1. Interesting how the narration is from an 'objective' point of view. I use 'objective' loosely since Isherwood (the character) does make subjective comments on the other characters but remains distant at the same time.
2. The 'other' is celebrated (the 'other' being the English/Isherwood) - reminds me of my time in Japan where you are considered 'special' because of your western status.
3. The 'other' hangs out with each other and is in many ways more accepting of one another - e.g. female sex workers and gay males.
4. Interesting that the sanitorium is an escape haven for Mrs. Nowak - perhaps speaking to the starkness of life as the caretaker of children that in her mind contribute little to the family and society.
5. Strange interdependence of various characters - absurdity of being human?
6. Leaving behind those you cannot help (the Germans during Nazi/wartime Berlin) - feelings of guilt? Loyalty? Reminds me of the disasters at Fukushima/Tohoku and the blaming of foreigners who left when the going got rough... The story ends abruptly - too painful to think about what happened to the various characters? Isherwood can leave Berlin - he was there as a foreigner and has the privilege to leave but many of the characters did not.
7. Adaptation - the landlady, Frl. Schroeder adapts to Nazi Germany. As Isherwood notes, the people will remain in Berlin regardless of which government is in power. But isn't this adaptation dangerous? It is part of a survival strategy but at what cost? Do we agree to fascism and genocide?
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