All Things That Deserve to Perish- Dana Mack

All Things That Deserve to Perish offers a glimpse into the complexities of humanity in Wilhelmine, Germany towards the end of the 19th century. 

Lisi, an extremely talented and intelligent pianist finds herself at the crossroads of how she intends to move forward with her life- as a learned, talented musician with a promising future or to follow the path of a wife and mother. Although Lisi is far from conventional and refreshingly strong-willed and outspoken, she is highly sought after for her incredible dowry as the daughter of a Jewish banker. 

All Things That Deserves to Perish explores the ever-increasing challenges and prejudices towards Jews, in particular Jewesses, at this time long before Hitler’s reign. Lisi is a strong willed young woman who is not easily content to sit back and play the part of the doting wife and daughter. However, the aftermath of a passionate affair with a morally ambiguous suitor come into play and Lisi’s world is turned upside down.  

This isn’t a time period I have explored before and wasn’t sure what to expect going into this novel in the least. I am so pleased to say that I throughly enjoyed this perspective into a world in which I’m not familiar. This story tackles a multitude of controversial subjects with a feminist narrative. I quickly fell in love with the protagonist of this story for her unabashed nature. Mack writes with a wealth of knowledge of this time and of the arts which greatly lends to the story. 

I recommend this novel to any fellow lovers of WWII novels, looking for greater insight of the discriminations against Jews. This is an important read that sets the stage for Nazi Germany in the years to follow. 

TW: abortion