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Metropolis
Weimar Berlin, 1924 Unemployed actors, profiteers, cabaret girls, and impoverished aristocracy – out of this wild set of characters populating Weimar Berlin, Margarete Gräfin von Steinhoff belongs to the latter category. Having lost everything due to hyper-inflation, she considers jumping into the freezing waters of the Spree rather than facing the humiliating existence shared by millions of her fellow Germans. However, a chance meeting makes her change her mind at the last moment and offers her a chance to rely on the help of the metropolis itself, where anything can be sold and bought for money and where connections are everything. The bustling nightlife of cosmopolitan Berlin, with its casinos and dance halls, brings good income for the ones who don’t burden themselves too heavily with morals. After a New Year’s Eve party, Margot finally meets her ever-absent and mysterious neighbor, Paul Schneider, who makes a living by producing a certain type of film for his rich clientele. Under his guidance, Margot discovers a new passion of hers – photography and soon, her talents are noticed by the prominent newspaper, Berliner Tageblatt itself. But being an official photographer of the most celebrated events of the La Scala and most famous Berlin theaters no longer satisfies Margot’s ambitions. As soon as the chance presents itself for her to get involved with the cinematography on the set of "Metropolis" - the film with the highest budget ever produced by the UFA – Margot jumps at it, without thinking twice. At the same time, Paul becomes involved with a rival project, "The Holy Mountain," which stars an as yet unknown actress and an emerging director in, Leni Riefenstahl. As the two women meet, professional rivalry soon turns into a true friendship, fueled by their passion for cinematography. However, due to the economic woes facing Germany, both projects soon run out of money and now, both film crews must go to extreme lengths to save their respective productions. Set against the backdrop of a decadent, vibrant, and fascinatingly liberal Weimar Berlin, "Metropolis" is a novel of survival, self-discovery, and self-sacrifice, in the name of art, love, and friendship.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2020
548 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Midwood
43 books1,158 followersEllie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author, whose works have been translated into 20 languages. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, "The Girl from Berlin." Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 18, 2020
Ellie Midwood is one of my favorite authors. After reading Auschwitz Syndrome: A Holocaust Novel Based on a True Story (Women and the Holocaust, Book #3), I fell in love with Midwood’s fantastic writing that is full of heart, creativity , and vividness. Midwood’s brilliance is her ability to transport the reader to any place and to any time. In METROPOLIS, Midwood takes me to Berlin circa 1924.
The story opens with “Margot” Margarete von Steinhoff and Ernst Weginer having a chance meeting at the edge of the freezing waters of the Spree having both decided to end their lives that night. Margot losing everything she has including her home and Ernst back from the war with not a penny to his name. Margot’s father lost three of their factories and kills himself from the staggering inflation that was due to the government printing tremendous amounts of currency to pay reparations and has back fired which had affected most of the middle class families.
But another thing was happening in Berlin at that time and that was the development of a sophisticated and innovative culture in literature, film, painting and music - a movement called German Expressionism in the Weimar Republic. Metropolis was a huge project by the UFA that cost over 5 million Reichsmarks to produce. Within the realm of this historical backdrop, Midwood was able to give her readers a beautiful glimpse into this fictional world surrounding an amazingly resilient woman whose story was simply irresistible and addicting.
I absolutely loved this amazing book and adore Midwood. An auto buy author for me and one that will continue to surpass my expectations. What a brilliant writer and another book I was truly mesmerized.
I highly recommend this book!!
The story opens with “Margot” Margarete von Steinhoff and Ernst Weginer having a chance meeting at the edge of the freezing waters of the Spree having both decided to end their lives that night. Margot losing everything she has including her home and Ernst back from the war with not a penny to his name. Margot’s father lost three of their factories and kills himself from the staggering inflation that was due to the government printing tremendous amounts of currency to pay reparations and has back fired which had affected most of the middle class families.
But another thing was happening in Berlin at that time and that was the development of a sophisticated and innovative culture in literature, film, painting and music - a movement called German Expressionism in the Weimar Republic. Metropolis was a huge project by the UFA that cost over 5 million Reichsmarks to produce. Within the realm of this historical backdrop, Midwood was able to give her readers a beautiful glimpse into this fictional world surrounding an amazingly resilient woman whose story was simply irresistible and addicting.
I absolutely loved this amazing book and adore Midwood. An auto buy author for me and one that will continue to surpass my expectations. What a brilliant writer and another book I was truly mesmerized.
I highly recommend this book!!
June 16, 2020
Margarete Gräfin von Steinhoff, and for readers like me following this story and hopefully the rest of the books in the series, she is referred to as Margot, has found herself in the career of entertainment. It has definitely taken many paths, singing being one of them. But her true love is photography. Margo starts off with someone that she works with, Ernst Weginer, but her heart lies with someone named Paul Schneider. But even before Margot met Paul, she meets Ernst under very difficult circumstances and the two become involved. Meanwhile, Paul is a film producer, and he is an expert photographer and eventually takes Margot under his wing.
Before that happens, however, Margot gets the opportunity to become involved with a film that was named Metropolis. This high budget film will allow Margot to for the craft her skills when it comes to cinematography. As things turn out Margot and Paul soon become rivals because he begins working with a different director on a different project. A character that Margot runs into is named Leni Riefenstahl. Clearly rivals at first, eventually, at least by the second story in the series, the two women work rather closely together, and thus a friendship begins to be born.
Amidst all of this, there is something going on in history that is yet been unrivaled until that time. It is Berlin in 1924, and the Nazis are starting to gain ground. While the Nazi party is growing at an ever-increasing rate, it starts to affect Margot and others involved in the film industry.
There are two things that I have learned by reading this book and the second in the series. The first thing is the beginning of the development of the Nazi party. Secondly, reading about a different part of the world that was grossly affected by things before even before the second world war. I love it when I read historical fiction and I read about a different part of the world. 1920s Berlin is not only the backdrop of this and the second story in this incredibly smartly written book by Ellie Midwood, who has managed to now become one of my my go to authors for historical fiction going forward.
Before that happens, however, Margot gets the opportunity to become involved with a film that was named Metropolis. This high budget film will allow Margot to for the craft her skills when it comes to cinematography. As things turn out Margot and Paul soon become rivals because he begins working with a different director on a different project. A character that Margot runs into is named Leni Riefenstahl. Clearly rivals at first, eventually, at least by the second story in the series, the two women work rather closely together, and thus a friendship begins to be born.
Amidst all of this, there is something going on in history that is yet been unrivaled until that time. It is Berlin in 1924, and the Nazis are starting to gain ground. While the Nazi party is growing at an ever-increasing rate, it starts to affect Margot and others involved in the film industry.
There are two things that I have learned by reading this book and the second in the series. The first thing is the beginning of the development of the Nazi party. Secondly, reading about a different part of the world that was grossly affected by things before even before the second world war. I love it when I read historical fiction and I read about a different part of the world. 1920s Berlin is not only the backdrop of this and the second story in this incredibly smartly written book by Ellie Midwood, who has managed to now become one of my my go to authors for historical fiction going forward.
February 22, 2020
Thank you HFVBT and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Metropolis
By: Ellie Midwood
*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆☆
It is odd to think that anything good and beautiful occurred in Berlin during the 1920s because historically this was not a time of positive development, i.e. the rise of the Nazi party. Ellie Midwood's Metropolis breathes life into a somewhat unknown aspect of this era in Weimar Berlin. The story begins with Margot, a young woman sunk into abject poverty with nothing to live for, teetering on the edge of life and death. She is serendipitously saved from taking her own life because something changes her mind, giving her a bit of hope. Margot slowly integrates with the hustle and bustle of Berlin's metropolis and nightlife. It is here that Margot discovers her hidden talents, and these talents take her to places she never dreamed possible. Metropolis is a compelling and unique look at a part of Berlin I knew nothing about prior to this book. It is fascinating to me that such glitz and glamour was unassumingly juxtaposed against the darkness and evil rising with the growth of the Nazi party. Margot is an inspirational, intelligent and strong character. I was captivated by this story from the start. It is beautifully written and captures the atmosphere perfectly. The reader is dropped into 1920s Berlin for this amazing story. I am intrigued to learn more about this time period, and I look forward to more from Ellie Midwood.
Metropolis
By: Ellie Midwood
*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆☆
It is odd to think that anything good and beautiful occurred in Berlin during the 1920s because historically this was not a time of positive development, i.e. the rise of the Nazi party. Ellie Midwood's Metropolis breathes life into a somewhat unknown aspect of this era in Weimar Berlin. The story begins with Margot, a young woman sunk into abject poverty with nothing to live for, teetering on the edge of life and death. She is serendipitously saved from taking her own life because something changes her mind, giving her a bit of hope. Margot slowly integrates with the hustle and bustle of Berlin's metropolis and nightlife. It is here that Margot discovers her hidden talents, and these talents take her to places she never dreamed possible. Metropolis is a compelling and unique look at a part of Berlin I knew nothing about prior to this book. It is fascinating to me that such glitz and glamour was unassumingly juxtaposed against the darkness and evil rising with the growth of the Nazi party. Margot is an inspirational, intelligent and strong character. I was captivated by this story from the start. It is beautifully written and captures the atmosphere perfectly. The reader is dropped into 1920s Berlin for this amazing story. I am intrigued to learn more about this time period, and I look forward to more from Ellie Midwood.
June 30, 2021
You can sum up Metropolis thusly: A Mary Sue romps through Weimar Berlin, firing off her indignation at all comers, charming any and all who come into contact with her. There is virtually no tension, as the protagonist, an orphaned countess called Margot, is never truly in any jeopardy; she has no trouble making a generous living even in the spiraling economic crisis of the time, and she excels at everything she tries her hand at. Truly—she picks up a camera for the first time, and a few months later is on Fritz Lang’s set (yes, that Fritz Lang), telling him why his lighting arrangement isn’t working. When she gets jealous of Leni Riefenstahl spending time in the Alps with the man Margot loves, she sits down in a coffee shop and dashes off a play, which is of course produced, to a thunderous reception—never mind that there was no indication that Margot had ever written before or knew the first thing about it. Oh, and when Riefenstahl finally meets Margot, she sheepishly admits that after all she has heard she finds the great Margot a little intimidating.
Leni Riefenstahl. Finds Margot. Intimidating.
Now, maybe this kind of fantasy is appealing; I prefer stories in which characters suffer a bit, make questionable decisions, change, but I can imagine that in a certain mood, a flawless heroine with a Midas touch might be an appealing escape. But if you’re tempted to give Metropolis a try in that sort of mood, be warned: No editor’s slumber was disturbed in the production of this book; it is loaded down with flabby, pleonastic writing, and the punctuation is a nightmare. Some common frustrations include appositive phrases with a comma at the beginning but not at the end, or parentheticals set off with an em-dash at the beginning and a comma at the end. These aren’t just eyesores for the fastidious; they interfere with ease of reading. This is the kind of book that gives self-publishing a bad name.
Leni Riefenstahl. Finds Margot. Intimidating.
Now, maybe this kind of fantasy is appealing; I prefer stories in which characters suffer a bit, make questionable decisions, change, but I can imagine that in a certain mood, a flawless heroine with a Midas touch might be an appealing escape. But if you’re tempted to give Metropolis a try in that sort of mood, be warned: No editor’s slumber was disturbed in the production of this book; it is loaded down with flabby, pleonastic writing, and the punctuation is a nightmare. Some common frustrations include appositive phrases with a comma at the beginning but not at the end, or parentheticals set off with an em-dash at the beginning and a comma at the end. These aren’t just eyesores for the fastidious; they interfere with ease of reading. This is the kind of book that gives self-publishing a bad name.
January 31, 2020
Ellie Midwood is one of my all-time favorite historical novelists. I will seriously read anything this woman writes. I get giddy with each new release and her latest, Metropolis, just might be my favorite so far. Then again, I say that every time I read a new book by her :)
Ellie's novels are set during one of the most awful events in our history, but she is always sure to bring stories of hope, resilience, and love to counter that. And that's why I love her books so much.
For some reason, I feel like starting this review Sophia Petrillo style...
"Picture it....Berlin, 1924. A young girl, her body too thin with a pocket full of rocks sits on a bridge, intending to end her life by jumping into the Spree, when a chance meeting with stranger intent on the same mission as her, stops her. They both decide to go for a coffee instead. What a heck of an opener, right!?
And the story just keeps getting better and more exciting from there. I inhaled Metropolis in one sitting. There was no way I was putting that book down! It was a fabulous reading experience from the first page to the last.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next book from Ellie, and I highly recommend you checking out Metropolis! You will be hooked!
Ellie's novels are set during one of the most awful events in our history, but she is always sure to bring stories of hope, resilience, and love to counter that. And that's why I love her books so much.
For some reason, I feel like starting this review Sophia Petrillo style...
"Picture it....Berlin, 1924. A young girl, her body too thin with a pocket full of rocks sits on a bridge, intending to end her life by jumping into the Spree, when a chance meeting with stranger intent on the same mission as her, stops her. They both decide to go for a coffee instead. What a heck of an opener, right!?
And the story just keeps getting better and more exciting from there. I inhaled Metropolis in one sitting. There was no way I was putting that book down! It was a fabulous reading experience from the first page to the last.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next book from Ellie, and I highly recommend you checking out Metropolis! You will be hooked!
February 27, 2020
I’m at the point where I will read ANYTHING that Ellie writes. I absolutely loved the flow and deep character development of Metropolis!
Right off the bat, we meet Margot and Ernst as they are at the lowest point of their lives. Margot came from a wealthy background and has lost everything. Ernst saw things at war that no one should ever have to witness. And yet they find each other when they need someone the most.
What happens from there is really determined by their inner fire. While they both begin their lives again through music, they are led apart – one by their inner passion and one by turning their eye to reality.
This book did an excellent job of exploring inner turmoil, the gravity of war, and the fire that is innately inside some people. The story itself is a different perspective to post WWI fiction and really explores a number of issues occurring during the time period.
I’m awarding this one 4.5 stars. Highly recommended if you love historical fiction.
Thank you to HFVBT and Ellie Midwood for the opportunity to read this book. I have voluntarily provided this review and only my own personal opinions have been expressed.
Right off the bat, we meet Margot and Ernst as they are at the lowest point of their lives. Margot came from a wealthy background and has lost everything. Ernst saw things at war that no one should ever have to witness. And yet they find each other when they need someone the most.
What happens from there is really determined by their inner fire. While they both begin their lives again through music, they are led apart – one by their inner passion and one by turning their eye to reality.
This book did an excellent job of exploring inner turmoil, the gravity of war, and the fire that is innately inside some people. The story itself is a different perspective to post WWI fiction and really explores a number of issues occurring during the time period.
I’m awarding this one 4.5 stars. Highly recommended if you love historical fiction.
Thank you to HFVBT and Ellie Midwood for the opportunity to read this book. I have voluntarily provided this review and only my own personal opinions have been expressed.
March 15, 2020
I love Ellie's writing. She really knows how to get inside her characters' heads and her latest book, "Metropolis" is no exception. It is set in a period I have long held a fascination for - 1920's Weimar Germany. That brief period of social change and explosion of creativity in the arts. Metropolis centers around Margo, (Margarete von Steinhoff) a countess who sees no future until she meets Ernst Weniger in circumstances that saves both their lives. The pair are soon drawn into the art scene and manage to carve out new lives for themselves in this world of freedom, but there are signs of black clouds descending over their world. Margo becomes professionally involved with the enigmatic and difficult Fritz Lang during the making of his film, Metropolis. It's fascinating to see the development of the film. We are also introduced to such artists as Leni Riefenstahl, another towering person of the period. This is book one and the scene is now set for the rise of Nazi Germany. An excellent read and I can't wait for the next one to see what happens. Highly recommended.
February 5, 2020
This is my first time reading this author. I love reading stories set in 1920's. The prose was lyrical and so vivid. I loved it. This story is as beautiful as the cover. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
March 14, 2020
Metropolis, named after the eponymous German sci-flic released in 1927, is a rich historical tapestry of a read. We follow Margot von Steinhoff as she pulls herself out of some pretty desperate circumstances and finds her way into the 1920s Berlin arts scene, ultimately winding up working at Babelsberg studio on the set of Metropolis and using her unique creative genius to influence the film. The book plays with the true characters affiliated with Babelsberg at the time – Fritz Lang, Thea von Harbou, and Leni Riefenstahl – with a deft hand, which makes this book a must-read historical. As we follow Margot in her quest for artistic development and ultimately freedom, we are given glimpses of the inchoate Nazi party. This book is a stark reminder of how the arts and freedom of expression throughout time provide a voice against tyranny. The best part of the story for me was Ellie’s writing. In Metropolis, she writes about 1924 Weimar Berlin as though she experienced it firsthand. Highly recommend this and all of Ms. Midwood’s books.
January 23, 2020
In an era of great poverty and financial upheaval in the world, two people, each determined to end their lives become each other’s saviors as they learn to take life by the horns like a bull in a rodeo. What seemed to be the end of their broken lives would become the beginning of something almost magical as they each pursue their dreams in the world of film making in Berlin in the early twentieth century.
Ellie Midwood has taken readers back in time, to another era and another land, re-creating the atmosphere and feel of days long past as well as the inner strength of her characters to push their way to both personal and professional success. METROPOLIS is a brilliant step back in time filled with sadness and the joys of being alive, taking chances and daring to snub the stifling mindset of the times.
Enter a world of filmmaking, creative minds and a Bohemian lifestyle that survives in spite of the times. Strong and colorful characters, richly details scenes and a quiet sense of artistic adventure on every page, as well as romance, daring and even humor!
Fascinating reading from an author who clearly knows how to bring the past to life and the present fade away.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Ellie Midwood! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publication Date: January 31, 2020
Publisher: Ellie Midwood
Genre: Historical Fiction
Paperback: 238 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Ellie Midwood has taken readers back in time, to another era and another land, re-creating the atmosphere and feel of days long past as well as the inner strength of her characters to push their way to both personal and professional success. METROPOLIS is a brilliant step back in time filled with sadness and the joys of being alive, taking chances and daring to snub the stifling mindset of the times.
Enter a world of filmmaking, creative minds and a Bohemian lifestyle that survives in spite of the times. Strong and colorful characters, richly details scenes and a quiet sense of artistic adventure on every page, as well as romance, daring and even humor!
Fascinating reading from an author who clearly knows how to bring the past to life and the present fade away.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Ellie Midwood! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publication Date: January 31, 2020
Publisher: Ellie Midwood
Genre: Historical Fiction
Paperback: 238 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 1, 2020
Metropolis takes place in the years between WWI and WWII Berlin. The story is filled with characters caught up in a world full of uncertainty and political upheaval, yet the characters themselves are still full of love and hope.
Ellie Midwood has written a wonderful story about a time period not often covered. The reader will find themself transported back in time with Margot, Paul, Werner and Lani. You will root for their success and literally feel their concern for the things happening in the world around them.
I enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next book. This book is definitely worth the read if you’re a fan of this time period, and if you’re not, it’s a story that those who just enjoy a well written story will love.
I would like to thank the author for sending me an ARC of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
Ellie Midwood has written a wonderful story about a time period not often covered. The reader will find themself transported back in time with Margot, Paul, Werner and Lani. You will root for their success and literally feel their concern for the things happening in the world around them.
I enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next book. This book is definitely worth the read if you’re a fan of this time period, and if you’re not, it’s a story that those who just enjoy a well written story will love.
I would like to thank the author for sending me an ARC of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
February 4, 2020
Berlin in the Weimar period was a complicated place; people from all walks of life were living on the edge as high inflation was making it for all but the very, very rich or very, very connected to be able to afford just about anything. It is against this backdrop that we meet Margot and Ernst – both on a bridge making trying to decide whether to make that final decision. Fortunately Margot and Ernst meet and they forge a friendship that brings both of them back from that brink. Margot is a countess but it counts for little in this new society and Ernst is a pianist. Fortunately for both of them Margot wrangles them a job entertaining at a variety of parties and at a club so that they both reach a state of reasonable financial security. They move into an apartment building and settle into a routine. They get to know all of their neighbors but for a mysterious photographer named Paul who comes and goes.
Margot is actually enjoying her new life and as the New Year turns she finally meets the mystery man and this really changes her life as she finds her true passion – photography. Under Paul’s tutelage she learns about light and angles. Margot soon finds a job as the photographer for th newspaper which works well for Ernst has left and she is now free to follow her new passion. It soon leads her to working on a film set. But she and Paul are getting concerned about the rise of the Nazi Party.
I did enjoy this book even though some of the topics were a bit dark. It’s a period in history that I don’t explore very often. Ms. Midwood has created a fascinating cast of characters to populate her little corner of Berlin. She manages to mix the fictional people with the real quite well and the result is a story that makes you root for the band of people living together and trying to survive in a difficult time. This is Margot’s story but she is surrounded by a wide variety of people with an assortment of issues.
The research into the time from the difficulties faced by the country after WWI to the seediness of the clubs is very evident and yet woven expertly into the story to make it hard to put down. As much as I despair for what comes next I do want to continue to follow Margot and Paul as they enter the next stage of their lives and life under Hitler.
Looking at things from the aspect of the film industry is a unique viewpoint and one that made the book especially compelling. I knew a little about the movie Metropolis and I also knew a little about the history of Leni Riefenstahl who plays an important role in the novel. She hasn’t yet met Hitler so….
If you are intrigued about the film industry in the time before “talkies” the peak into the making of Metropolis is enlightening. The look into this time period before the rise of the Nazi party is not always easy reading but as with the dark side of history it needs to be read.
4.5
Margot is actually enjoying her new life and as the New Year turns she finally meets the mystery man and this really changes her life as she finds her true passion – photography. Under Paul’s tutelage she learns about light and angles. Margot soon finds a job as the photographer for th newspaper which works well for Ernst has left and she is now free to follow her new passion. It soon leads her to working on a film set. But she and Paul are getting concerned about the rise of the Nazi Party.
I did enjoy this book even though some of the topics were a bit dark. It’s a period in history that I don’t explore very often. Ms. Midwood has created a fascinating cast of characters to populate her little corner of Berlin. She manages to mix the fictional people with the real quite well and the result is a story that makes you root for the band of people living together and trying to survive in a difficult time. This is Margot’s story but she is surrounded by a wide variety of people with an assortment of issues.
The research into the time from the difficulties faced by the country after WWI to the seediness of the clubs is very evident and yet woven expertly into the story to make it hard to put down. As much as I despair for what comes next I do want to continue to follow Margot and Paul as they enter the next stage of their lives and life under Hitler.
Looking at things from the aspect of the film industry is a unique viewpoint and one that made the book especially compelling. I knew a little about the movie Metropolis and I also knew a little about the history of Leni Riefenstahl who plays an important role in the novel. She hasn’t yet met Hitler so….
If you are intrigued about the film industry in the time before “talkies” the peak into the making of Metropolis is enlightening. The look into this time period before the rise of the Nazi party is not always easy reading but as with the dark side of history it needs to be read.
4.5
March 27, 2020
Welcome to Throwback Thursday. Our Gem this evening takes us back to 1930’s Berlin. It is a beautiful rare black diamond, set in an engagement ring. It once belonged to the Margarete Gräfin von Steinhoff . Go ahead, slide it over your claw for a moment. Feel the vibrations? The hesitancy, the worry, the sheer will power and class of the owner thrums through this ring. Hard to believe it’s owner once was only seconds away from committing suicide, eh? This is Dragon Feeder and Gem Maker Ellie Midwood’s “Metropolis”.
Ellie Midwood is a name familiar here. For you newer Book Dragon’s, she is called by the title Dragon Feeder because this is her second tale to be reviewed here. The first – “Auschwitz Syndrome” was on here some weeks back. This tale is the story of Margarete Gräfin von Steinhoff , former Countess, then Jazz Singer, now photographer.
This story is a page turner extraordinaire. It opens with Margarete (Margot to her friends) in the process of committing suicide and takes us all the way to the set of Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis”. If you have never watched this silent classic, I would suggest you read Ellie’s book first, then watch it. But watch it nonetheless. It is a masterpiece and has been restored the past few years. It looks as though it was made last week, it’s that good. But, I digress, let us go back to this tale.
Margot guides us through post WWI Berlin. People fell into one of two categories, the starving masses or the richest of the rich. She shows us both sides of the coin. There is ugliness and beauty in both. The trick it to find the beauty. The true beauty. It is not always where we expect it.
Ellie has once again, created a Gem. Her storyline is perfect. Her characters are lively, I wanted nearly all of them to survive, it’s not a good book to me if there are not at least one or two beings we could at least do with them moving far away. Ellie gives us those characters, as well. Margot’s fellow residents in her apartment building are a cast of characters that will make you wish you had lived there. They are much more varied and interesting than the ones I shared space with in my old multi-cave after Dragon School.
She creates post WWI Berlin with all it’s wrinkles and moles. This is no Disneyland. She exposes the good, the bad and the ugly. The trips through the ghettos. The parties at the homes of the rich. The streets of prostitutes, the restaurants of wealthy. The communist meetings, the beginnings of the National Socialists German Workers Party or Nazi Party, which would change in a few years to drop the workers to bring in the capital it needed to keep functioning. And then she met Paul Schneider who taught her photography and changed her world.
The story is tight and weaves seamlessly from one episode in Margot’s journey to another. This feels like real life. I couldn’t turn pages fast enough. I wanted more. And I am happy to report, there is more coming as this is the first in a two part journey. Get your copy today! It is currently available in Kindle (on sale for 3.99) or free on KU to borrow – I say buy it, I know I want to read it again. And in paperback for a truly reasonable price.
Until tomorrow I remain, your humble Book Dragon,
Drakon T. Longwitten
I received a copy of this book as part of the Metropolis Book Tour through #Metropolis #EllieMidwood #HFVBTBlogTours. My opinions are my own.
Ellie Midwood is a name familiar here. For you newer Book Dragon’s, she is called by the title Dragon Feeder because this is her second tale to be reviewed here. The first – “Auschwitz Syndrome” was on here some weeks back. This tale is the story of Margarete Gräfin von Steinhoff , former Countess, then Jazz Singer, now photographer.
This story is a page turner extraordinaire. It opens with Margarete (Margot to her friends) in the process of committing suicide and takes us all the way to the set of Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis”. If you have never watched this silent classic, I would suggest you read Ellie’s book first, then watch it. But watch it nonetheless. It is a masterpiece and has been restored the past few years. It looks as though it was made last week, it’s that good. But, I digress, let us go back to this tale.
Margot guides us through post WWI Berlin. People fell into one of two categories, the starving masses or the richest of the rich. She shows us both sides of the coin. There is ugliness and beauty in both. The trick it to find the beauty. The true beauty. It is not always where we expect it.
Ellie has once again, created a Gem. Her storyline is perfect. Her characters are lively, I wanted nearly all of them to survive, it’s not a good book to me if there are not at least one or two beings we could at least do with them moving far away. Ellie gives us those characters, as well. Margot’s fellow residents in her apartment building are a cast of characters that will make you wish you had lived there. They are much more varied and interesting than the ones I shared space with in my old multi-cave after Dragon School.
She creates post WWI Berlin with all it’s wrinkles and moles. This is no Disneyland. She exposes the good, the bad and the ugly. The trips through the ghettos. The parties at the homes of the rich. The streets of prostitutes, the restaurants of wealthy. The communist meetings, the beginnings of the National Socialists German Workers Party or Nazi Party, which would change in a few years to drop the workers to bring in the capital it needed to keep functioning. And then she met Paul Schneider who taught her photography and changed her world.
The story is tight and weaves seamlessly from one episode in Margot’s journey to another. This feels like real life. I couldn’t turn pages fast enough. I wanted more. And I am happy to report, there is more coming as this is the first in a two part journey. Get your copy today! It is currently available in Kindle (on sale for 3.99) or free on KU to borrow – I say buy it, I know I want to read it again. And in paperback for a truly reasonable price.
Until tomorrow I remain, your humble Book Dragon,
Drakon T. Longwitten
I received a copy of this book as part of the Metropolis Book Tour through #Metropolis #EllieMidwood #HFVBTBlogTours. My opinions are my own.
January 16, 2020
City of Life
What a fresh new venue and atmosphere for a book. I love this new venue. Nineteen Twenties Weimer Berlin, Germany.
Margot and Ernest meat on a bridge both considering suicide by jumping from the bridge. They end up saving each other and becoming friends.
This is a time in Weimer Berlin of joblessness, hunger, and desperation. They land jobs in a nightclub Margot singing and Ernest playing the piano. When they rent a room in a rooming house Margot meets Paul who teaches her all about photography, so the story begins.
The story plays out amid a backdrop of movies and filmmakers amid an emerging political aura with the Communists and the Nazi's.
I love the characters in the story, they are so realistic, they bring such life to the story. They are so human with their successes and their failures. The personalities are so realistic of the time.
The descriptions of the town itself was wonderful. I felt like I was watching television in my head. What the characters were wearing, the buildings and the scenery were described so vividly.
Ellie did a fine job writing this book, what a great new series to look forward to. I will be awaiting the next book.
I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
What a fresh new venue and atmosphere for a book. I love this new venue. Nineteen Twenties Weimer Berlin, Germany.
Margot and Ernest meat on a bridge both considering suicide by jumping from the bridge. They end up saving each other and becoming friends.
This is a time in Weimer Berlin of joblessness, hunger, and desperation. They land jobs in a nightclub Margot singing and Ernest playing the piano. When they rent a room in a rooming house Margot meets Paul who teaches her all about photography, so the story begins.
The story plays out amid a backdrop of movies and filmmakers amid an emerging political aura with the Communists and the Nazi's.
I love the characters in the story, they are so realistic, they bring such life to the story. They are so human with their successes and their failures. The personalities are so realistic of the time.
The descriptions of the town itself was wonderful. I felt like I was watching television in my head. What the characters were wearing, the buildings and the scenery were described so vividly.
Ellie did a fine job writing this book, what a great new series to look forward to. I will be awaiting the next book.
I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
February 11, 2020
This was another amazing book for 2020. I love the time period that this book is set in. It is certainly not the best period of time especially for Germany.
Our two characters start out at the lowest point in their lives only to rise to some pretty heights. This book interested me because I read Marlene several years back and this period in film making, especially in Germany was very enthralling.
My only disappointment was Ernst. I wanted so badly for there to be a real relationship between him and Margot, but that was not to be, and he disappeared into Communist Russia. I'm always a champion for the underdog and he was the perfect sweet guy, who did so much for Margot, and I'm not sure how much she appreciated it.
It was the photographer, Paul who was for Margot. There relationship was a quiet one, that you didn't quite seem like it was there, until the end of the book, but I liked that it was almost unrequited love, because neither of them wanted to declare themselves, it let Margot develop as a woman and she was really remarkable.
I loved how she was anti-Nazi, and though the book had ended, I was left wondering if Margot and Paul would leave Germany for America and Hollywood to continue their film making. Also, this boo left me longing to see Metropolis!
This book was amazing and it is a book you can devour quite quickly.
This was an absolutely stunning book that is a must read for anyone that loves historical fiction, especially if you've read books by C.W. Gortner.
Our two characters start out at the lowest point in their lives only to rise to some pretty heights. This book interested me because I read Marlene several years back and this period in film making, especially in Germany was very enthralling.
My only disappointment was Ernst. I wanted so badly for there to be a real relationship between him and Margot, but that was not to be, and he disappeared into Communist Russia. I'm always a champion for the underdog and he was the perfect sweet guy, who did so much for Margot, and I'm not sure how much she appreciated it.
It was the photographer, Paul who was for Margot. There relationship was a quiet one, that you didn't quite seem like it was there, until the end of the book, but I liked that it was almost unrequited love, because neither of them wanted to declare themselves, it let Margot develop as a woman and she was really remarkable.
I loved how she was anti-Nazi, and though the book had ended, I was left wondering if Margot and Paul would leave Germany for America and Hollywood to continue their film making. Also, this boo left me longing to see Metropolis!
This book was amazing and it is a book you can devour quite quickly.
This was an absolutely stunning book that is a must read for anyone that loves historical fiction, especially if you've read books by C.W. Gortner.
March 29, 2020
Captivating story
The scene opens with Margo standing on a bridge gazing profoundly into the water below. Suicide is on her mind, and just as she plucks up the courage to jump, someone coughing nearby makes her hesitate. Ernst, a young man who also has suicide on his mind, was watching and waiting. A conversation begins with each telling the other how they ended up in their predicament.
Ernst is a great pianist, and Margot has a beautiful singing voice. They get offered a job in a club. This doesn't make them rich, but the wages are enough to help them live comfortably.
Ernst and Margot live as a couple but are they in love? Or is it just convenience? Then the inevitable happens when Margot meets Paul, a brilliant photographer, who sweeps her off her feet. Finally, she has fallen in love, but does Paul feel the same?
Elle Midwood has made each of her characters (and they are many) come alive. I highly recommend this book to readers who like Historical Fiction, mixed with romance.
The scene opens with Margo standing on a bridge gazing profoundly into the water below. Suicide is on her mind, and just as she plucks up the courage to jump, someone coughing nearby makes her hesitate. Ernst, a young man who also has suicide on his mind, was watching and waiting. A conversation begins with each telling the other how they ended up in their predicament.
Ernst is a great pianist, and Margot has a beautiful singing voice. They get offered a job in a club. This doesn't make them rich, but the wages are enough to help them live comfortably.
Ernst and Margot live as a couple but are they in love? Or is it just convenience? Then the inevitable happens when Margot meets Paul, a brilliant photographer, who sweeps her off her feet. Finally, she has fallen in love, but does Paul feel the same?
Elle Midwood has made each of her characters (and they are many) come alive. I highly recommend this book to readers who like Historical Fiction, mixed with romance.
May 16, 2020
I do enjoy books written by this author. Set in Berlin in the years between the two World Wars, the background is photography and film making. I loved the characters, the descriptions and the accurate portrayal of movie production. I have already downloaded the second in the series and will start reading as soon as I have posted this review.
April 22, 2020
Fantastic piece of historical fiction set in the 1920's of Berlin, Germany. The lives of two individuals are intertwined by fate and cross over in a time of discovery. Beautifully written story that endears the characters and the time period. The reader is completely immersed in the production of the film Metropolis and the life of Margot and her friends. Prostitution, nightclubs, and wild nightlife are seductively described and clash with the backdrop of rising communist and Nazi parties and the desire to live in freedom. Brilliantly done!
March 17, 2020
"Fate certainly had a warped sense of humor and particular here, in Weimar Berlin..."
Ernst Weniger had been gassed in the war, and now he had only his pitiable pension to survive on. He could have gone home, back to his parents, but he could not face it, for Ernst was the only one of his friends to survive the carnage. There was no other alternative than to jump into the Spree. However, Ernst was not the only one with such a notion.
Margarete "Margot" Gräfin von Steinhoff knew that fate was at best a fickle friend. The hyper-inflation had taken everything — her home, her position in society, her father. As Margot looked down upon the melancholy misshapen reflection of the moon upon the opaque waters of the Spree, she took comfort in the fact that she was to leave this life on her own terms and in her own way.
But fate had not finished with Margot just yet. In the years to come, Margot would often think back to that night when she and Ernst unwittingly saved each other. If she had died, then Margot would never have met Paul Schneider, a talented photographer. And nor would she have found herself behind the camera as Fritz Lang directed his futuristic urban dystopia film — Metropolis.
From a desperate chance meeting on a bridge to the set of Lang's pioneering science-fiction movie, Metropolis by Ellie Midwood is an unforgettable portrait of 1920s Berlin and it is also the utterly absorbing insight into the making of one of the greatest films of the silent movie era.
With a nod to German Expressionism and with an almost cinematic approach to the writing, Midwood has presented her readers with the most enthralling of stories. Told with Midwood's customary captivating narrative and her passionate attention to the historical detail, Metropolis is at times shockingly decadent, yet at the same time utterly irresistible. Metropolis is a story of suffering, poverty, pain, self-discovery, sacrifice, passion, and the deepest of loves.
Midwood takes her readers on an incredible journey where she lets us witness the darker, seedier side of life in Berlin during the 1920s — where alcohol seemingly ran as freely as water, opium was the drug of choice, and morals had flown out the window. Germany may well have been in the middle of a financial crisis, but there seemed to be an endless way to forget one's troubles, if, of course, one could afford it. Running alongside the smoke-stained ceilings, debauchery, and the artistic ability to capture an image that speaks a thousand words, is a rumble of political uncertainty. The seduction of The Communist Party of Germany (KPD) who promised equality and fairness despite having a rather shaky start, is played out with all its beguiling subterfuge while The National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) is the embodiment of hypocrisy. Midwood subtly weaves the political landscape into the story while not letting it take over the narrative, which I thought was incredibly well done. We do meet, at least I think we do, a rather prominent member of the Nazi Party during the 1920s and I had a moment of extreme fear for our courageous and intrepid heroine as she calls him out on his obsessive and dominating desire for one of her friends. I fear that such a heroic action may come back to haunt Margot in the next book.
Midwood has given her readers an enthralling heroine in Margot. Despite contemplating taking her own life at the beginning of this book, Margot is very quick to adapt to what is happening around her. When she sees an opportunity, she does not stop to think — she grabs it with both hands. Her relationship with Ernst and their subsequent journey together gives her hope. But as the story progresses, Margot and Ernst begin to travel in very different directions, which is when Paul Schneider comes into Margot's life and irrevocably changes it forever. I adored Midwood's depiction of Margot — it is rich and vibrant and so very real in the telling.
Born from the *first sight of the skyscrapers in New York in October 1924, Midwood has, like a Hollywood film of old, captured the very essence of what life was like on the set of Lang's lavishly expensive, pictorially impressive and visually powerful, Metropolis. It is well documented how demanding Lang was of everyone who worked on the set of Metropolis as he searched desperately for authenticity. Midwood portrays Lang as a director who cannot see past his vision. He is oblivious to the long hours he demands of his cast and crew, nor does he care about the risk involved. Lang was indeed single-minded in his approach to his work and Midwood has splendidly portrayed Lang's obsessive desire to capture his vision in all of its frightening yet fascinating glory.
Metropolis by Ellie Midwood is the kind of book that you have to recommend to everyone you know so that you can discuss it at length over coffee. I was thoroughly enchanted with this novel from beginning to end. Book 2 of this exciting series cannot come soon enough.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
*Fritz Lang: Director, Producer, Actor (1890 - 1976).
January 18, 2020
What a story! An instant page turner!
It starts with a scene that grabs you in an instant and that what follows never lets you to catch your breath. If I wouldn’t know Ellie Midwood is a modern-day author, I would think she lived in Berlin of 1920-ties. The story is so authentic, I felt right there, almost identifying myself with the characters. Margarete. What a personality! Every person she is involved with is so real, with his or her original psyche and understanding of the world. And the world of Berlin of that period is shocking.
The narrative is impeccable. With small brushes of her virtual pen, Ellie Midwood prepares the reader for what is in store for the country—and we know what is to befall it—and I can’t wait to find out how this brilliant author makes it happen in the next books of the Metropolis series.
It is obvious to see how much research went into this book (the life and work of the bohemians and the atmosphere of the epoch) and how perfectly the author interweaved it with the story of (some of them) real people.
This intricate, vibrant piece of historical fiction is a treat. A pure delight. Highly recommended.
It starts with a scene that grabs you in an instant and that what follows never lets you to catch your breath. If I wouldn’t know Ellie Midwood is a modern-day author, I would think she lived in Berlin of 1920-ties. The story is so authentic, I felt right there, almost identifying myself with the characters. Margarete. What a personality! Every person she is involved with is so real, with his or her original psyche and understanding of the world. And the world of Berlin of that period is shocking.
The narrative is impeccable. With small brushes of her virtual pen, Ellie Midwood prepares the reader for what is in store for the country—and we know what is to befall it—and I can’t wait to find out how this brilliant author makes it happen in the next books of the Metropolis series.
It is obvious to see how much research went into this book (the life and work of the bohemians and the atmosphere of the epoch) and how perfectly the author interweaved it with the story of (some of them) real people.
This intricate, vibrant piece of historical fiction is a treat. A pure delight. Highly recommended.
December 2, 2021
This was really pointless. Such a fascinating period, so many opportunities for drama and tension, but all were wasted on this Margot character. She could have been fun to read about, if everything didn’t come so effortlessly for her. There is only one obstacle, in the very first pages, and she overcomes it easily. The rest of the book is a monotonous string of successes and paeans being sung by a plethora of real historical personages. What? Leni Riefenstahl was this woman’s greatest fan! It’s a must read!
The writing feels as if it were not edited at all, or poorly edited. Sometimes it was downright difficult for me to parse certain sentences. If I haven’t buddy read it with my friend, it would’ve been a 100% waste of time for me.
The writing feels as if it were not edited at all, or poorly edited. Sometimes it was downright difficult for me to parse certain sentences. If I haven’t buddy read it with my friend, it would’ve been a 100% waste of time for me.
February 11, 2020
A brilliant, enthralling story that swept me in from the very first page. It was atmospheric and fast-paced, the words like music ...
Midwood has outdone herself with Metropolis! I love how we get a glimpse of another side of life during the rise of Nazi Germany. Margot is brilliant and relatable and inspiring, and I loved the relationships she forged and the obstacles she had to work through.
The themes of overcoming hardship and female fortitude and friendship tugged at my heart and kept me turning pages into the night. What an incredible, perfectly crafted story!
I’m delighted to learn this is the just the first book in the series - can’t wait for Metropolis 2!
Midwood has outdone herself with Metropolis! I love how we get a glimpse of another side of life during the rise of Nazi Germany. Margot is brilliant and relatable and inspiring, and I loved the relationships she forged and the obstacles she had to work through.
The themes of overcoming hardship and female fortitude and friendship tugged at my heart and kept me turning pages into the night. What an incredible, perfectly crafted story!
I’m delighted to learn this is the just the first book in the series - can’t wait for Metropolis 2!
May 23, 2020
What a fascinating book this is. It took me into the depths of Berlin during the dark days of inflation after WW I. It was wonderful the way Ellie introduced us to an apartment building full of societie's outcasts and made us see them as people who are more valuable than we would ever bother to admit. There's Ernst and Margot themselves who were at the bottom of their lives and ready to give up and commit suicide. They were ragged and penniless. They are led to an apartment and a lucrative job by a gay man. A man who will soon be in great danger of death when the Nazi regime takes over. There's Paul the gifted photographer who supplements his income with pornographic films. Berta is a Dominatrix who bakes wonderful Sunday cakes. It's rather like a scene from "One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest."
Margot goes on to become successful working for a Berlin Newspaper as a photographer and even greater she gets to work with Lang on the epic movie Metropolis. A work of art in silent film. Ernst, who accompanied her in her climb out of the gutter, leaves the next act of her life by joining the communist party and leaving for Russia. We lose track of him at this time. My guess is his fate is revealed in the next book.
Ernst's leaving is a good thing for Margot because she finds that she and Ernst were just a comfort for each other. At least that's how it was for Margot. Ernst seemed to have a deeper feeling for her, but it's never developed enough for us to be sure. The way he saved her black diamond ring, that was a family heirloom, seemed an act of love. Perhaps it was just an act of gratitude for the way she changed his life. She developed strong feelings for Paul, which made her living with Ernst an inconvenience.
Her saving Werner from being imprisoned and tortured as a homosexual is a good turnaround of the way he saved Margot and Ernst from their planned suicides. Margot shows herself to be a creative thinker who can be quite an actor when she wants to be. She's fortunate that her lover, Paul, is an understanding man who has no problem with her marrying Werner in order to save him. Now we just need to get the next book so we can find what happens to all these people once Hitler comes into his full power.
Ellie's historical backgrounds are wonderful. She does her homework and brings to life a time in history for her readers. Like any time in history, it had its darkness and its light; its ugliness and its beauty.
Margot goes on to become successful working for a Berlin Newspaper as a photographer and even greater she gets to work with Lang on the epic movie Metropolis. A work of art in silent film. Ernst, who accompanied her in her climb out of the gutter, leaves the next act of her life by joining the communist party and leaving for Russia. We lose track of him at this time. My guess is his fate is revealed in the next book.
Ernst's leaving is a good thing for Margot because she finds that she and Ernst were just a comfort for each other. At least that's how it was for Margot. Ernst seemed to have a deeper feeling for her, but it's never developed enough for us to be sure. The way he saved her black diamond ring, that was a family heirloom, seemed an act of love. Perhaps it was just an act of gratitude for the way she changed his life. She developed strong feelings for Paul, which made her living with Ernst an inconvenience.
Her saving Werner from being imprisoned and tortured as a homosexual is a good turnaround of the way he saved Margot and Ernst from their planned suicides. Margot shows herself to be a creative thinker who can be quite an actor when she wants to be. She's fortunate that her lover, Paul, is an understanding man who has no problem with her marrying Werner in order to save him. Now we just need to get the next book so we can find what happens to all these people once Hitler comes into his full power.
Ellie's historical backgrounds are wonderful. She does her homework and brings to life a time in history for her readers. Like any time in history, it had its darkness and its light; its ugliness and its beauty.
April 20, 2020
A Must-Read For Film Lovers
Ellie Midwood peers behind the camera in this must-have novel for fans of silent and classic film, if not film period. Exploring the world of Weimar Berlin and German cinema through the eyes of Margot, Grafin von Steinhoff, Ms. Midwood allows readers to go behind the scenes in one of the most ground-breaking films of the silent era, Fritz Lang’s brilliant masterpiece Metropolis. As someone who has seen the titled film, I was curious how Midwood would approach this novel, and I wasn’t disappointed.
What I loved about this book is how it captures what was so revolutionary about silent film: the presence of diversity within the industry, especially women behind the camera. Before the Hays Code overtook in the mid-thirties in Hollywood, the scope of subjects was unparalleled. Margot and her companions richly bring this to life as the reader gets swept away into the bohemian world of musicians, filmmakers, actors, models, and photographers. While reading I could easily hear a Kurt Weill song sung by a chanteuse, all while undertoned by the shadow of pending fascism represented in the brown shirts that would sweep the country just a few years later, forboding the exile of many filmmakers and actors that would become part of Hollywood legend. Those legends, such as Lang, would leave lasting imprints on filmmaking that we feel today. I can’t wait to read the next novel in this series! Highly recommended!
Ellie Midwood peers behind the camera in this must-have novel for fans of silent and classic film, if not film period. Exploring the world of Weimar Berlin and German cinema through the eyes of Margot, Grafin von Steinhoff, Ms. Midwood allows readers to go behind the scenes in one of the most ground-breaking films of the silent era, Fritz Lang’s brilliant masterpiece Metropolis. As someone who has seen the titled film, I was curious how Midwood would approach this novel, and I wasn’t disappointed.
What I loved about this book is how it captures what was so revolutionary about silent film: the presence of diversity within the industry, especially women behind the camera. Before the Hays Code overtook in the mid-thirties in Hollywood, the scope of subjects was unparalleled. Margot and her companions richly bring this to life as the reader gets swept away into the bohemian world of musicians, filmmakers, actors, models, and photographers. While reading I could easily hear a Kurt Weill song sung by a chanteuse, all while undertoned by the shadow of pending fascism represented in the brown shirts that would sweep the country just a few years later, forboding the exile of many filmmakers and actors that would become part of Hollywood legend. Those legends, such as Lang, would leave lasting imprints on filmmaking that we feel today. I can’t wait to read the next novel in this series! Highly recommended!
March 6, 2020
I'll start by saying the film strip at the beginning of each chapter was a nice touch. As for the book - I knew when I picked it up I couldn't go wrong with one of Midwood's books. She's my go-to historical fiction author and I'm happy to one-click everytime.
Metropolis might be my favourite so far! It's not often I verbally root for characters while reading - this one had me that invested!
Metropolis might be my favourite so far! It's not often I verbally root for characters while reading - this one had me that invested!
July 14, 2020
Elli Midwood does it again with Metropolis! Well-researched history weaves seamlessly with her fiction bringing characters to vivid life. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are interested in history around World War II. A fun and fascinating trip into Weimar Berlin and the gritty glamour of the German film industry. Well done.
February 4, 2020
Ellie Midwood knows how to write a narrative that is simply mesmerizing. As a lover of historical fiction, this title is definitely one for the books (pun intended)! Set in the 1920s, this book is a bit Gatsby and a bit saucier & mysterious too.
I look forward to reading more by author Ellie Midwood.
I look forward to reading more by author Ellie Midwood.
February 28, 2020
Another masterful work by Ms. Midwood. Can't wait to continue the series and see what happens to Margot, Paul, and Ernst next.
May 7, 2020
The story, set in 1924 Weimar Berlin, follows the life of Margot. From contemplating suicide to a successful career the story brings us through the perils faced by a woman in the times. Beautiful and descriptive scenes, colorful and endearing characters, and history all wrapped up in one great read. This was my first book by author Ellie Midwood, it will not be my last.
January 22, 2020
This was an absolutely stunning work of historical fiction. It grips the reader from the very first page, and makes it impossible to forget that you are not, in fact, actually living in 1920s Berlin as the story unfolds.
It's clear that much time and research went into writing this novel, and I soaked up every bit of information that I could. Midwood paints a clear portrait of the turmoil and restlessness of Berlin, and her clever foreshadowing gently builds a sense of unease as we turn the pages. Her characters are raw and incredibly relatable, and I could sense their desperation as they each struggled to control (or even understand) the direction their lives were heading. The relationships between characters were complex and compelling, and the feelings of love, of family, of hope, and despair were intricately woven in them.
I especially appreciated the author's note, because I love learning which very real figures and facts inspired the fictional ones. I'm already looking forward to the next book, ready to open my heart to those that are my "brothers and sisters," and ready to watch Margot "drown this city in love."
It's clear that much time and research went into writing this novel, and I soaked up every bit of information that I could. Midwood paints a clear portrait of the turmoil and restlessness of Berlin, and her clever foreshadowing gently builds a sense of unease as we turn the pages. Her characters are raw and incredibly relatable, and I could sense their desperation as they each struggled to control (or even understand) the direction their lives were heading. The relationships between characters were complex and compelling, and the feelings of love, of family, of hope, and despair were intricately woven in them.
I especially appreciated the author's note, because I love learning which very real figures and facts inspired the fictional ones. I'm already looking forward to the next book, ready to open my heart to those that are my "brothers and sisters," and ready to watch Margot "drown this city in love."
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