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Books matching: nazi germany setting

55 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 55 
  1. #1

    Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada
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    A tense, realistic, and moving portrait of resistance and survival in Nazi Germany - compelling, thought-provoking, and a must-read for fans of serious historical fiction.

    Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada is a gripping novel set in Nazi Germany during World War II. Inspired by the true story of a couple, Otto and Anna Quangel, who resist the Nazis by distributing anti-Hitler postcards in Berlin after their son is killed in the war. The book follows the interconnected lives of Berlin residents as they struggle against the heartlessness of the Party, portraying the despair and futility of resistance during that time. The plot is tense and exciting, showcasing the risks and consequences faced by those who dared to defy the evil regime.

    The writing style of Every Man Dies Alone is described as well-written, with a modern tone despite being written in 1946. The story is a real page-turner, offering a glimpse into the societal turmoil and fear that characterized Nazi Germany. The characters are complex and the narrative is both bleak and realistic, providing a somber but insightful account of life in Berlin during the Second World War.

    The postwoman Eva Kluge slowly climbs the steps of 55 Jablonski Strasse. She’s tired from her round, but she also has one of those letters in her bag that she hates to deliver, and is about to have to...
    1947
    576 pages

  2. A powerful, divisive, and essential read that asks uncomfortable questions about complicity, prejudice, and societal responsibility. It's not for the faint of heart or those seeking comfort - this book will challenge you and possibly make you angry, but you'll leave it with a lot to think about.

    'Hitler's Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust' by Daniel Jonah Goldhagen delves into the role of ordinary Germans in the Holocaust, challenging the notion that only dedicated Nazis were responsible for the atrocities. Goldhagen focuses on the anti-Semitism prevalent in Germany and Europe, highlighting the involvement of police battalions comprised of 'ordinary' Germans in the genocide. is praised for igniting a debate on the extent of guilt attributed to Germany as a whole, not just the Nazis, and for shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of the Holocaust.

    IN THINKING ABOUT German antisemitism, people have a tendency to make important, unacknowledged assumptions about Germans before and during the Nazi period that bear scrutiny and revision. The assumpt...
    1996
    659 pages

  3. #3

    The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
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    A uniquely told WWII story that’s both beautiful and brutal - a must-read if you love inventive storytelling and don’t mind a few tears. Get ready to think about this book long after the last page.

    'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak is a poignant and unique tale set in Nazi Germany, narrated by Death. The story follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace and escape in stolen books during the horrors of war. Through the perspective of Death, readers are taken on a journey through the lives of Liesel and the characters around her, highlighting the power of words, the resilience of the human spirit, and the complexities of life during a dark period in history.

    The writing style of 'The Book Thief' is described as poetic, descriptive, and hauntingly beautiful. The use of Death as the narrator adds a distinct and engaging element to the storytelling, providing a different perspective on the events unfolding in Nazi Germany. The characters are portrayed as real and flawed, with their stories intertwining in a way that captures the essence of human connection and survival amidst adversity.

    When the coughing stopped, there was nothing but the nothingness of life moving on with a shuffle, or a near-silent twitch. A suddenness found its way onto his lips then, which were a corroded brown c...
    1998
    569 pages

  4. A captivating deep dive into the high-stakes world of Hitler’s would-be assassins - packed with intrigue and detail. Definitely worth a read for history buffs and anyone wondering just how narrowly history missed a very different outcome.

    'Killing Hitler: The Plots, The Assassins, and the Dictator Who Cheated Death' by Roger Moorhouse delves into the numerous assassination attempts against Hitler, ranging from lone wolf types, Wehrmacht officers, resistance groups in occupied countries, to foreign powers. The book explores the historical context and motivations behind these plots, highlighting the sheer number and variety of attempts made on Hitler's life. Moorhouse skillfully weaves together individual stories of plotters and their near misses, painting a vivid picture of the relentless efforts to eliminate the dictator who managed to evade death until his own hand.

    Moorhouse's writing style is engaging and informative, providing a detailed account of the conspiracies and operations to kill Hitler. The book is well-structured, with logical storytelling that keeps the reader captivated, despite occasional deviations from the main topic. By analyzing the motivations of the would-be assassins and offering insights into the failed attempts, Moorhouse sheds light on the historical significance of these events and the impact they had on Hitler's reign of terror.

    One day a completely harmless man will establish himself in an attic flat along the Wilhelmstrasse. He will be taken for a retired schoolmaster. A solid citizen, with horn-rimmed spectacles, poorly sh...
    2006
    400 pages

  5. #5
    Prague Fatale
    Book 8 in the series:Bernard Gunther

    Prague Fatale - Bernard Gunther by Philip Kerr
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    A compelling blend of historical fiction and noir detective mystery, with a memorable lead and a dark, gripping setting. Not everyone's cup of tea, but a must for fans of morally complex mysteries and WWII-era intrigue.

    'Prague Fatale' by Philip Kerr is a historical crime novel set during the fall of 1941 and spring of 1942, focusing on detective Bernie Gunther's involvement in investigating a murder mystery while reluctantly working for the cruel Nazi SS Reinhard Heydrich in Prague. The book intricately weaves together elements of detective mystery and spy thriller genres, portraying the complex character of Gunther within the backdrop of Nazi Germany and wartime complications. Kerr's writing style is lauded for its historical accuracy, engaging plot development, and vividly described scenes that immerse readers in the dark and chilling atmosphere of the time period.

    On such a night—and there were plenty of them—I used to dismantle my Walther automatic pistol and meticulously oil the metal jigsaw of pieces. I’d seen too many misfires for the want of a well-oiled g...
    2011
    514 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bernard Gunther )

  6. #6

    The Last Supper - Paul Christopher by Charles McCarry
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    The Last Supper by Charles McCarry is a gripping espionage thriller that follows the life of Paul Christopher, a second-generation spy working for The Outfit, as he delves into the mystery surrounding his father's death and mother's disappearance during World War II. Through a complex narrative that spans different time periods and locations such as Nazi Germany, Vietnam, and Washington, D.C., McCarry weaves a tale of betrayal, loyalty, and intrigue. The book is rich in historical detail, taking readers on a journey through the origins of the OSS and the CIA, while also exploring the personal lives and relationships of the characters involved in the world of international espionage.

    The Last Supper is characterized by McCarry's masterful storytelling, intricate plot development, and vivid descriptions that transport readers to various settings around the globe. Through the eyes of Paul Christopher and his family, readers are immersed in a world of secrets, danger, and moral ambiguity, where alliances shift and loyalties are tested. McCarry's writing style is praised for its depth and complexity, drawing readers into a web of mystery and suspense that keeps them engaged until the very last page.

    The first link in the chain of events that led to the murder of Molly Benson, an innocent young woman who happened to love Paul Christopher, was forged on an August afternoon in 1923, on the island of...
    1983
    394 pages

    (Also, see 63 recommendations for the series Paul Christopher )

  7. #7

    On the Marble Cliffs by Ernst Junger, George Steiner, Stuart Hood
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    A haunting, heavily symbolic tale that rewards patient, thoughtful readers - but its style and opacity make it a true niche novel. Fascinating for some, but challenging or alienating for others.

    In an imaginary land, the narrator, a botanist who lives with his brother in a house on marble cliffs, sees the peaceful world he loves destroyed and taken over by a local lord, the master of the forest. The book is a unique combination of myth, parody, and history, set in nazi Germany in 1939, exploring the thoughts and behaviors of anti-Nazi Germans during that period. It is a homogeneous mixture of parable, fantasy, social critique, and fable, focusing on two botanists living in an idyllic seaside community as a mysterious political group gains power.

    1939
    126 pages

  8. #8
    Prussian Blue
    Book 12 in the series:Bernard Gunther

    Prussian Blue - Bernard Gunther by Philip Kerr
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    An engrossing, atmospheric historical mystery - perfect for fans of hardboiled detectives and WWII intrigue. Bernie Gunther is at his best in this twisty, morally complex tale.

    Prussian Blue by Philip Kerr is a gripping historical thriller set in Nazi Germany and post-war Europe. The twelfth novel in the Bernie Gunther series follows the protagonist, Bernie Gunther, as he navigates dangerous situations involving murder, corruption, and political intrigue. Kerr expertly weaves together multiple timelines, showcasing Gunther's detective skills and moral dilemmas in the face of powerful adversaries. The writing style is described as hard-boiled and atmospheric, with a focus on historical accuracy and complex characterizations.

    It was the end of the season and most of the hotels on the Riviera, including the Grand Hôtel Cap Ferrat, where I worked, were already closed for the winter. Not that winter meant much in that part of...
    2017
    581 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bernard Gunther )

  9. A valuable, sometimes harrowing collection of real voices that pulls back the curtain on daily life in Nazi Germany, though be ready for some statistical slogging along the way.

    'What We Knew: Terror, Mass Murder, and Everyday Life in Nazi Germany' by Karl-Heinz Reuband and Eric A. Johnson delves into the experiences of individuals living in Nazi Germany, particularly focusing on what ordinary citizens knew about the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. Through a collection of oral histories and interviews, the book provides insights into the thoughts, actions, and knowledge of both Jews and non-Jews during the Third Reich. It explores the complexities of living under a totalitarian regime, shedding light on how people perceived and reacted to the unfolding events of that time.

    The narrative style of the book combines first-person accounts, statistical data analysis, and historical research to offer a comprehensive understanding of the period. While the book may be challenging to read due to its detailed analysis and deep exploration of the subject matter, it is praised for its valuable insights and revelations about the knowledge and complicity of the German population during the Nazi era.

    2005
    464 pages

  10. #10

    The Traitor's Emblem by Juan Gomez-Jurado
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    A gripping and suspenseful historical tale with enough twists, intrigue, and heart to keep most readers hooked. Perfect for history buffs who like a dash of mystery!

    The Traitor's Emblem by Juan Gomez-Jurado is a historical fiction novel set in Germany between the two World Wars. The story follows Paul Reiner as he searches for his father's murderer, uncovering buried family secrets, betrayal, and the discovery of buried treasure along the way. The novel delves into the historical setting of Nazi Germany, incorporating Jewish characters struggling under the new regime, and highlighting the persecution of Freemasonry. The plot is filled with suspense, drama, and intricate family dynamics, making it a captivating read that immerses the reader in the turbulent times of pre-World War II Germany.

    The writing style of The Traitor's Emblem is praised for its detailed setting descriptions, realistic and believable characters, and the seamless integration of romance with suspense and historical elements. The novel keeps readers hooked with a fast-paced plot that unfolds in a way that keeps them turning the pages until the very end. The author skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, focusing on Paul's journey while also exploring broader themes of family, betrayal, and survival in a time of political upheaval.

    When the wave threw him against the gunwale, it was pure instinct that made Captain González grab at the wood, scraping the skin all the way down his hand. Decades later—by which time he’d become the...
    2010
    320 pages

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