german great crime novels

Well, one characteristic is the complex narrative structure. German crime novels may not follow a straightforward linear plot. They might jump between different time periods or perspectives, like in 'The Tin Drum' where the story of Oskar's life is told in a fragmented yet engaging way. Also, the themes are often dark and brooding. These novels are not afraid to touch on difficult topics such as moral corruption, as seen in 'Mephisto', and the exploration of human nature at its worst, especially in relation to the crimes committed.

One of the well - known German crime novels is 'The Reader' by Bernhard Schlink. It not only involves a crime but also delves deep into themes of guilt, identity, and the post - war German psyche. Another great one is 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' by Patrick Süskind. It tells the dark and twisted story of a man with an extraordinary sense of smell who becomes a murderer to create the ultimate perfume. And 'The Tin Drum' by Günter Grass also has elements of crime within the complex narrative of a boy's life in Germany during a tumultuous time.

A top German crime novel is 'Tatort Berlin' which offers a gritty look at crime in Berlin. It has interesting detective characters who have to navigate the complex cityscape and its underworld. The stories are often based on real - life issues in the city, making it very relatable.

German crime novels often have a gritty realism. They don't shy away from depicting the darker aspects of society.

Another great one is 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' by Patrick Süskind. This novel not only tells a fascinating crime story but also delves deep into the sense of smell and how it can be related to human nature. The protagonist is a very complex character with a disturbing obsession. It has been widely acclaimed and translated into many languages.

Great German novels often have a deep exploration of philosophical ideas. For instance, in Goethe's works, there are constant examinations of human nature, morality, and the pursuit of knowledge. They also tend to be very detailed in their descriptions, painting vivid pictures of the settings, whether it's the small towns in Hesse's novels or the battlefields in Remarque's 'All Quiet on the Western Front'.

German crime fiction often has a dark and brooding atmosphere. It may focus on the psychological aspects of the characters, exploring their motives and inner turmoil.

Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines crime investigation with elements of mystery and thriller. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, is a very strong and interesting female lead. The novel explores various dark secrets and crimes within a Swedish - but with a strong influence from the Scandinavian and German crime writing traditions - context.

In the realm of 'awesome crime novels', 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is a notable one. It's a non - fictional novel that tells the story of a real - life murder in a very detailed and engaging way. It's almost like you're right there in Kansas witnessing the events unfold. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is also great. The hard - boiled detective Philip Marlowe is an iconic character, and the noir - style writing makes the crime - solving process really exciting.

Sure. 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' by Goethe is a well - known German novel. It tells the story of a young man's unrequited love and his inner turmoil, which was very influential in the Sturm und Drang movement. 'Narcissus and Goldmund' by Hermann Hesse is also great. It follows the two main characters on their very different life paths, exploring themes like spirituality and sensuality.