Weimar Berlin, 1924 Unemployed actors, profiteers, cabaret girls, and impoverished aristocracy – out of this wild set of characters populating Weimar Berlin, Margarete Gräfin von Steinhoff belongs to the latter category. Having lost everything due to hyper-inflation, she considers jumping into the freezing waters of the Spree rather than facing the humiliating existence shared by millions of her … millions of her fellow Germans. However, a chance meeting makes her change her mind at the last moment and offers her a chance to rely on the help of the metropolis itself, where anything can be sold and bought for money and where connections are everything. The bustling nightlife of cosmopolitan Berlin, with its casinos and dance halls, brings good income for the ones who don’t burden themselves too heavily with morals.
After a New Year’s Eve party, Margot finally meets her ever-absent and mysterious neighbor, Paul Schneider, who makes a living by producing a certain type of film for his rich clientele. Under his guidance, Margot discovers a new passion of hers – photography and soon, her talents are noticed by the prominent newspaper, Berliner Tageblatt itself. But being an official photographer of the most celebrated events of the La Scala and most famous Berlin theaters no longer satisfies Margot’s ambitions. As soon as the chance presents itself for her to get involved with the cinematography on the set of “Metropolis” – the film with the highest budget ever produced by the UFA – Margot jumps at it, without thinking twice. At the same time, Paul becomes involved with a rival project, “The Holy Mountain,” which stars an as yet unknown actress and an emerging director in, Leni Riefenstahl. As the two women meet, professional rivalry soon turns into a true friendship, fueled by their passion for cinematography. However, due to the economic woes facing Germany, both projects soon run out of money and now, both film crews must go to extreme lengths to save their respective productions.
Set against the backdrop of a decadent, vibrant, and fascinatingly liberal Weimar Berlin, “Metropolis” is a novel of survival, self-discovery, and self-sacrifice, in the name of art, love, and friendship.
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Thank you HFVBT and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Metropolis
By: Ellie Midwood
*REVIEW*
It is odd to think that anything good and beautiful occurred in Berlin during the 1920s because historically this was not a time of positive development, i.e. the rise of the Nazi party. Ellie Midwood’s Metropolis breathes life into a somewhat unknown aspect of this era in Weimar Berlin. The story begins with Margot, a young woman sunk into abject poverty with nothing to live for, teetering on the edge of life and death. She is serendipitously saved from taking her own life because something changes her mind, giving her a bit of hope. Margot slowly integrates with the hustle and bustle of Berlin’s metropolis and nightlife. It is here that Margot discovers her hidden talents, and these talents take her to places she never dreamed possible. Metropolis is a compelling and unique look at a part of Berlin I knew nothing about prior to this book. It is fascinating to me that such glitz and glamour was unassumingly juxtaposed against the darkness and evil rising with the growth of the Nazi party. Margot is an inspirational, intelligent and strong character. I was captivated by this story from the start. It is beautifully written and captures the atmosphere perfectly. The reader is dropped into 1920s Berlin for this amazing story. I am intrigued to learn more about this time period, and I look forward to more from Ellie Midwood.
Charmed beyond expectation by this read, which brings the chaotic, inflationary times in Berlin between the two world wars to life. Margot has lost everything except her title and is ready to end it all. Instead, through a chance meeting with an equally disillusioned war veteran, she meets the people who will shape her new life. From penniless, to singer to renowned photographer and cinematographist, Margot’s zest for life, determination and independent spirit shines through. As she submerges herself in the bohemian lifestyle and the exciting possibilities of film, the dark shadows of what is to come spread ever closer.
Great read.
***** A True Look at 1920s Berlin
Once again, Ellie Midwood’s thorough research and signature detailed descriptions abound in this newest book about Berlin during the 1920s. She shows us how the desperately poor live, as well as the rich with all their fancy villas, their artwork, elegant food, drink, and “enough cocaine and opium for everyone to indulge in.” We also find out it’s a time when people’s political views are becoming increasingly more aggressive and nasty––with Communists and Jews being painted as truly “evil,” corrupt, and Germany’s true enemies.
Up against this background, we are introduced to Margot, a countess, poor enough to consider ending her life. Ernest, who later becomes her roommate, is also beside himself with despair. When they connect, they are soon presented to other people at this rooming house, such as Werner, who gets them both jobs, and Paul, a highly talented photographer as well as a romantic interest, who teaches Margot all about photography.
And much like the film, “Cabaret,” we witness other various colorful characters, their beliefs, and the wild tempo and turbulence of this time and place. But in this case, we then stay alongside Margot as she is inducted into the world of the famous and commanding film director, Fritz Lang, as well as a young actress by the name of Leni Riefenstahl. Having heard about Fritz Lang before and watched Riefenstahl’s extremely well-done, yet chilling Hitler propaganda films, I particularly enjoyed discovering more about those two people. Do I recommend this book? Of course! With bells on…
An insightful look into Weimer Berlin in the 1920’s.
Ellie Midwood has a way with painting vivid scenes and beautiful imagery. Her research is always spot on so no matter what time in history she chooses to write about, you feel as if you are right there in the middle of it.
In this story, Metropolis, Margot von Steinhoff is a photographer on the set of a film (Metropolis). Throughout the novel, the process of the creation of one of histories most impactful movies is described in a refreshing way with historical figures brought to life.
Of course with the beautiful parts of any town, there are dark parts described in the story too. The streets of Berlin aren’t an easy place with the nightlife and everyone just trying to make a living in a world filled with rising tension.
Besides Margot, every character is well fleshed out. Her love interest and best friends were also well done. Though the story is beautiful, it does deal with some difficult topics.
All in all, this is another beautiful novel of Ellie Midwood’s.
Wow. Different than Midwood’s other books; however, still thoroughly enchanting. This book reminded me of an old Marlene Detrich film noir, with Margo cast as the sultry mystery woman. So much has been written about the war years; this one stands out as covering the period between where the public struggled to maintain some sense of normalcy even in the racier clubs and dark corners of the city, while looking over their shoulder at a growing menace. Midwood’s usual style and flair for character and dialog carry the story through. A great read and kick off to a promising series.
OMG, what a brilliant read. I am still reeling after finishing this incredible story.
Set in cosmopolitan Berlin in the mid 1920’s the reader is taken on an amazing journey through the Bohemian world of seedy nightclubs, dance halls and decadent private parties through to the world of cinematography.
Ellie Midwood is another new author for me, and I will definitely be reading more of her books. Her style of writing is so descriptive, that I was drawn into the story immediately, and didn’t want it to end.
Metropolis, named after the eponymous German sci-flic released in 1927, is a rich historical tapestry of a read. We follow Margot von Steinhoff as she pulls herself out of some pretty desperate circumstances and finds her way into the 1920s Berlin arts scene, ultimately winding up working at Babelsberg studio on the set of Metropolis and using her unique creative genius to influence the film. The book plays with the true characters affiliated with Babelsberg at the time – Fritz Lang, Thea von Harbou, and Leni Riefenstahl – with a deft hand, which makes this book a must-read historical. As we follow Margot in her quest for artistic development and ultimately freedom, we are given glimpses of the inchoate Nazi party. This book is a stark reminder of how the arts and freedom of expression throughout time provide a voice against tyranny. The best part of the story for me was Ellie’s writing. In Metropolis, she writes about 1924 Weimar Berlin as though she experienced it firsthand. Highly recommend this and all of Ms. Midwood’s books.
Highly recommended historical fiction.
I’ve read other books by the author that are set during WW2, so I was intrigued to find out how she would handle a story set in the 1920’s. As expected, the attention to detail, research, and quality writing that flow in the WW2 books are there, but in this story, they reach a new level as the depiction of 1920’s Berlin feels amazingly authentic and believable. The characters are incredibly well drawn as if they’d been plucked out of the period, and dropped into the book. The story is grounded in a piece of cinematography history as the main character, Margot, works on the set with film director Fritz Lang who is in the process of creating what became a ground-breaking Sci-Fi movie, Metropolis, and the author gives great insight into the production of the film, which adds an additional layer of authenticity to the story. Highly recommended historical fiction.
Margarete Gräfin von Steinhoff, once was someone who did not have to worry about where her next meal was, where she was going to live or worry about how she was going to get through the next day. Money, hunger and warmth were never anything that has crossed her mind. Due to hyper-inflation happening in Weimar Berlin, 1924 she now has rocks in the pockets of one of her last possessions she owns and is contemplating how long it may take, and how cold the water may be if she follows through with what many before her have unfortunately done as well.
She notices that she may not be able to do this in peace, as there is a silhouette of a man just down from her. Is he watching? Wanting to know if she will go through with it? What kind of person could just sit there, when it is obvious her intent? She calls out, and the two realize they are both there for the same purpose and maybe this isn’t what is supposed to happen to them after all. Maybe they are saving each other.
Ernst and Margot become fast friends, and help each other fill the voids by entering a relationship that is merely to survive life. Both bring different things to the table, that eventually gets them back on their feet and an opportunity presents itself, that neither one can pass up. They become a duo, he plays piano and she sings. They become known amongst the different groups, and soon they are getting offers to preform, offers they cannot refuse and never imaged would be getting paid so much for. Life is on the up for both of them.
They immerse themselves within circles of groups they never thought imaginable, and see the unimaginable as well. Although money is coming in and both have been no longer living in fear of not being able to survive from day to day, there still seems to be a void- something missing.
One of the tenants in the apartment has left his door open, and Margot wanders in. This is one of the few rooms she has never been in, nor met the owner as he is known to always be traveling. Photo’s are everywhere. They are breathtaking and she cannot help herself but wanders further into his personal space.
Paul interrupts her intrusion and she feels an instant connection. Who is this man? Where did he learn to photograph? Why is he always traveling? She wants to know more. She begins to spend more and more time with him, and soon she finds her calling under his wing. Photography.
Her and Ernst start to split apart as he has made a new friend who is part of government parties that Margot does not exactly agree with, and she learns more and more under Paul, even though he is tough on her. He strives for perfection and will make her take shot, after shot, after shot until it’s just as he had envisioned it should be. Until the truth of the photo comes out, and tells the story.
This new talent has catapulted Margot into the newspaper and film world, as her photos are getting out there, noticed and wanted. She soon finds herself on the set of one of the most sought after directors, although he seems to be a bit of a dictator, he also strives for excellence and perfection and will not stop until he gets it. Margot is the only person who can interrupt and correct his vision.
Margot is on top of the world, but there is still something missing. She realizes with Paul not really in her life that maybe there was something more there between them. Although she felt the spark, and often times he seemed to want it also, she never could figure out his feelings but yet he is sending her letters and congratulations. Will the two find each other once again, and will Margot finally have the one thing she has missed out on her whole life, true love?
Very well written novel. It was an interesting look into the downfall before WWII as well as an inside look into the film industry as it was just starting to boom. Another great novel about a female who had to somewhat fight her way, while it was still very much a man’s world.
Thank you to the author, Ellie Midwood for allowing me to read and review another one of her novels! Also, to Historical Fiction Virtual Blog Tours for always reaching out to me.
I found this book fascinating. Life in Berlin in the 1920s comes alive, from the debauchery of the rich to the desperation of the poor. There were many moments I wanted to tell the characters, “You don’t want to do that!” The story was great at building up the tension for the rise of the Nazis. Do it little by little so people don’t realize the freedoms they are losing.
I enjoyed the look at the world of movie making. After finishing the book, I looked for and watched “Metropolis.” It was fascinating to see the completed version after having learned some of the backstage goings-on.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the story.
Book Review:
Metropolis by author, Ellie Midwood
Weimar, Berlin 1924 ~ A time of despair and decadence.
Metropolis is an authentic masterpiece that gives to the reader an intriguing look into a time period that sits solidly between two World Wars. A story that will captivate and leave you breathless. You’ll experience this narrative through a different lens then you’re expecting within the historical fiction genre. The lens in this case, belongs to the age of artistic innovation as one woman makes her way out of desperation and into Berlin’s radiant and powerful entertainment industry of film.
Margot von Steinhoff has seen it all by having it all, but due to circumstance she’s about to make a life-altering decision, one she could not have imagined herself ever making…
One unexpected twist of fate changes the course of the bigger plan, her plan~ and one that saves her in more ways than one. As Margot’s life becomes an intricate tapestry of hurdles, disappointment, and surprises, her story continues to evolve against the backdrop of the 1920’s that inevitably becomes its own character, in its own right, as to its economic prosperity, carefree living, and cultural edge.
Author, Ellie Midwood brings to life through her strong, lively characters and attention to detail, a well researched and most entertaining novel~ a story of hope in the midst of uncertainty. An atmospheric gem that kept me turning the pages in anticipation.
I thank the author for allowing me the opportunity to read and review Metropolis, a uniquely crafted story of self-discovery, sacrifice, strength and survival.
5 Stars
#Metropolis
#EllieMidwood
Wild Sage Book Blog
Great insight into the history of Europe after the first world war. Fascinating read!
Can’t wait to read the next one in this series
wonderful insight into pre-war inflationary Germany.
I loved this book – so interesting and an insight into life at the time
This book had me hooked from the first chapter.
Marot goes from wanting to end her life, becomes a singer, and then learns all about photography to film making. She meets all kinds and types of people. Margot falls in love, marries someone else to prevent him from going to prison, and still manages to be happy with the man she loves.
An entertaining book and a joy to read, with a great storyline and characters
Recommend.
I really enjoyed the time period of this book and the characters. It gives the reader a peek into this era. I would recommend this book.
Really tugged at my heartstrings. Want to read it again!
the characters created what it might be like in berlin between the world wars I felt what was coming.
Great read about post WWI Berlin. It follows characters trying to eke a living as photographers and musicians and the tangle of lives and societies they engage.