A Stark insight into Germany during the war

Listened to this audiobook on the back of the many great reviews (of which I am now one)
Having previously tended to listened to fantasy and horror epics I approached this book with some trepidation
From the first chapter I was hooked the different story lines interwoven over the course of the book kept you launching the app and listening to more and more.
The reader did a fantastic job of portraying the characters in a very distinct and respectful way.
Highly recommended

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A first class read.

Enjoyed this book from start to finish. A true story which really shows what it is like be an anti-Nazi during the War in Berlin.

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Heart wrenching, but excellent.

Plunged into Berlin during the second world war, with all the deceit and backstabbing one quiet German couple dare to antagonise the Nazis! Narration excellent, the sense of foreboding is intense as each story unfolds.

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based on a true story?

This book is based on true events, I know that as in there was a war and it was between the allies and Germany. That’s fact. However, I’m not entirely sure this book is based on a true story. The figures of ridicule, almost cartoonish of the bad guys makes something of a mockery of that suggestion. The book is well read and multi-layered. There’s tragedy in it, even uhumour. I think the author’s point of view shines through just a bit too much mind but, overall it’s a good book and i wasn’t disappointed too much. I do wonder though, how did the cards get from the satchel to the factory floor via the locker. it’s a small point though and fairly insignificant.

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Powerfull book.

this book about ordinary people during the war, was amazing, sad and terrifying. How the ordinary Germans lived during the war, trying to stay alive is brought into this book beautifully. Not easy listening, at time it frightened me, but remarkable.

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so many characters

john telfer was a brilliant choice of narrator for this epic story, so many characters to cover and all portrayed excellently well,

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A modern classic

Difficult subject matter to listen to /read about but so excellently written that it is impossible to stop reading / listening to it. And it certainly describes life in Germany and life during the war from a very differently angle from usual .
Brilliantly performed by John Telfer who really brings each character to life .
Gripping and a classic book .

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Bravery in Berlin

Although the book is a piece of fiction, it is based on the true story of a couple who did, in their own way, rebel against the Third Reich. Fallada wrote the book in 26 days, in a burst of creative passion. It is a moving story, beautifully read.

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Very powerful insight to another side of the war in Germany

An incredible and powerful insight to a side of German life during the war that I was unaware of. Well written, translated and also very well narrated by John Telfer.

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Very well written with great narrator

Difficult to say I enjoyed this book given the story line. However, the writer manages to include so much about what was happening in Berlin at that time, cleverly woven into well formed characters. The narrator I found to be excellent (and I'm very fussy!). I would very much recommend.

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