A powerful and moving novel about Olga, whose whole life is defined by her love for Herbert, her aristocratic lover. Set during the first half of the twentieth century, the story takes us through two World Wars and into the 1950s. Herbert is based on a real-life historical figure, but Olga is fictional, and, as it turns out, a much more interesting person than Herbert himself. Olga is born into a poor household in Bismarck’s Prussia and brought up in Pomerania. The societal differences between them were always going to pose challenges for their relationship, but the biggest is really Herbert’s desire for greatness and conquest, mirrored by German’s own desire for the same during these tumultuous years. On one level the book is a love-story but it is much more than that, exploring as it does Germany’s national characteristics, reflected in Herbert, and the country’s history during this time. It’s an ambitious book which Schlink carries off with some aplomb. It’s narrated in 3 distinct sections, and only in the last, told through Olga’s letters, do we get a true insight into this courageous, resourceful and resilient woman whose devotion to her self-engrossed lover becomes all the starker when set against Herbert’s own ineptness and ill-starred exploits. I found the book somewhat predictable at times, but always engaging, thought-provoking and intelligent, and I very much enjoyed it.

Wow this is a brilliant, evocative and moving tale. A love between two people, from two different backgrounds set before the first and Second World War. It’s a tale of friendship, hardship, love and the lies we tell ourselves and others. The characters are all sharply portrayed, with their flaws and gems alike. This is a marvellous story and one that leaves me with a feeling of melancholy not too sad but still with glimmers of happiness. Loved it.

This book takes the reader on a journey - a literal one from Germany to Africa, South America and the Arctic but it is also the journey of the relationship between Olga, raised in poverty by a harsh grandmother and Herbert, an aristocrat. In the background but very significant to the story, is the political journey of Germany through the turbulence of the twentieth century. Like the country of his birth Herbert also goes on s journey in pursuit of ‘greatness’. It is a fascinating journey and a very different book which is beautifully written as you would expect from this author.

This is a clever multi layered book with several twists that take you by surprise. Olga is an amazing character and my admiration for her grows and grows as the story progresses. In the first part, I only got some sense of her, the writing feels detached and then as you read on to the second part you realise her story in that part is being narrated by Ferdinand who Olga befriends after World War Two when he was a little boy. Their friendship grows to love and is deeply touching. In this section via several different techniques we learn of the real Olga, her background and her determination to succeed to be a teacher and rise above the station of her birth. Her relationship with Herbert is one of deep love but also anger at his wanderlust, her frustrations with his pursuit of grandeur which she views as nothingness. Her political views are very interesting, she an original thinker and does not follow crowds. Her situation as a woman in the early part of the century also reveals her powerlessness. Herbert is very much a product of his time, he is arrogant, brash, a self believer but also one who is prepared to pursue his own path in defiance of the expectations of his class. I like the way we get different views across the vast period of time from Olga, Herbert and Ferdinand and many are very thought provoking. In places, especially the second half it is very moving and touching and it feels very real and authentic. The translation is very good too and it flows seamlessly.

Overall, although it took me a while to get into this book it’s an absolutely fascinating and absorbing read. It reflects political turmoil but also the turmoil of passionate love. Olga experiences a whole gamut of emotions through her love for Herbert but she stays very true to herself throughout. Highly recommended for fans of Literary Fiction and Historical Fiction.

With thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group W and N for the arc in return for an honest review.