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A review by mirandalikesbooks
The Night in Lisbon by Erich Maria Remarque
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Really glad I read this one. Came on recommendation from a friend, so I went into it pretty blind. First I'll say that the writing was really approachable considering this was written in the 60s. I didn't realize it was until after I finished it, in fact.
Both Schwarz and Helen have complex motivations for their actions in a way that really engages you while you read. I felt as if the author gave me a lot of space to read the story at face value while also leaving room for my interpretation.
The other refugee in the story, the man with no name who is being told Schwarz's story and is also our first-person character, also added an interesting dynamic to the novel. His occasional interjection or answer to the questions Schwarz posed sometimes confirmed Schwarz's opinions and sometimes challenged them in a way that really gave life to his character. You could feel this man's tension as he was listening - listening because he had no other option for his freedom.
Also, more broadly, this offered a perspective on the ramifications of Hitler's terrorism that I haven't read before. The refugee experience of people fleeing Germany pre-WW2 is a topic I previously never considered. I didn't know that the French held refugees prisoner while they were fighting German occupation.
All that to say: this is the type of book that will stun you with simple yet heartbreaking statements. I wanted to start it from the beginning after I finished it.
Misses the 5 because I did find the story within a story format kind of hard to follow at first. I definitely recommend the audiobook if you get into it and also find it confusing!
Both Schwarz and Helen have complex motivations for their actions in a way that really engages you while you read. I felt as if the author gave me a lot of space to read the story at face value while also leaving room for my interpretation.
The other refugee in the story, the man with no name who is being told Schwarz's story and is also our first-person character, also added an interesting dynamic to the novel. His occasional interjection or answer to the questions Schwarz posed sometimes confirmed Schwarz's opinions and sometimes challenged them in a way that really gave life to his character. You could feel this man's tension as he was listening - listening because he had no other option for his freedom.
Also, more broadly, this offered a perspective on the ramifications of Hitler's terrorism that I haven't read before. The refugee experience of people fleeing Germany pre-WW2 is a topic I previously never considered. I didn't know that the French held refugees prisoner while they were fighting German occupation.
All that to say: this is the type of book that will stun you with simple yet heartbreaking statements. I wanted to start it from the beginning after I finished it.
Misses the 5 because I did find the story within a story format kind of hard to follow at first. I definitely recommend the audiobook if you get into it and also find it confusing!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Hate crime, Genocide, Torture, Police brutality, and Death
Moderate: Terminal illness, Cancer, Antisemitism, and Suicide
Minor: Infidelity