"Address Unknown," by Kathrine Kressman Taylor, was first published in "Story" magazine in 1938. This story (or short novel, if you prefer) is told in the form of letters between two characters: Max Eisenstein, an American Jew; and his friend Martin Schulse, a German who has returned home after having lived in the United States. The letters span the years 1932-34, and touch on the rise of Hitler and on the Shoah, or Holocaust. The 2001 Washington Square Press edition of the book contains a fascinating foreword by Charles Douglas Taylor, the authors son; he discusses the storys publication history and offers some biographical data on the author. I found this book to be an intriguing piece of fiction. The letters begin on a friendly note, but tension soon rises. There are also chillinging twists to the plot. Recommended reading, especially for those with an interest in fiction of the World War II and pre-war era.
I read this book (novella really - almost a short story) in one sitting, and found it to be both profoundly disturbing and very clever. There is a marvellous twist in the tale which I have to confess that I didnt see coming, and despite the real horrors of the story, left me satisfied and smiling at the end. But this is not a perfect book - some of the other reviewers have mentioned the inaccuracies of the time and the geography, and how parts of some of the characters adventures and activities are a little too pat. All of this is true. But we forgive all of that as we read the letters which demonstrate so well the dissolving of a lifetimes ties of friendship, and the infinitely clever revenge that is eventually had. So, not a perfect book, but a very, very good one (4 and a half stars really), and one that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in history, clever writing, and who loves a story with a twist in the tale!
Based on the positive hype, I ordered four copies of this lovely little book. I should have read the reviews more carefully, but I did not want to risk finding out the surprise ending. Unfortunately, I cant send this book to anyone on my list: its a quick read and well crafted, but its unflattering to Jews (though perhaps it wouldnt have been perceived this way 65 years ago?); and the ultimate message is a great disappointment to anyone who believes that vengeance is not laudable, however cleverly it is accomplished.
