After Dachau

As a reviewer, I prefer not to discuss plot details as that is one of the main reasons people read novels in the first place. That said, I would like to caution potential readers. I almost put this book down halfway through, as it didn't seem to be leading anywhere, and the lack of character depth was irksome. I'm glad I didn't, though, because about half way through, like fragments of a jigsaw, all the disparate parts of the story came together in one seamless twist of events that will give you a new perspective on history, self, and place. Although The Holy is now experiencing similar reactions from Quinn fans, this older novel also received mixed reviews when it came out. Some said it was his best, while others said it was his worst. Without a doubt, this book is fundamentally different from Quinn's priors, like Ishmael and Story of B. Unlike them, After Dachau's message (presuming Quinn had a message in mind) is muddled and opaque, the tone dark and mysterious, leaving it the possiblity of being read on many levels. In other words, this book makes you think - which makes it worth reading in my book.

I'm having a hard time tough time writing this one. It was not at all what I thought I was buying, yet I liked it. I've actually read it twice trying to tie up some loose ends in my mind. That's an unfortunate side effect of using a kindle, it's not easy to flip back through the pages to get what you want.Ultimately you do get engrossed in the key characters, but the ending was almost like the author was in a hurry to end it and it becomes a mish mash of events. I'd rewrite the entire last chapter and give it a more "authentic" ending.I'd say go ahead and read it. It's not a hard read and gives you some food for thought.

I thought of wine when I read Daniel Quinn's latest book, "After Dachau."Wine writers desperate for metaphors might refer to a fine vintage as having a hint of vanilla, a whiff of blackberry, a character of oak, a color of blood ruby. These help to describe a wine, perhaps, but they do not replace the experience of actually enjoying the vino.Whenever I read one of Dan's books, and particularly with "After Dachau", I feel descriptive comparisons with great minds. At times his writing resonates with the touch and smells of Socrates and Joseph Campbell, Kurt Vonnegut and Kafka, Jung and Tom Robbins.But just as that fine burgundy is more than a whiff of vanilla, Dan Quinn is more than big time-comparisons. Dan is Dan, and more power to him. He's an influencer. He writes books that change people's lives, force them to rethink their cozy assumptions.In this book Dan creates a parallel reality that is stunning in its simplicity, chilling in its implications.When I teach people to write fiction, one of the most powerful triggers to jump-start a project is to ask "what if?"In "After Dachau", Dan has used this device to write a high concept novel. I really want to tell you what this concept is, the big idea that forms the heart of the book. But I won't. Yes I will. Think about the title and ask, "what if?"Paul Sochaczewski, author of Redheads

The concept underlying this novel is intriguing and thought provoking. The world and the characters are believable and generally well-rounded. They really captured me and kept me invested in the story. However, the novel doesn't do more than scratch the surface of where the basic premise could be taken. There are various story lines that are well-told, but nonetheless seemed superfluous, including the mid-story twist. I will not reveal it but in order to sustain it, the author had to sacrifice a lot of opportunities to flesh out his world, and challenge the reader further. The same goes for the reincarnation angle, and some adventures in the second half. Again, all these elements were well-crafted so I didn't suffer through them. But the most powerful ideas were only partially explored. I would recommend reading this novel, I just think it could have been even better.

Not quite sure I was convinced of Jason's angst in the beginning. Not quite sure I was convinced of Mallory's obis nance either. I could have started at the second section very comfortably and gotten the same message. Yes, I always believe that there is a message in a book, a communication. There is a true message in this book - which I will not "spoiler alert" - and I believe it is accurate. One cannot change the past.

This is the third book written by Daniel Quinn that I have read, and I enjoyed this one just as much as I have enjoyed the other two. Besides being well-written it is an engrossing fun book to read. Quinn knows how to take his readers into his strange world. I for one am glad this story is one from his imagination and not inspired by historical fact.

Quinn's other books are life-changing critiques of our culture. After Dachau is just a novel. But judged on its own its a very good novel with great surprises and thought provoking ideas.Going in I did not expect another opus, just a novel. I was not disapointed. It was a quick read and I, for one, enjoyed the story a great deal.Perhaps this will encourage more mainstream folks to investigate Quinn's other books. Only good can come of that.I hope he continues. In between life-changing books of course!Someone else here compared this to a good episode of The Twilight Zone. Nothing wrong with that.

What if? The Nazi's won and it's 2000 years later. The reader and one of the main characters know the real truth about Dachau. I couldn't help drawing parallels between this and the plight of the Native Americans of North America.

Thought provoking...leads you where you would not expect...do not usually read too much fiction but short and easy to read book. I have been to Dachau but that is not the point of this book..but it is strangely integral...but perhaps I got it wrong...read it...make up your own mind

I love everything by Daniel Quinn. It was an easy read with definite Orwellian vibes running through it. Shows you that we are all just children and the state are the ones controlling everything like bad parents! Read it then put it on your shelf next to 1984.