Leaving Berlin

by Joseph Kanon
Leaving Berlin cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 8572
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781471137075
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2014-11-06
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Leaving Berlin is a gripping tale set in the aftermath of World War II, where the city is a battleground of political ideologies and the harsh realities of Soviet occupation. Alex Meier, a Jewish writer who fled the Nazis for America, finds himself caught in the McCarthy witch-hunts and faces deportation. Desperate to protect his family, he agrees to work as a CIA agent in Berlin, but the mission quickly spirals into a web of danger and deceit. The novel masterfully captures the moral decay and hardships of post-war Berlin, blending espionage with a poignant exploration of identity and survival. From the acclaimed author of The Good German, Leaving Berlin is an international bestseller praised for its hauntingly beautiful prose and unforgettable portrayal of a city wrecked by defeat and betrayal. The story delves into the complexities of loyalty, betrayal, and the human cost of political ideologies, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and thrillers.

Reviews
Viking River Cruises · 2025-12-22
great 4.20

The novel is well-written and constructed, with a slow start that picks up pace and becomes increasingly exciting. It offers a deep dive into the complexities of its setting.

At first, the story might be a bit challenging to get into, but once you're a few chapters in, it really starts to pick up. The pacing becomes more exciting, and the narrative draws you in with its richly detailed portrayal of post-war Berlin. The novel does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of the era, offering a deep dive into the moral and political landscape of the time. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy historical fiction with a thriller edge.

Quick quotes

    A very well written and constructed novel.

    I found it a little difficult to get into, but after the first couple of chapters it became more exciting.

    It offers a deep dive into the complexities of its setting.

Bookreporter · 2016-03-01
excellent 4.50

The book is a substantial piece of work that places Kanon among the top authors in the genre. The plot is engaging and keeps the reader hooked.

This is a big book, not just in terms of its 371 pages, but in its impact and the way it draws you in. The plot is a terrific hook, filled with suspense and intrigue that keeps you turning the pages. It's a story that doesn't shy away from the complexities of its setting, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy historical fiction with a thrilling edge. The characters are well-crafted, and the narrative is rich with detail, bringing the shadowy period of post-war Berlin to life.

Quick quotes

    LEAVING BERLIN is a big book that will put Kanon even with Furst, or maybe ahead.

    It has a terrific plot hook that keeps the reader engaged.

    The story doesn't take sides, allowing the reader to navigate the moral complexities.

Cafethinking · 2016-01-14
good 4.00

The author masterfully avoids taking sides, even as he presents the protagonist with difficult choices. The novel captures the disillusionment of the era effectively.

Kanon's approach to the story is nuanced, refusing to take a clear stance even as he delves into the moral dilemmas of his characters. This neutrality adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read. The novel does an excellent job of portraying the disillusionment and moral ambiguity of the time, as the East German dream begins to crumble even before the state is fully formed. The protagonist's journey is compelling, and the historical context is richly detailed, providing a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama.

Quick quotes

    Kanon doesn't take sides, even as he tries to force Alex to do so.

    But the East German dream is being sullied even before the state is formed.

    The novel captures the disillusionment of the era effectively.

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