"The greatest book ever written about the German resistance to the Nazis."âPrimo Levi
Â
This unflinching masterpiece based on a true story of resistance is more timely than ever, as fascist forces in the 20th century find their home in the rhetoric of the modern right wing political agenda.
Â
Entering its 15th year of English translation, the brilliant Hans Fallada's account of what The New Yorker called âa visceral, chilling portrait of âĻ everyday German life during the war" follows a working-class couple in Berlin and grieving the loss of their son, launch a campaign to oppose the Nazi regime.
Â
Based on a true story from the files of the Gestapo, this sweeping saga of resistance is more relevant than ever in modern times, with the rise of right wing rhetoric echoed in global politics, and seen in increased book bannings and the reversal of womens' and LGBTQ+ rights in the US.
Â
In the end, itâs more than an edge-of-your-seat thriller, more than a moving romance, even more than literature of the highest orderâitâs a deeply stirring story of two people standing up for whatâs rightâeven against impossible odds.
Â
A New York Times Book Review âNotable Book of The Yearâ 2009 âĸ The New Yorkerâs Favorite Fiction Books of 2009 âĸ A Globe & Mail Best Books of the Year selection 2009 âĸ Barnes & Noble Reviewâs Top Ten Fiction Books of 2009 âĸ Amazon Top Ten Novels of the Year So Far âĸ NPRâs On Point Radio Top Ten Summer Reads âĸ The San Francisco Chronicle Best Books of the Year âĸÂ Minneapolis Star Tribune Top Books of the Year âĸÂ The New York Times Book Review Editorâs Choice âĸ The New Republicâs Top 5 Fiction Books of 2009 âĸ Washington City Paperâs Top 10 Books of 2009 âĸ The Scotsman Best Fiction Books of 2009 âĸ The Sunday Telegraph Best Books of 2009 âĸ Best Books of the Year, Shelf Awareness