In "Two Brothers" by Ben Elton, the story follows the lives of two brothers born in Berlin in 1920, set against the backdrop of the rise of Nazism and the horrors of World War II. The narrative explores the challenges faced by the brothers as they navigate through a changing Germany, highlighting the impact of the Nazi Party on their lives. The book delves into the complexities of family, friendship, and love, while also providing a detailed portrayal of the historical events during that period, including the systematic persecution of the Jewish population.

The novel is praised for its rich historical setting, particularly the vivid descriptions of 1920s Berlin, the Jazz clubs, and the night club scene, which effectively set the stage for the rise of Nazism. The storyline is compelling, focusing on the brothers' journey as they try to beat the system and survive the tumultuous times. Despite being a lengthy read, the book is described as well-constructed and beautifully realized, offering an important perspective on the gradual degradation inflicted on various groups in Germany during that era.

Characters:

Characters are complex, but some struggle to resonate due to heavy historical context; the brothers exhibit distinct personalities.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines vivid narrative with historical detail, but suffers from verbosity and authenticity issues.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows two brothers raised as twins in a Jewish family, navigating the tumultuous rise of Nazism in Germany and its ramifications.

Setting:

The setting offers a rich backdrop of 1920s-1940s Berlin, highlighting the gradual rise of Nazi influence.

Pacing:

Pacing varies, with some sections slow due to extensive historical detail, which some readers found tedious.

It was past dawn but the coming of day had done little to relieve the darkness and gloom of the long freezing night that had preceded it. Her breath hung heavily in the dull light as she shook her hus...

Notes:

The story is set in Berlin during the rise of the Nazi party in the 1920s and 30s.

It follows two brothers, Paulus and Otto, raised as Jewish twins, but one is actually adopted from a gentile mother.

The narrative includes significant historical events, highlighting the treatment of Jews during the Nazi regime.

Ben Elton loosely based the story on events from his own family history, particularly his uncle's experiences.

The book shifts between Germany in the 1920s-40s and London in the 1950s.

The characters struggle with their identity and the complexities of family ties amidst rising anti-Semitism.

Elton's writing blends humor and heart, though some readers felt the dialogue was not authentic to the time period.

The story emphasizes the transformation of society in Germany from a creative, tolerant culture to one plagued by fear and prejudice.

Readers noted the book could be tedious due to detailed historical accounts and character development.

The ending includes unexpected twists that some found unsatisfactory after a lengthy buildup.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes themes of violence, anti-Semitism, and historical trauma related to the Holocaust.

Has Romance?

The book contains romantic elements, particularly concerning the relationships of the brothers with women during their youth.

From The Publisher:

Berlin 1920

Two babies are born.

Two brothers. United and indivisible, sharing everything. Twins in all but blood.

As Germany marches into its Nazi Armageddon, the ties of family, friendship and love are tested to the very limits of endurance. And the brothers are faced with an unimaginable choice....Which one of them will survive?

Ben Elton's most personal novel to date,Two Brothers transports the reader to the time of history's darkest hour.

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Two Brothers

Ben Elton