Mr Norris Changes Trains

Mr Norris Changes Trains is a 1935 novel set in Berlin during the rise of Nazi Germany. The story centers on William Bradshaw, a British expatriate who forms an unlikely friendship with Arthur Norris after a chance meeting on a train. The narrative follows their relationship in Berlin as William becomes increasingly entangled in Mr Norris's complex web of political intrigue, mysterious business dealings, and peculiar personal affairs. The city of Berlin itself serves as more than a backdrop, with its cafes, railway stations, and shadowy streets reflecting the mounting tensions of the early 1930s. Isherwood's semi-autobiographical account captures a pivotal moment in European history through the lens of personal relationships and individual choices. The story examines themes of deception, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities that emerge in times of political upheaval.

Readers appreciate Isherwood's atmospheric portrayal of pre-war Berlin and his sharp character observations. Many note the book captures the decadence and political tension of 1930s Germany through the lens of the enigmatic Mr. Norris. Positive reviews focus on: - The witty, clever dialogue - The gradual revelation of Mr. Norris's true nature - Details that bring 1930s Berlin to life Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Less engaging than Goodbye to Berlin - Some find Mr. Norris too unsympathetic Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (90+ ratings) "The prose is beautiful but the plot meanders" notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another writes "Isherwood excels at creating morally ambiguous characters that feel real." Several readers mention struggling to connect with the narrator, calling him "passive" and "detached" compared to other Isherwood works.

The Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood Companion novel to Mr Norris Changes Trains, set in the same pre-war Berlin with interconnected characters and similar political tensions.

Suite Francaise by Irène Némirovsky Chronicles life in France during German occupation through multiple characters who navigate political survival and moral choices.

Berlin Alexanderplatz by Alfred Döblin Depicts Berlin's underworld during the Weimar Republic through the story of an ex-convict trying to become an honest man.

The Garden of Eden by Ernest Hemingway Explores expatriate life in Europe between the wars through complex relationships and shifting identities.

Transit by Anna Seghers Follows a German refugee in Nazi-occupied France who assumes another man's identity to secure passage to America.

🔷 The novel was inspired by Isherwood's real experiences in Berlin between 1929 and 1933, where he lived as a language tutor and witnessed the rise of Nazi power firsthand. 🔷 The character of Mr. Norris was based on Gerald Hamilton, a real-life con man and spy whom Isherwood met in Berlin and later described as "the wickedest man I ever met." 🔷 The book was originally published in 1935 under the title "The Last of Mr. Norris" in the United States, while the British version kept the original "Mr Norris Changes Trains." 🔷 This novel, along with "Goodbye to Berlin," formed the basis for the acclaimed musical "Cabaret," which debuted on Broadway in 1966 and was later adapted into an Oscar-winning film. 🔷 Isherwood later expressed regret about writing the book, feeling he had betrayed Gerald Hamilton's trust by using him as source material, and referred to the novel as "heartless."