The Alphabet House

By: Jussi Adler-Olsen

Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm

Length: 15 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

In the tradition of Alan Furst, the number one international best-selling author delivers his first stand-alone novel, a psychological thriller set in World War II Nazi Germany and 1970s England.

British pilots James Teasdale and Bryan Young have been chosen to conduct a special photo-reconnaissance mission near Dresden, Germany. Intelligence believes the Nazis are building new factories that could turn the tide of the war. When their plane is shot down, James and Bryan know they will be executed if captured. With an enemy patrol in pursuit, they manage to jump aboard a train reserved for senior SS soldiers wounded on the eastern front.

In a moment of desperation, they throw two patients off the train and take their places, hoping they can escape later. But their act is too convincing and they end up in the Alphabet House, a mental hospital located far behind enemy lines, where German doctors subject their patients to daily rounds of shock treatments and experimental drugs. The pilots' only hope of survival is to fake insanity until the war ends, but their friendship and courage are put to the ultimate test when James and Bryan realize they aren't the only ones in the Alphabet House feigning madness.

Millions of fans around the world - and in this country - know Adler-Olsen for his award-winning Department Q series. His first stand-alone, The Alphabet House, is the perfect introduction for those who have yet to discover his riveting work.

©2015 Jussi Adler-Olsen (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"[Narrator Graeme] Malcolm is in that rarified group of British storytellers who seem to disappear - as if nothing stood between the listener and the story. His characterizations are subtle, and even the villains have a sinister charm." (AudioFile)

riveting

Although this is not part of the Q series and is an early effort from Adler Olsen, the book nevertheless underscores why he succeeded so well in later books. The story is unique--two british airman shot down in Nazi Germany. How can they survive? What price survival? This is really a story about love and loyalty told through many characters, each of whom comes alive in nonstereotypical ways. I hated to come to the ending.

Very satisfying historical/psychological thriller

As a huge fan of the Department Q series, I was leery about delving into this stand-alone historical novel, but was completely happy that I did. The writing is taut, the narration, flawless, and, with the exception of Jo Nesbo, no one dishes up villains as evil as Jussi Adler-Olsen. The Nazi sadist bad guys in the Department Q are particularly loathsome. Having said this, though, I miss the habitués of Department Q. Please bring them back ASAP!

LOVE THE ALPHABET HOUSE

Jussi Adler-Olsen is one of my very favorite authors. I know he is "hyped" , but in this case justified. This book is so funny. Different from and WWII book I've read/listened to. Graeme Malcom was so great narrating it.
It begins. With a plane crash, panic to outrun Nazi officers , and jumping a train. They had no idea what awaited them. But it was probably the best German train they Could have chosen. There are two main characters who are so opposite. With no way to communicate, thus giving away their origins. I've listened to it twice. And really wanted to express my appreciation for this unique book. ( I in no way think WWII was a laughing matter at all , quite the opposite. Just this particular fictional novel )

A friendship strained by need to survive

This definitely isn't Department Q, or an action packed story. If anything, it is more psychological. It's really difficult not to write any spoilers for this one. I hope that I have shown the correct amount of restraint and still given some insight into this powerful novel.

The publisher's summary is sufficient to get you into the story; what it doesn't do is tell how the story begins like many WWII tales. Then the need to survive and the struggles of two friends, who start out very united, twists so that they end up in very different circumstances.

Jussi Adler-Olsen slowly unfolds their personal strategies to survive and how each chose a different path. Years later they are in very different places . This is physically, psychologically, and in their personal lives. Their eventual meeting still tugs at my heart and mind.

As always, Graeme Malcolm does an excellent narration.

Milton''s hell of the mind

Really enjoyed this book. It was painstakingly researched, pace never seemed to lull, and the narration was superb. Give it a listen. You won't regret it.

interesting

the first party of the book is slow, but well worth continuing to the end

loved it

The alphabet house book was easy to follow. Loved it and highly recommend to read.

1st 1/2 a bit of a slog, last 1/2 pretty gripping!

The last half made the book worth the 1st & hard to put down. It came at a time in my life when the ending was very meaningful relative to ends of responsibility in relationships & permission to be done in same.

Worst narrator EVER!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I liked the story.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot was compelling enough that I finished the book in spite of the narrator's rhythmic singsong voice which would have lulled me to sleep if the story had not been excellent.

How could the performance have been better?

A different narrator. This man's voice would be a godsend for an insomniac.

Was The Alphabet House worth the listening time?

The story is quite good, but I would recommend that you read this one.

Any additional comments?

Avoid all books with this narrator unless you use Audible as a sleep aid.

Nothing like the Department Q novels

If you’re thinking of downloading this book because you loved the Dept. Q series, you may want to reconsider. This book is completely different; nothing like the fast-paced, complex situations in which Detective Carl Mørck and company find themselves. I binged that series one after another, buying extra credits like they were going out of style, but had to force myself to finish this book. Such a slow start and unsatisfying end. It’s hard to believe this was written by the same author.