The book is set mostly in Berlin as Hitler begins his plans to declare war. John, a British journalist with a German son, wants to remain in Germany, even though he sees what's coming. He blunders his way into a world of spies as he tries to help friends. ( )

This has a lot of great reviews but I found it to be a bit disappointing. It is well written, and I agree that the author is great at creating unease, but for all the sneaking and planning, there is not a lot of drama in the story. It does have a fairly happy ending, which was unexpected, but it is clear that there will be a sequel and there is no definitive ending to the story. ( )

I enjoyed the historical aspects, the atmosphere, the challenge for a British man with a German son. The spy thriller plot was the cherry on top. ( )

Very good, atmospheric, intense, elaborate story, and pleasantly emotional with the hero's son and his lover, and other relations. ( )

John Russell is a British expat in Germany in 1939. Although conditions are worsening for many in Hitler’s Germany and it seems like Europe is heading for another war, Russell is loath to leave Germany because of his young son, who lives with Russell’s ex-wife and her new husband. Russell also has a German lover he’d rather not leave behind. Russell is approached by a Soviet agent with a request to write a series of articles about life in Nazi Germany. Soon the British have requests for him, too. He walks a fine line trying to keep the Soviets and the British happy without getting into trouble with the Nazis.

The book has a strong sense of place. It explores the growing danger for German Jews in 1939, with Russell assisting a Jewish family to whom he’s been giving English lessons. It also explores the dangers faced by other groups targeted by the Nazis – homosexuals and persons with disabilities. Russell is a bit of an antihero. He’s not a moral crusader on a mission to rescue Jews and defeat the Nazis, but he does his part to help those who need it within his circle of friends and acquaintances. ( )