Dark Apprehensions Sparked by Velvet Darksomeness
In the literary world, R.L. Stine is renowned for his chilling tales, but a new name has emerged in the realm of historical fiction. Angela Steidele, the author of the book 'Into the Dark', offers a unique perspective on the lives of Hollywood's elite.
Steidele's book intercuts the biographies of Erika Mann and Greta Garbo with numerous flashbacks and digressions, creating a narrative that is more akin to a screenplay than a traditional novel. Unlike R.L. Stine's works, 'Into the Dark' does not delve into psychological abysses, but rather, it uses scene instructions in the style of a screenplay, with the title 'Into the Dark' referring to this unconventional approach.
One of the notable aspects of Steidele's book is its avoidance of translating various shades of sexuality into conflicts and plot. However, the book does not provide a clear narrative thread or psychological development of the main characters. The characters in 'Into the Dark' ultimately live tame and bourgeois lives, and none of them truly passionately love.
The book also features encounters between the characters in real-life settings, such as Greta Garbo's visit to a bar in Berlin in the 1920s, where she was joined by Klaus Mann and Pamela Wedekind. Marlene Dietrich, another central figure in the book, is depicted as joining the Stonewall Riots in New York at Erika Mann's deathbed.
In addition to these historical encounters, the book also delves into the creation of Greta Garbo's classic 'Queen Christina', as explained in great detail by Salka Viertel. Sergei Eisenstein, who spent time in Hollywood, also discusses editing in the book.
Despite its rich content, 'Into the Dark' may not be the best format for learning about film history or the biographies of the people featured. The history of the cabaret 'The Pepper Mill' is retold like a Wikipedia article with distributed roles, and the book does not provide new information about the German exile scene in Hollywood.
Angela Steidele has done extensive reading, but fails to shape the material into a literary form that is easily digestible for the general audience. However, for those seeking a different approach to historical fiction, 'Into the Dark' offers a unique and intriguing read.
For those interested in learning more about the book, Angela Steidele will be presenting 'Into the Dark' at Rauch and König in Herzogstraße 84 on September 10 at 7:30 pm. Therese Giehse, who speaks of Annemarie Schwarzenbach as 'the Annamirl' and speaks in an unpleasant, dim-witted Bavarian way otherwise, is also featured in the book, offering some wise insights about Peter Stein. Dietrich and Riefenstahl, two other central figures in the book, were also present in the bar where many of the encounters took place.
In conclusion, 'Into the Dark' offers a unique and intriguing look into the lives of Hollywood's elite, but may not be the best resource for those seeking a traditional biographical account or a deep dive into film history. For those seeking a different approach to historical fiction, however, 'Into the Dark' is a must-read.
Read also:
- Today's most impactful photographic moments
- Support for Eric Adams in The Post's Letters to the Editor on August 13, 2025
- Roosting Shark and Rambunctious Red Squirrels: Unconventional House Rental in Yorkshire Involving Aquatic Marvel, Squirrely Mayhem, and Mystical Planning Regulations
- Legal Dispute Dismissed with Humor: Supreme Court Laughs off Another Civil Matter Mislabeled as Criminal Prosecution
