A review by faintgirl
Billiards at Half-Past Nine by Heinrich Böll

4.0

Billiards at Half Past Nine is a creeper. Robert Faehmel's family was torn apart by the Nazis during World War II, yet as a trained architect he became part of am infrastructure destruction crew, slashing and burning history and homes in front of the advancing Allies. Since the war he has relied on a strict daily regimen to regain control of his life, until this regimen is broken and he is forced to confront the darkest event of his past.

The characters in this novel are beautifully drawn, real and whole. The relationships within the family are forefront, as is the damage wreaked by differing ideals. It's a harsh critique of a regime with a redemption story at the heart.