Against My Will. A great story told well and one I’m sure you would enjoy!
Daniella Landau was a lovely Jewish girl in New York who is adored by her father and Nana, loved by her sister and friends but clueless when it comes to romance. Family keeps bringing over “such a nice boy” for her to meet but she was far more into passing the Bar than dating. Then her father met a “matchmaker”. In walks Jacob Liebowitz whom her father insists is “the perfect man. He has a good job, a new loft apartment and prospects. Marriage follows and Danielle quickly realizes the mistake she has made. She gives marriage her all but nothing satisfies Jacob.
He must be in control. Danielle tries to talk to her father about her unhappiness but he tells her to go home and be a good wife. Nothing changes until, one night, Jacob really crosses the line and Danielle goes to her grandmother. She gets enough money to leave and, leave she does. Intertwined with Danielle’s heartbreak is the story of another young Jewish girl named Rose. Rose lived in Austria in WWII and became a resident of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp. She is chosen to work in the Commandant’s kitchen and is thus saved from fate. However, Rose is subjected to a fate of her own, one she would not have picked for anything.
This is Berkley’s first novel. He has written four previous books including Before You Say I Do Again: A Buyer’s Beware Guide to Remarriage.” It is very well done with characters perfectly written for their parts. Nana is the grandmother everyone wants to have. Mr. Landau is trying to do right for his daughter but ultimately his culture causes him to make a huge error. The concentration camp environment was quite well written and I felt Rose’ fear when the family was taken. A great story told well and one I’m sure you would enjoy!
About Benjamin Berkley:
"Against My Will" is Benjamin Berkley's fifth book and debut novel. He is also the author of four self-help books: "My Wishes, Your Plan for Organizing Your Family's Needs" (Sourcebooks, June, 2006) "The Complete Executor's Guide" (Sourcebooks, June 2007) "Winning Your Social Security Disability Case" (Sourcebooks, February, 2008) and "Before You Say I Do Again, A Buyer's Beware Guide to Remarriage." (Frederick Fell Publishers, September, 2009).
And though writing is his passion, for over 34 years he has conducted a busy law practice in which he has seen many interesting clients come through his door. One in particular, an older woman with white hair, the kindest smile, and an amazing story became the inspiration for one of his characters for "Against My Will." Berkley lives in southern California with his wife Phyllis and their cat Riley. He has two grown children and is always bragging about his most beautiful grandson and granddaughter.
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