The central premise of an unworldly young Swiss man traveling to war torn Berlin takes a bit to get over. However as a vehicle to introduce the true life character of Kristen/Stella it works quite well. She is a very complex being and appears to be working for the regime even before the detainment of her parents, it never becomes clear why she does this and how she survives having not delivered Cioma Schonhaus, the forger, to the Gestapo. It also seems unlikely that Friedrich would get away with holding his revolver to the neck of the Gardener. It never becomes clear where Friedrich's family money comes from, that is how his father has made his fortune. Also Tristan's wealth and black market connections are not fully explored. If Friedrich loved Stella so much would he really bolt from Berlin just because she says it's over with a song?
The translation is absolutely brilliant leading to really easy reading.
The translation is absolutely brilliant leading to really easy reading.