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freyaan's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
marieshan4321's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This took me forever to finish but I'm glad I did.
Christopher Isherwood's portrayal of Berlin in the interwar year is depicted so brilliantly and vibrantly in these novellas. The sense of foreboding, the burgeoning anxieties around the rise of Hitler mixed with the colourful and eccentric lives of the characters who inhabit his stories.
His writing is so vivid and his characters–while none are explored in a huge amount level of depth–feel like real people that you might meet in passing and be momentarily intrigued by.
Christopher Isherwood's portrayal of Berlin in the interwar year is depicted so brilliantly and vibrantly in these novellas. The sense of foreboding, the burgeoning anxieties around the rise of Hitler mixed with the colourful and eccentric lives of the characters who inhabit his stories.
His writing is so vivid and his characters–while none are explored in a huge amount level of depth–feel like real people that you might meet in passing and be momentarily intrigued by.
petepilgrim's review
dark
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Berlin Novels depicts a time in pre-war Berlin that's tragically optimistic, as the shadow of the Nazi party begins to loom darker. It's hard to not be charmed by the writing and humour, even when the reader knows what is in store for these people: Whether it's something they will flee, succumb to, or adjust to.
I have read Goodbye to Berlin before, as part of my degree at university. I loved it then too. It is more a series of loosely connected sketches of life and relationships than one continuous plot.
Mr Norris Changes Trains was new to me. Though evoking a similar tone (and sharing some characters) it is a more traditional narrative.
I have read Goodbye to Berlin before, as part of my degree at university. I loved it then too. It is more a series of loosely connected sketches of life and relationships than one continuous plot.
Mr Norris Changes Trains was new to me. Though evoking a similar tone (and sharing some characters) it is a more traditional narrative.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and War
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Genocide, Abortion, and Classism
catsforlenny's review
dark
funny
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
melanieinmuenster's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
katieadaniel's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
bevunit's review
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
zzzuzana's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25