Look Who's Back - Timur Vermes

The modern history's most taboo subject must be Hitler and the Nazis - it is no laughing matter.

But does that mean this book is not funny? Oh, it certainly is. I never laughed this much reading a book.

The most controversial debut novel written by a Jew originated author, Timur Vermes, is based in Berlin 2011.
The country is run by a woman (Merkel, of course) and full of immigrants. One morning, Hitler wakes up in the middle of the field - the last thing he remembers is talking to his wife Eva at home (supposedly it is the moment Hitler committed suicide). He quickly become aware of it being 2011, and he is a little shaken, but then composes himself quickly - he does not do shaken, he is the Fuhrer, at the end of the day. After suffering from a slight dizziness, he "realises" that his awakening was his fate as the country and his "Volk" needed a leader like him back to straighten German politics.
Although no-one believes that he is the real Hitler, he becomes an media sensation as an avant-garde "Hitler impersonator/comedian" who is outrageous and not scared to speak out the most tabooed subject. Hitler's appearances in the media such as YouTube takes off in no time - the history repeats again, Hitler gains many followers. He is portrayed as a well-mannered, well-spoken and respectable as any leader should be. The young characters in the story takes him as a joke to start with, but they start to sympathise with him and his views.

The book is narrated by Hitler. The extraordinary thing about this book is that, as bizarre as it sounds, the it will enable you to peak into Hitler's thoughts and mindsets, you become Hitler.
There has been a great amount of research done, and the book is almost semi-educational in the sense that what Hitler talks about is of course based on what really happened during World War Two (and building up to the war).
Obviously I was reading the English translated version, but I think Jamie Bulloch did an extremely good job at translating it. Bulloch's "Translator's note" at the end of the book is also well worth a read. Jokes and wits can easily be lost in translation, but Bulloch's style made it totally believable the way Hitler would have spoken if he was English. Although sometimes the writing becomes too formal and boring in a way, but I suppose it is suited for the style of this book.

All in all, I can understand why there was a split opinion about this book, especially when it was published in Germany. I really enjoyed reading it - I read it in 3 or 4 sittings. Rather entertaining to read, and very funny in a slightly nihilistic sort of way... and you'd be glad that this is only a story.