There are not enough superlatives to describe this thought-provoking, well-researched, searing novel.
If you like historical fiction, this should be at the top of your list. Period.
Told in alternating timelines, pre-WWII during Hitler’s rise to power and immediately following the end of the war when Germany was being carved up, the author manages to capture the gamut of perspectives of Germans across the years.
The early years are told mostly from the perspective of Liesel, 15 years old at the beginning, whose father is a chemist and works for the Nazi party.
I found her to be intriguing right from the start. She had the innocence and naivete of a young girl of the time, yet she also had the feeling that things she was being told were very wrong. She could sense the evil even before she could put a name or face to it.
She also blindly loved and trusted her father – until she couldn’t anymore. I don’t want to give away why or how, but those were some truly heart-wrenching scenes. It went beyond a typical young-daughter-worships-father-but-grows-up, as Liesel realized the depths of her father’s involvement.
I thought the trajectory of Liesel’s thoughts was indicative of many Germans of the time, and it was all cleverly presented. For example, when she joined the BDM, she felt gratified to be a part of something – even as she disagreed with pretty much everything it stood for.
Likewise, as things turn uglier, Liesel wonders why she hadn’t paid more attention and been more indignant or outraged earlier in the whole situation. It brought to mind the famous quote by Martin Niemoller.
But I digress a bit.
The later years were also very well portrayed. I liked how a simple chemistry teacher, tasked with the nearly impossible job of hunting down anyone involved with the Nazi party in post-war Germany, managed to uncover important information.
I really liked Sam. He seemed to be a good person – perhaps that’s why Anna trusted him as much as she did? In a time where not many people in the country were trustworthy no matter what nation they were from, he stood out as one of the good guys.
As for that relationship – I thought this was probably the best part of the book. I’m not going to give anything away, because the author does a phenomenal job of relaying just enough information to keep the reader guessing as to past experiences of the characters and the bearings they have on present situations.
This is a rambling review, and I have to apologize for that. There are so many things I want to mention that I enjoyed about this book. (And yes, it does seem strange to say I enjoyed a book that counts Nazi atrocities as a main focus).
Friedy’s blind devotion; Ilse’s incapability to cope, until she’s forced to; the hopelessness felt by each member of the family even as they realize what they need to do just to survive; the little moments were worlds crash, trusts are broken, relationships irreparably harmed…everything adds up to a stellar book that asks tough questions, answers them realistically through the characters’ actions, and leaves the reader with deep thoughts to ponder.
And that’s even without drawing parallels to modern movements and perspectives.
Do yourself a favor. Do. Not. Miss. This. Book.
Top of the list, immediately. It will stay with me for a long time.
