I read my first Robert Harris book during the flights to and from Astana, the great historical fiction writer. I ran upon his book upon chance. Maybe with the movie the Oscar-nominated Conclave (based on Harris’s book) on Netflix, the book was being promoted in my digital library. I loved it and couldn’t put it down on my travel day on Wednesday.
Munich refers to the Munich Agreement between England, France, and Nazi Germany right before the start of World War II. Harris has always been fascinated by the negotiations that took place between Hitler and British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain. Harris did a ton of research and it shows with his realistic depiction of what took place. The novel is based on two characters, one a British diplomat and speech writer for Chamberlain and the other, a German diplomat that is part of a furtive dissident group within the German government. The two are old friends from their time at Oxford University.
Prior to reading the book, I only remembered that Chamberlain gave in to all of Hitler’s demands and in the end, Hitler did what he wanted anyway. My perception was Chamberlain was a fool and Churchill the wise politician who saw Hitler for what he was: a crazy, violent leader that was intent on taking over Europe. Harris’s account paints a more nuanced picture. Chamberlain was trying to avoid the next World War and knew that these negotiations would ultimately avoid war, but he felt it was worth it because of the delay. Chamberlain at the time was feted for his diplomatic efforts and any politician should be looked on positively who is working for peace.
New Words / Good Quotes
- Pompeiian Red – a hue close to red ochre that was commonly used in ancient Roman paintings and is abundant in the murals of Pompeii.
- Corvine – crow-like
- Adjutant – an executive assistant for a military officer
- Saturnine – gloomy
- Avuncular – like an uncle
- Peevish – ill-tempered, ready to fight
“the power of unreason” – A speech by the German diplomat from what he learned being inside the government during Hitler’s rise. People thought Hitler was not all bad and all of the anti-Jewish rhetoric in Mein Kampf would pass. At Oxford he learned the “power of reason” but working for the Nazis, he learned the “power of unreason”
“You see gentlemen, it is the same in every country; ordinary people the world over want nothing more than to live their lives in peace, to cherish their children and their families, and to enjoy the fruits that nature, art, and science have to offer them. THAT is what I wish to say to Hitler.”
It was a good technique to use someone close to the historical moment but not one of the main characters to tell this story. It makes the reader feel like a fly on the wall.
Nadia and I also watched Conclave. I loved it! We were both raised in strong Catholic families and are familiar with priests and bishops. Ralph Fiennes was excellent as the managing cardinal.
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