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34 pages 1 hour read

Address Unknown

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1938

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Book Brief

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Kathrine Kressmann Taylor

Address Unknown

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1938
Book Details
Pages

64

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Germany & USA • 1930s

Publication Year

1938

Publisher

Washington Square Press

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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Super Short Summary

Address Unknown by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor, through letters between American-Jewish art dealer Max and his German business partner Martin, shows Martin's radicalization and Max's increasing alarm as Nazi power grows, ultimately leading to a devastating betrayal. The novella delves into themes of friendship, paranoia, and the impact of fascism. The text contains antisemitic violence and rhetoric, which may be distressing for some individuals.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Unnerving

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.4

23,780 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Reviews for Kathrine Kressmann Taylor's Address Unknown highlight its powerful and poignant narrative, delivering a chilling commentary on the rise of Nazism through an epistolary format. Many praise its concise storytelling and emotional impact. Criticisms are few, mainly noting its brevity may limit depth. Overall, it's lauded for its historical and literary significance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Address Unknown?

Readers who enjoy Address Unknown by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor are drawn to historical fiction set around WWII, revealing the impact of propaganda and ideology on personal relationships. Fans of Schindler's List and The Book Thief would appreciate its poignant, epistolary narrative dealing with moral dilemmas and human connections.

4.4

23,780 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Martin

One of the two protagonists, who returns to Germany after struggling to integrate into American culture and communicates with his friend Max through letters.

An empathetic art gallery owner in San Francisco who writes to his friend Martin about concerns regarding rising antisemitism in Germany.

An actress and Max's sister, who remains in Berlin despite the increasing political danger and communicates with Martin and Max through letters.

Martin's wife, mentioned in the correspondence as a reflection of the status of Max and Martin's friendship, and her life is often used as a way for Martin to gauge his success.

Book Details
Pages

64

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Germany & USA • 1930s

Publication Year

1938

Publisher

Washington Square Press

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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