Graphic novel, 149 pages
English language
Published March 14, 2018
The third and final act of Jason Lutes’s historical fiction about the Weimar Republic begins with Hitler arriving in Berlin. With the National Socialist party now controlling Parliament, the citizenry becomes even more divided.
Lutes steps back from the larger political upheaval, using the intertwining lives of a small group of Germans to zero in on the rise of fascism and how swiftly it can replace democracy. The idle rich, the naïve bourgeoisie, and the struggling lower classes: all seek meaning in the warring political factions dividing their nation. He especially focuses on the Brauns—a working-class family torn apart by a political system that doesn’t care about them. Lovers couple and uncouple; families and friends share rituals and laughter; most of Berlin’s citizens go about their day with little sense of the larger threat to their existence. Meanwhile, the journalist Kurt Severing and the artist Marthe Muller watch in horror …
The third and final act of Jason Lutes’s historical fiction about the Weimar Republic begins with Hitler arriving in Berlin. With the National Socialist party now controlling Parliament, the citizenry becomes even more divided.
Lutes steps back from the larger political upheaval, using the intertwining lives of a small group of Germans to zero in on the rise of fascism and how swiftly it can replace democracy. The idle rich, the naïve bourgeoisie, and the struggling lower classes: all seek meaning in the warring political factions dividing their nation. He especially focuses on the Brauns—a working-class family torn apart by a political system that doesn’t care about them. Lovers couple and uncouple; families and friends share rituals and laughter; most of Berlin’s citizens go about their day with little sense of the larger threat to their existence. Meanwhile, the journalist Kurt Severing and the artist Marthe Muller watch in horror as their society begins a dizzying descent into extremism.
Fascinating web of characters. We see both a society that feels carefree and full of possibility, and a nasty undercurrent as fascists tighten their grip on power.
1) "'We schedule rallies on a regular basis, and hold them in predominantly Communist neighbourhoods. We provoke chaos. Then, we demonstrate order. The press eats it up. Berlin needs sensation like a fish needs water. ... I hate this place.'"
2) "'Your train's tomorrow morning, my dear? I'm hosting a soirée tonight. You should come— Really. Both of you.' 'I don't— Thank you, but...' 'Darling. Nothing like that. Just a little fundraiser for Herr Hitler.'"
3) "'I imagine changing my mind at the last minute. Shrugging off the demands of family; acting as if I am whole and separate and free to choose. Not a woman. Not a daughter. Not a citizen of Germany.' 'Charlottenburg. Now arriving, Charlottenburg.' 'I imagine changing my mind and getting off at the next stop. Leaving my bags behind, stepping into the sunlight. Turning away from a future that narrows to a single point. …
1) "'We schedule rallies on a regular basis, and hold them in predominantly Communist neighbourhoods. We provoke chaos. Then, we demonstrate order. The press eats it up. Berlin needs sensation like a fish needs water. ... I hate this place.'"
2) "'Your train's tomorrow morning, my dear? I'm hosting a soirée tonight. You should come— Really. Both of you.' 'I don't— Thank you, but...' 'Darling. Nothing like that. Just a little fundraiser for Herr Hitler.'"
3) "'I imagine changing my mind at the last minute. Shrugging off the demands of family; acting as if I am whole and separate and free to choose. Not a woman. Not a daughter. Not a citizen of Germany.' 'Charlottenburg. Now arriving, Charlottenburg.' 'I imagine changing my mind and getting off at the next stop. Leaving my bags behind, stepping into the sunlight. Turning away from a future that narrows to a single point. I imagine... turning back... toward the city...'"
