booksintheirnaturalhabitat's review
4.0
I’m at the point where I will read ANYTHING that Ellie writes. I absolutely loved the flow and deep character development of Metropolis!
Right off the bat, we meet Margot and Ernst as they are at the lowest point of their lives. Margot came from a wealthy background and has lost everything. Ernst saw things at war that no one should ever have to witness. And yet they find each other when they need someone the most.
What happens from there is really determined by their inner fire. While they both begin their lives again through music, they are led apart – one by their inner passion and one by turning their eye to reality.
This book did an excellent job of exploring inner turmoil, the gravity of war, and the fire that is innately inside some people. The story itself is a different perspective to post WWI fiction and really explores a number of issues occurring during the time period.
I’m awarding this one 4.5 stars. Highly recommended if you love historical fiction.
Thank you to HFVBT and Ellie Midwood for the opportunity to read this book. I have voluntarily provided this review and only my own personal opinions have been expressed.
Right off the bat, we meet Margot and Ernst as they are at the lowest point of their lives. Margot came from a wealthy background and has lost everything. Ernst saw things at war that no one should ever have to witness. And yet they find each other when they need someone the most.
What happens from there is really determined by their inner fire. While they both begin their lives again through music, they are led apart – one by their inner passion and one by turning their eye to reality.
This book did an excellent job of exploring inner turmoil, the gravity of war, and the fire that is innately inside some people. The story itself is a different perspective to post WWI fiction and really explores a number of issues occurring during the time period.
I’m awarding this one 4.5 stars. Highly recommended if you love historical fiction.
Thank you to HFVBT and Ellie Midwood for the opportunity to read this book. I have voluntarily provided this review and only my own personal opinions have been expressed.
wolfshine's review
5.0
An insightful look into Weimer Berlin in the 1920’s.
Ellie Midwood has a way with painting vivid scenes and beautiful imagery. Her research is always spot on so no matter what time in history she chooses to write about, you feel as if you are right there in the middle of it.
In this story, Metropolis, Margot von Steinhoff is a photographer on the set of a film (Metropolis). Throughout the novel, the process of the creation of one of histories most impactful movies is described in a refreshing way with historical figures brought to life.
Of course with the beautiful parts of any town, there are dark parts described in the story too. The streets of Berlin aren’t an easy place with the nightlife and everyone just trying to make a living in a world filled with rising tension.
Besides Margot, every character is well fleshed out. Her love interest and best friends were also well done. Though the story is beautiful, it does deal with some difficult topics.
All in all, this is another beautiful novel of Ellie Midwood’s.
Ellie Midwood has a way with painting vivid scenes and beautiful imagery. Her research is always spot on so no matter what time in history she chooses to write about, you feel as if you are right there in the middle of it.
In this story, Metropolis, Margot von Steinhoff is a photographer on the set of a film (Metropolis). Throughout the novel, the process of the creation of one of histories most impactful movies is described in a refreshing way with historical figures brought to life.
Of course with the beautiful parts of any town, there are dark parts described in the story too. The streets of Berlin aren’t an easy place with the nightlife and everyone just trying to make a living in a world filled with rising tension.
Besides Margot, every character is well fleshed out. Her love interest and best friends were also well done. Though the story is beautiful, it does deal with some difficult topics.
All in all, this is another beautiful novel of Ellie Midwood’s.
robinlovesreading's review
5.0
Margarete Gräfin von Steinhoff, and for readers like me following this story and hopefully the rest of the books in the series, she is referred to as Margot, has found herself in the career of entertainment. It has definitely taken many paths, singing being one of them. But her true love is photography. Margo starts off with someone that she works with, Ernst Weginer, but her heart lies with someone named Paul Schneider. But even before Margot met Paul, she meets Ernst under very difficult circumstances and the two become involved. Meanwhile, Paul is a film producer, and he is an expert photographer and eventually takes Margot under his wing.
Before that happens, however, Margot gets the opportunity to become involved with a film that was named Metropolis. This high budget film will allow Margot to for the craft her skills when it comes to cinematography. As things turn out Margot and Paul soon become rivals because he begins working with a different director on a different project. A character that Margot runs into is named Leni Riefenstahl. Clearly rivals at first, eventually, at least by the second story in the series, the two women work rather closely together, and thus a friendship begins to be born.
Amidst all of this, there is something going on in history that is yet been unrivaled until that time. It is Berlin in 1924, and the Nazis are starting to gain ground. While the Nazi party is growing at an ever-increasing rate, it starts to affect Margot and others involved in the film industry.
There are two things that I have learned by reading this book and the second in the series. The first thing is the beginning of the development of the Nazi party. Secondly, reading about a different part of the world that was grossly affected by things before even before the second world war. I love it when I read historical fiction and I read about a different part of the world. 1920s Berlin is not only the backdrop of this and the second story in this incredibly smartly written book by Ellie Midwood, who has managed to now become one of my my go to authors for historical fiction going forward.
Before that happens, however, Margot gets the opportunity to become involved with a film that was named Metropolis. This high budget film will allow Margot to for the craft her skills when it comes to cinematography. As things turn out Margot and Paul soon become rivals because he begins working with a different director on a different project. A character that Margot runs into is named Leni Riefenstahl. Clearly rivals at first, eventually, at least by the second story in the series, the two women work rather closely together, and thus a friendship begins to be born.
Amidst all of this, there is something going on in history that is yet been unrivaled until that time. It is Berlin in 1924, and the Nazis are starting to gain ground. While the Nazi party is growing at an ever-increasing rate, it starts to affect Margot and others involved in the film industry.
There are two things that I have learned by reading this book and the second in the series. The first thing is the beginning of the development of the Nazi party. Secondly, reading about a different part of the world that was grossly affected by things before even before the second world war. I love it when I read historical fiction and I read about a different part of the world. 1920s Berlin is not only the backdrop of this and the second story in this incredibly smartly written book by Ellie Midwood, who has managed to now become one of my my go to authors for historical fiction going forward.
baggman's review
2.0
Not sure where all the 4+ ratings are coming from. Not what the travel posters described. Been toying with the idea of scraping the read and move along. It is a pretty short book, so I might just stick it out. Not exactly enthralled with it though
Yup, made it through 51 percent of the book, before throwing in the towel. It's a pretty short book, so you can guess what a struggle it was for me, taking that much time to finish half the book. Again, I'm flabbergasted. What in the world did people see in this book that they rated it 4+ stars? Except for the first few short charters, I found it less than entertaining and the plot (what there was of a plot) far fetched. The most interesting thing about the book was the cover.
Sorry, I'm not intentionally trying to be nasty. Just my opinion. Maybe I'm just expecting too much, because this is becoming more typical than not!
Yup, made it through 51 percent of the book, before throwing in the towel. It's a pretty short book, so you can guess what a struggle it was for me, taking that much time to finish half the book. Again, I'm flabbergasted. What in the world did people see in this book that they rated it 4+ stars? Except for the first few short charters, I found it less than entertaining and the plot (what there was of a plot) far fetched. The most interesting thing about the book was the cover.
Sorry, I'm not intentionally trying to be nasty. Just my opinion. Maybe I'm just expecting too much, because this is becoming more typical than not!
chelz286's review
4.0
Margarete Gräfin von Steinhoff, once was someone who did not have to worry about where her next meal was, where she was going to live or worry about how she was going to get through the next day. Money, hunger and warmth were never anything that has crossed her mind. Due to hyper-inflation happening in Weimar Berlin, 1924 she now has rocks in the pockets of one of her last possessions she owns and is contemplating how long it may take, and how cold the water may be if she follows through with what many before her have unfortunately done as well.
She notices that she may not be able to do this in peace, as there is a silhouette of a man just down from her. Is he watching? Wanting to know if she will go through with it? What kind of person could just sit there, when it is obvious her intent? She calls out, and the two realize they are both there for the same purpose and maybe this isn't what is supposed to happen to them after all. Maybe they are saving each other.
Ernst and Margot become fast friends, and help each other fill the voids by entering a relationship that is merely to survive life. Both bring different things to the table, that eventually gets them back on their feet and an opportunity presents itself, that neither one can pass up. They become a duo, he plays piano and she sings. They become known amongst the different groups, and soon they are getting offers to preform, offers they cannot refuse and never imaged would be getting paid so much for. Life is on the up for both of them.
They immerse themselves within circles of groups they never thought imaginable, and see the unimaginable as well. Although money is coming in and both have been no longer living in fear of not being able to survive from day to day, there still seems to be a void- something missing.
One of the tenants in the apartment has left his door open, and Margot wanders in. This is one of the few rooms she has never been in, nor met the owner as he is known to always be traveling. Photo's are everywhere. They are breathtaking and she cannot help herself but wanders further into his personal space.
Paul interrupts her intrusion and she feels an instant connection. Who is this man? Where did he learn to photograph? Why is he always traveling? She wants to know more. She begins to spend more and more time with him, and soon she finds her calling under his wing. Photography.
Her and Ernst start to split apart as he has made a new friend who is part of government parties that Margot does not exactly agree with, and she learns more and more under Paul, even though he is tough on her. He strives for perfection and will make her take shot, after shot, after shot until it's just as he had envisioned it should be. Until the truth of the photo comes out, and tells the story.
This new talent has catapulted Margot into the newspaper and film world, as her photos are getting out there, noticed and wanted. She soon finds herself on the set of one of the most sought after directors, although he seems to be a bit of a dictator, he also strives for excellence and perfection and will not stop until he gets it. Margot is the only person who can interrupt and correct his vision.
Margot is on top of the world, but there is still something missing. She realizes with Paul not really in her life that maybe there was something more there between them. Although she felt the spark, and often times he seemed to want it also, she never could figure out his feelings but yet he is sending her letters and congratulations. Will the two find each other once again, and will Margot finally have the one thing she has missed out on her whole life, true love?
Very well written novel. It was an interesting look into the downfall before WWII as well as an inside look into the film industry as it was just starting to boom. Another great novel about a female who had to somewhat fight her way, while it was still very much a man's world.
Thank you to the author, Ellie Midwood for allowing me to read and review another one of her novels! Also, to Historical Fiction Virtual Blog Tours for always reaching out to me.
She notices that she may not be able to do this in peace, as there is a silhouette of a man just down from her. Is he watching? Wanting to know if she will go through with it? What kind of person could just sit there, when it is obvious her intent? She calls out, and the two realize they are both there for the same purpose and maybe this isn't what is supposed to happen to them after all. Maybe they are saving each other.
Ernst and Margot become fast friends, and help each other fill the voids by entering a relationship that is merely to survive life. Both bring different things to the table, that eventually gets them back on their feet and an opportunity presents itself, that neither one can pass up. They become a duo, he plays piano and she sings. They become known amongst the different groups, and soon they are getting offers to preform, offers they cannot refuse and never imaged would be getting paid so much for. Life is on the up for both of them.
They immerse themselves within circles of groups they never thought imaginable, and see the unimaginable as well. Although money is coming in and both have been no longer living in fear of not being able to survive from day to day, there still seems to be a void- something missing.
One of the tenants in the apartment has left his door open, and Margot wanders in. This is one of the few rooms she has never been in, nor met the owner as he is known to always be traveling. Photo's are everywhere. They are breathtaking and she cannot help herself but wanders further into his personal space.
Paul interrupts her intrusion and she feels an instant connection. Who is this man? Where did he learn to photograph? Why is he always traveling? She wants to know more. She begins to spend more and more time with him, and soon she finds her calling under his wing. Photography.
Her and Ernst start to split apart as he has made a new friend who is part of government parties that Margot does not exactly agree with, and she learns more and more under Paul, even though he is tough on her. He strives for perfection and will make her take shot, after shot, after shot until it's just as he had envisioned it should be. Until the truth of the photo comes out, and tells the story.
This new talent has catapulted Margot into the newspaper and film world, as her photos are getting out there, noticed and wanted. She soon finds herself on the set of one of the most sought after directors, although he seems to be a bit of a dictator, he also strives for excellence and perfection and will not stop until he gets it. Margot is the only person who can interrupt and correct his vision.
Margot is on top of the world, but there is still something missing. She realizes with Paul not really in her life that maybe there was something more there between them. Although she felt the spark, and often times he seemed to want it also, she never could figure out his feelings but yet he is sending her letters and congratulations. Will the two find each other once again, and will Margot finally have the one thing she has missed out on her whole life, true love?
Very well written novel. It was an interesting look into the downfall before WWII as well as an inside look into the film industry as it was just starting to boom. Another great novel about a female who had to somewhat fight her way, while it was still very much a man's world.
Thank you to the author, Ellie Midwood for allowing me to read and review another one of her novels! Also, to Historical Fiction Virtual Blog Tours for always reaching out to me.
vhardman's review
5.0
Metropolis takes place in the years between WWI and WWII Berlin. The story is filled with characters caught up in a world full of uncertainty and political upheaval, yet the characters themselves are still full of love and hope.
Ellie Midwood has written a wonderful story about a time period not often covered. The reader will find themself transported back in time with Margot, Paul, Werner and Lani. You will root for their success and literally feel their concern for the things happening in the world around them.
I enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next book. This book is definitely worth the read if you’re a fan of this time period, and if you’re not, it’s a story that those who just enjoy a well written story will love.
I would like to thank the author for sending me an ARC of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
Ellie Midwood has written a wonderful story about a time period not often covered. The reader will find themself transported back in time with Margot, Paul, Werner and Lani. You will root for their success and literally feel their concern for the things happening in the world around them.
I enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next book. This book is definitely worth the read if you’re a fan of this time period, and if you’re not, it’s a story that those who just enjoy a well written story will love.
I would like to thank the author for sending me an ARC of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
rebeccacarter's review
5.0
I found this book fascinating. Life in Berlin in the 1920s comes alive, from the debauchery of the rich to the desperation of the poor. There were many moments I wanted to tell the characters, "You don't want to do that!" The story was great at building up the tension for the rise of the Nazis. Do it little by little so people don't realize the freedoms they are losing.
I enjoyed the look at the world of movie making. After finishing the book, I looked for and watched "Metropolis." It was fascinating to see the completed version after having learned some of the backstage goings-on.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the story.
I enjoyed the look at the world of movie making. After finishing the book, I looked for and watched "Metropolis." It was fascinating to see the completed version after having learned some of the backstage goings-on.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the story.
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