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A review by graff_fuller
Metropolis by Philip Kerr
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a prequel novel in the Bernie Gunther series (0.5), but it was the latest book written (#14).
Since I wasn't able to pick up Book #1 March Violets, I decided to try and read the series chronologically (where possible).
Hopefully Book One will be available from the library, soon.
At first I wasn't too sure about the story. It takes place in 1928 Berlin. The main protagonist is a policeman. At first I wasn't too sure if he was a Nazi, or not. I was happy to find out a little into the book...that he wasn't a Nazi (always a good thing to read/hear), for there were characters in the story that subcribed to this ideology. Also, there were a number of Jewish characters in the story that were treated VERY poorly, and though Gunther's boss was a Jew, he was not very well liked by many people, though he was the head of the Criminal Division (Murder Division).
Also, the story deals with homosexuality and other LGBT+ characters. They are deamed a danger to the community, but in the underworld they thrive...even in the open, though many are harrased by the establishment.
The story has a LOT of real world cases interwoven into the fictional character's path. It was very interesting to see him pondering and dealing with multiple cirmcumstances, some that he was able to solve, and others that have gone unsolved (in the real world).
I am VERY excited to read March Violets, which wasn't assured when I picked up this book.
I'm very thankful for the recommendation (of sorts) from Murphulaphagus @mybigcity on Twitter. Thank you.
Since I wasn't able to pick up Book #1 March Violets, I decided to try and read the series chronologically (where possible).
Hopefully Book One will be available from the library, soon.
At first I wasn't too sure about the story. It takes place in 1928 Berlin. The main protagonist is a policeman. At first I wasn't too sure if he was a Nazi, or not. I was happy to find out a little into the book...that he wasn't a Nazi (always a good thing to read/hear), for there were characters in the story that subcribed to this ideology. Also, there were a number of Jewish characters in the story that were treated VERY poorly, and though Gunther's boss was a Jew, he was not very well liked by many people, though he was the head of the Criminal Division (Murder Division).
Also, the story deals with homosexuality and other LGBT+ characters. They are deamed a danger to the community, but in the underworld they thrive...even in the open, though many are harrased by the establishment.
The story has a LOT of real world cases interwoven into the fictional character's path. It was very interesting to see him pondering and dealing with multiple cirmcumstances, some that he was able to solve, and others that have gone unsolved (in the real world).
I am VERY excited to read March Violets, which wasn't assured when I picked up this book.
I'm very thankful for the recommendation (of sorts) from Murphulaphagus @mybigcity on Twitter. Thank you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Racism, Homophobia, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Antisemitism, and Racial slurs