Vienna on Fire

A WWII Story of Survival

De: Don Gabor

Narrado por: Gabrielle de Cuir

Can Greta Kolbe escape Nazi Vienna and reach America before her past and the Gestapo catch up to her?

"Vienna on Fire provides a gripping and historically accurate account of the resilience of the human spirit amid the darkest of times."—Erin Britton, San Francisco Book Review

In the heart of darkening Europe, amidst the looming war, "Vienna on Fire" by Don Gabor tells the riveting story of Greta Kolbe, an eighteen-year-old Jewish woman whose life was upended when German troops annexed Austria in 1938. Her peaceful existence is replaced by a nightmare of terror as she, along with Vienna's Jewish community, faces an ordeal of intimidation. Greta's journey of resilience begins as she flees Nazi Vienna to escape arrest for her resistance activities, embarking on a dangerous trek to Holland, with a spiteful ex-suitor and the Gestapo closely trailing her.

Demonstrating awe-inspiring bravery, Greta smuggles diamonds for the German resistance, eludes Hermann Göring's advances, and survives numerous perils, including a harrowing ambush at the German-Dutch border. Her race against time crescendos to a nail-biting climax on the gangplank of a ship bound for New York City, where she must evade her pursuers one last time.

Authored by Don Gabor, known for "How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends," this novel is a poignant tribute to the courage against tyranny, based on his mother's real-life experiences and those who opposed the Third Reich. "Vienna on Fire" is not merely a narrative but an affirmation of the human spirit, inviting listeners to witness Greta’s grit, ingenuity, and her relentless pursuit of freedom during Europe’s most forbidding time.

Uncover the courage that defies darkness—secure your copy of 'Vienna on Fire' now and be inspired by this remarkable story of persistence and survival.

©2024 Donald Gabor (P)2024 Donald Gabor

An incredibly moving historical fiction

This is a 5 star read! Incredibly intense, tense, moving, & emotional, you find yourself sucked into Greta's story & not able to stop listening. It truly had me on the edge of my seat. Its also loosely based off the author's own mother's life story & you can feel the connection to history in his writing. An incredible read!

Unforgettable and Immersive!

This is the story of Greta Kolbe and her struggle to evade the Gestapo and escape the Nazi regime in newly annexed Austria in 1938. Based on the author’s mother’s life, this moving tale recounts her harrowing experiences during that volatile and tumultuous period.

The author, Don Gabor, weaves a captivating and harrowing narrative based on his mother’s real-life experiences and encounters. He provides rich details of events, people, and emotions that history books neglect to include or capture accurately and authentically. Gabor’s writing style is immersive and engaging, keeping the listener captivated while offering a glimpse into the harrowing encounters and emotional turmoil experienced by Greta and others. It serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's need for fairness and balance. While the theme is revisited multiple times—highlighting that history has witnessed such events before, the author adds a personal touch, emphasizing how easily evil can manipulate, escalate, and spiral out of control.

The narrator, Gabrielle de Cuir, was excellent! Her clear speech and precise emotional projection deliver a riveting, engaging performance that adds depth to the narrative and each character. With subtle intonations and well-timed pauses, she heightens the suspense and underscores the terrifying situations. Her seamless ability to embody the characters and adapt to each moment is both fluid and impressive.

This is an immersive listen that compels you to keep going and leaves an unforgettable impression long after it's over. I highly recommend this audiobook!

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

An Emotional & Thrilling Adventure

This was my first experience with this author's work, and I was enthralled with the story from the opening paragraphs until the end. I felt like the author's account placed me metaphorically in the middle of events that were happening once Germany annexed Austria in 1938. I was placed on an emotional roller coaster as the tragic events unfolded. I was moved by the determination and bravery displayed by Greta as she resisted the people who had taken over her country. This story made historical events seem more real to me. I thought Gabrielle de Cuir's narration was great, and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.