Brilliant, utterly brilliant. This is an etremely short novel, fewer than 50,000 words, which still has everything – drama, history, poignancy, beautifully-described sex. A newly-qualified German lawyer takes on the defence of a murderer (that's not a secret at all) and then discovers he knew the victim well. The story is about trying to find out why the murderer did it.The book's blurb tells us that the lawyer discovers a dark secret in post-war Germany's administration; it's a bit shocking that it turns out to be true. A very well written, from the German, and translated without noticeable effect on the flow of the story, this tale of delayed revenge was difficult to put down. In a way predictable, the conclusion was not disappointing, and quite believable given the awful atrocities of WW2. It can be read on two levels, as a dramatic story or as an example of the errors that can creep in to the body of law set in a period where humanity died and criminal acts were given legitimacy. You will enjoy the characterisations and sympathise with their difficulties.
What do You think about Der Fall Collini (2011)?
Poorly written or translated. plot vague, court room drama non existent.
—Tiffany
amazingly well-written and balanced view of good and bad. a must - read
—irene
I really enjoyed this book and it fully deserves the five star rating.
—Nessa
