I was not happy with the style of writing, where the author would go from present to past within one sentence. Some of the images were certainly chilling, like where the officers are talking about the ovens malfunctioning, and one asks if they are "being overloaded again"... ( )

I was initially confused by this book until I read some Goodreads reviews and then I tried to accept this style of writing with its unsignposted jumps in time because, generally, I get drawn into stories from this period in history. I made it to 20%. I read to relax and enjoy, I don't want anything that taxes my brain so for me this freebie was just frustrating. ( )

I couldn't at all get into the style of narration. It made absolutely no sense, no matter how many times I tried.
( )

This is an incredible book; I had a hard time putting it down. It's a bit difficult to get into at first - the author seamlessly blends together scenes without a marked transition, so I often found myself having to go back to read several sentences to find where the new scene had started. Once I got accustomed to her style, though, I was hooked. This book really delves into the psyches of two people - the Kommandant, Max von Walther, and the Mistress, Rachel.

If you're looking for a book with a linear plot or a satisfying ending, keep looking. This isn't it. The plot is very circular, and the "ending" is rather confusing, especially once you read the third part with the biographies of the two main characters. But if you're looking for a book that will stay with you after you read it, give this one a try. I don't think that I will easily forget this book, and it's definitely going on my keeper shelf. ( )