new and extraordinary life - as a student, a secretary, a sister and a spy.
From racist gangs in Berlin to gangsters in New York City, Nazis in the 1930s and Hitler's inner circle during the Second World War, Hanna will encounter some of history's greatest minds and most terrible moments, all while desperately trying to stay alive.
She is a most unique secretary and she will work for many bosses - from shrewd businessmen to vile Nazis, to the greatest boss of them all, Mr Albert Einstein...
Spanning forty years, this is the thrilling tale of a young woman propelled through history's most dangerous times. But read it carefully, because all may not be as it seems...
450 pages, Hardcover
Published October 29, 2024
765 people are currently reading
2655 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Reilly
90 books6,150 followersBorn in Sydney in 1974, Matthew Reilly was not always a big fan of reading. It was only after he read To Kill A Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies in Year 10 that he realised reading could transport you to another world. Following this revelation, Matthew soon began creating stories of his own and set about writing his first novel, Contest, at the age of 19 while still at university studying law.
Following rejections from all the major publishers, Matthew self-published Contest in 1996, printing 1000 copies. He produced a big-budget-looking novel which he sold into bookshops throughout Sydney, one shop at a time.
In January 1997, a Commissioning Editor for Pan Macmillan Australia walked into Angus & Robertson's Pitt Street Mall store and bought a copy of Contest. The editor tracked Matthew down through his contact details in the front of the book. Interestingly, those original self-published editions of Contest have now become much sought after collectors' items. One recently sold on eBay for $1200!
Matthew Reilly is now the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow novels: Ice Station, Area 7, Scarecrow, Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves and the novella Hell Island; the Jack West novels: Seven Ancient Wonders, The Six Sacred Stones, The Five Greatest Warriors, The Four Legendary Kingdoms, and The Three Secret Cities; and the standalone novels Contest, Temple, Hover Car Racer, The Tournament, Troll Mountain, The Great Zoo of China and The Secret Runners of New York.
His books are published in over 20 languages with worldwide sales of over 7 million copies.
Since Seven Ancient Wonders in 2005, Matthew's novels have been the biggest selling new fiction title released in Australia for that year.
Matthew has also written several short stories, including Roger Ascham and the King's Lost Girl, a special free prequel to The Tournament which is available online. Other short stories include Time Tours, The Mine and the hyper-adrenalised romp, Altitude Rush.
He owns and drives a DeLorean DMC-12, the car made famous in the Back to the Future movies. He also has a life-sized Han Solo in carbonite hanging on the wall of his office! When not writing or penning a film script, Matthew can be found on the golf course.
Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles.
(source: Amazon)
Following rejections from all the major publishers, Matthew self-published Contest in 1996, printing 1000 copies. He produced a big-budget-looking novel which he sold into bookshops throughout Sydney, one shop at a time.
In January 1997, a Commissioning Editor for Pan Macmillan Australia walked into Angus & Robertson's Pitt Street Mall store and bought a copy of Contest. The editor tracked Matthew down through his contact details in the front of the book. Interestingly, those original self-published editions of Contest have now become much sought after collectors' items. One recently sold on eBay for $1200!
Matthew Reilly is now the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow novels: Ice Station, Area 7, Scarecrow, Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves and the novella Hell Island; the Jack West novels: Seven Ancient Wonders, The Six Sacred Stones, The Five Greatest Warriors, The Four Legendary Kingdoms, and The Three Secret Cities; and the standalone novels Contest, Temple, Hover Car Racer, The Tournament, Troll Mountain, The Great Zoo of China and The Secret Runners of New York.
His books are published in over 20 languages with worldwide sales of over 7 million copies.
Since Seven Ancient Wonders in 2005, Matthew's novels have been the biggest selling new fiction title released in Australia for that year.
Matthew has also written several short stories, including Roger Ascham and the King's Lost Girl, a special free prequel to The Tournament which is available online. Other short stories include Time Tours, The Mine and the hyper-adrenalised romp, Altitude Rush.
He owns and drives a DeLorean DMC-12, the car made famous in the Back to the Future movies. He also has a life-sized Han Solo in carbonite hanging on the wall of his office! When not writing or penning a film script, Matthew can be found on the golf course.
Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles.
(source: Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 549 reviews
February 19, 2025
Hanna Fischer was Albert Einstein’s secretary. This is her story.
The concept works because it allows us to learn more about a lot of interesting history that happened over many years in bite-sized pieces. The downside of this is that the story jumps around a lot as we see flashes of history, but we don’t get a lot of time to properly explore all those individual moments.
I like the choice of protagonist as it puts an unsung hero in the spotlight. Hanna is a good fictional representation of the many people that the history books have forgotten about, but who worked hard in the shadows so that others could shine. Her purpose in this story is to be there during certain interesting moments in history. But the book also makes enough room for her character to be fleshed out and developed over the course of the story. Her sister Ooma being a main antagonist also adds something to both Hanna’s character and the story in general.
This story is different from Matthew Reilly’s usual total non-stop action thrillers. The pacing is slower and the story is less action-packed than his action thrillers, but the pacing is still much faster and the story is still more action-packed than an average historical fiction story. This story feels similar to Matthew Reilly’s other historical fiction book the Tournament. Though the Tournament was about a real character in a fictional story, and focused more on the main character and the plot rather than on the history. Mr Einstein's Secretary on the other hand is about a fictional character in a real story, and focuses more on the history and the main character rather than on the plot.
Matthew Reilly is one of my favorite authors, so I knew I had to give this one a try. That being said, historical fiction stories set during the Second World War aren’t exactly my cup of tea to be honest, so take my review with a big grain of salt. Despite my love for Matthew Reilly’s fast-paced action thrillers, this feels like a story that could actually have benefited from a slower pace. But I’m glad I read it, as there are some very interesting things you can learn about Einstein’s life, the Second World War, and everything leading up to it.
The concept works because it allows us to learn more about a lot of interesting history that happened over many years in bite-sized pieces. The downside of this is that the story jumps around a lot as we see flashes of history, but we don’t get a lot of time to properly explore all those individual moments.
I like the choice of protagonist as it puts an unsung hero in the spotlight. Hanna is a good fictional representation of the many people that the history books have forgotten about, but who worked hard in the shadows so that others could shine. Her purpose in this story is to be there during certain interesting moments in history. But the book also makes enough room for her character to be fleshed out and developed over the course of the story. Her sister Ooma being a main antagonist also adds something to both Hanna’s character and the story in general.
This story is different from Matthew Reilly’s usual total non-stop action thrillers. The pacing is slower and the story is less action-packed than his action thrillers, but the pacing is still much faster and the story is still more action-packed than an average historical fiction story. This story feels similar to Matthew Reilly’s other historical fiction book the Tournament. Though the Tournament was about a real character in a fictional story, and focused more on the main character and the plot rather than on the history. Mr Einstein's Secretary on the other hand is about a fictional character in a real story, and focuses more on the history and the main character rather than on the plot.
Matthew Reilly is one of my favorite authors, so I knew I had to give this one a try. That being said, historical fiction stories set during the Second World War aren’t exactly my cup of tea to be honest, so take my review with a big grain of salt. Despite my love for Matthew Reilly’s fast-paced action thrillers, this feels like a story that could actually have benefited from a slower pace. But I’m glad I read it, as there are some very interesting things you can learn about Einstein’s life, the Second World War, and everything leading up to it.
November 24, 2023
This is a tough one for me to rate, to be honest.
Anyone who knows me (or read my other MR reviews) knows that I love Matt Reilly's books. I love the pace, the action, the way he doesn't bother with superfluous details. Give me hard, fast and ridiculous and I am happy.
The story here focuses on Hanna and mostly takes place throughout WWII. It details some of the atrocities of the war under the guise of telling Hanna's story of being a spy amongst the Nazis.
I'm not one to gravitate towards war stories with all their horrific details, so to find it as the focus of a book by an author I love was really tough. At the same time, it was an easy way to digest some of the things that happened that I've so far willingly turned a blind eye to. It was confronting, but Reilly's trademark pace took the sting out a little.
That being said, I feel like Hanna's story was a bit weak, and more of an excuse to talk about the war in detail rather than the story being supported by the setting. It felt a little messy, with Hanna's sister popping up so sporadically that at times I forgot she existed at all. There were a lot of moments that felt thrown in for action's sake, rather than for any substantial contribution to the story.
Still, this is a great novel for those like me looking for a little more insight into the war and the mechanisms behind it.
Not what I expected at all, but I certainly didn't hate it.
Anyone who knows me (or read my other MR reviews) knows that I love Matt Reilly's books. I love the pace, the action, the way he doesn't bother with superfluous details. Give me hard, fast and ridiculous and I am happy.
The story here focuses on Hanna and mostly takes place throughout WWII. It details some of the atrocities of the war under the guise of telling Hanna's story of being a spy amongst the Nazis.
I'm not one to gravitate towards war stories with all their horrific details, so to find it as the focus of a book by an author I love was really tough. At the same time, it was an easy way to digest some of the things that happened that I've so far willingly turned a blind eye to. It was confronting, but Reilly's trademark pace took the sting out a little.
That being said, I feel like Hanna's story was a bit weak, and more of an excuse to talk about the war in detail rather than the story being supported by the setting. It felt a little messy, with Hanna's sister popping up so sporadically that at times I forgot she existed at all. There were a lot of moments that felt thrown in for action's sake, rather than for any substantial contribution to the story.
Still, this is a great novel for those like me looking for a little more insight into the war and the mechanisms behind it.
Not what I expected at all, but I certainly didn't hate it.
April 21, 2024
Another exciting adventure by MR!!! If I had to describe the “vibe” it’s probably combination of The Tournament and Jack West. Great to see a female protagonist, although she’s probably not as fleshed out or realistic as a female author would portray. But that’s my only (mild) criticism of a very entertaining read! I finished it within 10 hours of purchase and am very satisfied with my life choices today :) Read carefully indeed!
January 13, 2024
Mr Einstein's Secretary by Matthew Reilly
Synopsis /
All Hanna Fischer ever wanted to do was to study physics under the great Albert Einstein.
But when, as a teenager in 1919, her life is suddenly turned upside-down, she is catapulted into a new and extraordinary life - as a student, a secretary, a sister, and a spy.
From racist gangs in Berlin to gangsters in New York City, Nazis in the 1930s and Hitler's inner circle during the Second World War, Hanna will encounter some of history's greatest minds and most terrible moments, all while desperately trying to stay alive.
She is a most unique secretary, and she will work for many bosses - from shrewd businessmen to vile Nazis, to the greatest boss of them all, Mr Albert Einstein.
My Thoughts /
The model secretary should put as much care into her appearance as into her typing. For ultimately her job is to make her boss look good: to perform all the dull chores so that her boss is free to apply his mind to those matters of business that all know are more suited to the masculine brain.
– From: Modern Secretary (pamphlet, published circa 1939)
I'm a big fan of Matthew Reilly's Shane Schofield series but have never tried a standalone, so I grabbed the opportunity when the title of his latest novel jumped out at me. Mr Einstein's Secretary.
I knew the name of course, Albert Einstein. Theoretical physicist. Born in Germany, March 14, 1879. Winner of a Nobel Prize in Physics. Did he really have a secretary? As it turns out, yes, he did. Her name was Helene (Helen) Dukas and she was the personal secretary to Albert Einstein for 28 years.
At his side, as ever, gripping his elbow, helping him along, was his loyal primary secretary, Helen Dukas. Since 1928—just after I had worked for Einstein the second time—she had been his diary-keeper, housekeeper and gatekeeper. It was in this final capacity—gatekeeper—that she truly excelled.
Many great works of fiction are loosely based on real events or people. Mr Einstein's Secretary is a work of fiction but many of the names and events in this story are real.
In a turnabout of writing style, this is not the high-octane roller coaster high speed thrill ride that I've become accustomed to with the Shane Schofield series; but nevertheless it was still an immersive compulsive read, and I've come to the conclusion that I'll now read anything Matthew Reilly turns his hand to.
The opening of the story is not one you'd expect. It's a funeral.
Princeton Public Cemetery January 20, 1948
It is truly an odd thing to watch your own burial. To see who comes. To see how many come. To see what they say about you. Mine is a dismal affair. Only four people turn up.
It's the funeral for Hannah Fischer - Einstein's secretary. The story follows protagonist Hanna Fischer over the course of 40 years as she navigates the world of science and espionage.
Written like a memoir, Hannah takes us through her life, starting out as a young girl who had a love of science and whose neighbour (Einstein) would encourage her in all areas of learning, but especially physics. Hannah's life took unexpected roads - WWII began. 1939: Germany invaded Poland. 1940: Germany took France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, and Norway. Hannah fled to the U.S. to escape Jewish persecution where her dreams of studying physics ended and thoughts of finishing secretarial college became her immediate concern.
THE RULES TO BECOMING A GREAT SECRETARY RULE #1: Your job is to help your boss to do his job! RULE #2: Always look immaculate! RULE #3: Always be on time! RULE #4: Spelling, punctuation and grammar are the markers of sophistication! RULE #5: Fast and wrong is still wrong.
Reilly has written a cast of captivating characters from scientists to business moguls, government 'special agents' to gangsters like Douglas "Baby Face" Mancino, and Italian-born, Lucky Luciano; and Hannah is intertwined with them all.
Reilly's imagination must have been in overdrive for this, and the use of real-life characters had me questioning whether this was a non-fiction book at times; however, the unbelievable plot twists brought me back into the fictional element pretty quickly!
All in all, it's just a stunningly entertaining read.
Synopsis /
All Hanna Fischer ever wanted to do was to study physics under the great Albert Einstein.
But when, as a teenager in 1919, her life is suddenly turned upside-down, she is catapulted into a new and extraordinary life - as a student, a secretary, a sister, and a spy.
From racist gangs in Berlin to gangsters in New York City, Nazis in the 1930s and Hitler's inner circle during the Second World War, Hanna will encounter some of history's greatest minds and most terrible moments, all while desperately trying to stay alive.
She is a most unique secretary, and she will work for many bosses - from shrewd businessmen to vile Nazis, to the greatest boss of them all, Mr Albert Einstein.
My Thoughts /
The model secretary should put as much care into her appearance as into her typing. For ultimately her job is to make her boss look good: to perform all the dull chores so that her boss is free to apply his mind to those matters of business that all know are more suited to the masculine brain.
– From: Modern Secretary (pamphlet, published circa 1939)
I'm a big fan of Matthew Reilly's Shane Schofield series but have never tried a standalone, so I grabbed the opportunity when the title of his latest novel jumped out at me. Mr Einstein's Secretary.
I knew the name of course, Albert Einstein. Theoretical physicist. Born in Germany, March 14, 1879. Winner of a Nobel Prize in Physics. Did he really have a secretary? As it turns out, yes, he did. Her name was Helene (Helen) Dukas and she was the personal secretary to Albert Einstein for 28 years.
At his side, as ever, gripping his elbow, helping him along, was his loyal primary secretary, Helen Dukas. Since 1928—just after I had worked for Einstein the second time—she had been his diary-keeper, housekeeper and gatekeeper. It was in this final capacity—gatekeeper—that she truly excelled.
Many great works of fiction are loosely based on real events or people. Mr Einstein's Secretary is a work of fiction but many of the names and events in this story are real.
In a turnabout of writing style, this is not the high-octane roller coaster high speed thrill ride that I've become accustomed to with the Shane Schofield series; but nevertheless it was still an immersive compulsive read, and I've come to the conclusion that I'll now read anything Matthew Reilly turns his hand to.
The opening of the story is not one you'd expect. It's a funeral.
Princeton Public Cemetery January 20, 1948
It is truly an odd thing to watch your own burial. To see who comes. To see how many come. To see what they say about you. Mine is a dismal affair. Only four people turn up.
It's the funeral for Hannah Fischer - Einstein's secretary. The story follows protagonist Hanna Fischer over the course of 40 years as she navigates the world of science and espionage.
Written like a memoir, Hannah takes us through her life, starting out as a young girl who had a love of science and whose neighbour (Einstein) would encourage her in all areas of learning, but especially physics. Hannah's life took unexpected roads - WWII began. 1939: Germany invaded Poland. 1940: Germany took France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, and Norway. Hannah fled to the U.S. to escape Jewish persecution where her dreams of studying physics ended and thoughts of finishing secretarial college became her immediate concern.
THE RULES TO BECOMING A GREAT SECRETARY RULE #1: Your job is to help your boss to do his job! RULE #2: Always look immaculate! RULE #3: Always be on time! RULE #4: Spelling, punctuation and grammar are the markers of sophistication! RULE #5: Fast and wrong is still wrong.
Reilly has written a cast of captivating characters from scientists to business moguls, government 'special agents' to gangsters like Douglas "Baby Face" Mancino, and Italian-born, Lucky Luciano; and Hannah is intertwined with them all.
Reilly's imagination must have been in overdrive for this, and the use of real-life characters had me questioning whether this was a non-fiction book at times; however, the unbelievable plot twists brought me back into the fictional element pretty quickly!
All in all, it's just a stunningly entertaining read.
January 12, 2024
A refreshing sip of historical fiction, inviting readers to question where reality ends and imagination begins…..i>
Book Information
Mr Einstein's Secretary by Matthew Reilly spans 464 pages and was published on October 17, 2023 by Macmillan Australia.
Summary
Hanna Fischer dreamed of studying physics with Albert Einstein, but her life takes a wild turn in 1919. From battling racist gangs in Berlin to facing Nazis and working as a spy during World War II, Hanna's journey spans 40 years. As a secretary to various bosses, including Einstein, she navigates through history's highs and lows, trying to stay alive in the most dangerous times.
My Thoughts
Matthew Reilly's "Mr. Einstein's Secretary" stands out in the author's repertoire, diverging from his typical roller-coaster action-packed narratives. In contrast to the adrenaline-fueled plots, this book takes on a more nuanced tone, reminiscent of Reilly's earlier work, "The Tournament," which revolves around an international chess competition.
The brilliance of Reilly's writing shines through in this historical fiction, deviating from his usual detailed and mapped-out seat-of-the-pants action. If you're seeking a moderate-paced narrative that delves into historical intricacies, prompting you to question the line between reality and fiction by researching characters and events, this book is a compelling choice. Not tailored for those craving high-octane action, it instead provides a captivating exploration of the downfall of the Nazis. Matthew Reilly doesn't just write history; he orchestrates a symphony of intrigue and tension, with characters who linger in the corridors of time.
The protagonist, Hannah, adds depth to the narrative, and the allure of stories where characters play pivotal roles in historical events is evident. The narrative unfolds like a memoir, offering a backstage pass to some of the most challenging and turbulent years in world history. Hannah's journey is a compelling reminder that sometimes, the most significant stories unfold in the shadows. "Mr. Einstein's Secretary" delivers the "rest of the story" for those intrigued by characters in the background of major historical events, making it a captivating read.
Recommendation
With a moderate pace, captivating characters, and a backstage pass to pivotal moments in history, it's a must-read for those seeking a different dimension of Reilly's storytelling. Recommended.
Rating
4 Genius Stars
Book Information
Mr Einstein's Secretary by Matthew Reilly spans 464 pages and was published on October 17, 2023 by Macmillan Australia.
Summary
Hanna Fischer dreamed of studying physics with Albert Einstein, but her life takes a wild turn in 1919. From battling racist gangs in Berlin to facing Nazis and working as a spy during World War II, Hanna's journey spans 40 years. As a secretary to various bosses, including Einstein, she navigates through history's highs and lows, trying to stay alive in the most dangerous times.
My Thoughts
Matthew Reilly's "Mr. Einstein's Secretary" stands out in the author's repertoire, diverging from his typical roller-coaster action-packed narratives. In contrast to the adrenaline-fueled plots, this book takes on a more nuanced tone, reminiscent of Reilly's earlier work, "The Tournament," which revolves around an international chess competition.
The brilliance of Reilly's writing shines through in this historical fiction, deviating from his usual detailed and mapped-out seat-of-the-pants action. If you're seeking a moderate-paced narrative that delves into historical intricacies, prompting you to question the line between reality and fiction by researching characters and events, this book is a compelling choice. Not tailored for those craving high-octane action, it instead provides a captivating exploration of the downfall of the Nazis. Matthew Reilly doesn't just write history; he orchestrates a symphony of intrigue and tension, with characters who linger in the corridors of time.
The protagonist, Hannah, adds depth to the narrative, and the allure of stories where characters play pivotal roles in historical events is evident. The narrative unfolds like a memoir, offering a backstage pass to some of the most challenging and turbulent years in world history. Hannah's journey is a compelling reminder that sometimes, the most significant stories unfold in the shadows. "Mr. Einstein's Secretary" delivers the "rest of the story" for those intrigued by characters in the background of major historical events, making it a captivating read.
Recommendation
With a moderate pace, captivating characters, and a backstage pass to pivotal moments in history, it's a must-read for those seeking a different dimension of Reilly's storytelling. Recommended.
Rating
4 Genius Stars
August 28, 2023
I've been selling Matt's books for 15 years which is why I can call him Matt, he won't mind, and sadly this is only the second book I have read if his.
Ok, read isn't the right word, more like had words smashed through your corneas. This book has no gaps, no space for a pause, no time to sit back and recollect, just a torrent of words and events and characters and just .....I'm glad I have finished it so I can take a breath.
Nice book Matt.
Ok, read isn't the right word, more like had words smashed through your corneas. This book has no gaps, no space for a pause, no time to sit back and recollect, just a torrent of words and events and characters and just .....I'm glad I have finished it so I can take a breath.
Nice book Matt.
February 9, 2024
Mr Einstein’s Secretary is something of a departure for Matthew Reilly, who normally writes breakneck-paced action thrillers - a historical fiction novel about a female spy in Nazi Germany. I was sceptical, after the disappointment of Cobalt Blue, and particularly as I generally avoid this era in fiction, but it was given to me and recommended by a friend who has no tolerance for tedium so I gave it a go, and ended up really liking it, with some reservations.
Hanna Fischer grew up in Berlin with an American mother and German father, dreaming of becoming a physicist like her newly famous neighbour, Albert Einstein, but after the loss of her parents, flees to New York, where she trains as a secretary. With war brewing in Europe, Hanna will travel back and witness - and sometimes influence - history being made…
This had a likeable if somewhat too good to be true heroine, a daft subplot about her evil twin sister, cameos from various famous and infamous characters from history, and the author’s trademarked death defying action sequences. I kept expecting it to develop into a sci-fi or time travel story, but there’s none of that - which turns out to be a good thing. There’s his usual outrageous dependence on coincidence and deus ex machina escapes, but that’s all part of the fun if you don’t take it too seriously. I wasn’t sure about the flashbacks and time jumps, which got confusing at times, but it all makes sense in the end. Recommended to fans of the author who are open to something a bit different, rather than serious history buffs!
Hanna Fischer grew up in Berlin with an American mother and German father, dreaming of becoming a physicist like her newly famous neighbour, Albert Einstein, but after the loss of her parents, flees to New York, where she trains as a secretary. With war brewing in Europe, Hanna will travel back and witness - and sometimes influence - history being made…
This had a likeable if somewhat too good to be true heroine, a daft subplot about her evil twin sister, cameos from various famous and infamous characters from history, and the author’s trademarked death defying action sequences. I kept expecting it to develop into a sci-fi or time travel story, but there’s none of that - which turns out to be a good thing. There’s his usual outrageous dependence on coincidence and deus ex machina escapes, but that’s all part of the fun if you don’t take it too seriously. I wasn’t sure about the flashbacks and time jumps, which got confusing at times, but it all makes sense in the end. Recommended to fans of the author who are open to something a bit different, rather than serious history buffs!
April 7, 2024
"Сериозно ли,народе?Матю Райли?Не,това не може да е Райли!"-това си казвам.Като голям негов фен очаквах див,луд,непрекъснат екшън...Но не,няма такъв..."Мистър Райли,моля,дайте ни един нов герой!Джак Уест младши липсва!Дайте ни онова,което ни е накарало да бъдем ваши фенове"-това искам да кажа на автора....С две думи,ако се абстрахирам от това,кой е автора,бих дала 3,5 ⭐️
Дори не разбирам как книга,свързана с нацистите,Холокоста и физиката попадат в този отдел.Да,има шпиони и агенти,но романа е много далече от трилър.Райли се опитва да го сравни с другия му исторически роман-"Турнирът",но него прочетох на един дъх,а този буквално прочетох на сила,само защото автор е Райли.А как ми се искаше един луд екшън,такъв,какъвто само Райли може да напише...Разочарована съм,както и с "Кобалт синя"...
Дори не разбирам как книга,свързана с нацистите,Холокоста и физиката попадат в този отдел.Да,има шпиони и агенти,но романа е много далече от трилър.Райли се опитва да го сравни с другия му исторически роман-"Турнирът",но него прочетох на един дъх,а този буквално прочетох на сила,само защото автор е Райли.А как ми се искаше един луд екшън,такъв,какъвто само Райли може да напише...Разочарована съм,както и с "Кобалт синя"...
March 12, 2024
Matthew Reilly doesn't disappoint with his latest offering!
Set in the period before, during, and after the Second World War, the story revolves around Hanna Fischer, a young girl who wants to be a physicist like her next-door neighbour, Albert Einstein, and the impact the ward has on her and her survival of the horrors that she witnessed.
This fast-paced story will not appeal to everyone, given the subject matter, but others will enjoy the reading experience.
Set in the period before, during, and after the Second World War, the story revolves around Hanna Fischer, a young girl who wants to be a physicist like her next-door neighbour, Albert Einstein, and the impact the ward has on her and her survival of the horrors that she witnessed.
This fast-paced story will not appeal to everyone, given the subject matter, but others will enjoy the reading experience.
March 3, 2025
I READ THIS BOOK DREW!
Enjoyed the pace and history, pretty much read it in one sitting.
So much to unpack about the twins appearances and I can't stop imagining the meeting where they decided to include her in the plot #random?
Enjoyed the pace and history, pretty much read it in one sitting.
So much to unpack about the twins appearances and I can't stop imagining the meeting where they decided to include her in the plot #random?
February 15, 2025
I’ve always loved Matthew Reilly… I think I have read every one of his books But I never thought I would give one of his books a two star rating! I waited for weeks to get this from the library.. opened it up in great anticipation- what a disappointment…. Was he high on something or what ?
Crazy ramblings that just didn’t make sense most of the time. Hope your next one is better Matthew!
Crazy ramblings that just didn’t make sense most of the time. Hope your next one is better Matthew!
November 20, 2023
The twins and their story line killed my soul! Was Reilly watching 'Days of Our Live' while writing this.
April 22, 2024
2.5
I was literally back at uni.
Hated the female interactions
As expected, any action scenes were really good, but other than that, my old lectures had more life.
I was literally back at uni.
Hated the female interactions
As expected, any action scenes were really good, but other than that, my old lectures had more life.
May 19, 2024
A tense and taut read with gripping backdrop that captured decades of historical events during the WWI and WW2 into the fictional narrative of Hanna Fisher; a girl who escaped Berlin in 1919 after the death of her mother who was killed by an anti-semitic thug and the murder of her father who has been accused as a Versailles traitor. Due to her psychotic twin sister who lives at a mental institution, Hanna was left alone to struggle in America— from working as a secretary to shrewd businessmen and dealing with the gangster of New York to meeting Einstein again (who was once her neighbour) as his personal assistant and later being approached by an American agent to work as a spy against the Nazis.
The premise truly struck me with an enthralling action-packed adventure, structured in flashbacks and flashforwards through the 3 interrogations Hanna needs to endure— of her familial troubles (I get anxious everytime Ooma appeared, her part was too twisty for me to bear), fragments of friendship (love Hanna’s interaction with both Einstein and Kessler), stories of trust, betrayal as well her career and love conflicts that brought me to glimpse on the devastating impact of wars (stock market crash, great depression, political turmoil, social reformation, regime obsession, holocaust) and her heart-pounding fight to stay alive.
I like the idea of its secondary characters which mostly based on a real prominent figure (Marie Curie, Werner Heisenberg, Albert Speer, Niels Bohr, Martin Bormann, Hitler)— it makes the plot flowed less fictional as well intrigued me to dig more on their histories. It can be quite unbelievable at times due to Hanna’s luck and how she wins out everytime but entertaining much for me to grasp that heroine arc in her character— the dynamic was appealing and I like how it linked back to that first paragraph during the funeral scene. Devious and brutal yet so cunningly plotted.
Thank you Pansing Distribution for the gifted review copy!
The premise truly struck me with an enthralling action-packed adventure, structured in flashbacks and flashforwards through the 3 interrogations Hanna needs to endure— of her familial troubles (I get anxious everytime Ooma appeared, her part was too twisty for me to bear), fragments of friendship (love Hanna’s interaction with both Einstein and Kessler), stories of trust, betrayal as well her career and love conflicts that brought me to glimpse on the devastating impact of wars (stock market crash, great depression, political turmoil, social reformation, regime obsession, holocaust) and her heart-pounding fight to stay alive.
I like the idea of its secondary characters which mostly based on a real prominent figure (Marie Curie, Werner Heisenberg, Albert Speer, Niels Bohr, Martin Bormann, Hitler)— it makes the plot flowed less fictional as well intrigued me to dig more on their histories. It can be quite unbelievable at times due to Hanna’s luck and how she wins out everytime but entertaining much for me to grasp that heroine arc in her character— the dynamic was appealing and I like how it linked back to that first paragraph during the funeral scene. Devious and brutal yet so cunningly plotted.
Thank you Pansing Distribution for the gifted review copy!
July 26, 2025
Here comes a nice dose of history. Hmm.
Remember when Grandma would come lumbering toward you, castor oil and medicine spoon in hand and with that rueful look of determination? I'd run a mile because castor oil tastes like the inside of a long-distance runner's sock. Well I had that image when I got half way through this book. Matthew Reilly is pouring a big dose of history down our throats. (Not a history fan I am - in my Yoda voice.) The action scenes kept the interest stoked though, but honestly, some of those scenes were just so reeediculous as to be laughable. This Hannah Fischer chic seems to have met every person of significance from 1918 to 1945 just because she was Einstein's secco. (And other peeps secretary too.) She had more lives than a roomful of cats.
Early on in the book, Reilly gives an elegant explanation of why the Jews (and others) were persecuted in Germany in the early 30s. They worked hard and studied hard and became wealthy...and the lazy members of society formed hate groups (Nazis were just one) because of that. He also gives snippets of history explaining the lead-up to WW1 and why that caused WW2. I guess this is a "factual fiction" (a faction?). Anyway, I learned a few things so it was okay I guess.
Remember when Grandma would come lumbering toward you, castor oil and medicine spoon in hand and with that rueful look of determination? I'd run a mile because castor oil tastes like the inside of a long-distance runner's sock. Well I had that image when I got half way through this book. Matthew Reilly is pouring a big dose of history down our throats. (Not a history fan I am - in my Yoda voice.) The action scenes kept the interest stoked though, but honestly, some of those scenes were just so reeediculous as to be laughable. This Hannah Fischer chic seems to have met every person of significance from 1918 to 1945 just because she was Einstein's secco. (And other peeps secretary too.) She had more lives than a roomful of cats.
Early on in the book, Reilly gives an elegant explanation of why the Jews (and others) were persecuted in Germany in the early 30s. They worked hard and studied hard and became wealthy...and the lazy members of society formed hate groups (Nazis were just one) because of that. He also gives snippets of history explaining the lead-up to WW1 and why that caused WW2. I guess this is a "factual fiction" (a faction?). Anyway, I learned a few things so it was okay I guess.
February 4, 2025
Good fun
November 8, 2023
It's wonderful that Reilly is stretching himself beyond his usual storytelling. Once again, Reilly spins a great yarn around a fictional character living in the real world of Einstein, gangsters and WW2. Hanna Fischer is an excellent physics student, taking after her mom, and she happens to live next door to the one and only Albert Einstein. Einstein encourages her to pursue her love for physics but circumstances beyond her control result in Hanna fleeing to America in the early 1920s with a bit of money, a passport and the clothes on her back.
Hanna enrols in secretarial school and completes her qualification being top of the class. She is employed by an industrialist as her personal secretary which is her first job. She proceeds to move onto a variety of other roles, one of which is for Mr Einstein, who is a constant presence in her life.
For much of the story I felt it read more like a memoir of sorts which lacked a constant antagonist to Hanna. Certainly, there are a number of challenging situations, especially those presented by the Nazis through her employment with Albert Speer and Marcus Bormann. Reilly's inclusion of Hanna's sister, Norma, is brilliant and the role she played was immensely enjoyable.
The last 50 pages are tremendous and it felt more like a typical Reilly epic as Hanna fought to escape being trapped in bombed out Berlin. Reilly's imagination and use of real life characters make it a tremendous read and I was happily turning the pages as quickly as I could read them.
But an epic? Not for me, but a great read and one that all Reilly fans will throughly enjoy.
Hanna enrols in secretarial school and completes her qualification being top of the class. She is employed by an industrialist as her personal secretary which is her first job. She proceeds to move onto a variety of other roles, one of which is for Mr Einstein, who is a constant presence in her life.
For much of the story I felt it read more like a memoir of sorts which lacked a constant antagonist to Hanna. Certainly, there are a number of challenging situations, especially those presented by the Nazis through her employment with Albert Speer and Marcus Bormann. Reilly's inclusion of Hanna's sister, Norma, is brilliant and the role she played was immensely enjoyable.
The last 50 pages are tremendous and it felt more like a typical Reilly epic as Hanna fought to escape being trapped in bombed out Berlin. Reilly's imagination and use of real life characters make it a tremendous read and I was happily turning the pages as quickly as I could read them.
But an epic? Not for me, but a great read and one that all Reilly fans will throughly enjoy.
November 26, 2023
I can safely say this book will go down as my favourite Matthew Reilly book to date. He's written amazing books over the years but this was something else.
The book swings between the time period of the 20s and 40s but it's not confusing and easy to follow. It's a fictional story but it mentions actual people like Einstein, Speer, Hitler etc but it's written in a way that it sounds like it could have all been real.
It might not be a Scarecrow or Jack West book but this book had everything I loved in terms of history, science, intelligence, and the right amount of action for this type of story. It is the perfect book.
Also, a massive middle finger to the character Ooma.
The book swings between the time period of the 20s and 40s but it's not confusing and easy to follow. It's a fictional story but it mentions actual people like Einstein, Speer, Hitler etc but it's written in a way that it sounds like it could have all been real.
It might not be a Scarecrow or Jack West book but this book had everything I loved in terms of history, science, intelligence, and the right amount of action for this type of story. It is the perfect book.
Also, a massive middle finger to the character Ooma.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2025
An absolute masterpiece, can’t believe it took me so long to read it
February 5, 2025
This book is a bit different from the others I’ve read before cause it’s more like action a bit. It was also historically accurate with WW2 which I found I actually learnt more about especially around the race for scientific discoveries about the atomic bomb and stuff. And I liked the main character she was cool. Sometimes a bit too unrealistic but that’s kinda expected from a fiction book and also when the twin kept popping up I was shocked every time
Thanks drewellen for the recommendation
Thanks drewellen for the recommendation
November 3, 2023
This is a bit of a change of direction for Matthew Reilly, having followed him since the Scarecrow days, then got a bit lost around Cobalt, I feel he’s redeemed himself with the release of this tour of history.
Who remembers that Old Spice ad from a few years ago - look at your man, now look at me, I’m on a boat, now I’m on a horse…this book takes a leaf from that: I’m in 1919 Berlin, now I’m touring the WWII death camps, now I’m at secretarial college…blending in actual people (LOTS of physicists! And some Nazis - boooo) with the life of Hanna Fischer, unique woman of her time, who was destined to also be a great physicist like her neighbour Albert Einstein, but circumstances dictated she become a secretary in America, and as such her life entwines with big business, mobsters, Nazis, scientists, and a nice little sideline as a spy.
Starting and finishing with Hanna’s funeral, this spans 40 years, some of the most turbulent in history (to date. 2020s: hold my beer…) as we get a ringside seat to the events that shaped the era. Thoroughly enjoyable (Physicists!) with a few delicious twists to keep us guessing, and a bit of an explanation at the end as to the real characters’ roles in the book and in history itself.
I’m left with a quote from the TV show Sherlock - it’s never twins.
Yes, until it is…
Who remembers that Old Spice ad from a few years ago - look at your man, now look at me, I’m on a boat, now I’m on a horse…this book takes a leaf from that: I’m in 1919 Berlin, now I’m touring the WWII death camps, now I’m at secretarial college…blending in actual people (LOTS of physicists! And some Nazis - boooo) with the life of Hanna Fischer, unique woman of her time, who was destined to also be a great physicist like her neighbour Albert Einstein, but circumstances dictated she become a secretary in America, and as such her life entwines with big business, mobsters, Nazis, scientists, and a nice little sideline as a spy.
Starting and finishing with Hanna’s funeral, this spans 40 years, some of the most turbulent in history (to date. 2020s: hold my beer…) as we get a ringside seat to the events that shaped the era. Thoroughly enjoyable (Physicists!) with a few delicious twists to keep us guessing, and a bit of an explanation at the end as to the real characters’ roles in the book and in history itself.
I’m left with a quote from the TV show Sherlock - it’s never twins.
Yes, until it is…
May 9, 2024
Despite an interesting premise and it's worthy intention, this pulp fiction tries way too hard, really with more of an overview of the many decades it covers than a story well told. The main characters Hannah and Albert Einstein are engagingly drawn and likeable, but many of Hannah’s adventures seem so unlikely they are cringeworthy, and the regular quotes heading each chapter add very little to the story. The best thing I can say is that the audiobook was very well read - that kept me going till the end!
November 26, 2023
This book has to be up there with one of my absolute favourites of Matthew Reilly. I loved the mix of history with a dash of classic Matthew Reilly action, although nothing overpowering. The 1920s-40s setting was great. Highly recommend giving this book a go, particularly if you've never read any of his books!
December 26, 2023
Maybe I've changed. Maybe Reilly doesn't do it for me anymore. But this character was so bland, it felt like she was just an excuse for Reilly to cram as much cool historical stuff in as possible. There's no depth, no intrigue, just this happened and then that happened. A pretty big disappointment.
October 20, 2023
First Matthew Reilly book I’ve ever read and I couldn’t put it down. Finished it in two days! Such great writing and the storytelling was great. Had me hooked in from the start right up until the end. Great book!
October 27, 2023
Matthew Reilly smash’s it out of the park again. A noval unlike anything he has written before, the speed and ease of his story telling is at the forefront. A female heroine’s story told like this, I just loved. Obviously I am a huge Matthew Reilly fan
did-not-finish
November 9, 2023Got to the 120 page mark and unfortunately I wasn’t feeling it.
December 10, 2023
Stoopid. Badly written, ridiculous. Had me laughing out loud from time to time with the sheer nonsense of it all. Still, an easy read.
May 5, 2024
I’m an historical fiction purist and a bit hard to please, fell down on a couple of requirements of the purist but it was such a good story, enjoyed it.
April 30, 2024
I loved this author's books and have read them all. Looking at the blurb, this looked different to what I've read before by him, but sounded really interesting. We meet young Hanna Fischer just around the Armistice of World War One and living next door to the great Albert Einstein, and then follow her life over the next forty years. Driven out of her country by the ever increasing powerful Nazi regime, Hanna finds herself in New York City around the time of the prohibition, learning the skills to be a secretary. Throughout those forty years, she gets to meet some of the most powerful people of their time and is part of some of history's most memorable moments.
I absolutely LOVED this book! I became hooked into Hanna's story very early on and couldn't tear my eyes from the page as we moved through time. I've read other books by this author, so always knew that this book would be very well researched, but I was completely amazed as to just how well researched this book was!! I found myself googling parts of the story to see if some of the information mentioned in the story was really true, and it was...all there, written down in history, making me feel that Hanna's story was real too! The storyline took me through the Armistice, the Treaty of Versailles, the Prohibition, the Wall Street Crash and the rise and fall of the Nazi Empire. It just went from one historical event to another, with Hanna's storyline entwined with them all, like she had really been part of history herself.
Reading the notes at the end of the book, the author said that this book has taken years to write, and to be honest it shows! The amount of information that is in here is astonishing and so cleverly written to make it all flow so well together. The characters feel true to life (some of them really were!) and make you feel they could have been really there at any of those moments in time (again, some of them were!!). Of course, history around that time was harsh and brutal and some of it was upsetting. The story does also have some flashforwards, but these are easily understandable (and the author does reveal at the back what the different writing and fonts mean with these). I loved the ending and did find myself wiping away a tear in my eye.
All in all, this was an amazing book. I could have easily have finished it, gone back to the first page and started all over again. I was genuinely sad to have finished it. It is definitely there as my favourite book of the year so far.
I absolutely LOVED this book! I became hooked into Hanna's story very early on and couldn't tear my eyes from the page as we moved through time. I've read other books by this author, so always knew that this book would be very well researched, but I was completely amazed as to just how well researched this book was!! I found myself googling parts of the story to see if some of the information mentioned in the story was really true, and it was...all there, written down in history, making me feel that Hanna's story was real too! The storyline took me through the Armistice, the Treaty of Versailles, the Prohibition, the Wall Street Crash and the rise and fall of the Nazi Empire. It just went from one historical event to another, with Hanna's storyline entwined with them all, like she had really been part of history herself.
Reading the notes at the end of the book, the author said that this book has taken years to write, and to be honest it shows! The amount of information that is in here is astonishing and so cleverly written to make it all flow so well together. The characters feel true to life (some of them really were!) and make you feel they could have been really there at any of those moments in time (again, some of them were!!). Of course, history around that time was harsh and brutal and some of it was upsetting. The story does also have some flashforwards, but these are easily understandable (and the author does reveal at the back what the different writing and fonts mean with these). I loved the ending and did find myself wiping away a tear in my eye.
All in all, this was an amazing book. I could have easily have finished it, gone back to the first page and started all over again. I was genuinely sad to have finished it. It is definitely there as my favourite book of the year so far.
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