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Fatherland

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Set in an alternate world where Germany won World War II, "Fatherland" by Robert Harris is a gripping thriller that combines elements of a murder mystery with a detective novel. The protagonist, a disillusioned detective named March, navigates a dystopian post-WWII Germany to uncover dangerous secrets and solve a series of murders. The novel delves into themes of history, memory, and collective responsibility, offering a chilling portrayal of a society ruled by fear and conformity. Harris weaves real historical events with fiction seamlessly, creating a believable and intriguing narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The book presents a dark and unsettling vision of a world where Hitler's Third Reich emerged victorious, exploring the consequences of such an alternate history with skillful storytelling. The plot is intricate yet clear, offering a thought-provoking exploration of what could have been if history had taken a different turn. Harris's writing style effectively blends historical facts with thriller elements, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience that lingers in the minds of readers long after the final page.

Characters:

Characters are well-drawn, with protagonist Xavier March being a disillusioned detective, and others that include morally complex figures, reflecting the oppressive political landscape.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by crisp, clear prose that maintains a fast-paced and engaging narrative, effectively reflecting the oppressive environment of the alternate history.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around an alternate history where the Nazis triumphed in WWII, following a detective's investigation into a suspicious murder that reveals a conspiracy tied to the regime's dark secrets.

Setting:

Set in 1964 Berlin, the narrative depicts a dystopian society under Nazi rule, showcasing a blend of oppressive atmospheres and fascist architecture.

Pacing:

The pacing varies from a slow start to a gripping and fast-paced narrative, effectively maintaining reader engagement.
THICK CLOUD HAD pressed down on Berlin all night, and now it was lingering into what passed for the morning. On the city’s western outskirts, plumes of rain drifted across the surface of Lake Havel, l...

Notes:

Fatherland is set in an alternate history where the Nazis won World War II.
The story occurs in 1964 Berlin, just before Adolf Hitler's 75th birthday.
The protagonist, Xavier March, is a homicide investigator with the Nazi SS.
Key historical figures like Reinhard Heydrich appear in fictional contexts within the novel.
The book explores themes of political intrigue and the suppression of historical truths, particularly about the Holocaust.
It features a romantic subplot between March and American journalist Charlotte Maguire.
Fatherland critiques the Nazi ideology through its depiction of art and culture, showcasing its limitations and absurdities.
The novel includes detailed descriptions of a reimagined Berlin, with notable architecture like the Arch of Triumph and Great Hall.
The narrative draws parallels to a police state similar to Stalinist Russia, highlighting censorship and oppression.
The book touches on the idea of 'plausible deniability' regarding the actions of the Nazi regime.
Critics noted that while it begins as a straightforward detective story, it evolves into a tale of conspiracy and moral questioning.
The author, Robert Harris, conducted extensive research on the period and Nazi Germany to authenticate the setting and events depicted.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

High content warnings for themes of Holocaust denial, murder, political corruption, and the implications of living under a totalitarian regime.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance, primarily through the relationship between the main character and the American journalist.

From The Publisher:

The New York Times bestselling classic of alternate history, a murder mystery set in a world where the Nazis won World War II-for fans of The Plot Against America and The Man in the High Castle

Berlin, 1964. The Greater German Reich stretches from the Rhine to the Urals, and keeps an uneasy peace with its nuclear rival, the United States. As the Fatherland prepares for a grand celebration honoring Adolf Hitler's seventy-fifth birthday and anticipates a conciliatory visit from U.S. president Joseph Kennedy and ambassador Charles Lindbergh, a detective of the Kriminalpolizei is called out to investigate the discovery of a dead body in a lake near Berlin's most prestigious suburb.

But when Xavier March discovers the identity of the body, he also uncovers signs of a conspiracy that could go to the very top of the German Reich. And, with the Gestapo just one step behind, March, together with the American journalist Charlotte Maguire, is caught up in a race to discover and reveal the truth-a truth that has already killed, a truth that could topple governments, a truth that will change history.

Praise for Fatherland

"A singular achievement displaying original and carefully wrought suspense . . . Fatherland easily transcends convention."-The Washington Post

"A solid thriller, vividly imagined and genuinely frightening."-The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Ingenious . . . a triumph . . . suspenseful and elegant."-San Francisco Chronicle

"A dazzler . . . fast-paced . . . Historical fact is blended skillfully with fiction."-Detroit Free Press

"Absorbing . . . expertly written."-The New York Times Book Review

"Truly captivating."-Robert Ludlum

"A strong premise for a police thriller with rich foreign atmosphere and political texture galore? Absolutely!"-Entertainment Weekly

"A sly and scary page-turner."-Los Angeles Times

"A well-plotted, well-written detective tale and a fascinating trek through parallel history."-Chicago Tribune

"Fatherland works on all levels. It's a triumph."-The Washington Times

"Distinguished by vivid details based on impeccable research, the thriller is a crackling-good read in the le Carré tradition."-Time

"Wonderful."-Newsday

"A gripping detective story as well as a chilling visit to the Germany that might have been. It is so plausibly written it seems quite real. Robert Harris is a name to watch for."-BookPage

Ratings (19)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (8)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (49):

Read It (20)
Want To Read (20)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (7)

About the Author:

ROBERT HARRIS is the author of twelve novels: Fatherland, Enigma, Archangel, Pompeii, Imperium, The Ghost Writer, Conspirata, The Fear Index, An Officer and a Spy, Dictator, Conclave, and Munich. Several of his books have been adapted to film, most recently The Ghost. His work has been…

 
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