Gutted. That’s how I felt while reading The Undertaking by Audrey Magee. And I mean it in the best way possible. I’d give this book 4 out of 5 stars if I were one to give stars, but it is not an easy read. It’s about a Nazi soldier on the Russian front in WWII and his new wife back in Berlin. So yeah, it’s a pretty horrific war story and Magee’s writing style makes it ever so real. There is not one word to many or out of place. That’s what leaves you feeling gutted.
The story begins with Peter marrying a photograph of Katharina. They’ve never met. He marries her so he can get leave, she married him for the pension she’ll receive. They meet on his leave in Berlin and he’s swept up into the Nazi machinery by Katharina’s father before returning to the Russian front after 3 weeks.
I was fascinated by life in Berlin as told in The Undertaking and how being a ‘good Nazi’ could win one favors, and how quickly one could fall out of favor. Even though Peter becomes fully indoctrinated, this does not help one on the battlefield. Much of what goes on in the book is subtly told and stunning at the same time.
Who would like this book? This is a work of literary fiction that tells a story from a perspective we seldom see – that of German soldiers and Nazi loyalists. For that reason alone it is a worthwhile read. But on top of that, Magee is a stunning writer. The Undertaking was nominated for the Bailey Prize and deservedly so. The writing is sparse and precise and that is what makes it so cutting.
I received this book as part of my Willoughby Book Club Subscription.
52 books or bust 
Glad to hear you enjoyed this book! I mentioned this in a previous post or so but I was going back and forth between picking up this book last year or the year before and ended up deciding to hold it off. The premise sounded interesting and I’m glad to know that it does hold up & that Audrey Magee’s writing is fantastic. Will definitely bump this book up my wishlist 🙂
It’s powerful and upsetting. Hard to call it enjoyable given all the death, but if you’re in the right mood it could be great.
It’s sometimes hard to recommend stuff that is so affecting, isn’t it? I remember watching Dancer in the Dark many years ago and it left me outraged at the injustice for days. Though I don’t ever want to watch it again, because I just don’t want to go through that again, I still mark it as one of my favourite films because it moved me so much.
This sounds like a fascinating read. I probably won’t pick it up myself, but I’ll recommend it to those I know that like this kind of book. -Tania
Totally like Dancer in the Dark.
I love horrific war stories – it’s going on my list!
Yeah? Not really my thing and I think that’s why I found it so difficult. But good book either way.
I felt the same and thought it was such a great read – glad to see someone else picking it up!
Yippee!
Wow. I think I’m WWII’d out for a little while but when I’m ready again, this one sounds worth it!
So worth it. And it’s a little different from most books because it’s told from the German perspective.
Those are so rare but equally important. The Book Thief!
I still haven’t read The Book Thief, but I do own it, so…
Oh you should!
Wow, this sounds depressing from the premise and right on through! Although I do often end up enjoying books that make me cry, this is one that sounds sad enough, I’m not sure I can make myself pick it up.
It’s pretty heavy. Thank goodness it’s a short book.
Gutted is such an intriguing word- as you mention. I’m put-off and attracted at the same time. Writing that good is almost always worth it. Adding to my TBR!
And I do mean gutted in the best way possible.