R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on + 1452 more book reviews
In 2001, an elderly resident of Sydney named Ruth Becker, discusses her cousin, Dora Fabian, and how Germanyâs political struggles during Hitlerâs reign affected her life. And, Ernst Toller, who once headed the Bavarian Republic, recalls his relationship with Dora. Toller was working on his autobiography. Dora as his lover played an integral role in that effort. Passionate and intense, Dora's courage and determination is the key to his story.
All were members of a group that fought against the dangers of Nazism and Hitler's fanatic leadership. Working from London where they were exiled, one of the primary targets was Great Britain whose government ignored their information. The young exiles risked their lives to share what they knew.
A first novel for the author, this story is based on details culled from the memories of Becker and Toller. In 1923, Becker, 18, visited her cousin, Dora, in Munich and met her future husband, young journalist Hans Wesemann. They join Germany's militant political Left. Ten years later, Ruth and Hans marry. Living in Weimar Berlin when Hitler is elected the country's chancellor, their actions against Nazism puts them in grave danger. Life for their friends, Dora and Toller, likewise becomes perilous. Moving to London, the group continues their work with Dora the heart of their efforts in mission after mission.
The author uses the voices of Becker and Toller to relate the story but it is who becomes the focal point. These ordinary people take on the monstrosity of Germany's political and military machine. It is dangerous, filled with intense dedication and fear and yes, even betrayal, as they work to avoid Germanyâs spies in Great Britain. It's a great story the best part of which its truth. Funder said of the work: âI'm not sure it matters if you read this novel as pure fiction or fictionalised biography. I went into this book knowing nothing about the real life characters portrayed and found it worked equally well as elegant literary fiction and page turning thriller.â I agree. Wonderful read. (less)
All were members of a group that fought against the dangers of Nazism and Hitler's fanatic leadership. Working from London where they were exiled, one of the primary targets was Great Britain whose government ignored their information. The young exiles risked their lives to share what they knew.
A first novel for the author, this story is based on details culled from the memories of Becker and Toller. In 1923, Becker, 18, visited her cousin, Dora, in Munich and met her future husband, young journalist Hans Wesemann. They join Germany's militant political Left. Ten years later, Ruth and Hans marry. Living in Weimar Berlin when Hitler is elected the country's chancellor, their actions against Nazism puts them in grave danger. Life for their friends, Dora and Toller, likewise becomes perilous. Moving to London, the group continues their work with Dora the heart of their efforts in mission after mission.
The author uses the voices of Becker and Toller to relate the story but it is who becomes the focal point. These ordinary people take on the monstrosity of Germany's political and military machine. It is dangerous, filled with intense dedication and fear and yes, even betrayal, as they work to avoid Germanyâs spies in Great Britain. It's a great story the best part of which its truth. Funder said of the work: âI'm not sure it matters if you read this novel as pure fiction or fictionalised biography. I went into this book knowing nothing about the real life characters portrayed and found it worked equally well as elegant literary fiction and page turning thriller.â I agree. Wonderful read. (less)
