Crazy in Berlin

Rating:
Summary: Bring back the entire Reinhart series!
Review: I am amazed that "Crazy in Berlin", "Reinhart in Love" etc. are not in print even in a trade paperback edition. We need to show more respect for the works of our talented authors. As I remember "Crazy in Berlin", it was a comedic look at postwar Berlin and its denizens. "Reinhart in Love" and "Reinhart's Women" continue the life story of the main character in "Crazy in Berlin". Those who appreciate John Updike and John Irving owe it to themselves to read some of Thomas Berger.

Rating:
Summary: Accurate reporting
Review: This out-of-print novel is almost impossible to read, with its academic style and endless German syntax. In fact, I had to listen to it (Books on Tape) because I frequently lost interest. Only the tape player kept it alive.

Nevertheless, little parts of this novel stand out as some of the most powerful images I've ever read. The setting of post-WW2 Berlin has always fascinated me, and Berger speaks with great authority. Seemingly anachronistic references ("famous German blonde pussy") ring true. They talked like that in the 40s. Trudchen is convinving and erotic as a whore. Schatzie's execution by firing squad is too real and too detailed to be imaginary; I reember it at odd times, like when I'm falling asleep, and it still disturbs me.

I think that this book accurately reports postt-WW2 Berlin, which is a lot more than you can say about most WW2 books. History is written by the victor. Berger's novel is history written from the conquered's point of view. It is depressing but I recomend it for its veracity and its occasional powereful writing, well worth the time.

CDS