The Draughtsman
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By Robert Lautner
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1 review
Speak out for the fate of millions or turn a blind eye? We all have choices.
`Absolutely exceptional. So beautifully written, with precision and wisdom and real emotional acuity … A remarkable achievement’ STEPHEN KELMAN, author of Pigeon English TweetReviews
Macclesfield Library Reading Group
Thank you to the reading agency for sending Macclesfield Library reading group 10 copies of Robert Lautner’s The Draughtsman for us to read, discuss and review.
The horrors of Auschwitz now common knowledge taught in the classroom to each of us, inform our expectations of a novel that tells us it is about Ernst “assigned to the Special Ovens Department” in 1944. It is easy for a reader’s heart to sink at the idea of being placed in that story. Indeed the subject matter alone was deeply off putting to some of the group who found it difficult to feel motivated to pick the book back up and continue moving through Ernst’s career with the SS, feeling that they knew only too well where this story was going and didn’t want to be taken on that particular ride. A feeling only heightened by the current political climate across the world. Those that did stay with Ernst had quite a different response to The Draughtsman and its portrayal of its relatable human characters dealing with unconscionable decisions. This book is not as difficult a read as the subject matter would have you think thanks to Lautner’s writing style and the fast pace of the plot. The story rewards the reader with a perspective on the war that is unerringly relatable and really does leave you to wonder “what would you do?” The language at times almost staccato as if translated from German, Lautner’s cinematic setting; all build the intense atmosphere as the plot builds to its action packed conclusion.
“Ernst’s first job turns out to be almost his demise, despite his enthusiasm. Initially he displays naivety but quickly grows up and learns a lot more about people and living even through the horrors of war.”
“Excellent book- makes you think “what would you do?” The characters are strong and the writing almost visual.”
“Such a horrific subject, a story that we all know. I found it didn’t flow, and knowing where it was leading, I didn’t feel motivated to pick it up.”
“Not an easy read but this book really captured the atmosphere of a truly horrific event in history.”
“I did not get very far as I did not enjoy the writing style or subject matter.”
