Initially quite difficult to get in to, the opening chapters set the scene of Friedrich's childhood and unconventional upbringing.
Once into the war years in Berlin, Stella joins the story and features heavily in his life. Like many stories of this era, the characters appear to exist on alcohol, cigarettes and not much food.
I found the witness statements baffling as I worked through the book, still not really sure why they were littered in the story, as they only really make sense when read back afterwards.
Tristan didn't really come across as a credible character in my opinion, he seems a cobbled-together multi-character composition. What did ring true was the torture of Stella, and fact that anyone could be duplicitous to protect themselves and their family. It's hard to imagine how utterly terrifying everyday life would have been for so many, and for so long.
Once into the war years in Berlin, Stella joins the story and features heavily in his life. Like many stories of this era, the characters appear to exist on alcohol, cigarettes and not much food.
I found the witness statements baffling as I worked through the book, still not really sure why they were littered in the story, as they only really make sense when read back afterwards.
Tristan didn't really come across as a credible character in my opinion, he seems a cobbled-together multi-character composition. What did ring true was the torture of Stella, and fact that anyone could be duplicitous to protect themselves and their family. It's hard to imagine how utterly terrifying everyday life would have been for so many, and for so long.