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Distant Signs
Distant Signs is an intimate portrait of two families spanning three generations amidst turbulent political change, behind and beyond the Berlin Wall. In 1960s East Germany, Margret, a professor's daughter from the city, meets and marries Hans, from a small village in Thuringia. The couple struggle to contend with their different backgrounds, and the emotional scars they bear from childhood in the aftermath of war. As East German history gradually unravels, with collision of the personal and political, their two families' hidden truths are quietly revealed. An exquisitely written novel with strongly etched characters that stay with you long after the book is finished and an authentic portrayal of family life behind the iron curtain based on personal experience of the author who is East German and was 16 years old at the fall of the Berlin Wall. Why do families repeat destructive patterns of behaviour across generations? Should the personal take precedence over the political? Can we rise above our histories and political identities to forge a new understanding of the past and to welcome change?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2013
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 22, 2019
Very slow but beautifully written literary fiction that made no sense to me.
We follow Margret and Hans, their parents and later their children. There are hints we're in Germany, but really, this could have been anywhere.
Each chapter moves the timeline up a few years, which made me miss events. Suddenly the couple has two children? Suddenly someone returns from hospital after trying to take their own life? Somehow the Iron Curtain disappeared and now the daughter lives in France?
We basically get to know the characters through their surroundings. Ordinary people living ordinary lives in a supposedly extraordinary time, but it doesn't feel extraordinary at all. The only overlap in my experience with the Eastern European system is the gloom that spreads its grey blanket over everything. There's not much joy in this book. I'm not sure what story I was supposed to read, but to me this was just a sum of life in general.
Thank you Netgalley and Neem Tree Press for the ARC.
We follow Margret and Hans, their parents and later their children. There are hints we're in Germany, but really, this could have been anywhere.
Each chapter moves the timeline up a few years, which made me miss events. Suddenly the couple has two children? Suddenly someone returns from hospital after trying to take their own life? Somehow the Iron Curtain disappeared and now the daughter lives in France?
We basically get to know the characters through their surroundings. Ordinary people living ordinary lives in a supposedly extraordinary time, but it doesn't feel extraordinary at all. The only overlap in my experience with the Eastern European system is the gloom that spreads its grey blanket over everything. There's not much joy in this book. I'm not sure what story I was supposed to read, but to me this was just a sum of life in general.
Thank you Netgalley and Neem Tree Press for the ARC.
June 28, 2019
Anne Richter grew up in East Germany and was 16 at the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Her novel, Distant Signs is a beautiful and thought-provoking study of relationships, and how people can be affected by the political landscape and their social standing.
Despite its length (just 240 pages), this is not a quick read. The author's in-depth detailed construction of character deserves to be savoured and not rushed. I was totally committed to both Hans and Margret, along with the supporting cast of characters who have such an impact on how the story progresses.
I admit to not knowing a great deal about the history of GDR but I do remember the day that the Berlin Wall fell, it was a milestone in my own history, and remains so thirty years later.
Distant Signs goes some way to explaining how life was lived in the East and opens as Margret; one of the new generation who are questioning their rulers, faces up to her father. She doesn't do this in private though; in what is probably one of the most uncomfortable yet poignant and telling scenes of the book, Margret accuses him, in one of his own lectures, of his failings.
When Margret meets future husband Hans, it is clear that they come from very different backgrounds, yet he too, wants change and has embraced the educational opportunities denied to his parents.
Anne Richter tells the story of Marget and Hans' marriage and life after the War, but before the fall of the Wall. The stark contrast between characters such as Margret and her mother-in-law Lene are beautifully portrayed.
The writing is spare, with no flowery prose or unnecessary descriptives and the translation is done well, with the inclusion of some phrases and words that may be unfamiliar to the British reader, but are explained at the back of the book.
This is a compelling, quiet and finely crafted novel. Astutely demonstrates the effects of war and the aftermath on the ordinary citizen.
Despite its length (just 240 pages), this is not a quick read. The author's in-depth detailed construction of character deserves to be savoured and not rushed. I was totally committed to both Hans and Margret, along with the supporting cast of characters who have such an impact on how the story progresses.
I admit to not knowing a great deal about the history of GDR but I do remember the day that the Berlin Wall fell, it was a milestone in my own history, and remains so thirty years later.
Distant Signs goes some way to explaining how life was lived in the East and opens as Margret; one of the new generation who are questioning their rulers, faces up to her father. She doesn't do this in private though; in what is probably one of the most uncomfortable yet poignant and telling scenes of the book, Margret accuses him, in one of his own lectures, of his failings.
When Margret meets future husband Hans, it is clear that they come from very different backgrounds, yet he too, wants change and has embraced the educational opportunities denied to his parents.
Anne Richter tells the story of Marget and Hans' marriage and life after the War, but before the fall of the Wall. The stark contrast between characters such as Margret and her mother-in-law Lene are beautifully portrayed.
The writing is spare, with no flowery prose or unnecessary descriptives and the translation is done well, with the inclusion of some phrases and words that may be unfamiliar to the British reader, but are explained at the back of the book.
This is a compelling, quiet and finely crafted novel. Astutely demonstrates the effects of war and the aftermath on the ordinary citizen.
October 28, 2020
Thank you MMBT and Neem Tree Press for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Distant Signs
By: Anne Richter
Translated by Douglas Irving
REVIEW ☆☆☆
According to the novel's Opening Note:
"Anne Richter's novel offers a portrait of life in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) as experienced by three generations of two families, including several flashbacks to events before and during the Second World War."
I have included this quote to give Distant Signs some context. As I began reading this book, I felt like I had been dropped in the middle of an ongoing story. I needed a backstory or information to make sense of what I was reading. I had high hopes because the cover is lovely, and the premise is intriguing. Despite several attempts, I was unable to connect with the characters or the story. I honestly believe a better sense of context and background would have been beneficial for better understanding. I see what the author was trying to convey, but I could not grasp the idea enough to stay attuned to the story. I also think some concepts may have been lost in translation. Regardless, I was lost. A reader with knowledge of this era would likely enjoy this story, but, unfortunately, I am not a good match for Distant Signs.
Distant Signs
By: Anne Richter
Translated by Douglas Irving
REVIEW ☆☆☆
According to the novel's Opening Note:
"Anne Richter's novel offers a portrait of life in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) as experienced by three generations of two families, including several flashbacks to events before and during the Second World War."
I have included this quote to give Distant Signs some context. As I began reading this book, I felt like I had been dropped in the middle of an ongoing story. I needed a backstory or information to make sense of what I was reading. I had high hopes because the cover is lovely, and the premise is intriguing. Despite several attempts, I was unable to connect with the characters or the story. I honestly believe a better sense of context and background would have been beneficial for better understanding. I see what the author was trying to convey, but I could not grasp the idea enough to stay attuned to the story. I also think some concepts may have been lost in translation. Regardless, I was lost. A reader with knowledge of this era would likely enjoy this story, but, unfortunately, I am not a good match for Distant Signs.
November 8, 2020
Distant Signs is a moving tale of two families dwindling in the aftermath of war and eventually, suffering. They say war is futile and it scars people for life. And that is quite inevitable. We find Hans and Margret feel its repercussions in their marital life. They are both from two different lives and two distinct struggles.
The characters are complex, yet extremely transparent. There's quite a development by the end of the book, and that's something I liked a lot.
The writing style is impeccable but the narrative is rather slow and jumpy. The story build-up was quite impressive but I would have enjoyed a more pacey tone.
I loved how the author has portrayed a sordid image of a society entwined in the shackles of political entropy, all wrapped around historical facts which eventually affects not only a single family but also generations to come.
Through intricate details and vivid storytelling, Anne Richter paints an astounding picture of despair, suffering and hope.
The characters are complex, yet extremely transparent. There's quite a development by the end of the book, and that's something I liked a lot.
The writing style is impeccable but the narrative is rather slow and jumpy. The story build-up was quite impressive but I would have enjoyed a more pacey tone.
I loved how the author has portrayed a sordid image of a society entwined in the shackles of political entropy, all wrapped around historical facts which eventually affects not only a single family but also generations to come.
Through intricate details and vivid storytelling, Anne Richter paints an astounding picture of despair, suffering and hope.
December 4, 2025
A well written book, with a very compelling, melancholic atmosphere. The story, the characters, and the setting were not explored as much as they could be and that's a shame because the book lacked depth. And context.
(2.5 stars)
(2.5 stars)
November 18, 2019
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own
Distant Signs, Is an intimate depiction of three generations and two families as the unfolds from 1965 to 1992. The author,s moving storyline covers the effects of WWII, the German Democratic Republic and eventually the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The author precision narration along with well constructive character development kept me engaged all the way through to the end.The writing flows and you understand that even though each generation longs for a happier life than that of their parents, they have common goal that is compromised by restrictions and family dynamics along with some sad misunderstandings.
Margret is the daughter of a university professor, a brazen new generation of young people challenging their parents and the harsh realities of the East German state.
Her father, Friedrich has achieved a privileged position in society.
Hans is a future biology student from a provincial town, and they meet and fall in love during an agricultural placement in the 1960s. What should be a happy couple and eventually a joyful family, they are emotionally crippled into the same pattern of their own parents.
Hans and Margaret’s household becomes tension filled, both are continuously struggling with their different upbringing. Coming from different social backgrounds, and both shouldering emotional scars from their childhood in the aftermath of WWII.
As the story moves along, I noted each member of the family is emotionally scared, struggling with what they have been exposed to. The author doesn’t just tell you why, she shows you what it is for generations living under a political system where expressing ones own thoughts was a conflict from official state policy’s. This silence is deafening, handed down generation after generation which is seen through this family historical storyline.
A delicate and thought provoking in depth look into the emotional struggles of post war. This is a book that you won’t just reread sentence after sentence, I found myself going back reading a couple of chapters, just to understand the complexity of the characters and the development of the plot line.
Anne Richter has written a soul wrenching beautifully moving book. This is definitely one that you will remember well after you finished reading it.
November 9th, 2019, marked the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
*The book offers a wonderful inclusion of some phrases and words are explained at the back of the book.
Distant Signs, Is an intimate depiction of three generations and two families as the unfolds from 1965 to 1992. The author,s moving storyline covers the effects of WWII, the German Democratic Republic and eventually the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The author precision narration along with well constructive character development kept me engaged all the way through to the end.The writing flows and you understand that even though each generation longs for a happier life than that of their parents, they have common goal that is compromised by restrictions and family dynamics along with some sad misunderstandings.
Margret is the daughter of a university professor, a brazen new generation of young people challenging their parents and the harsh realities of the East German state.
Her father, Friedrich has achieved a privileged position in society.
Hans is a future biology student from a provincial town, and they meet and fall in love during an agricultural placement in the 1960s. What should be a happy couple and eventually a joyful family, they are emotionally crippled into the same pattern of their own parents.
Hans and Margaret’s household becomes tension filled, both are continuously struggling with their different upbringing. Coming from different social backgrounds, and both shouldering emotional scars from their childhood in the aftermath of WWII.
As the story moves along, I noted each member of the family is emotionally scared, struggling with what they have been exposed to. The author doesn’t just tell you why, she shows you what it is for generations living under a political system where expressing ones own thoughts was a conflict from official state policy’s. This silence is deafening, handed down generation after generation which is seen through this family historical storyline.
A delicate and thought provoking in depth look into the emotional struggles of post war. This is a book that you won’t just reread sentence after sentence, I found myself going back reading a couple of chapters, just to understand the complexity of the characters and the development of the plot line.
Anne Richter has written a soul wrenching beautifully moving book. This is definitely one that you will remember well after you finished reading it.
November 9th, 2019, marked the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
*The book offers a wonderful inclusion of some phrases and words are explained at the back of the book.
November 9, 2020
Distant Signs by Anne Richter is the story of Marget and Hans. In alternate chapters and timelines, we follow their childhoods, marriage and life after WWII, but before the fall of the Berlin Wall. In chapters featuring their parents we learn something of the heartbreak and loss of the war itself. The atmospheric setting instills a further sense of gray gloom as East Germany's people suffer under the government's communist regime.
We meet Margret and Hans shortly after the Berlin Wall was erected. And although the Wall itself is never addressed in the book it is clear that life is hard for many, except the political elite, which includes Margret's father. Hans' family is not so lucky, with his father disabled from the war and his mother working long hours to care for them while tending the farm and gardens.
This is truly a story of ordinary people living ordinary lives. But while we are privy to their thoughts and actions there is little background to put the story in context. It could have been set in Stalin's Russia or Franco's Spain, except for the occasional references to German culture and tradition. It ends with the couple's daughter living in France, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, but we never hear about the momentous event directly.
A stark contrast is drawn between characters as we learn each story in individual chapters separated by years. The differences in Margret's life and Hans' life illustrate the differences that nearly break them. They struggle mightily to understand one another and their marriage is strained, their relationships with each other's families are strained, even their children don't seem to evoke an emotional connection. The story is a thought-provoking study of relationships, and how people can be affected by family, the changing political tides and their social standing.
Distant Signs is a melancholy, perhaps heartbreaking story, with a glimpse of hope that things will improve, that life will move on and that our children's fates don't have to be the same as our own.
Thank you to MMB book tours and Neem Tree Books for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
We meet Margret and Hans shortly after the Berlin Wall was erected. And although the Wall itself is never addressed in the book it is clear that life is hard for many, except the political elite, which includes Margret's father. Hans' family is not so lucky, with his father disabled from the war and his mother working long hours to care for them while tending the farm and gardens.
This is truly a story of ordinary people living ordinary lives. But while we are privy to their thoughts and actions there is little background to put the story in context. It could have been set in Stalin's Russia or Franco's Spain, except for the occasional references to German culture and tradition. It ends with the couple's daughter living in France, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, but we never hear about the momentous event directly.
A stark contrast is drawn between characters as we learn each story in individual chapters separated by years. The differences in Margret's life and Hans' life illustrate the differences that nearly break them. They struggle mightily to understand one another and their marriage is strained, their relationships with each other's families are strained, even their children don't seem to evoke an emotional connection. The story is a thought-provoking study of relationships, and how people can be affected by family, the changing political tides and their social standing.
Distant Signs is a melancholy, perhaps heartbreaking story, with a glimpse of hope that things will improve, that life will move on and that our children's fates don't have to be the same as our own.
Thank you to MMB book tours and Neem Tree Books for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
November 23, 2019
The thoughts behind the characters are shared. So, I’m privy to the layers of thoughts and feelings behind the words and actions. However, there is an absence of completeness. What I mean is the characters don’t fully complete the thought pattern behind the feeling. So, if there is a feeling of sadness, that sadness is not addressed but pushed back. Each of them are affected by World War II. Even the family members who were born afterwards. Those who were living during the war are emotional vacuums. It’s a topic they don’t want to discuss, but its presence is like an elephant in the room. The people don’t feel the freedom to express what they really need to express. And, it’s possible they don’t know how. Yet, there is deep anger and sadness. Instead, they are stoic or detached. Needs and desires are stifled. Sometimes they don’t even look at one another, their eyes shift away to another object.
My second thought is Distant Signs showed me the shifting political ideology of the people. From the National Socialist German Workers’ Party or Nazi Party, to the German Democratic Republic or Communism. It’s interesting how people justify what role they portrayed in the war.
Distant Signs is a sad book with a glimpse of hope. I wanted to make this last point, because most readers want a book to have a positive conclusion.
Source: I received a complimentary copy, but was not required to leave a positive review.
My second thought is Distant Signs showed me the shifting political ideology of the people. From the National Socialist German Workers’ Party or Nazi Party, to the German Democratic Republic or Communism. It’s interesting how people justify what role they portrayed in the war.
Distant Signs is a sad book with a glimpse of hope. I wanted to make this last point, because most readers want a book to have a positive conclusion.
Source: I received a complimentary copy, but was not required to leave a positive review.
November 20, 2019
Three generations have lived behind the Berlin Wall in East Germany. Hans and Margaret are a young couple who met in the 1960's in East Germany. Due to each of their parents experiences during the War, they have very different backgrounds and beliefs. These experiences plus the regulations of living in East Germany place a lot of stress on their relationship. As time goes on, each generation deals with the complications of East Germany in different ways, often clashing and challenging the previous generation; however, everyone seems to know that time marches on and things must change.
Distant Signs is a solemn family saga that delves into the impact that the German Democratic Republic had on the people. Without getting into the politics of East Germany or the people responsible, everything is focused on the characters- their actions, thoughts and relationships to one another. This is an intimate portrait into the life of one family. The story feels more like a series of anecdotes told at a family gathering. The story mostly focuses on Margaret and Hans relationship, but moves through time beginning with their parents since their lives impacted Hans and Margaret separately. Both sets of parents had very different experiences during and after War that led them to raise Hans and Margaret differently. While there is a definite feeling of constantly being watched and having to be careful of what is said and who you talk to and several mentions of meetings, this book could really be set anywhere during anytime. The writing had a heavy sense to it, while being a relatively short book, this took me longer to read while allowing all of the nuances to set in.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Distant Signs is a solemn family saga that delves into the impact that the German Democratic Republic had on the people. Without getting into the politics of East Germany or the people responsible, everything is focused on the characters- their actions, thoughts and relationships to one another. This is an intimate portrait into the life of one family. The story feels more like a series of anecdotes told at a family gathering. The story mostly focuses on Margaret and Hans relationship, but moves through time beginning with their parents since their lives impacted Hans and Margaret separately. Both sets of parents had very different experiences during and after War that led them to raise Hans and Margaret differently. While there is a definite feeling of constantly being watched and having to be careful of what is said and who you talk to and several mentions of meetings, this book could really be set anywhere during anytime. The writing had a heavy sense to it, while being a relatively short book, this took me longer to read while allowing all of the nuances to set in.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
November 2, 2020
Hans had sunk into a chair. "I'm a conformist, I know." He said quietly.
There it is the moment when one realizes they have adapted to their environment for better or worse...usually for worse.
This book is an unnerving story of three generations affected by WWII and its aftermath living behind the Berlin Wall in East Germany.
Taking place from 1965 to 1992 the author writes from her heart as she was 16 years old living behind the "Iron Curtain" when the infamous wall finally fell into rubble.
The story centers around Margaret and her husband Hans, their parents and children. Margaret's father is a renowned university professor and she has basically lived a privileged life; though one constricted of free thought. Hans is from a small farming village and privilege has never been in his vocabulary. As they navigate their marriage we are subtly let into how war, global politics, and local governments affect the everyday life of this family.
The beauty of this story is in the simplicity of the words the writer chooses to use to exemplify how the choices made by a few in power can affect not just one person but the children they raise and so on down the family tree. Simple acts like washing the dishes and overhearing your quiet sturdy husband discuss with joy and regret his childhood with his dying mother lead to emotional awakenings not just in the characters but in this reader as well.
When the wall fell I remember my Grandma teary eyed whispering, scared to say it too loud, "Maybe the hate is finally gone".
I wish the hate was gone and not just hiding in plain sight.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
There it is the moment when one realizes they have adapted to their environment for better or worse...usually for worse.
This book is an unnerving story of three generations affected by WWII and its aftermath living behind the Berlin Wall in East Germany.
Taking place from 1965 to 1992 the author writes from her heart as she was 16 years old living behind the "Iron Curtain" when the infamous wall finally fell into rubble.
The story centers around Margaret and her husband Hans, their parents and children. Margaret's father is a renowned university professor and she has basically lived a privileged life; though one constricted of free thought. Hans is from a small farming village and privilege has never been in his vocabulary. As they navigate their marriage we are subtly let into how war, global politics, and local governments affect the everyday life of this family.
The beauty of this story is in the simplicity of the words the writer chooses to use to exemplify how the choices made by a few in power can affect not just one person but the children they raise and so on down the family tree. Simple acts like washing the dishes and overhearing your quiet sturdy husband discuss with joy and regret his childhood with his dying mother lead to emotional awakenings not just in the characters but in this reader as well.
When the wall fell I remember my Grandma teary eyed whispering, scared to say it too loud, "Maybe the hate is finally gone".
I wish the hate was gone and not just hiding in plain sight.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 25, 2019
Nach dem Lesen des Buches habe ich über den Titel nachgedacht, der nicht augenfällig im Zusammenhang mit dem Inhalt steht. In diesem geht es um zwei Protagonisten, ein Ehepaar, beide Kriegskinder mit mehr oder weniger traumatisierten Eltern, die, wie auch Eltern und die Tochter in wechselnden Kapiteln jeweils aus ihrer Sicht Ausschnitte ihres Lebens erzählen. Die fremden Zeichen habe ich als Eigenschaften, als Zeichen der Fremdheit gedeutet, die man nach Brüchen und Schicksalsschlägen auch in nachfolgenden Generationen entdecken kann, unbewusst schleppt man sie mit und kann nicht zu sich selbst finden. Das ist ein Thema, das mich immer interessiert. Wie wirken die Traumata der Eltern und Großeltern (Teilnahme am Krieg, Flucht, Vertreibung, Bomebangriffe, Tod von Angehörigen) in den Kindern und Enkeln weiter. Wie kann man die Kette unterbrechen, unbeschadet und mit Kraft das eigene Leben führen? Wie wird man sozusagen resilient?
Anne Richter erzählt präzise im Detail, aber doch in kurzer Form wie ich finde sehr gelungen, typische ostdeutsche Biografien, wie ich sie in ähnlicher Form bei Verwandten, Freunden oder Klassenkameraden häufig gehört habe.
Eine Handlung im eigentlichen Sinne hat das Buch nicht, die Entwicklung der Protagonisten geht sehr langsam, fast unmerklich voran, aber ein wenig Hoffnung besteht.
Weniger gefiel mir der Wechsel von der 3. in die 1. Person in den Kapiteln. Mir wäre eine einheitliche Ich-Perspektive lieber gewesen. Außerdem störten mich einige kleine Fehler in den Details (1971 gab es z. B. noch keine roten Pionierhalstücher), aber insgesamt ein empfehlenswertes Buch für die, die sich auch für durchschnittliche Lebenswege interessieren.
Anne Richter erzählt präzise im Detail, aber doch in kurzer Form wie ich finde sehr gelungen, typische ostdeutsche Biografien, wie ich sie in ähnlicher Form bei Verwandten, Freunden oder Klassenkameraden häufig gehört habe.
Eine Handlung im eigentlichen Sinne hat das Buch nicht, die Entwicklung der Protagonisten geht sehr langsam, fast unmerklich voran, aber ein wenig Hoffnung besteht.
Weniger gefiel mir der Wechsel von der 3. in die 1. Person in den Kapiteln. Mir wäre eine einheitliche Ich-Perspektive lieber gewesen. Außerdem störten mich einige kleine Fehler in den Details (1971 gab es z. B. noch keine roten Pionierhalstücher), aber insgesamt ein empfehlenswertes Buch für die, die sich auch für durchschnittliche Lebenswege interessieren.
August 6, 2020
The first thing that attracted me to this book was that beautiful cover, enough reason for me to have the desire of reading it. And well, I make no mistake, it is a magnificent story, beautifully written that left me meditating on the situations the characters were experiencing. The story takes place during the 1960s in East Germany. Margret is a young woman who grew up witnessing her brilliant father, who is a very respected teacher. One day, Margret met Hans, a young man from the village of Thuringia, with whom she later marries. However, the couple has complications in their family life, since the two have different backgrounds so they do everything possible to cope with their relationship. Moreover, the history of East Germany is revealed, with the collision of the Margret family and Hans in a personal and political way, its hidden truths are quietly revealed. I really liked this book because the writer describes Margret's situation very well, her thoughts and concerns about her environment are very interesting. I imagine that it must have been very difficult to grow up with parents who lived through the Second World War, and even more complicated is to live and experience the consequences that gradually happened in Germany. The truth is I do not know much about what happened in East Germany, it seems a mystery to me. Thanks to Anne Richter I was able to get to know a little bit about the lifestyle that people lived in this area of Germany. I thank MMBTours and NeemTreePress for providing me a copy of this incredible book in exchange for my honest review.
September 12, 2019
A very beautiful story as told in first person by the author 1st person is my favorite genere.
This a very deep read and thought provoking detail about GDR, the post war and the fall of the wall in Berlin.
I well remember when the wall came down in Berlin and the political aspects that surrounded it. I was 21 that year. I couldn't imagine how the people of Germany felt about that after being separated for a long time.
I think I really liked the scene that opens in the beginning. The relationship between Ann and her father sort of reminds me of my dad's and mine. But I dont think I'd ever dared what she did. I applaud her. My dad would have disowned me if I did that or probably slapped my face.
Margaret and Hans I really admired and liked them. If two people really love each other does it matter what background they're from? I mean, isn't what is inside the heart count?
I guess secrets always do come out eventually. I think it would eat you up inside to keep secrets like that. I know it would me.
This book is a slow read but I guarantee you will learn quite a bit from this story. It's the reason I love historical fiction.
My mom grew up in the 60's. I was born in the late 60's so I pretty much missed all of that.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.
This a very deep read and thought provoking detail about GDR, the post war and the fall of the wall in Berlin.
I well remember when the wall came down in Berlin and the political aspects that surrounded it. I was 21 that year. I couldn't imagine how the people of Germany felt about that after being separated for a long time.
I think I really liked the scene that opens in the beginning. The relationship between Ann and her father sort of reminds me of my dad's and mine. But I dont think I'd ever dared what she did. I applaud her. My dad would have disowned me if I did that or probably slapped my face.
Margaret and Hans I really admired and liked them. If two people really love each other does it matter what background they're from? I mean, isn't what is inside the heart count?
I guess secrets always do come out eventually. I think it would eat you up inside to keep secrets like that. I know it would me.
This book is a slow read but I guarantee you will learn quite a bit from this story. It's the reason I love historical fiction.
My mom grew up in the 60's. I was born in the late 60's so I pretty much missed all of that.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.
October 25, 2020
Thank you to Neemtreepress and Mmbtours for a copy for this book in exchange for a honest review.
Following the stories of three generations before, during and after the fall of the Berlin wall this novel gives us a glimpse of a time in history and the growth we have come to expect as the normal way of life.
I normally don't read these intense drama stories, but found some solace for my own personal history in this book. This book is intense, amd although some of the literary magic got lost in translation (in my opinion) I got swept up in this story the more I read.
This book is a bit slower in pace, giving you ample time to process and deal with the intensity of the story. As with most war based stories, it isn't a pretty story, it's not a kind story, but it is a book that will change you.
This is definitely not an easy read novel, but a striking, stay with you kind of novel. There are quite a few trigger themes in this book, like domestic abuse and death.
I think the translation has an impact on the flow of the read, but you do get into the flow after a few chapters if you stick with it.
If you read books like the Kite Runner you'll probably want to pick this one up as well
Following the stories of three generations before, during and after the fall of the Berlin wall this novel gives us a glimpse of a time in history and the growth we have come to expect as the normal way of life.
I normally don't read these intense drama stories, but found some solace for my own personal history in this book. This book is intense, amd although some of the literary magic got lost in translation (in my opinion) I got swept up in this story the more I read.
This book is a bit slower in pace, giving you ample time to process and deal with the intensity of the story. As with most war based stories, it isn't a pretty story, it's not a kind story, but it is a book that will change you.
This is definitely not an easy read novel, but a striking, stay with you kind of novel. There are quite a few trigger themes in this book, like domestic abuse and death.
I think the translation has an impact on the flow of the read, but you do get into the flow after a few chapters if you stick with it.
If you read books like the Kite Runner you'll probably want to pick this one up as well
November 2, 2019
This was a lovely book that will take a good amount of space in my head and a good amount of time to really come to grips with what it's all about. There are more walls in our lives than those made of rebar and concrete, and there are more ways than sledgehammers to bring them down. Generations impact each other, both up and down. I don't know that I've read a more moving piece of postwar German fiction - and this includes Gunter Grass's best efforts. This was almost alarming in the subtlety of Richter's writing; I found myself not just re-reading lines, but paragraphs or entire chapters to take in the beauty of how the phrasing could bring an entire thought or section together - I could offer comparisons left and right, but they would miss the mark. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone wishing to see how an author has captured the spirit of the divided, then reunited, Berlin through common, yet uncommon, people.
Sincere thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reading copy in exchange for this honest review.
Sincere thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reading copy in exchange for this honest review.
November 19, 2019
I did not finish this novel and I'm sorry to say that. It had a promising premise because I've read very few books that center around Germany after the war. Add in the fact that it spans different time frame and different people I wanted so much to come from it. But there was a problem, The book was too hard to get into. It felt a bit like stream of consciousness writing in the beginning and while it does help you get to know who the narrator is when it's done well it just left me a bit confused. Throwing the reader in the way this story did I felt like I was missing something or hadn't read the novel from the beginning because I was just confused by what was happening and it wasn't the best way to start something. So while I'm sure this novel will be enjoyable to others it just wasn't for me.
October 21, 2020
I received this free book for honest review.
4 stars ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐
What a beautiful wonderful amazing read.
This novel will keep you thinking and guessing. When you think you right, well let me just say that you might be wrong. This had me all over the place. My heart beatting so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. I highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. It will surprise you in every way.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me.
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
4 stars ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐
What a beautiful wonderful amazing read.
This novel will keep you thinking and guessing. When you think you right, well let me just say that you might be wrong. This had me all over the place. My heart beatting so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. I highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. It will surprise you in every way.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me.
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
May 28, 2019
This exquisite novel is a depiction of two families covering three generations amidst tempestuous political change. Margret and Hans, the middle generation and the main characters, struggle to contend with their different backgrounds, and the emotional scars they bear from childhood in the aftermath of WWII. Many segments of the narrative are full of tension, historical restrictions, and family misunderstandings. The plot covers aspects of WWII, the German Democratic Republic and the fall of the Berlin Wall. The reading is somewhat slow. I give it 3 stars out of 5.
October 25, 2020
This is my first #booktour with @mmbtours and it was a great title. This version is a translation of the German novel by Anne Richter and it actually read really well. I have found in the past with translations that it loses the flow, but it wasn’t the case with this version. This story is based on the different stages of the main character’s lives, through tragic events, the growth of their children, and differing political and personal views of the world, amidst a separated Germany. I love historical fiction so this was right up my street.
July 17, 2024
This book was slow and sparse. There's a quiet sense of desperation passed on down through three generations of repressed families, trapped on the wrong side of the Iron Curtain. I'm glad I read this book and I'm happy that the Iron Curtain is no more.
November 15, 2019
I was so happy to join the blog tour for Distant Signs with HFVBT. What caught my attention first was the theme that sounded familiar (I mastered in Germany literature) and the fact I lived in Thuringen.
With Distant Signs, Anne Richter created a deep story with well-written characters and beautiful prose. Even if I found the first chapter a little slow, the rest of the story lives up to every promise thanks to a storyline written with precision and depth of understanding.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
With Distant Signs, Anne Richter created a deep story with well-written characters and beautiful prose. Even if I found the first chapter a little slow, the rest of the story lives up to every promise thanks to a storyline written with precision and depth of understanding.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 7, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed Distant Signs. I thought this was a beautiful story. It was interesting getting a look at what life was like for those living in East Germany after World War II and after the fall of the Berlin Wall. I was intrigued with this important part of history. Miss Richter has written a compelling read that I could not put down.
I give Distant Signs five plus stars. I believe this book is a must read for readers who love history.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I give Distant Signs five plus stars. I believe this book is a must read for readers who love history.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
March 2, 2023
Enjoyed this. It read like a true story rather than a work of fiction. There were no major dramatic events. The story moved along at a steady pace bringing insights into the impact of major historical events on ordinary people's lives.
May 10, 2019
I enjoyed this look at three generations of a familiy and how they were effected by WWII. It was an entertaining read. I hope to read more from this author soon.
I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it
I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it
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