Stasiland

An interesting story line. Part tourist guide to the European Eastern bloc, some romance, a critique on right wing political parties all wrapped up with an interesting plot that didn't disappoint. If you are wondering where this story is going just hang in there for I found it a rewarding read. 3 1/2 for me.

Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

This book surprised me in the sense that I found it to be rather amusing. The narrator, Ed, an Englishman having his own kind of mid-life crisis after separating from his wife, is all set to travel across Europe in his own version of a gap year. His observations are witty and his interactions with other characters give the impression of a hapless, aimless man who is just looking for adventure.

The style of writing was easy to engage with and the plot was interesting. Ed makes a vast number of journeys across Europe and each time he mentions that 'Google tells him it is x kilometres to his destination' it gives you a sense of his middle age and need for adventure but within certain planned parameters (despite his attempts to be free and go with the flow).

The plot is timely in that it deals with issues of immigration, borders, racism, fascism, politics and the future of Europe. The host of characters are vividly described and feel authentic. It is a bit of a stretch that a random Englishman would be enlisted by German police to help with their enquiry but, who knows, maybe this has happened in real life?!

I initially wasn't sure about the era in which is was set as the title made me presume it was either when East and West Germany were still separate entities or shortly after the wall came down. However, it has a contemporary setting and feels so much more relevant because of that.

Entertaining read

After becoming involved in crime involving right wing German politics divorcee. Ed Blake is forced to turn detective.

I found this crime novel/travelogue a well paced entertaining read, that described the undercurrents that still affect the eastern part of unified Germany. It did keep my interest, but I'd only give it 3 stars.

I'm also wary of books that use the title of more well known books, even if the overall subject matter is different.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review.

This was a fun and interesting read. It had a nice length and was fast paced without being overkill fast paced.

A book for the most part set in the former states of East Germany and Hungary. A political mystery about the realities of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the consequential rise in parts of Europe of the far right.
The story is told on the first person by Ed Blake a businessman at a comfortable time of his life. Financial well off; no longer needing to work as such but too young to retire. Emotionally single after a messy divorce and two grown up kids. He is on his version of a gap year to recharge his batteries and find a new project or direction to his life.
The recounts how is life is turned upside down when he stumbles across a body on a river cruise ship. When a crewman sees him standing over the body the police appear to no interest initially but to ‘arrest’ their chief suspect.
The question is posed ‘How can a foreigner expect to get a fair trial in such circumstances?’
The book is a lot deeper than this and it’s short chapters make it an easy and entertaining read.
Businessman Ed narrating must survive one imagines but at what cost. We are introduced to extremist politics, hatred for immigrants and a means of silencing those against the better way to power.
Intriguing and funny at times. Told in a self-effacing manner that carries the reader along and maintains interest. The backdrop of a former Communist landscape is both austere and full of new perspectives. The foreign police angle is always fascinating especially when they appear friendly but equally suspicious in motives and information shared.
Forced to stay and remain in contact he becomes keen to get involved in the case. While he may seem a friend, an Englishman at ease speaking German his conduct could be resented by the killers and his interest seen as too nosey for their safety.
This tension is not over-hyped but an ever present danger to the victim’s wife, son and those Blake associates with.
I like the locations. The action elements although the constant duration of car journeys and GPS a little tedious. It was like waiting for a cake to bake in a slow oven.
Apart from Road and River transport there was little mention of Rail and Air, and a more rapid journey. Travel is all made in this laidback vacation vibe. That the author introducing such sloth in the plot yet gets away with a stimulating read is a result.
I look forward to more from this author.

This is the first I have read from this author and I hope to read more.

Stasis is about Ed Blake itrying to forget a messy divorce and the past by spending the summer driving around Europe in his silver Porsche. He gets no further than a small town on the river Elbe when he is arrested for a crime he did not commit.

The story is well written as are the development of the characters. A quite entertaining mystery.