Timur Vermes wrote a very dark and very gripping book. I love how dark and smart it is and how much stuff you can read between the lines. You wouldn't expect it, but the sense of humor is outstanding. In fact, I ended up taking pictures of some quotes and sending them to my friends, so they could have a laugh too! You should know a few things about WWII and the people involved to fully understand the stuff the writer alludes to. Otherwise many of the smart little side notes will be lost. But tha's exactly what I enjoyed about this novel. Timur Vermes takes the reader as smart person and doesn't spell everything out!