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A review by littlemisscass
The Aftermath by Rhidian Brook
5.0
This was an excellent novel. Impressive writing, flawless transitions between characters, incredible historical basis and overall enthralling read.
Early on, the process of classifying Germans as white, black or one of many many shades of grey is brought up for the first time. And the bleak but hopeful story in this book reflects all those many shades of grey in people - Rachael, who has been frozen since the death of her son; Lewis, who wants to rebuild Hamburg without harming the Germans further; Lubert, who didn't want a war to begin with; Freida, who is angry and hurt after her mother's death; Edmund, who approaches his new life with an innocence reminiscent of Bruno in Boy and the Striped Pyjamas; and Ozi, who leads a band of orphans both angry at and enthralled by the British. Throughout, there is the importance of seeing the nuance in situations and in people, appreciating shared emotions, and moving forward when there seems no other option but to stop.
Early on, the process of classifying Germans as white, black or one of many many shades of grey is brought up for the first time. And the bleak but hopeful story in this book reflects all those many shades of grey in people - Rachael, who has been frozen since the death of her son; Lewis, who wants to rebuild Hamburg without harming the Germans further; Lubert, who didn't want a war to begin with; Freida, who is angry and hurt after her mother's death; Edmund, who approaches his new life with an innocence reminiscent of Bruno in Boy and the Striped Pyjamas; and Ozi, who leads a band of orphans both angry at and enthralled by the British. Throughout, there is the importance of seeing the nuance in situations and in people, appreciating shared emotions, and moving forward when there seems no other option but to stop.