Reviews

Mr Norris steigt um by Christopher Isherwood

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joeldrama's review against another edition

4.0

very homosubtextual (is that a word?)

I really would have loved to have read isherwoods truthful recounting, as i know he admitted to leaving out lots about his (homo)sexuality

update: couldn't stop thinking about it so I'm now planning an adaptation

daja57's review against another edition

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5.0

One of Isherwood's classic 'Berlin' novels ... but rather different from much of his work in that, although still told in the first person, the narrator is not 'Christopher'; however he is still principally an observer and, despite his different name, recognisably the author.

The narrator observes the action, tolerating and accepting the various characters, none of whom are upstanding moral citizens. For most of the book it is a bit of a mystery how Mr Norris makes money but it is clearly through immoral and probably illegal means; he is an intriguing mixture of camp and nervousness. He enjoys being dominated and whipped by Anni, whose 'protector' is Otto. The severely monocled but "fishy" Baron 'Kuno' van Pregnitz has a predilection for young men; at one point the narrator goes on holiday with him and the suggestion is that they share a bedroom. They become involved in the struggles of the communist party against the growing power of the Nazis.

I think what makes this book so good is the the way the author explores the complexity of the main characters and the empathy he shows. There is no judgement. This extends to the poverty-stricken environment. We're in a world in which anything goes and people do what they can to survive. The reader is seduced by the seediness of the society. And, of course, you keep reading because you too, like the narrator, want to understand exactly how Mr Norris makes his living.

lisa_mirabai's review against another edition

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challenging funny informative mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

pradha's review against another edition

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informative mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

jormungad's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

karkarvroom's review against another edition

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mysterious sad tense medium-paced

3.5

A slow start but exciting ending. This book provides an interesting exploration into the lives of eccentric characters heading into WW2 Berlin. At times was confused by the plot but it all came together at the end .