Reading for the Road: A Few Fascinating Books About Germany

Lewis Evans

Rest of Europe | Germany

At The Slow Road we answer to many names (wanderers, bon vivants, students of life) but first and foremost, we’re a group of dedicated travellers.

That’s why we love compiling reading lists that include those books—from novels to memoirs, and everything in between—that have really opened up our favourite regions.

In this post we’ll round up a few fascinating books about Germany.

Must-Read Books about Germany

The Berlin Diaries

By Marie Vassiltchikov

The compulsively readable wartime account of an emigre Russian princess who was secretary to Adam Von Trott, mastermind of the failed 20th of July plot to assassinate Hitler. Idealistic, vivacious and observant, “Missie” conveys the flavour of Berlin during the 1940s.

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The Germans

By Gordon A. Craig

A gifted historian, Craig explores the complex paradoxes of German identity in this masterly portrait of German life, past and present, with chapters on religion, money, Jews, women, literature and society, Berlin and language.

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Rolling Beyond the Wall

On our Berlin to Dresden Biking trip, explore the dynamic cities of Berlin, Potsdam and Dresden—three German gems replete with culture, history and art, which also reveal a dynamic, contemporary soul.

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The Tin Drum

By Günter Grass

Considered to be perhaps the best German novel written since the end of World War II, this is the surreal story of a mute dwarf named Oskar who lives through Nazi Germany and finds himself in a mental institution. The film was adapted into a film which won the 1979 Palme d’Or and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

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Dresden: Tuesday, February 13, 1945

By Frederick Taylor

A re-evaluation of the Allied firebombing of Dresden, one of the most destructive, and still controversial, air campaigns of WWII.

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Reading for the Road Essentials + Advice

Lewis Evans

Veteran B&R Guide turned Trip Planner Lewis Evans can ask for a coffee in five European languages. And while this often results in him being served a crusty cheese sandwich, he’s terrific at pretending that’s what he ordered.