About the Book
Eighteen-year-old Greta Kolbe would like nothing better than to enjoy skiing, ice skating, and going to concerts with friends, attending the University of Vienna in the fall, and looking forward to romance. But she lives in Vienna in 1938, and Hitler's army has just taken over Austria. Vienna on Fire brings to startling life the nightmarish reality of what Austrian Jews faced when their lives were completely undone by the Nazis that, months, weeks, even days before, most Austrians thought was unthinkable.
To survive, Greta must leave everything she knows behind, leave her mother, father, grandmother and friends to their own unknown fate. Her parents have sacrificed everything to see that she gets transport on a ship to America. The problem is, and there are many of them on her perilous journey to a port in The Netherland, she is wanted by the Gestapo for her political activities and is relentlessly pursued by a vindictive ex-boyfriend-turned Nazi.
Greta has been raised a secular Jew who has attended Catholic schools and whose family celebrated Christmas. Now, thanks to the 1935 Nuremburg Laws, she is simply a Jew, a criminal on the run. Can she outwit her pursuers and make it to the steamer before they arrest and send her to Dachau concentration camp? Vienna on Fire is a fast-paced Olympian sprint mined with dangers every mile of the way. Evil is palpable. Trust a thing of the past. Greta's life has become a life-or-death struggle where the next instant can bring salvation or calamity. But Greta's friends, along with her ingenuity, courage, and will to survive are her only hope to reach America.
About the Author :
Don Gabor is the son of a holocaust survivor, but he didn't uncover his mother's family secret until 1997 during a trip to Austria. That's when he was inspired to write his first solo novel, Vienna on Fire: A WWII Story of Survival. Don is also the author of How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends, plus other books and audio programs on communication skills. Since 1981, he has been published by Simon and Schuster, Crown/Random House, McGraw-Hill Education, and others. His titles have also been translated into fifteen languages and have sold twenty-nine foreign rights. Don Gabor's books have been featured in dozens of traditional and social media publications including 60 Minutes: A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and others. The New Yorker called Don "a gifted conversationalist."Don has presented workshops to corporations, associations, small businesses, and colleges. Don was also a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) for twenty years and was the 2010-2011 president of the NSA NYC chapter. An avid history buff, urban gardener, and guitarist, he lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife, Eileen, and their cat, Ruby.
Review :
Library Journal Audiobook Review, Reviewed by Susan McClellan, Apr 18, 2025
"A gripping tale of survival and tenacity in the face of tyranny. Superb WWII fiction for fans of Sarah Ansbacher's Wave After Wave.
Gabor draws upon his familial history to tell the story of Greta Kolbe, an 18-year-old Jewish woman whose world is shattered when German troops annexed Austria in 1938. Forced to flee Vienna...Gabrielle de Cuir narrates, offering an emotionally rich listening experience. De Cuir communicates the urgency of Greta's story, vividly conveying her bravery and resilience. The novel balances fully developed character portraits with historical details, and de Cuir maintains its engaging pace throughout. Gabor's personal connection to the character of Greta, who is based upon his mother, infuses the narrative with authenticity and heart, allowing listeners to connect deeply with the woman's remarkable courage."
Erin Britton, San Francisco Book Review
"Vienna on Fire provides a gripping and historically accurate account of the resilience of the human spirit amid the darkest of times."
Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
"Authored by Don Gabor, 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 readers to witness Greta's grit, ingenuity, and her relentless pursuit of freedom during Europe's most forbidding time. Libraries and readers seeking exceptional portraits of Jewish survivors in general and strong young women who foster different responses to escape and survival, refusing to become victims, will find Vienna on Fire absolutely captivating. It's powered by strong characters whose perceptions and conflicts are not just realistic, but thoroughly absorbing "you are here" experiences."
AudiobookReviewer.com: (2024 Team Award Winner)
"Immersive and Unforgettable! 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. The narrator, Gabrielle de Cuir's 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 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!"
