"What a hard hitter this was!

A school shooting, but in the UK, not America.
We flip between numerous characters, from the students and teachers to the police officers and detectives hired to deal with the situation.

An explosion is heard from the woods behind the school, from there unravel a series of events including gunshots and further explosions.

But who are these shooters? What do they want? How did they get to this point?

So much ground is covered for a book that takes place only over 3 hours.
So many shocks and terrifying moments, a powerful and frightening read. "

"First, I want to thank the author of this marvelous book, Marya Burgess, for granting me access to read it. My love of historical fiction was given a boost by this heartfelt story of resilience, endurance, and love - confirming for me why this genre is so important: we must not lose stories like this. They provide the hope we need in our times.

This is not a WWII story per se. It’s a family saga crossing time from the 1930s to early 1971 for a Polish family, the Wolfers and their relatives and friends. The dislocation of WWII leaves the family divided and one sister trying to find the other. In between we are treated to the joys and happiness of the sisters, Ida and Luiza, living with Pappa (Hugo) - who I confess I fell in love with and would have reveled in sharing him with his daughters - and their extended family.

The book is written with great attention to detail. The factory owned and overseen by Pappa, Zakątek, comes alive with its sounds and smells. There is the environment of a variety trees and their beauty or smells. The coziness of the homes resonates as families gather together. And the deep friendships the family believes in especially their Jewish friends literally palpitates off the page - at least to me I kept feeling how sincere these were. It renews faith in humanity to read of this.

Recently I heard Ariel Lawhon, an historical fiction writer herself, speak. Lawhon doesn’t think there is such a genre. She stated she wrote mysteries. Indeed this book is a mystery too. While some of it surrounds trying to find out what happened to Ida as WWII interferes with the Wolfer family, some of it is really about the mystery of survival in those war times - though I would add Pappa’s survival in keeping Zakątek from some of board members to this. I think the author helps us understand this. In fact I think that’s what I appreciated most about the book.

In the Epilogue, the author tells us the book is based on her family history. Knowing this adds another level of importance to this book. We should keep our family histories alive so we remember our ancestors contributions to humanity. I know I was immensely proud when I learned one of my great grandfathers was present at the capture of Jefferson Davis - he fought for emancipation. I’ve tried to share this history with my grandchildren - but oh! to be able to write like this author!

I gave this book five stars for its beautiful writing and storytelling, for giving a simple but heart- filled family story that transcends time and for the enjoyment I got in reading it.

Highly recommend!"

"If you love historical fiction, A Theory in Vienna is an absolute gem.

What makes this book stand out—and why I couldn't put it down—is its central theme. It dives into an amazingly unique topic that you just don't see every day in historical fiction. Gallacher smoothly blends big ideas, deep personal drama, and rich history against the gorgeous backdrop of early 20th-century Vienna with a unique and unpredictable plot. Gallacher captures the sheer, exhausting frustration of knowing you hold the key to saving thousands of lives, only to be laughed out of the room by the very experts who should know better. She also brings the main character's internal turmoil to life.

It’s one of those rare historical reads that leaves you both entertained and genuinely intrigued by the history and ideas behind it. If you're looking for a book with heart, intellect, and a setting you can get lost in, this one is a total winner."