Petra Kelly was one of the founders of the Green Party in Germany. She was famous for her work as an anti-war and social justice activist, as well as for the fatal relationship with the former Bundeswehr general Gert Bastian.

Lambert met Kelly in 1986 in Vancouver at a big walk for peace. She was fascinated by Kelly's enormous agenda and the power to touch the audience with her words which motivated her to take on writing this book.

I must say I was surprised that this novel was written by a Canadian writer who didn't participate in the events depicted in the book. This is because it is so incredibly well written, with a great insight into the minds of the characters with a great feeling for the spirit of the 1980s in Germany. The characters, especially Manfred who narrates the story, are very believable. So much, in fact, that it was easy for me to forget this is a work of fiction.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It reminded me of my university years and days wasted discussing Marcuse and reading Havel and Celan with my '68er professors. The book also shows how the nature of activism changed a lot since the 1980s, often not for the better, to be honest.

Of course, following the theme, the book opens some serious questions about dealing with history, activism, political power, idealism and cognitive dissonance.
But, surprisingly, this book has some great insights about loyalty, family and marriage.
I enjoyed the narrator's life story even more than Petra's.

5 stars. ( )