Set in an alternative history where the Germans won World War II in 1941, "SS-GB" by Len Deighton follows Detective Superintendent Douglas Archer as he investigates a murder trial with national and political implications in Nazi-occupied Britain. The story delves into the complexities of life under German control, the resistance movement, and the power struggles between different factions, all against the backdrop of a grim and oppressive reality in 1941 London.

Characters:

Characters are portrayed with a mix of complexity and ambiguity, particularly Superintendent Archer, who navigates personal and political conflicts but often feels underdeveloped.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by rich descriptions and layered prose, creating a vivid and immersive atmosphere while balancing historical detail with character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot presents an alternate 1941 where the Nazis occupy Britain, centering on a murder investigation that delves into personal loyalties and political intrigue.

Setting:

The setting vividly depicts a dark and oppressive Nazi-occupied Britain, reinforcing the themes of fear and resistance in a turbulent era.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slow, gradually building tension with twists, though some may find parts of the plot convoluted or difficult to track.

The other man busied himself with the papers on his desk and made no comment. He thumped the rubber stamp into the pad and then on to the docket, ‘Scotland Yard. 14 Nov. 1941’. It was incredible that ...

Notes:

SS-GB is set in an alternative history where Germany won World War II and invaded Britain in 1941.

The book opens with a German document outlining the surrender of British armed forces.

Churchill was executed, and King George VI is imprisoned in the Tower of London.

Detective Superintendent Douglas Archer investigates a murder in the occupied London.

The SS controls Scotland Yard, creating tension for Archer as he navigates his duties under German authority.

The story includes themes of resistance, collaboration, and moral ambiguity.

Deighton expertly details life in a war-torn Britain, enhancing the book's believability.

The novel explores power struggles within the German military and the SS.

Deighton focuses on character-driven narratives rather than just action-packed plot.

The book mixes real historical details with a fictional murder investigation.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, death, and political oppression.

From The Publisher:

'Deighton's best book ... an absorbingly exciting spy story that is also a fascinating exercise in might-have-been speculation' The New York Times Book Review

It is 1941 and Germany has won the war. Britain is occupied, Churchill executed and the King imprisoned in the Tower of London. At Scotland Yard, Detective Inspector Archer tries to do his job and keep his head down. But when a body is found in a Mayfair flat, what at first appears to be a routine murder investigation sends him into a world of espionage, deceit and betrayal.

'Len Deighton is the Flaubert of contemporary thriller writers ... this is much the way things would have turned out if the Germans had won' The Times Literary Supplement

Ratings (4)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (16):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (10)
Not Interested (2)

What can you read after
SS-GB?

See the list (100 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

SS-GB

Len Deighton