ADRESS UNKNOWN.

by Kressman Taylor

Genres: Fiction

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1939

Reviews

[Tami Mcconkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, very pertinent. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time’

[Saba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Address Unknown is a great story about a Jewish man and his friend or rather, his former business partner. The story takes place in Nazi Germany and explores how friendship can change when beliefs shift. It shows how people’s values and loyalties transform when they are no longer in the same position. It also raises questions about justice and how deeply we hold onto the things we believe in.

Part of the story :
"I wondered what had changed—what steps had led them to such cruelty. These questions haunted me, and I could not forget them. It was hard to believe that the people I had once known and respected had fallen victim to Nazi propaganda. I began researching Hitler, reading his speeches and the writings of his advisors. What I discovered was terrifying. What worried me most was that no one in America seemed aware of what was happening in Germany—or worse, they did not care. In 1938, the isolationist movement in America was strong. Politicians claimed that affairs in Europe were none of our business and that Germany was fine."

[Minz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to describe this short novel in one word, it would be UNDERRATED. I cannot stress this enough: the way the writing aligns with the time period when the letters were written (1930s), the careful word choice, clever plot, intriguing characters, and attention to every little detail—from the signatures of the characters to the places the letters were sent from and to, as well as the change in tone—helped set this story in a historical context, making it so realistic that it would be believable if you told me it really happened.

[brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is told through correspondence between two friends/colleagues as one returns to Germany from California in 1931. First published in 1938, the work I read includes an epilogue by author Katherine Kressmann Taylor’s son written in 2015 and an introduction by Margo Livesey written in 2021. Both additions add to a powerful tale.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Address Unknown is a powerful and emotional short novel that explores the impact of war and hatred through personal relationships. I really liked how the story shows the connection between a Jewish man and a German man, even though they are on opposite sides during a time of extreme conflict. At the beginning, their letters show friendship, respect, and strong communication, which makes the story feel hopeful and human.

What stood out to me most was how they continued communicating despite the growing hatred between Jews and Germans. Their letters give clarity about how war and political beliefs can slowly change people. Seeing the narrative from a war perspective made the story feel realistic and intense, as it shows how ordinary people are affected by dangerous ideologies.

The saddest part of the book was when the woman/girl was killed after being recognised as Jewish while performing on stage in a play. It was heartbreaking because the German character could not help her, even though he once cared. This moment clearly shows the cruelty and injustice faced by Jewish people during this time, and how silence and fear can lead to tragic consequences.

Overall, Address Unknown is a very good and impactful book. It effectively shows how friendship can be destroyed by war, hatred, and discrimination, while also reminding readers of the human cost of prejudice. Despite being short, the story leaves a strong emotional impact and encourages readers to think deeply about morality, loyalty, and responsibility during wartime.

[Mary Berger-Hughes]

A compelling read. you know where it is going but your interest in the characters keeps you reading. Given the current political climate, this is a scary read.

It is a quick read, just pick it up and read on.

[Karen Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for today's society. Sad, scary, thoughtful. Will leave you breathless.

[Syrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, but absolutely heart-wrenching. Phenomenal character development in such a short story. The craft of this piece is disturbingly perfect.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read this short story! I listened to it on audio.

[Ana Rojas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and impactful. I enjoy a good epistolary novel (novella in this case).

[🧁 · Rating 5 out of 5]

so cleverly written! max is such a beast lol

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY short book written in 1930's. First time I have listened to a book twice. Very thought provoking. I really liked it.

[Book Connoisseur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right on

[Julia Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

God damn that was good. The ending got me fucked up. We love taking justice into our own hands 🫡

[Janit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly powerful and terrifying in these times.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Fantastic. Moving, gripping, and taut with tension.

[Amalie Martedal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havde godt lidt fornemmet hvor vi var på vej henad men chokerende stadigvæk

[habiba . · Rating 1 out of 5]

All this just to find out at the end that they r zionists Sigh

[Caro Dompul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, nice, sad

[Viviana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book. Short, full of insight, reminds us of a very dark page in history, how masses can be moved in a wrong direction and what sad consequences are for all involved.

[ina · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book! super quick read and really gets you thinking!

[E. Dufoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

short but with big story!
every high school student should read it

[songsdontsing · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something about the genre of epistolary novels that convey genuine human emotion more than anything else.



pg 40 “I did not expect you would take up arms for my people because they are my people, but because you were a man who loved justice.”