This was a very interesting read, and I thoroughly enjoyed not only the discussions of her guilt or innocence but also of her life both before and after Julius Rosenberg entered it... Sebba has done a fine job painting a picture of Ethel's life that is straightforward, engaging, and easy to envision.

The writing style is a mix of narrative and detail that made for slightly uneven pacing. I would click along for dozens of pages, captivated by the imagery of Ethel's daily life, only to then find myself soon thereafter slogging through another dozen pages filled with detail about who said what to whom and when... It made for a slightly uneven read - not in a bad way, just in a way that meant it took longer to read then I anticipated when I started it.

There was a lot of intriguing evidence that all is not as it has been presented though, and it certainly paints a different picture then popular history has. I applaud Sebba for her diligence in that.

Very well researched, but knowing the authors opinion right up front was a little surprising. (As an "end note" I don't think it would have been as much). I couldn't help but wonder how that info may or may not have affected my ability to decide one way or another for myself by the end of the book.

Like many Gen X-ers I know, my high school American history class didn't give me a strong understanding of the early to mid 20th c. Fast forward several decades and I started this book with only a vague idea of who Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were, beyond that they'd been executed for something having to do with Russia.

Anna Sebba's biography of Ethel Rosenberg more than adequately filled in my many gaps. I appreciated her insistent, sympathetic centering of Ethel, in particular, and the care she took in telling the immigration stories of the Greenglass and Rosenberg families. Ethel's love of music and her intentionality in parenting came through and helped me see her as a well-rounded person. I would have liked more about both of those areas of her life, in fact.

At times, especially once the narrative of the trial began, I lost track of characters and would have appreciated photographs or diagrams showing the relationships involved. Without that visual help, I caught myself skimming clunky paragraphs of details and slightly-familiar names.

All in all, though, I am grateful for this readable, enjoyable biography. Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC for review.

This book details the story of Ethel Rosenberg. If you asked me before I read this I would have had a vague idea that they were executed and were spies. Of course there is far more to the story. The author details Ethels life growing up in NYC area and finishing school at 15. She eventually marries Julius and has two sons with him. Their trial and conviction are part of the Red scare. The FBI really wants them to name others involved in espionage. But they steadily refuse. In recent years people similarly charged have faced a few years in prison. That is a big contrast to being the only woman executed by the Federal government during peacetime for a crime other than murder.

Sebba goes into great detail showing ineffective counsel, prosecutor misconduct, fear of communism, media manipulation and perjury results in convictions. The trial judge oddly rules that because Ethel invokes the 5th Amendment during grand jury questioning she can no long claim innocence during her trial. Of course a lot of this is easier to see in hindsight especially after her own brother decades later admits to perjury to keep his wife form prison. The book is well written and scholarly with lots of annotations. Although it is informative it was at times tedious to read. I felt it would have been helpful to have some photos of key people to help keep characters straight in my mind. (They may be included in the final published book.) Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)

The author upfront tells the readers she believes Ethel Rosenberg is innocent of the crimes she is accused, and ultimately convicted, of. Bold move to go into a historical narrative with your motives up front. But the author goes into detail, describing Ethel's childhood, marriage, and political views. Ethel was in no way not a Communist; she praised its ideals and actively supported Communism. The author doesn't hide this. However, in discussing her life and family, the author points out that Ethel's husband, brother, and [to a lesser extent] sister-in-law were those involved in espionage. Ethel, by this point, was only focusing on being a better mother. Her Communist ideals had fallen away, for the most part. Ethel was never included in the discussions or acts. It's also important to note that uncovered investigatory documents noted that the FBI and the Justice Department essentially only charged Ethel as a way to get to Julius. The thought was that Julius knew Ethel was completely innocent and wouldn't be able to emotionally handle his wife being charged for something he was responsible for. But it didn't work. And the only woman to have been executed for a crime other than murder...likely didn't even commit the crime.

I like this book. It's well researched and very well written, but knowing the author's motives from the beginning leaves me a bit skeptical. I want to know more. Am I only reading the information the author chose to include (I mean, true of any nonfiction book), but I wonder if there is any information out there that does concretely connect Ethel to the crime (even if she still is innocent)?

Nonetheless, I greatly recommend this book. I love American history, and the Rosenbergs have always been a tidbit of a time that is generally glossed over in history classes. Any reference to the couple is always in passing, but never giving any information. This book helps take the subtle reference to a couple convicted of espionage and makes their story (especially Ethel's) readily accessible.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This well-written, thorough book made me reconsider what happened to Ethel Rosenberg. Did she actively help her husband Julius pass secrets to Russian agents, or was she more of a bystander? Did she really deserve to be executed for treason?

Filled with the recollections of numerous people who knew Ethel, including family members, friends, therapists, and fellow Communist Party members, Anne Sebba's new biography about the only American woman to be executed for treason is a detailed look at Ethel's family, early life, and education, as well as her courtship and marriage to Julius Rosenberg. The author wrote at great length about the poignancy of Ethel's desire to be a good mother, even after her arrest and imprisonment, and received the consent of Ethel and Julius' sons to discuss what happened to the Rosenberg children after their parents' deaths, which was a particularly interesting part of the book.

The author's descriptions gave me a real sense of the 1940s/early 1950s time period and informed me of the intricacies of the Rosenberg case, far beyond what most of us learn in school.

Thank you #NetGalley #AnneSebba #StMartinsPress

This was such a tragic story of Ethel and her husband. The story goes way back into the childhood of Ethel and how her life was and growing up. Then in to runs in to her life and her husbands. It can get a bit dry in some parts but keep going through and it is very interesting how the author gets all of this information. It must have taken intensive research and time to get all of this information about her life.
I still can't believe how Ethels own family had treated her. I can not believe how incredibly sad some parts of thos story i found to be. The courage this woman had to never give any names of people. I personally had never heard about this story until now so this was a great read. I do recommend this book. I feel the system failed this woman and things should or could have been or gone differently. Such a tragic loss and the heart wrenching letter she jad to leave for her kids killed me. Definitely give this story a read.

A well written book on an forgotten tragic and tragic story. The book starts off well and keeps the reader engaged until the end. the author does a great job of telling the story. The book flows from beginning to end. Even if you aren't a history lover, this is well told and an unbelievable story.

Sebba expertly reviews and relives Ethel Rosenberg's life and death in her newest biography, Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy for Rosenberg's death was a tragedy. While there may questions as to her guilt, whatever the level, it did not merit the death penalty. The same cannot be said for Julius' guilt given that he was a spy and there is the high probability that he was in at a more deeper level than known or brought out. Sebba shows how Ethel defied the times by being more than a wife and mother but also an intelligent equal in the marriage, a professional singer and an activist. This defiance in combination with the Red Scare made her a victim. Although there are some who say she could have cooperated with investigators or if the unlikely happened in that the Soviets had spoken out about Julius' role (and the absence of Ethel's), it is not likely that the FBI and the press would have let her and her children lead a normal life. The same would likely be true if she had not been arrested. It would be no life but essentially house arrest until at least Julius' death, if not Ethel's. However, Ethel's need for acceptance and total love which she found in Julius foreclosed the possibility of her living without Julius even if it would have saved her life and kept her children with her. All of this is explored by Sebba in some manner even if parts of the above are only implied. Sebba also shows how Ethel became the stronger of the two after the duo's arrests and why. Sebba brings out in compelling narrative the trial and the aftermath all the way to the chair. Some of her statements about the law presume the existence of absolutes in the law or are not shown to be based on relevant statutes applicable at the time, whether at the time of the crimes or at the time of trial. There are few absolutes in the law as most any law contains exceptions and is construed based on the factual and procedural circumstances of the case and existing case and statutory authorities as well as as law reviews. However, Sebba is not a legal scholar and a fuller analysis of the legal landscape would be outside the scope of the work, and regardless, the trial, for Ethel, was a miscarriage of justice.

This book is an exhaustive study of Ethel Rosenberg, an endlessly interesting woman, who along with her husband Julius, was convicted and executed in June, 1953 for spying against the United States.

This story humanizes Ethel, it tells of her childhood, teen years and her meetings with activists as a young woman. She definitely was anti-war, but did she really conspire with Julius and her brother David Greenglass to sell secrets to the Soviet enemy? This question has haunted those who know her history for generations.

Much of this book takes place during the creation of the Manhattan Project, details of which Julius Rosenberg had access. But did Ethel know if Julius was passing secrets to the Russians? Did her silence indicate tacit approval or lack of knowledge?

At the same time this suspected espionage was going on, Julius and Ethel raised two sons, Michael and Robert. Maintaining a level of normalcy was most important to their beloved sons. Ethel engaged in many ways to make sure her sons were experiencing a healthy and normal childhood.

The story goes on to tell us about what evidence there was against Ethel and Julius and the legal maneuvering that took place during the "red scare" of the 1950's. The author is not explicit in her opinion on Ethel's guilt or innocence, but there is enough evidence for the reader to come to a pretty clear conclusion.

I found this book very interesting, and it was another slant on how those times and the characters were viewed.

I was given an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I tried to get interested in the book and was looking forward to reading it. It felt more wooden and flat to me. I'm sure it's a great book.

Enjoyed the description of the ,many personalities in this book. Have a much better understanding of the Rosenbergs and the climate of the nation.. I felt a connection to them and was sympathetic for their plight. The judge certaintly didn't help them get a fair trial.
The children were the one who really suffers in the end.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
Interesting detailed account of the life, trial, incarceration and execution of Ethel Rosenberg. Not detailed enough that I felt much empathy for the woman but it was pretty obvious that an injustice was done. Interesting, informative read.

3.5 stars

I didn't know more than the basics about the Rosenberg case before reading this book. This book aims to use new evidence to paint a different picture about the case, particularly about Ethel. I'm not sure that it changed my mind about anything, but it was interesting to read a new perspective.
What prevents me from rating this book higher is the fact that it was a little boring at times. I wish the author had delved deeper into the inconsistencies with the court case, instead of picking and choosing the parts that suited her narrative.
I would recommend this to others who are interested in the Rosenberg case.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC!

4 Stars. Reviewed on 3/24/21. This book will be commercially available on 6/8/21. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review.

This well researched novel by Anne Sebba gives Ethel Greenglass Rosenberg a voice for the first time. Utilizing new information including interviews and letters that Ethel wrote while imprisoned to her husband, kids, lawyer and therapist, the book explores the personal and political factors that contributed to what appears to be the wrongful conviction and execution of Ethel Rosenberg. While other books about the Rosenbergs focus on the alleged espionage of Julius Rosenberg—Ethel’s husband who was also executed on the same day—this one puts Ethel front and center.

Readers get to know about Ethel’s upbringing on the lower east side of New York City. Raised by a Russian emigre mother who clearly favored her sons, she was bright and artistic, Ethel had a good voice and wanted to sing and act at a time when that wasn’t what women did. She joined the Communist Party which is how she met Julius. Soon after Ethel married her sweetheart and started to raise a family. Times were tough and she didn’t have many supporters in her corner - sadly, to include her mother and other family members.

Ethel Rosenberg and her husband were electrocuted in 1953 for conspiracy to commit espionage on behalf of the USSR during the rise of the McCarthy era. This was the first execution of a couple, leaving two young sons orphaned. Some think Ethel was executed in an attempt to get Julius to speak. It sure seemed as though the evidence of his wrongdoing was pretty clear but there was only spotty evidence with regard to Ethel’s knowledge and involvement of Julius's information sharing.

The level of detail in this book became a bit overwhelming at times, though the story is so compelling that I plodded along. I did not know much about Julius and even less about Ethel before reading the book. I now find myself quite empathetic toward Ethel and I have a better appreciation for her situation.

The news of these executions shocked the world. Espionage in the US during this time period was likely responsible for the Soviets' rapid development of the atomic bomb which gave rise to McCarthyist attacks on US citizens. As a Russian and International Relations major I cannot help but wonder if the world would have been different if secrets weren't shared with the Soviets which resulted in the USSR developing the bomb more quickly than expected. Would the Cold War have heightened tensions in the 50’s and 60’s - would the Cuban Missile Crisis have occurred? Would Communism have been toppled sooner? We may never know. This book answers some questions and leaves open many others to consider.

I strongly recommend this book to readers with an interest in nonfiction, espionage, the Cold War and McCarthy eras, strong female characters, tragedies, and those interested in the ascension of the FBI’s role in the US.

#EthelRosenberg #NetGalley

well presented and researched, this biography of Ethel Rosenberg attempts to present a fuller description and understanding of the woman executed for being a spy. Her conviction was based on little evidence and minor accusation, later determined to be untrue. She refused to "name names" and maintained her innocence, ans well as that of her husband, until her death. Worthwhile read, but a bit dry.

I wish to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press Publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I chose to request this book from Net Galley because I knew only the very basic information about Ethel and Julian Rosenberg who were executed for spying for the Russian Government. I did not know much about her or the trial, only the outcome.

This book is well researched. The readers will learn all about Ethel from her sad, early childhood, marriage, children, activities and lastly her death. The writer chooses Ethel’s point of view. There was never any really clear evidence to prove that Ethel was personally involved in espionage but it was very clear that her much loved husband was a spy. Everyone seemed to turn against the couple when they were arrested. Her sister-in-law and brother lied on the witness stand to save themselves from prosecution. Her own mother had little to do with her. She was incarcerated and her two boys were placed in foster care. Ethel was deeply devoted to her husband and children and did all she could do to support them emotionally and every other way. Julian was the love of her life and they were very close. The case against Julian was very clear but not so with Ethel. She had poor representation as they were poor and she did not have money to hire better lawyers. The story builds gradually and proceeded through Julian’s recruitment, the arrest, trial and executions. It is heavily documented by personal interviews, letters, and other research documents. This included the two children, psychiatrists, and other really important people involved in and around the case. The book is brilliantly written and one that will answer a lot questions if you have them. This is not a quick read. The story does leave it up to you to decide was she unjustly prosecuted because of hate and discrimination that was rampant at the time in this country. Would it be different today? After reading this book you may change your thinking on this important part of United States history.

many many readers. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

I don’t know why the life of Ethel Rosenberg has always piqued my interest but it always has. When I received the chance to read this book as a read now I knew I had to read it now! It definitely didn’t disappoint! It’s a tragic story that needed to be told! Definitely an American tragedy but I was still drawn to the story. Thank you NG for giving me the opportunity to read this early. It was hard to put down!!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

My knowledge of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg is limited to the bits and pieces I’ve picked up over the years. This is the first book I’ve read dedicated to their story, to Ethel’s life more specifically. The writing is articulate as thoughts, arguments and ideas are clearly and effectively conveyed. The book appears well-researched, and I hope that the final version includes photographs.

Sebba writes that she believes Ethel’s story is as important today as it was over six decades ago when the Rosenbergs were executed. It is the exemplification of what can happen when fear turns to hysteria and justice is willfully ignored. Very much a sign of our times, whether in the hands of authority or society in general. This book leaves me with so many unanswered questions.

At the heart of this story is Ethel, born into a poor family and never loved by her mother. Ethel’s means of escaping poverty and finding self-worth was to study hard in school, and she achieved academically. Ethel had a beautiful voice, and she dreamed of singing and acting. She bought a second-hand piano, and learned to play. She also became a member of the Communist Party, where she met Julius, the two fell in love and married. Even though Julius had a degree in engineering, his ties to the Community Party severely limited his work prospects as the two lived in poverty still. They had two children, and Ethel’s life centered around being the best mother she could, even taking child development classes to better understand how to raise her children. Julius became a Soviet spy recruiter, and recruited Ethel’s brother, David Greenglass. Greenglass was tasked with sneaking information out of Los Alamos, passing it to Julius, who then passed it along to the Soviets. Then things went horribly wrong, and they were caught. The Rosenbergs were tried, found guilty and sentenced to death.

The question is, did Ethel know? Did she encourage Julius and assist him? Did she attempt to intervene in his activities? Or was she the actual mastermind as some contend? According to law, Ethel had no duty to report on Julius’s activities, while it was against the law to conceal the crime. In the end, Ethel was betrayed by her own flesh and blood: her mother, her brother and her brother’s wife. Her mother insisted Ethel take the blame and exonerate her brother, her brother told one story to the grand jury and another at the Rosenberg’s trial, and her sister-in-law lied to protect David. David later admitted that he had been a spy, his wife had helped him, and he lied about Ethel’s complicity. He said he had no idea they would be sentenced to death, and it was Ethel’s stupidity that led her to the electric chair.

Was it a fair trial? I don’t believe it was. It would be easy to make the charge that anti-Semitism played a role. However, while it may have been a factor in the court of public opinion, the judge and the prosecutors were Jewish. Were they all just trying to make a name for themselves? Most definitely. Were the Rosenbergs being made examples of? Most likely. Was the sentence too harsh? Probably.

What about Julius and Ethel themselves? They maintained their innocence to the end, neither giving in to save the other. It was later determined that Julius had been a spy, and by not giving up names, at least one person later stated that he owed his life to Julius’ courage. Should we find them courageous? Heroic? Value their loyalty? Believe they are role models for acting with dignity in the face of adversity? One of Ethel’s friends said Ethel died for her ideals, which included “not ratting on others and supporting her husband.” Their love for each other seemed true, with one story so poignant and sorrowful it is heartbreaking. When Julius and Ethel are taken away from court and separated, Julius begins singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic as a means of keeping up Ethel’s spirits. Ethel’s answer is to sing Puccini’s famous aria from Madame Butterfly, Un Bel Di Vedremo (listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-r2vu4t9-g). Madame Butterfly longs for the beautiful day when her long-absent husband returns to her. When she learns he has taken another wife, Madame Butterfly takes her own life.

In the end, their tragic story is so full of puzzles that I can’t seem to solve.

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