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Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite
“Only much later do you realize that all the maturity forced upon you has robbed you of something precious.” In Martyn Burke's novel, The Gossip Columnist, many characters experience loss, with innocence being just one of the things taken from them. As the Weimar years come to a close in Germany, the era of debauchery and depravity is about to be replaced by the brutality and absurdity of the Third Reich. The protagonist, Bella, navigates this chaotic time while trying to protect her sister, Karin. Bella eventually finds work at Vossische Zeitung as a gossip columnist, where she meets the enigmatic editor, Paul. Their existence becomes precarious as the Nazi regime tightens its grip on Germany, demanding total obedience. When Bella and Paul decide to push back through their gossip columns, they launch an effective campaign that embarrasses the Reich. However, they soon face a significant challenge: the regime, particularly the propaganda minister Goebbels, decides to strike back.
Disturbing yet intriguing, The Gossip Columnist by Martyn Burke provides a compelling glimpse into Nazi Germany that would have made Erich Maria Remarque proud. The plot centers on a woman and her close-knit group of companions as they navigate the perils of a brutal regime and, eventually, the chaos of a world war. The narrative resonates with multiple themes that remain relevant today, particularly the idea that society often rejects extremes, leading to a pendulum effect that can result in devastating consequences. The greatest strength of this well-crafted tale lies in its character development, as these individuals are examples of impeccable and brilliant creation. Although the pace of the story is slower, this allows for a more detailed exploration of a world long past while serving as a subtle reminder that what has happened before can happen again. The Gossip Columnist is a raw and unforgiving portrayal of life in the Third Reich, and a perfect read for fans of historical fiction and drama.
