Stolen Beauty

A Novel

By: Laurie Lico Albanese

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman, Madeleine Maby, Gibson Frazier

From the dawn of the 20th century to the devastation of World War II, this exhilarating novel of love, war, art, and family gives voice to two extraordinary women and brings to life the true story behind the creation and near destruction of Gustav Klimt's most remarkable paintings.

In the dazzling glitter of 1900 Vienna, Adele Bloch-Bauer - young, beautiful, brilliant, and Jewish - meets painter Gustav Klimt. Wealthy in everything but freedom, Adele embraces Klimt's renegade genius as the two awaken to the erotic possibilities on the canvas and beyond. Though they enjoy a life where sex and art are just beginning to break through the façade of conventional society, the city is also exhibiting a disturbing increase in anti-Semitism, as political hatred foments in the shadows of Adele's coffee house afternoons and cultural salons.

Nearly 40 years later, Adele's niece Maria Altmann is a newlywed when the Nazis invade Austria - and overnight, her beloved Vienna becomes a war zone. When her husband is arrested and her family is forced out of their home, Maria must summon the courage and resilience that is her aunt's legacy if she is to survive and keep her family - and their history - alive.

Will Maria and her family escape the Nazis' grip? And what will become of the paintings that her aunt nearly sacrificed everything for?

Impeccably researched and a "must-read for fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale and Paula McLain's Circling the Sun" (Christina Baker Kline, number-one New York Times best-selling author), Stolen Beauty intertwines the tales of two remarkable women across more than a hundred years. It juxtaposes passion and discovery against hatred and despair and shines a light on our ability to love, to destroy, and, above all, to endure.

©2017 Laurie Lico Albanese. All rights reserved. (P)2017 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

What a wonderful and engaging story!

I thought I might not be able to stick with the characters as each chapter slipped from Adela's story to that of her niece, Maria. However, the circumstances they both had to live with as the Nazis took over Vienna revealed how strong they both were and how closely their paths had intertwined. Maria's persistence was certainly a result of her Aunt Adela's nfluence. I became so invested in their stories that I couldn't stop listening, And I so appreciate the books ending.

Beautiful. I got so much more than I expected.

for me, as an artist, this was one of the most moving and touching stories I've ever read. I got this book to learn more about Gustav Klimt, but I got so much more. The story of Klimt's passionate relationship with Adela Bloch-Bauer unfolded to reveal a gem bigger than the both of them. It's rare that a story moves me to tears, but this one had me weeping. beautiful! A triumph of the human spirit, and of love, and Art.

Loved it

I found 'Stolen Beauty' to be a well-researched and thought-provoking book. The author skillfully presents two different points of view, which adds depth and complexity to the story. While it was difficult to read about the anti-Semitic sentiment and injustices that took place in pre-war Vienna, it is important to continue learning about the Holocaust and its atrocities. Although it is not solely focused on the Holocaust, the book sheds light on the events leading up to it and provides insight into the political and social climate of the time. Overall, I highly recommend 'Stolen Beauty' to anyone interested in history and the human experience.

amazing story

I loved this book. I went to the Belvedere a few years ago, soon after Adele was gone. I saw the movie (Helen Mirren!) and so I loved this audible story. History of these times, well written.

glowing words about life during Austria, when the culture was different for everyone

excellent book great story about pre-war Vienna and Austria. The jews were very blessedness be so successful the book tells this in story form.

Stolen Beauty- Brilliance and intrigue!

And yet, another brilliant book by Ms. Albanese. I will urge all my book-loving, artist and history buff friends to read this fascinating story. I listened to Hester twice, back to back. I feel like I might repeat that with Stolen Beauty. My gratitude to the author for writing such a meaningful tome.

Interesting book, terrible German accent

This is an interesting and important story about an art theft perpetrated by the Nazis. Do yourself a favor—read the book and skip the audio version. The fake German accent employed for some of the characters was laughable and distracting.

Fascinating time period of Klimt and the Belle Époque.

This historical fictional novel is well researched and the period of the early 20th century is well depicted but I found the secondary story of the niece Maria somewhat flat and the readers voice /tone not suited to the time period . Overall very good story but something lacking in the writing .

Awful Dialogue Narration

It was so stunted but the story was amazing. I don’t understand why the narrator did the dialogue like that.