German House, The
Hess, AnnetteIt is 1963 and life is on the up and up for twenty-four-year-old Eva Bruhns. But when she is appointed as a translator at the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials, she is abruptly exposed to Germany's war history, calling into question everything she thinks she knows about her country, her family and herself.
Unique in its perspective, this is a compelling coming-of-age story with a courageous and memorable heroine intent on confronting the truth.
Pages
327
327
Year
2019
2019
Reviews
16-11-2023
A great discussion about memories of our own families involved in WWII, and the memories our parents/grandparents kept to themselves. Some members were overwhelmed by the feelings of all the guilt in this story. Half our group had visited camps in Europe which had a profound effect on them.
15-11-2023
We all thought this book was excellent, and had a varied and thoughtful discussion among our group. A clever story.
30-10-2023
The Book Notes were useful. Author is a screen writer and to some the book felt more like a picture board for a film or play, not a developed novel. Not a popular choice. Characters poorly developed. It did provide a different perspective to other war stories, as Eva learned about the realities of the war and her parents' involvement.
20-10-2023
An excellent book. We had such a wonderful discussion about the contents.
26-09-2023
This book gives us an interesting account of the Frankfurt Trials - which not one of us had heard of. Very interesting characters, most with something to hide. It leaves some unanswered questions which led to varying views. Enjoyable. Definitely kept you engaged,
16-08-2023
There were lots of discussion points brought up by this book, so although we weren't sure of the quality of the translation and we didn't like most of the characters, it gave us lots to think about, especially how we would respond in the wartime situations survived by the characters.
28-07-2023
We knew the history, and this was cleverly played. Families want to forget the horrors of war crimes so didn't reveal their knowledge or part they played, whether innocent or not. A good example of family dynamics. Some surprising twists and a few unanswered questions about what happened next to some of the characters.
02-06-2023
This book was popular with our group and it promoted a great discussion about memory and family.
30-01-2023
An interesting perspective on WWII atrocities - the central character learns of the part played by her own family members and those in her community, in German war crimes. Some in the group felt the characters were poorly developed, but a very worthy topic.
13-10-2022
Most found it a good read and thought-provoking.
13-10-2022
A grim but interesting read.
30-06-2022
All of the group enjoyed reading the book. We thought it was interesting to view Auschwitz from a young German perspective. We all felt there were too many unexplained situations and unfinished storylines however.
02-05-2022
Overall all found this a thought provoking and well-written book - gave an interesting perspective and resulted in good discussion.
29-04-2022
The majority enjoyed the book and felt it was well-written.
22-04-2022
An excellent book! Lots of interesting discussion. We learnt a lot.
07-03-2022
Most enjoyed this. Great to have a different perspective on post war Germany.
17-12-2021
We all loved this book.
10-12-2021
The group enjoyed the book, some of the readers didn't know of such atrocities and the court cases. At the beginning we all thought it was another war story, but we were very surprised and enjoyed the read.
27-09-2021
All enjoyed the book, and found it thought-provoking. Liked the way it was written. Wide ranging discussion. Excellent choice.
20-05-2021
Most enjoyed. A few thought it could be shorter.