Might it be better to re-read books that have given pleasure and can do so again, rather than read something new which may disappoint?
Like a rookie parachutist I like to be given a shove and the propulsion given by respected authors often carries more weight than that of literary editors.
A deeply moving book. I felt enriched and grateful after reading it. John le Carré
They are like actors in a Lehár operetta suddenly cast in the roles of a Greek tragedy. Arthur Koestler
Told with calm and dignity … I shall not forget that mother and father. Rumer Godden
An admirable book, combining very cleverly the historical and the personal. Graham Greene
There have been many moving stories of Jewish persecution but none more overwhelming than this. Lord Longford
Mr Clare leads us gently, but inexorably, to the edge of the pit and then leaves us to look down into it. Edward Crankshaw, The Observer
This poignant memoir is written from the heart … the truest defence against political hatred for the future. David Pryce-Jones, The Financial Times
A beautiful book; a fascinating piece of history … a work of art. Beryl Bainbridge
Bizarrely this book was reviewed in Homes and Gardens: “a wonderfully illuminating, human book – read it”. I suppose the lit ed at H and G picks up a memoir and this is their stock opinion for anything from the Book of Genesis to Great Garden Bonfires. Similarly, Beryl Bainbridge fails to capture the essence of the book. Either she didn’t read it or had my experience. It is seldom (once) I’m asked to put my name to a pithy back page comment. I willingly accepted the challenge but was disappointed when the publisher sent me ten comments and asked me to choose one as “mine” and all the best ones had gone. Grrr.
It seems rather faint praise. Anyway the superb memoir of which we treat today was published in 1980 when Rumer Godden was better known; at least I’d never heard of her and was slightly surprised Rumer is a woman’s name. She is best known for her 1939 novel Black Narcissus, not least because of the 1947 film adaptation and subsequent re-makes.
I highly recommend Last Waltz in Vienna by George Clare, born Georg Klaar, in Vienna in 1920. The title marks a watershed in his life. He is seventeen and takes his girlfriend, later his wife, to his first big Viennese ball at the Konzerthaus. Two weeks later: the Anschluss and genocide.
Perhaps I can give you a push and suggest you read, if you haven’t already, ‘Alone in Berlin’ by Hans Fallada. An account of life in Berlin during the war and one working man’s small but courageous protest against the regime. A novel, but based on a true story, Fallada saw the Gestapo files and physical evidence relating to the case.
Thank you, I have ordered a copy. Interesting that it was published so soon after the war, 1947.
Rumer Godden is a great favourite – try the Dolls’ House which I loved. Alone in Berlin is also a terrific book!