Monday, May 18, 2020

Book Review - The Good German

The Good German by Joseph Kanon is an excellent thriller that makes one think. WWII has ended and Jake Geismar, a former CBS correspondent has landed a plumb spot in Berlin and Potsdam to cover the conference that divides up the world. Personally, he seeks Lena, his German mistress.

Jake stumbles on a murder - an American soldier washes up at Potsdam, along with a lot of money. So, what's going on?  cover blurb - What Jake finds is a story of corruption and intrigue reaching deep into the heart of the occupation.  Berlin in July 1945 is like nowhere else - a tragedy, and a feverish party after the end of the world. 

The American military government is already fighting a new enemy in the east, busily identifying the "good German" who can help win the next war. 

This book is a murder mystery, a love story, and holds a lot of research that resonates from history.  The Russians and Americans were in a race to claim the German scientists (ex. Von Braun). A lot of money changed hands. It's riveting, scary, and interesting when you look at what happened since 1945. The Good German holds lots of nuances while being a page turner. This is a good escape read. Thumbs up.

10 comments:

  1. A book with a bit of "Everything " in it. sounds wonderful Joanne.
    Have a good week.

    Yvonne.

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    1. yep - it could have been more soap opera, but the author kept it interesting

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  2. Hi Joanne - it looks a very interesting read - the timing - 1945 Potsdam Conference era ... must have had a multitude of intrigue messages ... as you mention a good escape read ... but for us here - perhaps not quite so much - nearer home. Still I'd be interested to read it - thanks for the review - all the best Hilary

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    1. Not sure how many liberties the author took with the truth - I was not as knowledgeable so was fine with the fiction.

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  3. Sure sounds like one where you can enjoy and learn too.

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    1. it made me think about that era and the wildness of just post war - sad when they are carving up the spoils.

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  4. I admire both how you devour books, and your openness to all different genres. I'm glad this one kept you on edge. Thanks, Joanne.

    Be well, my good friend.

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    1. I do read a variety, and I've got quite a few friends who are big readers - so it's a good swap meet. If you lived closer -you could join in!

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  5. I need an escape read, thanks. An escape would be even better!

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  6. Sounds like that book has a lot going on in it! Thanks for the review. I hope you're having a good week.

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