Book Review: An American in Vienna

“An American in Vienna” by Chip Wagar is the fateful story of Andy Bishop, a recent graduate in Journalism who leaves his home of Ohio to find his distant Austrian relatives.  His timing however was ill fated as he arrives to Austria, Hungary just three weeks before the assassination of Austria’s Kaiser, or ruler’s nephew, and nephew’s wife.  The result is Bishop witnessing the last stand of imperial Austrian society.

Rich in historical knowledge and facts, “An American in Vienna” describes the details of the lead up to, beginning and start of World War I and its inevitable consequences. Wagars inspiration for his book was the overwhelming lack of literature on World War I, and how he feels the Great Was is what set the course for modern European and World History.

The book has a lot of modern relevance with addressing the issues of terrorism and the consequences of war, making it very relatable.   In Andy Bishop’s journey through the story he encounters young fanatics determined to destroy a country, which is very reminiscent to the United States current battle with terrorism.

The story line provides a lot with a romantic plot line, a plethora of historical knowledge, and a moral debate of will history always be doomed to repeat itself?

Disclosure: Dad Lens received this book to facilitate this review.
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