MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES, A TALE OF WORLD WAR II written by Adam Gidwitz and read by Euan Morton

I listened to the first in Adam Gitwitz’s duology MAX IN THE HOUSE OF SPIES and wasn’t sure I wanted to do the same for the second in this duology. Then a librarian friend proclaimed it was “much better than the first.” I listened and agreed completely—it’s as if the author sowed important ideas and a wealth of characters in the first and harvested in the second. Euan Morton, who narrates both books, does so with the strength they deserve. Story and narration find new depth as 13-y-o Max, a German Jew trained by British spies, returns to Berlin amid the horrors of the Nazi regime. His mission? Infiltrate the heart of radio propaganda. His personal mission? Find his parents. Morton’s reading has almost a visual quality. One can see the snide, smugness of controlling German, the emotional breakdown of a man who adores Josephine Baker, and the two teasing spirits, Berg the kobold and Stein the dybbuk, who perch on Max’s shoulders to inform and guide him. Pacing is remarkable, varying quickly from Max’s scary spying to the jibing of his invisible companions. Both Gidwitz and Morton’s depictions are flawless, tones on target, well-woven themes elegantly rendered, ending unexpected and totally satisfying. One of my favorites this year!  You can find out more about this book and audio at the purchase link below.