Title: Babylon Berlin
Author: Volker Kutscher
First published January 1, 2007
518 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781910124970 (ISBN10: 1910124974)
Rating: 3.74
Overview
From the international bestselling author, Volker Kutscher, comes a gripping novel set in the gritty streets of Berlin, 1929. Meet Detective Inspector Rath, a once-successful career officer in the Cologne Homicide Division, now transferred to the Vice Squad in Berlin, a job he loathes.
As he navigates the shadowy underworld of the city, his loyalties are tested when a car is pulled from Berlin’s Landwehr Canal with a mutilated corpse inside. With tensions rising in the city and a state of emergency declared, Rath must race against time to solve the mystery of the unidentified body, before the chaos of the Communist uprisings consumes everything in its path.
With unforgettable characters and twists at every turn, Babylon Berlin will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Meet Volker Kutscher, a talented German author who made his debut in 1995 with the publication of his first crime novel, “Bullenmord,” through the Cologne-based publisher, Emons. In 2008, Kutscher released the first book in a series of historical crime novels that revolve around the literary figure of Cologne Commissioner Gereon Rath.
The series is set in the late Weimar Republic and National Socialism-era Berlin. Seven books have been released so far, covering the years from 1929 to 1935.
Kutscher currently resides in the vibrant city of Cologne.
Editoral Review
In “A Prisoner of Birth”, Jeffrey Archer delivers a captivating tale of injustice, betrayal and revenge that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With over 500 pages, this novel is a masterpiece of storytelling, full of intrigue, twists and turns, as well as memorable characters and a gripping plot that will leave audiences mesmerized.
As an English author and former politician, Jeffrey Archer has written numerous bestsellers, including “Kane and Abel” and “The Clifton Chronicles”. Known for his suspenseful and well-drawn characters, he has a special talent for crafting complex narratives that keep readers guessing until the very end.
In “A Prisoner of Birth”, Archer tackles the themes of social class, loyalty and redemption, as he follows the journey of Danny Cartwright, a young man from the East End of London, who is falsely accused of murder. The novel opens with a description of Danny’s life working in a pub and his romance with his childhood sweetheart Beth Wilson, a socialite who belongs to a wealthy family.
On the night of her engagement party, Beth’s brother is brutally attacked and killed, and Danny becomes the prime suspect in the case. Despite protesting his innocence, Danny is found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment in a high-security prison.
As Danny struggles to adjust to his new life in prison, he meets a variety of inmates, some of whom become his allies, while others prove to be his enemies. Among them is Sir Nicholas Moncrieff, a former barrister who takes Danny under his wing and teaches him about the law.
With Sir Nicholas’s help, Danny begins to investigate the mystery behind the murder, as well as the motive of the real killer, who is still at large. Throughout the novel, Archer skillfully weaves together multiple plotlines, moving back and forth in time, as he reveals the secrets and intrigues of the characters.
He also creates a vivid sense of place, from the gritty streets of London to the posh offices of legal firms, and captures the nuances of British class society. Furthermore, Archer raises important questions about the role of the justice system, the power of social status and the consequences of one’s actions.
He does not shy away from portraying the harsh realities of prison life or the corruption that can exist within the legal system. Nevertheless, the book does have its flaws.
At times, the plot can feel convoluted and overly dramatic, and some of the characters can seem stereotypical or one-dimensional. Additionally, the ending may not satisfy readers who seek complete closure or a neat resolution.
All in all, “A Prisoner of Birth” is a compelling read that will appeal to fans of legal thrillers, crime novels and epic sagas. Its universal themes and moral lessons make it a relevant and thought-provoking work of fiction.
Anyone who enjoys complex characters, intricate plots and suspenseful twists should definitely give it a try. I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its gripping storyline and well-drawn characters.
