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erinnejc's review against another edition
3.0
Not my typical novel but I found it to be enjoyable and would recommend to others.
terpsjas's review against another edition
3.0
Good Book
A little difficult to follow, but an enjoyable book it was. Joseph Kanon is still one of my favorite authors.
A little difficult to follow, but an enjoyable book it was. Joseph Kanon is still one of my favorite authors.
emilybryk's review against another edition
3.0
Mostly, this reminded me how little I know about the Rape of Berlin.
alexowens's review against another edition
2.0
Stunning book, and right up to the end I was really going to give this 5 stars for the captivating portrayal of post-war Berlin... but then the third act, and more specifically the denouement, just falls apart, with too much going on and everything very briefly and unsatisfactorily coming together. The end felt very rushed and unexplained, with some of the occurrences being completely spontaneous and without any signposting or subtle hints to even prepare the audience. Disappointed to see a brilliant book stop being brilliant at the end.
ahale95's review against another edition
4.0
Solid spy thriller. Fantastic ending that was incredibly unexpected and what I look for in spy novels. Would recommend to any fan of the genre.
rebecca2023's review against another edition
4.0
Idealistic German intellectuals convene in East Berlin after the war, eager to create a socialist society. They find themselves making serious compromises, believing it necessary in order to advance their ideology. This is the background for a fast paced spy thriller.
daniel_mc_adam's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic book and a look into Berlin in ‘49. Brilliant characters and real suspense in every chapter. Would definitely read it again.
lizzym126's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
admatthews's review against another edition
4.0
Where Mick Herron comically updates and subverts the Le Carre image of espionage, Kanon's 60s Berlin can seem as if it is happening in exactly the same sphere as The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, with its oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere and hidden and dummy motives. Really gathers pace to the end where there is a sharp twist in wait. Only issue may be that I didn't quite buy Keller's sudden transition from cautious scientist to apparently savvy mastermind.