I absolutely was amazed by this book and it was amazing to read since I have actually seen dele Bloch-Bauer painting.

1903 Vienna, Adele Bloch-Bauer meets painter Gustav Klimt. Nearly forty years later, Adele’s niece Maria Altmann is a newlywed when the Nazis invade Austria.

I loved this book and I will be reading more from this author in the future.

Adele Bloch-Bauer living in Austria in the late 1880's, from a family of means is a strong , passionate independent young woman with a thirst for knowledge of art , philosophy, literature . At a time when it wasn't acceptable for women to pursue such interests, she follows her brother's dying wish when he tells her , " Don't let them box you in , do you hear me? Don't let them do that ." Defying her critics and her husband, she embarks on a proposition to be painted by Gustav Klimt while also embarking on a liaison she hadn't planned . The results are beautiful, famous paintings of her, most notable of those, The Woman in Gold.

Her niece Maria in 1938 Austria is like her aunt - strong , passionate and independent, who with her husband and family has to endure the Nazi's move into Austria. They are Jewish and paintings from Uncle Ferry's collection of his wife Adele are confiscated by the Nazis . At the time, there are more imminent and consequential things happening such as imprisonment and concentration camps and the need to try to escape. Years later, in 2000, it becomes important to Maria to get back the paintings which were falsely claimed to have been given to a gallery in Austria , but by right belonged to her.

Their stories are told in alternating narratives and after exploring a little of the history, the story of this painting and these women seem to reflect a thorough job of research on the part of the author. It may seem to some that the art stolen by the Nazis is unimportant compared to the unimaginable loss of life as a result of the Holocaust but yet it represents that in addition to the suffering and lives lost , everything was taken . For Maria, fighting this to the Supreme Court was a way of getting something back . Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction.

I received an advanced copy of this from Atria through NetGalley

"We were always alone unless we stood up for each other". This book is a powerful reminder of what we constantly face and need to fight for, justice, kindness and beauty in a world full of cruelty.

I was not sure I wanted to read this book because I felt I had read enough books about the Nazis. However, I am so glad I read this book. Stolen Beauty is more about two strong women that were determined to have their voices heard in a time when women did not have a voice. The novel based on fact was also about the strength of love and survival. It was so well written that I was totally captivated by the story and did not want the book to end.

This book is about the lives of Adele Bloch-Bauer and her niece, Maria Altmann and their connection to the painter Gustav Klimt.

Adele was raised in Vienna and as a child was bright and curious. Because she was a girl, she had been limited by her parents to what she could learn and study. She met her husband, Ferdinand at her sister’s engagement party. He was much older, established, and provided her with a cultured life with access to the artistic community.

Through a mutual friend Adele meets Klimt and he arranges for her to model for him. They meet weekly in his studio where more than a friendship develops. When the portrait Judith I is unveiled it reflects a bare breasted woman strongly resembling Adele featuring a unique necklace that she has worn at social events. Ferdinand is embarrassed by the revealing painting of his wife and the implications.

In 1938, Maria Altmann is a newlywed when the Nazi party invades Austria. Her husband’s family business along with their assets are confiscated. During this time, she finds out that her uncle Ferdinand has had his assets seized as well. He is forced to abandon his building containing all of his artwork, including portraits of the late Adele.

This book does a tremendous job of detailing the lives behind the famous painting commonly known as The Woman in Gold. I was aware of the lawsuit behind the painting, but not of the lives of these two women which the book pleasantly recounts. The dialogue between the characters felt genuine while making you feel their emotions. I really enjoyed this book and did not want to finish it!

Of course, most of us are familiar with THE PORTRAIT OF ADELE BLOCH-BAUER, Klimt's most famous and most controversial painting. This incredible novel brings the reader the story of both The Woman in Gold and her niece Maria Altmann, who sued the Austrian government for its return.

Lisa Lico-Albanese skillfully weaves together the lives of these women with the history of the painting, as well as the story of the Nazi looting of Europe's art. Yet, even with these heavy topics, the book is a pleasure to read filled with details of the period.

Adele and her niece Maria are bound by love, affection and their heritage. The novelist elects to include a possible affair between artist and subject as well as the sexual abuse of Maria which occurs before she is able to escape from Nazi occupied Austria.

Of course the reader is rooting for Maria recovering the stolen portrait and cheering as the it is returned and successfully exhibited at the NEUE Museum in NYC. It certainly inspires us to view the film WOMAN IN GOLD, with a greater understanding of the backstory.

I will be urging my students to read this novel. It is exactly what historical fiction should be, perhaps not true, but set within a strong historical background.