Berlin Blues

One of my favorite books. You might get more out of it if you understand a bit about German culture. Calling someone "Mr." and using the informal version of you is a contradiction in German. Combination of formal and informal. When Frank's friends start calling him Mr. Lehmann when he turns 30, it is a bit joke. I highly recommend watching the movie (Herr Lehmann). One of those few examples where the movie really represents the book well. Plus, it has a great soundtrack! Herr Lehmann [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Germany ]

This Kafka-esque book is a story about love, identity, and the German people. Herr Lehmann's friend Karl has been working in a bar for years, finally lines up a show for his art at a gallery, but has a break-down beforehand. He's freaked out by the possibility of failure to the point where he misses out on this chance for success. There are also numerous funny, philosophical debates.

This is a fine novel that captures the Berlin 80s anti-hero mood perfectly. The book is the basis for the German film of the same name (released in Europe under the English title "Berlin Blues"), which contrary to what one reviewer says on this page, did not "bomb" in Germany, but was a commercial and critical success (two German film prizes, including one for the screenplay, also written by the novelist). The follow-up to this novel (actually a prequel, also featuring Herr Lehmann as the protagonist) has debuted in Germany at number 3 on the best-seller list. As for "Herr Lehmann" itself, you won't find a better novel about the unique Berlin 1980s anti-hero sensibilities anywhere.

I didn't read the book but I just saw the movie at the Vancouver International Film Festival. It was great! Funny, dark humour, and paints a picture of "slackers" in Berlin in the late 80's just before the wall came down. If the book is anything like the movie, it should be a great read!

I don't want to say much here, other than to challenge T. Ross's review, which might scare readers away and thus deny them from experiencing this author's clear voice and sarcastic view of the world. You don't need to know Berlin to understand this novel; you need to know (or be able to imagine) what it feels like to be a simple, regular person who feels uncomfortable with a society that doesn't share your values or seems to be chasing after some sort of higher happiness that maybe just doesn't exist. The title character has bite, and falls into the great tradition of slacker heroes dating back to Erich Kästner's "Fabian" (1931) and Goncharov's "Oblomov" (1859).