Ellie Midwood's Metropolis: A Musical Journey Through the City

Suzanne G: Midwood has done it again, this time focusing on the last years of German society before Hitler took power. Beginning in the back streets and forbidden cafes similar to those seen in Cabaret and going up to the pinnacle of the German film industry, Midwood has thoroughly researched her subject matter and delivers a story that includes such public figures as Leni Riefenstahl and Fritz Lang.

Her characters are well developed and the pacing of the book is perfect for this story; the reader knows what ultimately happens, but still holds on to a small glimmer of hope that this tale would be different. The ending leaves the possibility of a sequel wide open, and readers I think, are more than willing to snatch it up if one is released.

United States on Nov 28, 2020

Diogenes: Berlin. The days of the Weimar Republic.
A woman on a bridge contemplates the icy waters below, her pockets full of rocks.
“Thank you for treating me to my last supper.”
Thus begins ‘Metropolis’, a beautifully evocative account of life in Germany between the two World Wars, where decadence and desperation sit cheek-by-jowl. The author captures the mood of the time brilliantly.
“Black, hardwood floors contrasted marvelously with silver wallpaper that shone like silk in the light of multiple crystal candelabras. Long, floor-to-ceiling mirrors lined the walls, creating the illusion of endless chambers, transcending one into another, reflecting her countless twins in red. Among the mirrors, the most curious paintings hung, depicting the oddest, yet strangely hypnotizing things. In one of them, a Templar Knight sat on a throne with his helmet lying at his feet, crushed by the hoof of the devil whose barely-visible shadow hovered above the slumped, defeated figure.”
Ellie Midwood is fast becoming one of my go-to writers of historical fiction, and ‘Metropolis’ is a fine addition to her canon: passion, rivalry and friendship among the economic ruins of 1920s...

United Kingdom on Aug 03, 2020

Kindle ANGIE.: The story starts with a young lady on a bridge, rocks in her pockets and a strong desire to jump in the river. As she takes one last look around she sees a man with the same look on his face, and rocks in his pockets!
They decide to go to a bar and have a drink to warm themselves before doing the deed.
So begins a story of nineteen twenties Berlin, the nightlife, the poverty, the blooming interest in communism and the film industry.
I really got involved with book and read it in quite a short time, all the characters were interesting in their own way , and I thoroughly enjoyed it

United Kingdom on Jun 30, 2020

DR Naturegirl: Margot, part of a bankrupt aristocracy, intends to take her life. She is saved by a young and desperate man who intends to do the same. Indeed, they save each other and form an unlikely relationship. The rest of the story tracks their different journeys and ultimately Margot’s own success. In losing her moneyed status she gains empathy for others in situations worse than her own and learns to love herself, and her fellow citizens. Constructed around the real events on the set of Metropolis the book deals with sexism, feminism, Nazism and Communism in various degrees. It’s an enlightening read if you don’t know much about the period - as I don’t - but above all it has interesting characters and plot.

United Kingdom on Jun 26, 2020

Tarian Green: How the mighty fall. Countess Margo has lost everything due to the catastrophic inflation following world war one. Two people on the verge of suicide share some valuable time relaying their stories of decline. They become housemates and work together to pull themselves from the mire. However, they quickly find that talent and having a face which fits may still be sold. Later developing an interest in photography Margo meets Paul also a photographer. Eventually, she becomes a cinematographer and works on Fritz Langs genius film.
This is an insightful betrayal of the fascinating interlude between the wars. Margo a singer and Ernst a pianist are drawn into the world of Berlin bohemia with its corruption, colourful characters which represent every aspect of life at that time, and reminiscent of the film ‘Cabaret’.
Everything fits in this beautifully described book, the intricately described intimacy of relationships, the accurate drawing of each scene, the decadence, realism and exacting details on all fronts. All under the growing shadow of war.
I would highly recommend this book for its engrossing realism and fast-paced entertainment.

United Kingdom on May 02, 2020

A. J. Kohler: Two people in post-WWI Berlin save each other from ending their own lives and begin making a life together. As they are drawn in different directions, their stories become increasingly complex.

Margot is, technically, a baroness – which is at times an asset, one she doesn’t hesitate to use to her advantage. Since the title now comes without any estate, those times are fewer and farther between than might be expected.

She does, however, learn to be an accomplished photographer, both stills and motion pictures. Becoming involved (as a photographer) with two high-profile producers working on two movies provides her with real meaning. Becoming involved (not as a photographer) with the photographer who taught her provides her with, shall we say, personal satisfaction.

Metropolis provides an insight into the artistic world of Weimar Germany in the 1920's, at a time when the Nazis were troublesome outsiders instead of the all-encompassing threat they later became. It’s a fascinating read and I recommend it.

United States on Apr 27, 2020

Trudie Collins: What a start to a book! It hooks you and reels you in from the very first page. I’ve read a number of books by this author and they vary between very good and great. None of them have I been able to put down and this one is no exception.
I didn’t think I would like reading books about the war, but this author puts a different slant on it, she explores a side that is usually overlooked. She manages to make the story come to life and it’s hard to believe she isn’t writing biographies. Reading the part at the end where she tells the reader about the real characters she researched and based her books on is as interesting as the books themselves.
This book, however, focuses on the times between the two world wars rather than talking about events during WW2. As a result, it lacks the horror and overwhelming sadness of her other books, so if you find reading about what really went on during the world wars difficult, give this book a go. It will introduce you to a great author without putting you off reading more. You will become addicted and want to read more. This is the first in a series and I’m really looking forward to finding out what happens to the characters as WW2...

Australia on Feb 21, 2020

Cynthia Hilston: This is the eighth novel by Ellie Midwood I've read, and once again, she amazes me. Metropolis is her first novel set in Weimer Berlin (1920s), instead of during World War II. As in all her World War II novels, her research is impressive and thorough. The story follows fictional Margot von Steinhoff as she becomes a skilled photographer who works on the set of the film, Metropolis. A truly revolutionary film that still leaves an impression today and was ahead of its time, Ellie Midwood does a beautiful job of describing the process of the creation of the film. In addition to the details of making a movie, she brings historical figures, such as director Fritz Lang, to life.

Not only is the reader completely immersed in the production of the film, you will feel like you are walking down the rowdy streets of Berlin with Margot. Prostitution, nightclubs, and wild nightlife mark the way of life for the struggling lower and middle classes as they tried to make ends meet. Against the backdrop of rising communist and Nazi parties, civilians simply wanted to live in freedom following the First World War. The 1920s were truly a revolutionary period in modern history.

Besides a...

United States on Jan 31, 2020

Saskia: The first book in a new trilogy by Ellie Midwood set in the Twenties in Berlin, the 1920 that is. It is a time with extreme high inflation , so life it hard for most people apart from the Elite. It is the perfect breeding ground for the rise of Hitler and his party.

The first chapter draws you into the story right away. it is very intense and moving and captures the desperation so many people felt.

The story follows Margarete Gräfin von Steinhoff in her search to find herself and the joy of life. It features the artistic side of Berlin, a side i never really realised, so it was so interesting to read about all the that and getting a behind the scene look of a making of the movie.

Underneath there is the eerie sense of what is about to change everything for everyone.

United States on Jan 31, 2020