Short Synopsis
Nancy Richler presents an unforgettable novel about a mysterious mail-order bride in the wake of World War II, whose sudden decision ripples through time to impact the daughter she never knew.

Full Synopsis
In the wake of World War II, a young, enigmatic woman named Lily arrives in Montreal on her own, expecting to be married to a man she's never met. But upon seeing her at the train station, Sol Kramer turns her down. Out of pity, his brother Nathan decides to marry her instead, and pity turns into a deep—and doomed—love. It is immediately clear that Lily is not who she claims to be. Her attempt to live out her life as Lily Azerov shatters when she disappears, leaving a new husband and a baby daughter with only a diary, a large uncut diamond, and a need to find the truth.

Who is Lily and what happened to the young woman whose identity she stole? Why has she left and where did she go? It's up to the daughter Lily abandoned to find the answers to these questions, as she searches for the mother she may never find or truly know.

"Richler infuses her work with iconic images from the era she covers, painting a rich image of the Canadian Jewish community, their customs and family relationships, in a past century. . . . A beautiful tale." ---Kirkus

"Richler's third novel explores emotional devastation that lasts generations, delivering a powerful punch." ---Publishers Weekly

"Beautifully written. . . a narrative that speaks astutely to the unspeakable losses inherent in the human condition . . . The Imposter Bride suggests that it is finally our shared unknowability that connects us." ---The New York Times

"A powerful story of identity, loyalty and loss, of the lies that haunt us and the truth that makes us whole again. Evoking the postwar era to underscore timeless theme, Richler's elegant prose resonates." ---Pam Jenoff, author of The Ambassador's Daughter

"Narrator Tavia Gilbert, adept in voicing Ruth at different ages, masterfully evokes the depth and endurance of a community where all have suffered and surmounted crushing losses. Blending well-written prose, nuanced characters, a postwar setting, and a gripping mystery, this audio will have wide appeal." ---Library Journal Audio Review

"Gilbert narrates the novel with skill and verve, infusing the characters with their own voices and inflections." ---AudioFile

Audie Finalist