REVIEW: Ethel Rosenberg

 Ethel Rosenberg
Author: Anne Sebba

In 1953, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed for espionage. They met their fate in the electric chair just minutes apart. Over the decades since, it has been speculated that the evidence against Ethel was weak, and that others gave evidence against her to save themselves from prosecution. Anne Sebba obviously thoroughly researched Ethel -- her life, her choices, her personality, love for her two sons, the life of a woman that ended in a public spectacle trial and execution brought on by fear of communism. Was Ethel guilty of being a spy, aiding and abetting spies, or helping pass information to the Russians? Sebba presents the facts she discovered during her research and then, for the most part, leaves readers to make their own conclusions. 

I'm not sure of my opinions on a case that was concluded 15 years before my birth. In the past the 1950's were idealized as some sort of a perfect family time, a peaceful happy time following WWII  -- but the reality is much more dark. There was prevailing racism, sexism, political witch hunts, antisemitism, just a prevailing cesspool of garbage thought and shitty ideals. I don't have enough of the facts in this case to actually form an opinion on the trial and execution of the Rosenbergs. Until I read this book and started doing side research of my own to learn more about the case, I had no idea there was another defendant, Morton Sobell, and that others were jailed for obstruction and other charges during the case. All that was ever mentioned in history books when I was in school was that Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed for espionage and passing nuclear secrets to the Russians along with verbage about the evils of Communism. 

Were the Rosenbergs guilty? I'd have to do a lot more research to have a firm opinion. But I do know Author Anne Sebba, and many others, believe that Ethel was not. I do know that the aftermath for her children was horrific -- they were left orphaned because family members refused to take them in. There is a documentary on HBOMax, Heir to an Execution, made by the Rosenberg's granddaughter about the execution and its aftermath. Did the Rosenbergs have have activist, fringe political beliefs....yes.  As many did back then....as many did in later years....as many do now. But were they -- or Ethel in particular -- spies? Or were they victims of McCarthyism?

Very interesting book that evoked many different emotions for me. I definitely want to read and learn more about this case. 

The Audiobook version of this book was narrated by Orlagh Cassidy. She did a phenomenal job. Her reading pace was perfect. Her voice is easy to listen to. And she put the right amount of emotion into it. Very well done. 

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book from St Martins Press, and listened to a review audiobook from MacMillan Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**