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njh_books's review
3.0
I really wanted to get into this, but it always seemed to hold the reader at arm's length away. Never really learned why Sam and Philip liked each other so much--needed a bit more of the one-on-one intimacy. Did enjoy the scenes with Philip's sister.
The artwork for the scenes in the countryside, Alps, and at the lake were gorgeous.
Philip's arrest and disappearance left a lot to be desired. We just lose him from the story, then Sam leaves Berlin, and then it's the frame narrative again in 1952. While people were taken and vanished during this time period, in some way it feels a disservice to their story to not even say if they found anything out about what happened. All we get is Hilde saying, "But I am grateful that if he died among all the terrible deaths...he died knowing love." Also RIP Bernhard getting shot and then never mentioned again.
In the back, in the "Creating Liebestrasse" section, Greg Lockard states "We knew we wanted to tell a love story set in that unimaginably horrible time of Hitler's rise to power. Previous representations of gay/queer life in Berlin have been somewhat chaste in their presentations--we wanted a love story that showed two men truly in love." While I do think there are some scenes that do provide a glimpse of the love and intimacy between the two in a way I haven't seen as often in comics (Philip sitting on the couch and comforting Sam who sits on the floor between his legs), I don't think it completely reaches its goal. But perhaps that is also because we all have different understandings of what love is, how it is expressed, and what it means... </spoilerer>
wandereaderr's review
3.0
3.5 stars!
I’m so happy I found this because tbh, due to my privilege, I rarely ever think what it would’ve been like to be queer before, like, the 70s. Obviously from the 70s until now has been quite the uphill battle, but I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to be queer in a time where not only did people think it was a disease, but also it was illegal!
That leads to my next thought: this shit was SAD! Truly. The ending was so brutal
I’m so happy I found this because tbh, due to my privilege, I rarely ever think what it would’ve been like to be queer before, like, the 70s. Obviously from the 70s until now has been quite the uphill battle, but I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to be queer in a time where not only did people think it was a disease, but also it was illegal!
That leads to my next thought: this shit was SAD! Truly. The ending was so brutal
intheblackout's review
4.0
Found this on Prime Reading and decided to give it a try.
Liebestrasse is a graphic novel that follows the life of an American man who moves to Germany in 1932 and falls in love with a man there. We follow the couple and how they are effected by the Nazi's rise to power and the beginning of WWII.
A poignant read which gives a lesser told perspective on a tragic period of history.
Liebestrasse is a graphic novel that follows the life of an American man who moves to Germany in 1932 and falls in love with a man there. We follow the couple and how they are effected by the Nazi's rise to power and the beginning of WWII.
A poignant read which gives a lesser told perspective on a tragic period of history.
jlamb0718's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
3.5 it was a good perspective to see... last lines got me, "I cling to our youth as the world limps forward to heal. Any sudden loss always leaves an unfathomable ache... and there is no bridge over that chasm. Time moves in one direction and love stands still."
silenthillda's review
3.0
Overall Rating: 3.5
A historical fiction graphic novel of two men living during the rising of the nazi regime in Germany. We meet American working abroad Sam and focus on his romance with Philip who is native to Berlin.
It is drawn in the retro style of 1940s Comics reminiscent of the likes of Archie. Sharp lines, cartoony faces, and bright colors with a hint of flair from the Noire genre. I really enjoyed the art style.
The plot was fine too, a bit on the short side. I did want more but what’s there is serviceable. The switching of timelines confusing at first, but understood by the end. The story realistic, but missing the expositional context. I felt it needed to be fleshed out more especially with the subject matter. Maybe not stayed married to Sam’s point of view and get more of Philip.
Granted, the subject matter is deep and maybe they didn’t want to delve in to the violence of it all. There are tasteful ways you can do the story while still adding more details. Also more educational points. One may not be well-versed in what happened during those times. Generally, I did like what was there and the potential of the story. Still important.
A historical fiction graphic novel of two men living during the rising of the nazi regime in Germany. We meet American working abroad Sam and focus on his romance with Philip who is native to Berlin.
It is drawn in the retro style of 1940s Comics reminiscent of the likes of Archie. Sharp lines, cartoony faces, and bright colors with a hint of flair from the Noire genre. I really enjoyed the art style.
The plot was fine too, a bit on the short side. I did want more but what’s there is serviceable. The switching of timelines confusing at first, but understood by the end. The story realistic, but missing the expositional context. I felt it needed to be fleshed out more especially with the subject matter. Maybe not stayed married to Sam’s point of view and get more of Philip.
Granted, the subject matter is deep and maybe they didn’t want to delve in to the violence of it all. There are tasteful ways you can do the story while still adding more details. Also more educational points. One may not be well-versed in what happened during those times. Generally, I did like what was there and the potential of the story. Still important.
martinezjohn8787's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
autumnalfaeriequeen's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
ameliaowdom's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
bulfinch2's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
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? Yes
5.0