Description
Book SynopsisFrom the author of The Last Rose of Shanghai comes a profoundly moving novel about a diplomatic couple who risked their lives to help Viennese Jews escape the Nazis, inspired by the true story of Dr. Ho Fengshan, Righteous Among the Nations. 1938. Dr. Ho Fengshan, consul general of China, is posted in Vienna with his American wife, Grace. Shy and ill at ease with the societal obligations of diplomats’ wives, Grace is an outsider in a city beginning to feel the sweep of the Nazi dragnet. When Grace forms a friendship with her Jewish tutor, Lola Schnitzler, Dr. Ho requests that Grace keep her distance. His instructions are to maintain amicable relations with the Third Reich, and he and Grace are already under their vigilant eye. But when Lola’s family is subjugated to a brutal pogrom, Dr. Ho decides to issue them visas to Shanghai. As violence against the Jews escalates after Kristallnacht and threats mount, Dr. Ho must issue thousands more to help Jews escape Vienna before World War II explodes. Inspired by a remarkable true story, Night Angels explores the risks brave souls took and the love and friendship they built and lost while fighting against incalculable evil.
Trade ReviewNamed one of NetGalley’s Most-Anticipated Books. —We Are Bookish “Night Angels offers a fresh non-western-centric perspective on the rise of Nazism and Jewish persecution. Recommended.” —Historical Novels Review “This powerful tale of resistance and everyday heroism will resonate with fans of Pam Jenoff and Martha Hall Kelly.” —Booklist “Schindler’s List takes an Eastern twist in Night Angels, the incredible true story of the Chinese diplomat who saved thousands of Jews in WWII Vienna. Quiet, scholarly Ho Fengshan has just been made consul general in Vienna, preoccupied with his troubled American wife, Grace, and disquieted by the new anti-Semitic laws sweeping Austria. Grace’s friendship with Jewish musician Lola forces both Fengshan and his wife to the breaking point: How much can one sacrifice to save innocent lives? Weina Dai Randel pens an unforgettable tale of quiet heroism and blazing defiance in the face of evil.” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye “An illuminating look at a little-known, inspiring piece of history we should never forget.” —Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Forest of Vanishing Stars “Weina Dai Randel’s Night Angels is a gorgeous WWII historical tale of daring diplomatic pursuits that had me turning the pages way past my bedtime. Based on the true heroic story of Dr. Ho Fengshan, Randel’s prose is rich and powerfully layered. By day, Fengshan is a warrior for his country and a fighter for humanity while secretly issuing thousands of visas to Jews to Shanghai to escape Nazi persecution. It is a sweeping novel filled with love, loss, high stakes, sacrifice, and redemption that will break your heart and fuel your soul.” —Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of Woman on Fire “An exquisitely delivered tale of three souls—a Chinese diplomat who risks everything, his benevolent wife, and a Jewish language tutor—all caught up in the hell that was Nazi-occupied Vienna, and of the resulting quest to hold on to hope and their humanity. Hauntingly beautiful.” —Susan Meissner, USA Today bestselling author of The Nature of Fragile Things
