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Das Alphabethaus (2012)

by Jussi Adler-Olsen(Favorite Author)

3.69 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

3423248947 (ISBN13: 9783423248945)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Dtv

review 1: Truly a spectacular novel. 2 British airmen are shot down behind Nazi lines during WWII. They "escape" to a mental hospital for SS officers. Their fate goes downhill from there.Gripping. Beautifully written. Unexpected twists.This appears to be Adler-Olsen's first novel, though just translated. It has nothing to do with his later crime series, which is itself superb.Available in US next February. Available in UK now.
review 2: The first thing I have to say is that this must have been extremely well researched, the detail is magnificent, horrifying and yet strangely fascinating. Set in two parts, the first following two friends, trying to evade capture, who end up in a mental institution in Germay, the second portion of the novel deals with the fallout ma... moreny years later.I thought this was cleverly done – the first half is fairly slow moving, allowing the story to unfold at a pace that truly allows you to take in what these two friends are going through – descriptively speaking it is very disturbing but absolutely compelling, you can’t look away. The second half is faster moving, also difficult to review properly without spoilers, but for me it made a tale of two halves if you like – and the ending was unexpected.Very different from the “Department Q” series but still with the author’s unique style – this is not a war story as much as it is a story of friendship under extreme circumstances, character driven throughout, often violent but always engaging and thought provoking. I can see that it will not be for everyone, but I found it to be an excellent and moving story, haunting and evocative, with some truly edge of the seat moments.Overall a very good read indeed.Happy Reading Folks! less

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