
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.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
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…
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.