Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Robert Harris has a particular genius for taking an event from history and re-imagining it. In Munich, he takes the negotiation and subsequent signing of the Munich Agreement and turns it into an unputdownable page turner. Considering we all know how that turned out it is an impressive feat. His portrait of Chamberlain is far more sympathetic than history usually grants. Masterful storytelling.
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love historical fiction, and I have loved many of Robert Harris' previous works (specifically Cicero series). While this wasn't as good as that, it was still very informative and entertaining.
One thing that struck me is the descriptions of dealing with Hitler before the war. It sounded much like dealing with President Trump now. No, I'm not trying to call Trump a Nazi. Just similar in his ego, his disregard of the facts, and how he deals with others.
Aside from that comparison, I've seen various other books, movies, documentaries, criticize Neville Chamberlain for his actions leading up to the war. This book makes the case that he was no different than much of the rest of the continent. He just couldn't stomach another war to end all wars.
One thing that struck me is the descriptions of dealing with Hitler before the war. It sounded much like dealing with President Trump now. No, I'm not trying to call Trump a Nazi. Just similar in his ego, his disregard of the facts, and how he deals with others.
Aside from that comparison, I've seen various other books, movies, documentaries, criticize Neville Chamberlain for his actions leading up to the war. This book makes the case that he was no different than much of the rest of the continent. He just couldn't stomach another war to end all wars.
Very entertaining book that takes place in 1938 when Hitler threatens to invade Czechoslovakia if they don’t turn over disputed territories to Germany. It results is the Munich agreement and we all know how that turned out. The Anglo-German relationship is interesting as well as the insight into British feelings towards the other European nations and leaders. The story focuses on two men - Hugh Legat (secretary to Neville Chamberlain) and Paul von Hartmann (German Foreign Minister Correspondent) who were friends at Oxford. Chamberlain’s objective is peace but it is evident Hitler doesn’t. The story takes place in Munich and tensions are high under the National Socialist fascist government. There is political maneuvering and there is insight into German feelings towards Hitler. Definitely not fast paced but it doesn’t need to be. It is a page turner. Robert Harris shows expertise about this subject during this period of history.
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
interesting novel based on the events around the Munich peace Conference 1938. I found it a bit hard to get into at first though
adventurous
informative
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not bad, but not terribly compelling. The drama and intrigue seemed a little more forced than in some other books, and it didn't move quite as well.