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Muriel's War: An American Heiress in the Nazi Resistance

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I loved the title -- "Muriel's War" -- and upon its release, purchased it. I treasure books, everything about a book. I even read the copyright page. "Muriel's War", I noticed as I flipped through its pages, has copious notes at the end, a hefty bibliography and a thorough index. It looked like a textbook.
Then I read it.
"Muriel's War" is nobody's textbook! What it is, on the other hand, is the moving story of an American heiress who risks her own life to save thousands of Jews from the Nazis in Vienna, Austria. Although born to priviledge, Muriel would not be remembered as a grand dame of high society. Her heart took her on an entirely different course, a dangerous journey that would save others but keep her own life in jeopardy in the 1920's and into WWII.
Muriel left the U.S, moved to Vienna where she entered medical school, following her fascination of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic movement. It wasn't long until Germany invaded Austria and sent the Jews into hiding. It was at this point that Muriel steps forward to fulfill her destiny and become the savior of the Austrian Jews.
Austria was quickly falling down around her and the weak, little nation with its starving populace stood directly and helplessly in the Nazi crosshairs. As an American, Muriel was free to return to her homeland at any time, but, instead, dug in her heels and remained in her adopted country.
In spite of the chaos, the author writes of Muriel's love affairs, a marriage, a child, more lovers and shows us the personal side of this brave, determined woman. What stood out for me was Isenberg's honesty in giving the readers all of Muriel's traits -- the humanitarian as well as the oh-so-human and I felt Isenberg wrote of Muriel as a dear friend. I appreciated this and applaud her as an author in telling the truth about her character.
If you wish to read a book that offers a challenge, "Muriel's War" is it! It is not simply a book that chronicles amazing efforts and deeds for those living in fear during the war, it is an inspiring narrative about one American woman who made a difference.
The author takes us all the way to the end of Muriel's life, which is really the beginning of her eternal legacy of saving so many lives.
I sincerely loved every aspect of this book.

Joyce Norman
Author/Publisher

Muriel Gardiner was born and raised in Chicago. Her parents, Edward and Helen Morris made a fortune in the meat-packing business. Upon her father's death, in 1913, Muriel inherited six million dollars (equivalent to $67 million in 2010). With that fortune she indulged herself with luxuries like travel and enjoying a sensual and adventurous life. She attended Wellesley College where her political beliefs had begun to coalesce. Women rights, issues of justice versus injustice became her concern. At twenty-one she went to Oxford, England to study English literature. After Oxford she went to Vienna, Austria for psychoanalysis. Later on, she attended medical school at the University of Vienna, where she witnessed violent anti-Jewish sentiments; Jews were often brutally attacked by Fascist students. Muriel was half Jewish. Her mother was a Protestant who had brought up her children as Protestants; Muriel's father was Jewish. Muriel wrote: "I suddenly felt solidarity with them, not because they were Jews but because they were oppressed." Being imbued with a keen sense for social justice and compassion, Muriel decided to get involved with the political parties in Austria that opposed the anti-Semitism and Fascism, whatever the cost would be. She used her money to help Austrian Socialists and to save as many Jews as she could. She lived in Vienna, for twelve years.

As a captive in Nazi concentration camp, I had always been wondering why the United States, a nation founded and populated by the oppressed of different faiths and from many lands did not stop Hitler's genocide? Where were the good Samaritans? They were expected to have compassionate regard for all people, not just some people! Where were the fighters for human rights? How could their humanitarian reputation be maintained when our suffering became unbearable? It is refreshing to read that Muriel Gardiner, an American woman of valor had been involved with the Resistance during WWII. She literally risked her life to work against the Nazis and to save Jewish and others, lives. She appreciated her money because she had been able to use it for victims of the Nazis.

After the war, Muriel rendered support to refugees who managed to get to America. She gave interest-free loans to individuals who wanted to buy their own homes. Believing that nothing was more important than supporting young people who were seeking an education, Muriel paid college tuition for countless people. She was a good soul, a humanitarian till her last breath.

I had experienced and observed Nazi atrocities in Poland and in Germany. In Muriel's War, the author Sheila Eisenberg brings to light the virulent Anti-Semitism and Nazism that had prevailed in Austria, thus enhancing my knowledge. The book is well written and brilliantly narrated; the facts are substantiated by over one hundred pages of Notes.

`Muriel's War' conveys the life of Muriel Gardiner, heir to both the Swift and Morris meatpacking fortunes. The background of her family and their businesses in Chicago as well as her childhood phobias and sensitivities are well described. Her character as she matures is built, showing her growing sensitivities, "why do we have fur coats while other people are cold and wet?". Her growing awareness and curiosity in the world around her, her education and travels are all described in an interesting fashion. Her personality is investigated including her interest in psychoanalysis and resulting residency in Vienna. Her marriages, her lovers and especially her growing horror at the political situation in Austria as she began her plan to save and use her fortune for those who were in danger of the coming German Austrian Anschluss. The layers of information are all told in an interesting fashion.

Her daughter Connie is not overlooked and the effect of Muriel's commitment to her causes over the years and the effect on her daughter are covered, but the love between them and the grandchildren that came in her later years are included. Muriel's later years are included, even her despair at the conditions in Europe after WWII and the Hellman `Julia' controversy are well written of.

This is an interesting biography of a not well known woman who changed the course of history and saved thousands of lives. Those who are fascinated with women's history, WWII, and reading of those who made a difference in this world would find this book fascinating.

I liked this book a lot. First, I thought it was very well written, and I just enjoyed the prose--it seems that Sheila Isenberg is a good writer. Second, the story was really compelling. Muriel is a true hero. She's a woman, first off, from such a rich, society family, who was never expected to lift a finger. And she goes off to Europe and literally risks her life over and over to work against the Nazis and save Jewish people. Isenberg really paints Muriel as a three-dimensional person, with her failings and her fears, so she is all the more remarkable for her actions. I gave this book to several people for Christmas, and they all liked it as much as I.

My maiden name is Morris. I lived on the South Side of Chicago and attended the University of Chicago Lab School (high school). I graduated from Wellesley College in 1948. It was fated that I enjoy this book, and Muriel and I did. Bettie Morris Magee

I was interested from the first page. The story gives you full perspective of a life spent in service to cause - and no greater cause than rescuing human beings. The author has done an exemplary job with presenting the facts in a well thought out writing. I felt like I was right there with this brave woman - totally absorbed beginning to end. And never expected the hook at the end. If you're interested in this particular time period in modern history, you should read this book.

What a fascinating story and how refreshing to read about a woman (and surprisingly, an American) who was active in the Resistance during WWII. I was interested in every detail because the author made the particulars of Muriel's story come alive on the page. From beginning to end, a captivating read.

Sheila Eisenberg's latest book is brilliant! Not only does she tell us a fascinating story about Muriel Gardiner, a remarkably able and courageous woman, she does it in the context of Hitler's rise and march through Europe in the years preceeding and immediately after the breakout of WWII.
Her story is woven into the lives of other remarkable characters including Joe Buttinger, Muriel's third husband, a leader in the Austrian resistance, her other two husbands and several lovers, Sigmund Freud and his daughter, Anna Freud, and Ruth Mack Brunswick, her psychotherapist.
Isenberg shines in exploring the complicated interactions among these wonderfully drawn characters.
Reads like a thriller. I couldn't put it down.

Sheila Isenberg's engaging biography of Muriel Gardiner is a must-read: well-written and obviously well-researched, the book will appeal to anyone interested in WWII, 19th-20th century American life, Jewish persecution during the Holocaust, psychology, and lovers of a great story. Gardiner's story is nothing short of inspiring; she lived a full life that many of us only dream of, and possessed a generosity that rivals that of any contemporary multi-millionaire. Muriel's War is an unforgettable book.

"Muriel's War" is just another great book by Sheila Isenberg. Following the wonderfully written "A Hero of Our Own", Isenberg once again revealed a once-hidden story to the world. And she does in a magnificient fashion. I hope the stories keep coming!