I found myself captivated by the poignant and powerful portrayal of Jutta Carroll's life journey, from her turbulent childhood in post-WWII West Germany to her role as a prominent political and environmental activist. Inspired by the real-life figure Petra Kelly, Jutta's story unfolds with gripping intensity, drawing readers into a world of passion, activism, and ultimately, tragedy.

From the very first page, Gammon's masterful storytelling kept me utterly engrossed, compelling me to devour the book in little more than a day. What struck me most was Gammon's seamless integration of real-life events into the narrative, never resorting to clumsy info dumps but rather skillfully interweaving historical context with Jutta's personal experiences.

The depth of research behind the novel is evident in the comprehensive afterword, which illuminates the author's dedication to authenticity and detail. Yet, it's not just the historical accuracy that impresses; Gammon's prose is a marvel in itself, with every word choice deliberate and every sentence vivid and poetic.

The novel's structure is a testament to Gammon's skill as a storyteller, seamlessly transitioning between different points of view and narrative styles without ever feeling forced. The nonlinear timeline adds depth and complexity to Jutta's story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they piece together the puzzle of her life.

As the narrative progresses, the prose becomes increasingly experimental, imbuing the story with a sense of urgency and poetic beauty that is both mesmerizing and exhilarating. By the time I reached the end, I was left in awe of Gammon's mastery of the craft.

In conclusion, "The Martyrs, The Lovers" is a tour de force of literary fiction, deserving of all the prestigious awards it can garner. It's a compelling and unforgettable journey through one woman's life, told with unparalleled skill and artistry. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to anyone seeking a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant reading experience.

Thanks very much to NetGalley and 55 Fathoms for the eARC of this literal masterpiece by Catherine Gammon.

I can't believe I'm the only one (as of the time of this writing on February 13, 2023) on NetGalley who's reviewed this utterly brilliant historical novel. If you're on NetGalley, if you're a fan of historical fiction or literary fiction or just a flat-out great story, why are you not reading this--right now?! It's a Read Now!

The novel tells the life story, cradle to (too-early) grave, of Jutta Carroll, who becomes a political and environmental activist in her native West Germany before dying alongside her much-older married lover in the early 90s under mysterious circumstances. (None of this is a spoiler--the information about the fate of Jutta and her lover, Lukas, is in the book's description and also revealed on page 1.) Jutta is a fictionalized version of a real person, Petra Kelly. I'd never heard of Petra (or her tragic end) before reading this novel.

I finished this book in little more than a day--this was a drop-everything-else read.

Gammon effortlessly weaves real-life events into the narrative; it was never, ever a hamfisted info dump, as so much popular modern "historical fiction" is. The comprehensive afterword demonstrates the depth of the author's research.

Besides the fact that Jutta/Petra's life story is fascinating--from her troubled early childhood in West Germany just post-WWII, to her activism as a young woman in the 1960s U.S., then back to Europe again for her political career--this novel is a master class in craft. I can't remember the last time I read something where the writing was literally unassailable--every word choice is perfect, and the prose is vivid and poetic (and, importantly, still enjoyable to read). The novel is told mostly without chapter breaks, primarily from Jutta's point of view, but also effortlessly moving in and out of the perspectives of those in her orbit and in and out of first-, second-, and third-person POV. It also easily and naturally moves back and forth in time, but the nonlinear structure never feels forced. As the novel goes on, the prose gradually becomes more experimental--and more dreamy and poetic--in its form, creating a sense of urgency as I raced to the end. Truly, I'm in awe. As noted by another reviewer, this is the best kind of literary fiction--a compelling story told by someone who is a master of the craft.

This is the kind of novel that should be winning *all* the prestigious awards. Seriously, go read it.