The author weaves an interesting tale that includes secret societies, Nazis, Jews, and the poor in a system filled with animosities between classes and cultures. A young man and his mother are taken in by their wealthy relatives who treat them as servants, unworthy of connection. Due to an horrific incident, they are thrown out into the Munich streets as the Nazis increase their power. As he ages, he seeks out the story of his father, a subject no one is willing to discuss with him. As time progresses and war draws ever nearer, Paul Reiner must make decisions that will change the course of not only his life, but those around him.
Gómez-Jurado wrote this story by connecting a few events and wondering what would happen if they were actually connected. The premise is great and the story is quite good. Not to mention, that it never felt like a translation (which for some is equally important). I liked the adventure of it, and the felt for Paul whenever he had to overcome some new catastrophe. I found myself cheering the lad on more than once. The other characters are equally well written and relateable, as is the tension of the time. Especially the inclusion of Hitler's Beer Hall Putsch, probably the first real violent episode by Nazis against Jews.
My one criticism is that this is not really a dual storyline tale. Only the prologue is set partially in the present, the rest is in the past. Not that I regret reading the book, just that I have to find another to fulfil my challenge.
Review originally appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy blog.
No comments:
Post a Comment