"The greatest book ever written about the German resistance to the Nazis."—Primo Levi

This unflinching masterpiece based on a true story of resistance is more timely than ever, as fascist forces in the 20th century find their home in the rhetoric of the modern right wing political agenda.

Entering its 15th year of English translation, the brilliant Hans Fallada's account of what The New Yorker called “a visceral, chilling portrait of … everyday German life during the war" follows a working-class couple in Berlin and grieving the loss of their son, launch a campaign to oppose the Nazi regime.

Based on a true story from the files of the Gestapo, this sweeping saga of resistance is more relevant than ever in modern times, with the rise of right wing rhetoric echoed in global politics, and seen in increased book bannings and the reversal of womens' and LGBTQ+ rights in the US.

In the end, it’s more than an edge-of-your-seat thriller, more than a moving romance, even more than literature of the highest order—it’s a deeply stirring story of two people standing up for what’s right—even against impossible odds.

A New York Times Book Review “Notable Book of The Year” 2009 • The New Yorker’s Favorite Fiction Books of 2009 • A Globe & Mail Best Books of the Year selection 2009 • Barnes & Noble Review’s Top Ten Fiction Books of 2009 • Amazon Top Ten Novels of the Year So Far • NPR’s On Point Radio Top Ten Summer Reads • The San Francisco Chronicle Best Books of the Year • Minneapolis Star Tribune Top Books of the Year • The New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice • The New Republic’s Top 5 Fiction Books of 2009 • Washington City Paper’s Top 10 Books of 2009 • The Scotsman Best Fiction Books of 2009 • The Sunday Telegraph Best Books of 2009 • Best Books of the Year, Shelf Awareness