At first, Berlin 2013 might seem like just another political thriller, but it quickly reveals itself to be something much more complex and literary. The characters aren’t clearly good or bad, which makes them both intriguing and unsettling, sticking with you long after you’ve finished reading. I especially appreciated that Amorim didn’t go for the usual villains, like oil companies. Instead, it hits harder when the so-called “good guys,” like environmental organizations, turn out to be evil. This adds a strong sense of irony to the story.

One of the most memorable aspects of Berlin 2013 is the way Amorim handles the strategy meetings at GreenKraut. In the dialogues, the line between crime and business is practically nonexistent. The GreenKraut executives, led by the ruthless Dr. Hans von Adelsberg, discuss blackmail, sabotage, and corporate warfare as casually as if they’re planning a new ad campaign. The way they plot to destroy competitors and manipulate the public is both chilling and fascinating. Amorim’s sharp wit and biting irony make these scenes some of the most powerful and unsettling in the book.

Unreliable characters, deeply corrupt in both their souls and actions, incapable of being honest in describing the real situation depicted in these pages, are woven into a profound satire that seeks to portray a disjointed and sometimes ineffective political landscape. The book is so well-written that it can be finished in just a few days, immersing the reader in a series of challenges. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys satire and is looking for a spectacular blend of current events and narrative artifice.

I’ve been a fan of Izai Amorim for a while now, having really enjoyed his previous novels. “On the Run” was a lot of fun with its humor and lightness, while “Liberty Farm: A Family Portrait” captivated me with its beautifully crafted family dynamics. So, I was excited to read “Berlin 2013,” but I have to say, this one just wasn’t for me.

The book is well-written, but it’s far too dark for my taste. The bleak world that Izai paints is unsettling. There’s no lightness, no love, and no redemption here.

That said, the writing is as sharp as ever, and I’m sure many readers will appreciate the dark satire and intricate plot. I’m still a fan and will definitely be looking forward to his next novel.

What a great book! What I enjoyed most was how seamlessly Amorim blends real and alternate history. The way he mixes actual historical events with fictional twists is so convincing that I found myself Googling to see what was real and what wasn’t. It’s that good. The United States of Europe, the political power plays, and even the grim fate of Berlin all feel disturbingly plausible, making it hard to tell where history ends and fiction begins. This blend not only makes the book a gripping read but also a bit of an educational experience—with a dark, satirical edge. If you like stories that make you think, question, and even double-check your facts, Berlin 2013 is definitely worth reading.

Amorim crafts a story that's unsettling yet vital, challenging us to question who controls the narratives we believe and why. It's not the easiest read, but it’s a powerful reminder to stay aware of the forces shaping our society. While Amorim doesn't unveil anything new beyond what's covered in many non-fiction books or the daily news, presenting these ideas through a novel amplifies the message. I hope this literary approach reaches a broader audience than non-fiction political books, delivering its impact in a more engaging and memorable way. I completely agree with the author's assertion that we must stop and reverse the ongoing erosion of democratic values.

This book can be a bit tough to get through at times because of the shocking events it portrays. Amorim really doesn’t hold back, painting a vivid picture of racism, xenophobia, and violence against immigrants. It’s unsettling how everyone, including the media, just ignores these issues, making marginalized groups feel invisible. The similarities to today’s politics in America and Europe are hard to miss. Even though some parts were hard to stomach, Amorim’s storytelling kept me hooked, forcing me to confront some uncomfortable truths.

I absolutely loved this book, especially for its historical and psychological depth. It’s rare to find a novel that explores post-war German history so profoundly, highlighting intergenerational traumas and behavioral patterns. The main character, Rainer-Werner Sprengberg, is an ex-terrorist and unlikely hero who embodies the contradictions of the German post-war generation. Despite the left-wing terrorists’ attempts to break away from the past, they tragically end up adopting the same rigid ideologies and violent methods as their right-wing fathers.

But the left-wing terrorists aren’t the only ones repeating the past. The novel’s backdrop of conflicts within environmental protection movements raises the question of whether these individuals are also refighting old wars by other means.

Finally, the metaphor of lace curtains for conservative values and societal rigidity is simply brilliant. A great read.

This book is a bit of a mixed bag.

On the one hand, it deals and exposes issues very relevant to today’s reality: the fallacy of Green policies; corruption; political sociopathy; journalistic immorality; or the long-term indoctrination of Western society, to name some.

On the other hand, the characters are so single-mindedly perverse and morally corrupt as to make them unrelatable. The whole book is but blunt satire, such as when using “-berg” on all German names. Even the short sentences and chapters point at a caricature of fast-paced thriller series.

I am not quite certain I enjoyed it, to be honest. I did not dislike it, and though I did get frustrated, it may have been from a sense of frustration while observing how clear of a mirror it presents to the madness of this 2024. Which brings me to the greatest mystery of the whole book, namely, that if it indeed is just a slightly adapted version of an original 1989 manuscript, then how much of the plot stems from Mr Amorim’s fantasies, and how much from predictable events.

And THAT is the scariest bit of it all.