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Pursuit
HELMUT VON SCHRAEDER
Germany's most infamous war criminal, the handsome Aryan SS officer known as the "Monster" of the Maidenek death camp
BENJAMIN GROSSMAN
The concentration camp survivor who became one of Israel's greatest heroes and most powerful military leaders
HELMUT VON SCHRAEDER AND BENJAMIN GROSSMAN ARE THE SAME MAN...
and now a diabolical scheme born in the last days of the Third Reich is about to achieve its nightmare triumph...
Germany's most infamous war criminal, the handsome Aryan SS officer known as the "Monster" of the Maidenek death camp
BENJAMIN GROSSMAN
The concentration camp survivor who became one of Israel's greatest heroes and most powerful military leaders
HELMUT VON SCHRAEDER AND BENJAMIN GROSSMAN ARE THE SAME MAN...
and now a diabolical scheme born in the last days of the Third Reich is about to achieve its nightmare triumph...
378 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
About the author
Robert L. Fish
128 books13 followersRobert Lloyd Fish was an American writer of crime fiction. His first novel, The Fugitive, gained him the Mystery Writers of America's Edgar Allan Poe Award for best first novel in 1962, and his short story "Moonlight Gardener" was awarded the Edgar for best short story in 1972. His 1963 novel Mute Witness, written under the pseudonym Robert L. Pike, was filmed in 1968 as Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 1, 2013
The most infamous war criminal. Changed his identity. Nazi into Jew. Its a perfect disguise.Helmut Von Schraeder, known as the "monster" of the Maidanek death camp. Benjamin Grossman, the concentration camp survivor who became one of Israel's greatest heroes and most powerful military leaders. Dr. Franz Schlossberg is only the witness. Benjamin's son, Herzl Grossman discovered his father's secret. Impossible to put down.. read it..
June 22, 2024
Later adapted into a miniseries, A Twist of Fate, Pursuit is an absolutely ridiculous novel that manages to make The Odessa File look like serious literature. Helmut von Schraeder is an SS officer who killed thousands of Jews at Majdanek. He undergoes plastic surgery and assumes the identity of a Jew, Benjamin Grossman, to evade capture.
I watched the miniseries before I read the book, and it’s a pretty faithful adaptation. There are some key differences though: Deborah dies in the book, but in the movie she doesn’t. There are three completely gratuitous sex scenes, none of which (thankfully) made it into the film. Von Schraeder’s son is named Herzl in the book and Daniel in the movie. I guess Herzl didn’t seem like a very heroic name?
Rating Pursuit was actually pretty hard. I’m STILL not entirely sure how I feel about it. I’m on the fence about calling it a guilty pleasure. The writing is strong, and the book takes itself unflinchingly seriously despite its ridiculous plot. Is it possible for someone as evil as von Schraeder to truly redeem himself? That question gets batted around a bit but Fish never attempts to answer it. For a while, he seems to love his adopted country and accepts his reputation as a famous war hero. But when ODESSA contacts him after 20+ years, it’s revealed he was an unrepentant nazi all along. I don’t expect books like this to be terribly deep or meaningful. But consistent characterization is kind of important!
Inconsistent characterization aside, I will admit von Schraeder was a fascinating character. He's so affable and charismatic you briefly forget what an evil bastard he is. Does he ever change, though? Not really. He starts out the book as a nazi and ends it as a nazi. But again, I wasn't expecting anything intelligent or insightful here.
Pursuit is not a book you should take too seriously. It's got sex, thrills, sinister nazis, one-dimensional female characters, you get the idea. It is VERY stupid, unapologetically stupid. But it held my attention and I was never bored. It can even be enjoyable, just as long as you don't think too deeply about anything and check your brain at the door.
I watched the miniseries before I read the book, and it’s a pretty faithful adaptation. There are some key differences though: Deborah dies in the book, but in the movie she doesn’t. There are three completely gratuitous sex scenes, none of which (thankfully) made it into the film. Von Schraeder’s son is named Herzl in the book and Daniel in the movie. I guess Herzl didn’t seem like a very heroic name?
Rating Pursuit was actually pretty hard. I’m STILL not entirely sure how I feel about it. I’m on the fence about calling it a guilty pleasure. The writing is strong, and the book takes itself unflinchingly seriously despite its ridiculous plot. Is it possible for someone as evil as von Schraeder to truly redeem himself? That question gets batted around a bit but Fish never attempts to answer it. For a while, he seems to love his adopted country and accepts his reputation as a famous war hero. But when ODESSA contacts him after 20+ years, it’s revealed he was an unrepentant nazi all along. I don’t expect books like this to be terribly deep or meaningful. But consistent characterization is kind of important!
Inconsistent characterization aside, I will admit von Schraeder was a fascinating character. He's so affable and charismatic you briefly forget what an evil bastard he is. Does he ever change, though? Not really. He starts out the book as a nazi and ends it as a nazi. But again, I wasn't expecting anything intelligent or insightful here.
Pursuit is not a book you should take too seriously. It's got sex, thrills, sinister nazis, one-dimensional female characters, you get the idea. It is VERY stupid, unapologetically stupid. But it held my attention and I was never bored. It can even be enjoyable, just as long as you don't think too deeply about anything and check your brain at the door.
May 30, 2020
A great plot, an ironic story. The ending is somewhat anticlimactic. Our character, Von Schraeder, actually for the most part avoids the consequences of his actions. Also in many ways you really never like him.
Another irony of the book it is that the Nazi Jew hater is the one who often saves the day for the Jews. It is as if the Jews could not have succeeded without Von Schraeder. Was that what Robert Fish, the author, wanted to come across. Fish was also a mechanical engineer as was Von Schraeder.
There is a movie for the novel "A Twist of Fate" that I have not seen. There is a grainy version on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4itK...
Another novel by Fish "Mute Witness" was made into a move called "Bullitt" starring Steve McQueen.
Another irony of the book it is that the Nazi Jew hater is the one who often saves the day for the Jews. It is as if the Jews could not have succeeded without Von Schraeder. Was that what Robert Fish, the author, wanted to come across. Fish was also a mechanical engineer as was Von Schraeder.
There is a movie for the novel "A Twist of Fate" that I have not seen. There is a grainy version on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4itK...
Another novel by Fish "Mute Witness" was made into a move called "Bullitt" starring Steve McQueen.
January 7, 2016
I've never read a holocaust book from the perspective of a nazi officer. The first third of the book was very heavy and the fictional main character of the book is a terrible and evil man. The story itself was absolutely fascinating. Three stars because 1-some bad language in the book and 2-a couple of sicko sex scenes (mostly #2 in my opinion). Aside from those two problems, the book had me deeply intrigued and I still have not stopped thinking about it.
February 21, 2016
Stilted writing that, at times, was laborious. Occasionally the action took off and became fascinating. The topic was intriguing: what would happen if a Nazi SS officer in charge of a death camp wanted to "die," undergo plastic surgery and "come back" as a Jew. I wish the book had lived up to its original premise with a gripping story and excellent writing, but sadly it did not.
July 28, 2017
I'm reviewing the Audible version of Robert Fish's novel "Pursuit". I had read and enjoyed the book when it was originally published, but recently discovered the Audible version. It is one of the best Audible recordings I've heard.
"Pursuit" is the story of one man, who began life as Helmut von Scrader in Germany and ended it as Benjamin Grossman in Israel. He went from being a Nazi SS colonel in charge of killing mechanics at Maidonek to a brigider general in the Israeli army. What kind of life's arc goes from Nazi to Jew? One who made the choice, in 1944, to change his identity by surgery and papers to that of a Jewish inmate who will be freed from the concentration camp at Neunengame when it's liberated by the Allies. He had already stashed millions in Swiss banks. All he had to do was to reach Switzerland, get his money, and go off to lead the good life, in his new identity. Well, things go wrong from the start and through a series of errors, Grossman found himself in Palestine.
Robert Fish's novel is a complicated one. Complicated...but interesting and well-written. And the reading is superb, with the narrator giving great accented performances. He also gives the listener a nuanced Ben Grossman, a man who is not exactly a hero, but who does do some heroic deeds in his life. "Pursuit" is both a great read and great listen.
"Pursuit" is the story of one man, who began life as Helmut von Scrader in Germany and ended it as Benjamin Grossman in Israel. He went from being a Nazi SS colonel in charge of killing mechanics at Maidonek to a brigider general in the Israeli army. What kind of life's arc goes from Nazi to Jew? One who made the choice, in 1944, to change his identity by surgery and papers to that of a Jewish inmate who will be freed from the concentration camp at Neunengame when it's liberated by the Allies. He had already stashed millions in Swiss banks. All he had to do was to reach Switzerland, get his money, and go off to lead the good life, in his new identity. Well, things go wrong from the start and through a series of errors, Grossman found himself in Palestine.
Robert Fish's novel is a complicated one. Complicated...but interesting and well-written. And the reading is superb, with the narrator giving great accented performances. He also gives the listener a nuanced Ben Grossman, a man who is not exactly a hero, but who does do some heroic deeds in his life. "Pursuit" is both a great read and great listen.
November 3, 2023
I first read "Pursuit" about 40 years ago (I was a child prodigy) and, if I recall correctly, I devoured it in one sitting. When I came across a copy on Amazon I decided to reread it and share with friends. It doesn't hold up as well the second time, but I'm glad I revisited it. It's a really original (if a bit far fetched) premise, but if you accept that a Nazi concentration camp villain undergoes plastic surgery to become a Jewish camp survivor in order to escape prosecution (not really a spoiler, the cover of the book tells the story) then you'll really enjoy the twists and turns as this rollicking tale unfolds. Is the writing brilliant? Maybe not. But it's full of suspense and it's a little unnerving to find yourself rooting a bit for a Nazi evil-doer (kinda, sorta) I remember lending this book to my Mom who burned a pot roast she forgot on the stove when she tried to read just one chapter and found herself hooked long into the night. So for that reason alone, it's well worth a read. But don't put supper on the stove first.
September 2, 2022
3 pluss. Read in Norwegian
May 29, 2024
excellent work!
Spell binding and quite believable. Well written . Great transitions from generation to generation. Held your attention and interest right to the end.
Spell binding and quite believable. Well written . Great transitions from generation to generation. Held your attention and interest right to the end.
March 10, 2026
Pursuit is an intense psychological thriller that grips readers from the start, weaving a story of survival, deceit, and self-discovery. Through the lens of a Nazi War Camp General, the novel explores themes of self-doubt, self-loathing, and personal triumph, creating a narrative that is both harrowing and thought-provoking.
The story is divided into three sections, each contributing to the overall arc while delving deeply into the protagonist’s emotional and psychological struggles. The exploration of human endurance, sanity, and resilience resonates on a universal level, making the character’s journey feel compelling and relatable even amidst extreme circumstances.
The final section of the book is particularly striking. Twists and revelations unfold with precision, delivering both shock and emotional weight. The psychological depth at the conclusion ensures a lasting impact, leaving readers reflecting on the choices and experiences of both the protagonist and the surrounding characters.
Overall, Pursuit is a captivating, emotionally charged read. Its relentless pace, intense character exploration, and thought-provoking themes make it a haunting thriller that lingers long after the final page.
The story is divided into three sections, each contributing to the overall arc while delving deeply into the protagonist’s emotional and psychological struggles. The exploration of human endurance, sanity, and resilience resonates on a universal level, making the character’s journey feel compelling and relatable even amidst extreme circumstances.
The final section of the book is particularly striking. Twists and revelations unfold with precision, delivering both shock and emotional weight. The psychological depth at the conclusion ensures a lasting impact, leaving readers reflecting on the choices and experiences of both the protagonist and the surrounding characters.
Overall, Pursuit is a captivating, emotionally charged read. Its relentless pace, intense character exploration, and thought-provoking themes make it a haunting thriller that lingers long after the final page.
November 12, 2016
waited so long to read this.. only to be severely disappointed
Chose to read this because it was the basis of an unforgettable 1989 television mini-series "A Twist of Fate." I loved the mini-series, still sharp in my mind after 20+ years. But, I was disappointed in the novel, it wasn't very well fleshed-out.
Still, a fantastic plot.
Chose to read this because it was the basis of an unforgettable 1989 television mini-series "A Twist of Fate." I loved the mini-series, still sharp in my mind after 20+ years. But, I was disappointed in the novel, it wasn't very well fleshed-out.
Still, a fantastic plot.
July 7, 2009
This book was great. It's an interesting Holocause, Palestine then becoming Israel book. I definitely recommend it.
July 27, 2013
Amazing story about an SS Officer who couldn't imagine where he would end up (neither did the reader).
Want to Read
December 23, 2018Synopsis: in order to avoid capture, a Nazi death-camp murderer disguises himself as a Jew. But one person has figured it out.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews