Reviews

Two Brothers by Ben Elton

sngsweelian's review against another edition

5.0

Epic novel of a Jewish family in Hitler's time. Superbly written although this is very unlike Ben Elton's usual satires. That he got inspiration from some of his family's true experiences in Germany makes this book a very worthwhile read.

zulala's review against another edition

emotional informative sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Wonderful book. As if you lived in Germany with the characters and experienced all the horrors yourself. 

fulyao's review against another edition

4.0

A fictional twist on the classic Jewich WWII story. Very well written with enough history to know and understand Berlin at the time.

gray5217's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

rem's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, and Antisemitism

Moderate: Child death, Death, and Suicide

Minor: Rape and Sexual violence

ljm57's review

4.0

What a twisting, turning plot this was. The story of twin brothers born into a Jewish family living in Berlin on the same day as the birth of the National Socialist German Workers Party in Munich. The story follows the lives of Paullus and Otto as they grow, their journey into adulthood impacted horrifically, as are the lives of their family and friends as the evil Nazi Party monster takes an evil stranglehold on Germany and the rest of Europe. Such a personal recount of how bigoted lunacy can cause people to take such desperate measures simply to survive. Much of the book is based around the lives of the author’s own family.

kdcourt's review against another edition

5.0

I loved the characters in this book and was engrossed by the story. I enjoyed the historical content and felt so sad and moved by the events which historically were horrific but made so real by the characters. I thoroughly recommend this book I finished it last week and can’t stop thinking about the characters, I miss them and I don’t often feel like that about a book.

lois_w's review against another edition

challenging dark informative sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Heartbreakingly beautiful, Elton captures this period of history perfectly.
It is informative and shocking all at the same time which is perfect as a historical narrative commentary.

dbutlergallie's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

4.25

lesliekyla's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.25