FatherlandFatherland
Score Modern
What it's about
In April 1964, a week before Hitler's 75th birthday, Berlin detective Xavier March investigates a body found in a lake. In this alternate history where Germany won the war, the case leads to a conspiracy that could reach the top of the Reich.
Why it's worth reading
It's on the Guardian's list of 1,000 novels everyone must read. It's a gripping detective story set in a chilling alternate history.
You'll love it if you liked
Enigma
The Plot Against America
The Day of the JackalGood to know
It's a thriller first, so you don't need to know much history to enjoy it.
By the numbers
- Readers49 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics30 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller23 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #344 of the 623 mysteries and thrillers we rank
- #1038 of the 1,648 modern books we rank
- #1983 of the 3,057 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Gripping
More by Robert Harris
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The Devil in the White City
The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the RipperExplore the best-of lists
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Quick answers
Is Fatherland worth reading?
Yes. It's on the Guardian's list of 1,000 novels everyone must read. It ranks #1,983 of the 3,057 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 65.1 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Fatherland about?
In April 1964, a week before Hitler's 75th birthday, Berlin detective Xavier March investigates a body found in a lake. In this alternate history where Germany won the war, the case leads to a conspiracy that could reach the top of the Reich.
How long does it take to read Fatherland?
About 10 hours (402 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Fatherland?
If you liked it, try Enigma by Robert Harris, The Plot Against America by Philip Roth or The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth.