Crazy in Berlin

Thomas Berger's first novel and the first in The Reinhart Trilogy, its main theme is contradictions: between appearances and reality, honesty and betrayal, guilt and innocence. Carlo Reinhart is an army medic serving in post-WW II Germany, of German descent, he feels guilty for what just happened in Germany, but at the same time isn't sure why he should be. He meets others caught in similar contradictory binds: an anti-Semite who protected his Jewish wife from the Nazis; a Russian army deserter who becomes a capitalist and is protected by an idealistic communist; a Russian intellectual, tortured by Stalin, who is now a fascist. Even at the end of the book, after Reinhart has killed a man to protect another man (the man he's protecting is killed anyway), Reinhart enters a mental hospital - where he contemplates becoming a psychiatrist (another contradiction). The book is not an easy read as the characters engage in much dialogue regarding politics, philosophy, and nationality. Reinhart untangles himself from the contrariety he experiences and goes home to America. Berger established himself as an important writer with this first novel; though it's not my favorite of his (LITTLE BIG MAN is), it's obviously a major achievement.

I agree that the Reinhart series should be in print. I have read all of the Reinhart series and most of the rest of Thomas Berger's novels. Inspired by the Oprah Magazine section "Books That Made a Difference to ---", I am compiling a short list. "Crazy in Berlin" was in the top 5, with two other Thomas Berger novels and two volumes of "The Diary of Anais Nin". The Rienhart series compares very favorably to Updike's "Rabbit" series, and is similar. The other two Berger novels in my top 5 are "Little Big Man" and the neglected "Regiment of Women", a terrific science fiction of a society with gender role reversal. Women rule. If I am not mistaken, this book predates the women's liberation movement of the 60's.

This out-of-print novel is almost impossible to read, with its academic style and endless German syntax. In fact, I had to listen to it (Books on Tape) because I frequently lost interest. Only the tape player kept it alive.Nevertheless, little parts of this novel stand out as some of the most powerful images I've ever read. The setting of post-WW2 Berlin has always fascinated me, and Berger speaks with great authority. Seemingly anachronistic references ("famous German blonde pussy") ring true. They talked like that in the 40s. Trudchen is convinving and erotic as a whore. Schatzie's execution by firing squad is too real and too detailed to be imaginary; I reember it at odd times, like when I'm falling asleep, and it still disturbs me. I think that this book accurately reports postt-WW2 Berlin, which is a lot more than you can say about most WW2 books. History is written by the victor. Berger's novel is history written from the conquered's point of view. It is depressing but I recomend it for its veracity and its occasional powereful writing, well worth the time.CDS

I am amazed that "Crazy in Berlin", "Reinhart in Love" etc. are not in print even in a trade paperback edition. We need to show more respect for the works of our talented authors. As I remember "Crazy in Berlin", it was a comedic look at postwar Berlin and its denizens. "Reinhart in Love" and "Reinhart's Women" continue the life story of the main character in "Crazy in Berlin". Those who appreciate John Updike and John Irving owe it to themselves to read some of Thomas Berger.