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Greybeard
Tortured by East German secret police in the 1970s, Greybeard emerges decades later from a trance to find the world a very different place, while his own hippy values have remained solidly the same. Returning to a Germany now presided over by mass immigration fanatic Angela Merkel, Greybeard suffers a bitter loss that this time cannot go unavenged. In true hippy fashion, Greybeard does his best to set things straight, both in his soul and the soul of Europe, by turning the weapons of his enemies against each other in a brutal orgy of apocalyptic slaughter...because Greybeard is not one of the fake establishment hippies, and Germany will never be the same again...
- GenresFiction
154 pages, Paperback
Published December 15, 2017
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306 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 16, 2020
This is undoubtedly the hardest book I have ever reviewed. I WANT to give it 0 stars and treat it like the vile bit of racist, homophobic, insane vitriol it is. For the sake of fairness, I'll put my personal morals aside.
The writing itself is well done, and the action flows well. I HOPE this story is not a reflection of the authors actual beliefs, but rather the story of a broken man, driven insane by drugs and imprisonment. It certainly reads like the MC is stuck is some sort of delusion, or possibly a very bad acid flashback. I expected something more magical and less... I don't want to say schizophrenic and be derogatory towards the mentally ill, but it really does seem that way.
Greybeard is either completely insane or completely disgusting. He believes that "Invaders" are taking over Germany- presumably African or Middle Eastern ethnicities. He repeatedly mentions how much they stink and at one point actually calls them "rape monkeys", accuses them or planning to infect all Germans with AIDs and actually eating other humans. This book, despite being short, was incredibly difficult to finish and even harder to stomach if taken seriously.
The writing itself is well done, and the action flows well. I HOPE this story is not a reflection of the authors actual beliefs, but rather the story of a broken man, driven insane by drugs and imprisonment. It certainly reads like the MC is stuck is some sort of delusion, or possibly a very bad acid flashback. I expected something more magical and less... I don't want to say schizophrenic and be derogatory towards the mentally ill, but it really does seem that way.
Greybeard is either completely insane or completely disgusting. He believes that "Invaders" are taking over Germany- presumably African or Middle Eastern ethnicities. He repeatedly mentions how much they stink and at one point actually calls them "rape monkeys", accuses them or planning to infect all Germans with AIDs and actually eating other humans. This book, despite being short, was incredibly difficult to finish and even harder to stomach if taken seriously.
October 15, 2018
A unique reading experience, for me at any rate. How to describe the book:?
A parabolic fantasy tale set in Frau Merkel’s ‘re-united’ Germany
Greybeard, the central character, is part fantasy/spirit/magician, a cartoon character(in the true sense of the term) but basically human –a husband, father, grandfather. He is a partly lapsed hippy (1960s/70s mode) who develops tendencies of the saxon warrior, interwoven with fascist creeds, as he seeks to avenge the senseless murder of his much loved grandson. The murderer is a state abetted invader/ refugee/asylum seeker migrant/jihadist.
His pursuit of justice is a one man battle. He will be hindered at best and punished at worst by the authorities which no longer serve the entire nation, just the new arrivals it seems. But Greybeard is savvy, street-wise and possessed of Merlinesque powers, not least a handy alter ego/twin brother who can appear and disappear when required.
Witty and scarily troubling with fantasy rather less unbelievable than I’d have wished. Soberly we read of Brexit and the election of Donald Trump. These at least were no fantasies.
A parabolic fantasy tale set in Frau Merkel’s ‘re-united’ Germany
Greybeard, the central character, is part fantasy/spirit/magician, a cartoon character(in the true sense of the term) but basically human –a husband, father, grandfather. He is a partly lapsed hippy (1960s/70s mode) who develops tendencies of the saxon warrior, interwoven with fascist creeds, as he seeks to avenge the senseless murder of his much loved grandson. The murderer is a state abetted invader/ refugee/asylum seeker migrant/jihadist.
His pursuit of justice is a one man battle. He will be hindered at best and punished at worst by the authorities which no longer serve the entire nation, just the new arrivals it seems. But Greybeard is savvy, street-wise and possessed of Merlinesque powers, not least a handy alter ego/twin brother who can appear and disappear when required.
Witty and scarily troubling with fantasy rather less unbelievable than I’d have wished. Soberly we read of Brexit and the election of Donald Trump. These at least were no fantasies.
January 8, 2018
This is a book for anyone that’s ever read a news article, or witnessed firsthand the results of mass immigration and wanted to do something to stop more of it happening.
Greybeard is an alchemist who takes our rage and directs it, for the enemies of Europe to destroy each other. He discovers a book on norse myths in a bookshop, reads the story of Odin making the thralls all kill each other, and is inspired into something more interesting than bludgeoning individual “strangers” to death in the streets of Paderborn.
Like Paul Christensen’s other books this one is woven full of humorous moments, observations and ideas to contemplate, and beautiful prose, while telling a story that is difficult to put down. This book is filled with romantic visions of Germany and past love, and a sense of justice to be meted out to those who attempt to destroy Europe.
An incredibly moving work of fiction. Highly recommended.
Greybeard is an alchemist who takes our rage and directs it, for the enemies of Europe to destroy each other. He discovers a book on norse myths in a bookshop, reads the story of Odin making the thralls all kill each other, and is inspired into something more interesting than bludgeoning individual “strangers” to death in the streets of Paderborn.
Like Paul Christensen’s other books this one is woven full of humorous moments, observations and ideas to contemplate, and beautiful prose, while telling a story that is difficult to put down. This book is filled with romantic visions of Germany and past love, and a sense of justice to be meted out to those who attempt to destroy Europe.
An incredibly moving work of fiction. Highly recommended.
September 23, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A rather strange book. A man on the hippie trail travels to East Germany in the early 70's. His car breaks down, and he meets a farmer's daughter. The two go for a walk, and are arrested by the STASI. He is tortured, she is killed. Finally, he is returned to the West.
Years later, he returns to Germany, where he is assaulted, and his grandson killed by migrants. The police try to frame him for the incident, so he goes full Death Wish.
Definitely not for the woke.
A rather strange book. A man on the hippie trail travels to East Germany in the early 70's. His car breaks down, and he meets a farmer's daughter. The two go for a walk, and are arrested by the STASI. He is tortured, she is killed. Finally, he is returned to the West.
Years later, he returns to Germany, where he is assaulted, and his grandson killed by migrants. The police try to frame him for the incident, so he goes full Death Wish.
Definitely not for the woke.
January 27, 2018
Interesting commentary on aggressive immigration policies using Merkel's Germany as the example. I found the book great but probably deeper than many people are looking for. I applaud the author for the innovative way he approached the issue.
I received this book as part of a good reads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
I received this book as part of a good reads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
March 21, 2018
Paul's writing is always crisp, witty and insightful, and "Greybeard" is no exception.
However, in this case I found myself wondering why I didn't quite want to give it five stars. The answer, I think, is that I'm not sure what audience the author had in mind. Obviously the main character would appeal to an old hippy like me, but there aren't many of us left.
It would also hold some appeal for the many people who are dismayed by the multiculturalism industry's demonisation of white folks, especially white males. Paul is of course devastating in exposing the hypocrisy, shallowness and general nastiness of that position. But my guess is that many readers who share his disgust would prefer a novel that offers a practical solution, however unlikely, rather than a mystical account involving doppelgangers and the like. Such people might prefer a poorly written tract like Ward Kendall's "Hold Back This Day" to Paul Christensen's far richer and more rewarding novel.
Having said that, I must stress that I really liked "Greybeard"; hence the four stars. Paul is very culturally aware: able to create a psychologically convincing fictional character from an earlier era and to place him in his own context with precise historical references, yet also to show how our contemporary reality vibrates in complete disharmony with the deeper values that have given meaning to our people in the past.
If I may be allowed to express a hope, it is that there will be a sequel in which we learn what becomes of the narrator's main nemesis, the demented Mutti Merkel.
However, in this case I found myself wondering why I didn't quite want to give it five stars. The answer, I think, is that I'm not sure what audience the author had in mind. Obviously the main character would appeal to an old hippy like me, but there aren't many of us left.
It would also hold some appeal for the many people who are dismayed by the multiculturalism industry's demonisation of white folks, especially white males. Paul is of course devastating in exposing the hypocrisy, shallowness and general nastiness of that position. But my guess is that many readers who share his disgust would prefer a novel that offers a practical solution, however unlikely, rather than a mystical account involving doppelgangers and the like. Such people might prefer a poorly written tract like Ward Kendall's "Hold Back This Day" to Paul Christensen's far richer and more rewarding novel.
Having said that, I must stress that I really liked "Greybeard"; hence the four stars. Paul is very culturally aware: able to create a psychologically convincing fictional character from an earlier era and to place him in his own context with precise historical references, yet also to show how our contemporary reality vibrates in complete disharmony with the deeper values that have given meaning to our people in the past.
If I may be allowed to express a hope, it is that there will be a sequel in which we learn what becomes of the narrator's main nemesis, the demented Mutti Merkel.
April 2, 2018
Another wonderfully written and topical tale by Paul Christensen, about the recent mass immigration Europe has been experiencing from the East, and how countries such as Germany have been handling the situation. Or not, as the case may be.
As I read I kept being reminded of that saying about truth being stranger than fiction, because on numerous occasions I found myself thinking 'a politician wouldn’t say that', or 'the media doesn’t say things like that. It simply isn’t believable'. But the unnerving fact is that the enemies of Greybeard are all too real, their prose quite often verbatim from real life. Ironic, too, as some of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ideas about the maternal care entrusted to her by her country rather make her look like the evil stepmother from a Brother’s Grimm fairy story. It makes for depressive reading in places, but there is hope.
Although this is a personal story of vengeance, Greybeard’s idea of setting his enemies against each other is food for thought for us all.
As I read I kept being reminded of that saying about truth being stranger than fiction, because on numerous occasions I found myself thinking 'a politician wouldn’t say that', or 'the media doesn’t say things like that. It simply isn’t believable'. But the unnerving fact is that the enemies of Greybeard are all too real, their prose quite often verbatim from real life. Ironic, too, as some of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ideas about the maternal care entrusted to her by her country rather make her look like the evil stepmother from a Brother’s Grimm fairy story. It makes for depressive reading in places, but there is hope.
Although this is a personal story of vengeance, Greybeard’s idea of setting his enemies against each other is food for thought for us all.
June 20, 2018
Hippy garbage by an acid-using freak. Don't waste your time and money.
September 2, 2018
I struggled with this book, and at around the midway point I decided it wasnt for me.
September 9, 2018
The book is interesting. I found it a little hard to get the story at the beginning. The story got a little bit better in the middle.
January 3, 2019
I wrote this May 15 2018 and finished the book a day later. "The other day I received a copy of the pro-European dystopian novel Greybeard by Paul Christensen, author of the Wolves of Joy trilogy. It's ok thus far, nothing special or to write home about, but being 110 pages in of 148 and undecided as to whether or not I am actually enjoying it bugs me and doesn't bode well. I have read nothing but glowing reviews but it's just not jelling, and I so want it to. The next 38 pages may surprise me but the narrative I find moves along a little too quickly, the introduction of Odinism and its scattered rearing of its head too shallow, coupled with unrealistic scenarios which I found unintentionally comical and the occasional mention of Serrano which seems to want to be discussed and delved into more but never is (re. the Russian hacker) amongst a number of other things. And what was with the over simplistic, laughable and lightening fast change of the Dumb Blonde on the Extersteine scenario? Let us hope it's my tiredness as of late, and that the cover art isn't the best thing about this novel (of which I actually admire). All this leaves me wanting another Mister, Camp of the Saints, Dark Millennium, Hold Back This Day, White Apocalypse, Utopia X, Hear the Cradle Song or even, dare I say, a Serpents Walk, TTD or Hunter. Still, I think I will get the omnibus edition of his The Wolves of Joy trilogy to see what else he has to offer."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 26, 2018Placeholder
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
February 18, 2018
I won a kindle version #GoodreadsGiveaway
Want to read
February 28, 2018I received this book for free from the author/publisher in response for an honest review of the book. I have not had the opportunity to read this book at this time. I will add my review of this book once I have read the book. Thank k you for allowing me the optometrist review your work. I look forward to reading this book.
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