Rating: 
Summary: An intriguing story of Nazi Germany
Review: "Address Unknown," by Kathrine Kressman Taylor, was first published in "Story" magazine in 1938. This story (or short novel, if you prefer) is told in the form of letters between two characters: Max Eisenstein, an American Jew; and his friend Martin Schulse, a German who has returned home after having lived in the United States. The letters span the years 1932-34, and touch on the rise of Hitler and on the Shoah, or Holocaust. The 2001 Washington Square Press edition of the book contains a fascinating foreword by Charles Douglas Taylor, the author's son; he discusses the story's publication history and offers some biographical data on the author. I found this book to be an intriguing piece of fiction. The letters begin on a friendly note, but tension soon rises. There are also chillinging twists to the plot. Recommended reading, especially for those with an interest in fiction of the World War II and pre-war era.
Rating: 
Summary: Impressive Evocation of the Times
Review: As a teacher of English Composition, I have used this story for decades in my English 102 course. It always provokes stimulating discussions and satisfying writing, especially comparison-contrast between Max and Martin. Yes, some of the details are not historically accurate, and the title is incorrect (it should be Addressee Unknown), but those are not important matters. This is a fine work.
Rating:
Summary: Impressive Evocation of the Times
Review: As a teacher of English Composition, I have used this story for decades in my English 102 course. It always provokes stimulating discussions and satisfying writing, especially comparison-contrast between Max and Martin. Yes, some of the details are not historically accurate, and the title is incorrect (it should be Addressee Unknown), but those are not important matters. This is a fine work.
Rating: 
Summary: O. Henry she ain't.
Review: Based on the positive hype, I ordered four copies of this lovely little book. I should have read the reviews more carefully, but I did not want to risk finding out the surprise ending. Unfortunately, I can't send this book to anyone on my list: it's a quick read and well crafted, but it's unflattering to Jews (though perhaps it wouldn't have been perceived this way 65 years ago?); and the ultimate message is a great disappointment to anyone who believes that vengeance is not laudable, however cleverly it is accomplished.
Rating:
Summary: A Haunting Tale
Review: I am a lawyer, a history and English teacher in an American prep school, a mother, and wife of an Episcopal priest. My husband and I received this little book on Christmas Day at church from the author's son. We had no previous knowledge of the book or the author. My husband read it first in about 20 minutes. I read it the next day. I found the book moving, frightening, and believable. I was a history major with an emphasis in modern European and Russian/Soviet history. I visited Auschwitz on a college trip when I was 19 yrs. old. I have never forgotten the horror of that place. Over the years, I have read numerous books on this subject. I place "Address Unknown" up there with "Night" by Eli Weisel. This little book is very short and very powerful. I recommend it to anyone trying to come to grips with bigotry and racism in an age gone by, as well as in our own age. It is scary to think this could happen to any of us as well if we do not stand ever vigilant. Read it! PNG
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Summary: Touching and Timeless Book
Review: I can see why this book caused a sensation when it was first printed. It took me less than a half hour to read it but it will stay with me for years. I was left was many complex points to think about. Was Max completely in the right? Is what he did justified? I am amazed at the deep story that this little book contains and how it hits home as much today as it must have in 1938.
Rating:
Summary: Please , don't lose it!
Review: I discovered this book in France and I read the french version.I satayed one week completly disturbed by the book.First I started to read and I couldn't stop until the end.The story is so simple,so emovement, so tragic and it is so well written!I tried to convince a portuguese editor to translate it and to publish a portuguese version.Unfournatelly until now he did not. If you have a chance, please don't lose it, read it!
Rating:
Summary: O. Henry she ain't.
Review: I read this book (novella really - almost a short story) in one sitting, and found it to be both profoundly disturbing and very clever. There is a marvellous twist in the tale which I have to confess that I didn't see coming, and despite the real horrors of the story, left me satisfied and smiling at the end. But this is not a perfect book - some of the other reviewers have mentioned the inaccuracies of the time and the geography, and how parts of some of the characters' adventures and activities are a little too pat. All of this is true. But we forgive all of that as we read the letters which demonstrate so well the dissolving of a lifetime's ties of friendship, and the infinitely clever revenge that is eventually had. So, not a perfect book, but a very, very good one (4 and a half stars really), and one that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in history, clever writing, and who loves a story with a twist in the tale!
Rating:
Summary: An interesting little gem
Review: I read this book (novella really - almost a short story) in one sitting, and found it to be both profoundly disturbing and very clever. There is a marvellous twist in the tale which I have to confess that I didn't see coming, and despite the real horrors of the story, left me satisfied and smiling at the end. But this is not a perfect book - some of the other reviewers have mentioned the inaccuracies of the time and the geography, and how parts of some of the characters' adventures and activities are a little too pat. All of this is true. But we forgive all of that as we read the letters which demonstrate so well the dissolving of a lifetime's ties of friendship, and the infinitely clever revenge that is eventually had. So, not a perfect book, but a very, very good one (4 and a half stars really), and one that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in history, clever writing, and who loves a story with a twist in the tale!
Rating:
Summary: The memory of this book still haunts me.
Review: I read this book at least sixty years ago, when it was first published; still in my teens, I was horrified and fascinated. Rereading it seems to be an imperative at this time in history. I am a WASP, but I think the book, as I remember it, gives one a sense of the horror of those days. Now I will order it, read it and see whether I am right or wrong to feel nervous about my fellow "human beings."
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