An absorbing and often informative story, ´The Einstein Vendetta` combines an emotive telling of one family`s sufferings at the hands of the German political regime in WW2 and an account of facts from that period.
Despite an intense fascination for historical novels I am one of those people who just does not seem able to absorb too many facts, dates etc and hence can find an abundance of them too tedious, but this was a true gem for me. I found myself deeply moved by the plight of Einstein`s family in Germany, whilst often discovering information that was new to me. Above all I was surprised to discover that I had so little knowledge of Einstein himself. I had always thought of him as an exceedingly clever man but never realised he was regarded as so dangerous for the German political system at that time.
Harding´s telling should appeal to those who do like their factual accounts but also those who really appreciate emotional reading.

A tragic story. A murder simply for revenge.
Robert Einstein is forced to hide in the forest in order to keep his wife and daughter safe from the Nazis. They are looking for him because he is the cousin of Albert Einstein, who had escaped to the USA.

Unfortunately, Nazi soldiers arrive at the house and murder Robert's wife and two daughters, just as the Allied troops arrive in Italy and would be in the area just three weeks later.

This is a compelling story of how many people tried to uncover who the killers were so that they could be tried for murder, but due to so many mistakes, by the time it appears that the leader of the group is discovered, too many years have passed.

I would recommend if you are interested in a murder carried out so close to the end of WW2 by Nazi's trying to get revenge on Albert Einstein. This is a superb book to listen to.

Thomas Harding’s The Einstein Vendetta begins as a gripping piece of non-fiction, blending historical depth with the pace of a thriller. The book explores the tragic fate of Robert Einstein, cousin of the famed physicist, during the final days of World War II in Italy. Harding’s narrative initially captivates, weaving suspense and historical intrigue into a compelling account of Nazi persecution.

However, as the book progresses, the momentum seems to wane. While the early chapters are immersive, later sections become more methodical, focusing on investigations and historical context rather than maintaining the initial tension. Harding’s meticulous research is evident, but the shift in tone may feel less engaging compared to the book’s dramatic opening.

Despite this, The Einstein Vendetta remains an informative and thought-provoking read, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of history.

It’s summer 1944, the Italian forces had largely capitulated following Italy’s surrender the previous autumn.

When a unit of German soldiers reached Villa Il Focardo, just a few miles from Florence, they were looking for one man in particular. At the villa they only found seven women, the man’s wife Nina and two daughters, Luce and Cici together with an aunt and nieces. Clearly angry, that after questioning they were unable to locate the man they were seeking, they sought revenge. The wife and daughters were executed, the other women thrown out of the villa, then the furniture was systematically destroyed and the villa set ablaze. The husband was to survive, with the help of his friends and neighbours, but wracked with guilt and grief he was ultimately to end his own personal misery.

This is the history of a war crime. When set against all the other crimes of the Second World War it might appear a minor addition to add three to the deaths of many millions, but a crime nonetheless and one that has a devastating effect on those left behind. So, why concentrate on their deaths amongst so many? By focussing on a crime that killed three directly and one indirectly, their lives can be fleshed out for the reader, we see them as rounded people, with hopes and fears and not numbers on a report. The other reason is the identify of the man they were seeking, Robert Einstein the cousin of the famous theoretical physicist Albert Einstein.

This accessibly written book manages to combine a family history with a cold case review, like those employed by modern policing, of their murders. It has been meticulously researched and is fully evidenced, with comprehensive references, in the epilogue. It carefully avoids sensationalism and speculation, sticking to the recorded facts, with the odd logical assumption.

After looking for motives for the murders, the assumption is that they were a result of a vendetta against the Einstein family, who Hitler demonstrably hated. With Albert and his sister Maya essentially untouchable in the United States, Robert became the next obvious target, to destroy those you love. For more than ten years Albert and Robert were incredibly close, more like brothers, as at times their families lived under one roof or adjacent. Killing Robert would hurt Albert emotionally, but when he was not found at the Villa the decision was made to kill those Robert loved. This was no chance happening, they were specifically looking for Robert, a Jew albeit not a practicing one but more importantly an Einstein. Nina, Luce and Cici were not Jews, they were Christians, but they were murdered, the wider family who were not Einsteins were spared, so there cannot be any other logical explanation.

Who carried out the atrocity was less easy to establish. There was a war crimes investigation the following year, with some evidence collated, but this was eventually shelved as inconclusive. There were so many war criminals to track down and charge that the appetite for this work waned as the 1940s ended. Of course, we are now aware that some ended up being shielded and working for various security and clandestine services both sides of the Iron Curtain. The 1990s and 2000s saw a resurgence in the investigation and prosecution of these crimes, but to many this felt like too little too late. The author carefully analyses the finding of these investigations which uncover three main suspects who he considers in turn like an objective historian.

Whilst no trial will ever come, there is some closure for the wider family and the sense that because the events are recorded, they will not be forgotten. By concentrating on individuals, the author has given them a voice and recognised their humanity and that of their friends and relatives. It is comforting to be reminded that even amongst the savagery and collective madness of war, there are still those who possess morality, can determine right from wrong and act upon this, even when this results in personal cost or risk.

A powerful and compelling reminder of the cost of warped ideologies and the humanity needed to thwart them.

I would like to thank Net Galley the author and publisher for access in exchange for a fair review.

Interesting subject matter but unfortunately the book fell flat for me.
Well researched but in my opinion it doesn’t add anything substantial to the narrative of who or why the Einstein were killed. It’s all very speculative.

Robert Einstein was the first cousin of Albert, the scientist. Whilst Albert emigrated to the US, Robert built up a business and managed to buy a large country estate outside of Florence where he lived with his extended family during the war. As the Allied forces approached through Italy a small group of Nazis came to the estate looking for Robert. He was hiding in the woods nearby but the soldiers chose to massacre his wife and daughters. A year later Robert committed suicide. Why did this happen and who was responsible?
In this account Harding relates the awful events in detail but then goes on the explore the why and the who. There is no doubt in his mind that Robert Einstein was targeted because of his famous relative, someone Hitler hated. Robert was Jewish but his wife and family were not so could that be a reason. This is a very readable book about a little known atrocity.

This is the fascinating, tragic, true story of Robert Einstein, cousin of the rather more famous Albert, and his family who were murdered by the Nazis. Seemingly because they were related to Albert, who was pretty much public enemy number 1 to the Nazis, despite him having left in 1933. Robert was, according to Nazi law Jewish. But he did not identify as such, and his family were not.

Roberts nieces Paola and Lorenza suffered so much, losing almost everyone they loved. How such young women managed to survive that is almost unfathomable, and yet such a common story for the time. Their grace and ability to survive is a really testimony to their upbringing.

A true story about a family persecuted and murdered by the Nazis would be interesting enough. But this book is also somewhat of a murder mystery and also delves into the police investigation which took place 60 years after the murders to try and catch the perpetrators. It's fascinating to see how much can still be investigated so many years later and it gives me hope that current cold cases could be solved one day.

A brilliant book about a savage and unnecessary murder during the Second World War. Robert Einstein and his Christian wife and daughters live outside Florence. He hasn't seen his cousin Albert - an enemy of the Nazi regime, but safely in the US - for years, but he, and his family, are targeted by the Nazi regime as enemies, with tragic consequences. Thomas Harding has written a shocking, but readable account of the events leading up to this, and then researched the answers.

Would highly recommend this to anyone.

With thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for an ARC.

A fascinating book that I couldn’t stop reading. Everyone was brought to life as I continued to read. Fantastically researched book. I really didn’t know much about the Einstein’s but after reading this book I found myself deep diving more into their history. Brilliant book and highly recommend

The previously untold story of the murder of Albert Einstein's cousin and family by the Nazis in Italy in 1944 and the quest over many decades to find the truth and the individuals responsible.
Very well researched and presented. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I'd thgt this was fiction abt Albert Einstein but quickly was drawn in to history of his related family in italy .. carefully avoiding horrors during last years of war, living quietly in small Italian spot, until they realise perhaps the patriarch Roberto is being targetted ..he hides ..but days before italian liberation, German soldiers kill wife and 2 daughters .. Roberto follows by his own hand later from grief .. revenge by Nazis??? But no perpetrators are discovered. The sheer poignancy and tragedy are well drawn, and engagement is at immersive level. Very striking!

I don’t usually read non fiction but this book intrigued me and although the narrative was a little disjointed I felt … stuck with it. Amazed at how the persons who over the years investigated the story and how even after 80 years they are still searching for the truth

The book opens with a unit of 6 or 7 German soldiers who arrive at a villa near Florence. Villa Il Focardo whichis home to Robert Einstein, cousin to the most famous scientist in the world, Albert Einstein.

This true story revolves around the fact that twelve hours after arriving, the soldiers have vanished – and 3 members of the family is dead.

There is a really involved search for the culprits which I did not realise was time consuming and frustrating. Excellent and enjoyable though.

Thanks to Net Galley and Michael Joseph Penguin Random House.for the chance to read and review..

Absolutely magnificent; historic fact woven into a remarkable thriller. I’ve devoured this in a couple of sittings, captivated from start to finish. I knew nothing of the backstory to the Einstein family and very little about the German presence in Italy. I can only imagine that the author’s research has been meticulous. There’s a real feel for period detail and historical accuracy and I certainly felt as if I were in Florence. The locus is so well depicted. I haven’t read other books by this author, but he’s now on my hit list. The story is so well paced and I found it emotional in part, particularly the outcome for innocent family members. This is historical fiction at its best. Authentic and telling a forgotten story of world war 2 that deserves a wider audience. Really enjoyed this title.

Wow - I’m speechless. Firstly this is far removed from my usual genre selection but the name Einstein got my attention. Secondly, I love the elements of truth in historical novels, particularly during the 20th century and finally all the reviews for Thomas Harding’s books have excellent ratings.

The style of this novel drew me straight in and it was compulsive reading. The earlier sections set the scene with details of the family history and relationships of the extended Einstein family, with the latter half devoted to the various war crimes investigations over the past 80 years. It is saddening to note that the assassins of Robert’s wife Nina, and their two daughters remain unpunished. The extent of the in-depth research is of particular note.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this brilliant ARC.

A most interesting and well researched book detailing the tragic vendetta against the brother of Albert Eisnstein which resulted in the murder of his wife and two daughters. It's made even more devastating with our present knowledge that they were only days away from liberation.

Solid 4.5 book 🌟

Usually I have to audiobook non fiction to keep me engaged but this was really captivating.

This was a piece of history I knew absolutely nothing about but Harding gives you such an insight to the state of WW2 during this period, of Italy, and of Einstein’s family.

I loved the way the suspects were brought to life and dissected before being discounted

Overall, I loved that this was written with all the facts presented but not overdone in a way that enhanced the drama but diminished the fact that this horrific crime happened to very real people.

Thank you for approving me for the ARC, will definitely be recommending to my father in law who also enjoys ww2 non fiction.

Magnificently researched book with the historic context bringing the events to life as they happened. The identification of potential culprits presented some closure on the horrid events which occurred during the war in Europe. It also serves as a reminder of the atrocities that can arise when there are grievances between individuals or autocracies, but the flip side is that investigators did as much as humanly possible to identify the murderer. The writer should be commended for his diligence in unearthing the complex information, much of which dates from events which occurred over 80 years ago.

The Einstein Vendetta by Thomas Harding is a harrowing yet deeply compelling exploration of a forgotten atrocity from World War Two. In the summer of 1944, as the German army retreats from Italy, soldiers descend upon Villa Il Focardo, home to Robert Einstein—cousin of the famed physicist Albert Einstein. Within hours, three members of his family are murdered, leaving behind questions that have haunted survivors for decades.

Harding masterfully reconstructs the events surrounding this horrific crime, delving into the questions of who ordered it, who carried it out, and why justice was never served. His writing is both evocative and restrained, allowing the weight of the tragedy to speak for itself without sensationalism. Through meticulous research, he brings to life the people involved, their fears, and the brutal realities of war-torn Italy.

Before reading this, I knew little about Einstein’s family or the situation in Italy during the latter part of the war. Harding’s gripping narrative not only sheds light on this forgotten history but also offers a sobering reflection on the limits of justice. While the perpetrators escaped accountability, this book ensures that the voices of the victims are heard, echoing through time.

A powerful and eye-opening read, The Einstein Vendetta is both a historical investigation and a poignant act of remembrance.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

A fascinating dive into a little known horror from World War 2.

1944. The German's are being pushed out of Italy by the Allies. The cousin of world famous scientist Albert Einstein is living quietly with his wife and two children. In the course of a day, three will be murdered by German soldiers.

But why? who?

These are the questions the writer sets out to solve. Skilfully, he paints a picture of that time, and the people living within it. He is able to capture the feelings and events of those terrible days with not only evocative emotion but also tact. There is no dramatic gore and horror for the sake of it - the story is horrific enough, and it shows.

I knew nothing about Einstein's family before reading this, and very little of late WW2 Italy, so it was an eye-opening read that kept me turning page after page.

The mystery of who, the various suspects that were uncovered as time went on was enthralling. Justice has not been done to the family - after so long, justice perhaps can never be done. But this book goes a long way towards giving these long forgotten victims their voice, their anguish but also their love echoing through the years.

Perhaps that, in some small way, is justice.