Berlin Embassy

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Published in 1958 under the pseudonym A E Ellis, this acclaimed novel explores the harrowing experience of severe illness. Set in a Swiss sanatorium post-World War II, it follows a young English student, Paul, as he endures a grueling regime of medical treatment for tuberculosis, a time when effective medication was nonexistent. The narrative captures the lives of Paul and his fellow patients, highlighting the sardonic kindness of the doctors, the poor food, the patients' obsession with their ailments, and their sexual promiscuity. Edwin Muir, in his original review, noted that the book transcends mere depictions of disease and suffering, instead offering a vivid portrayal of sanatorium life. Esteemed figures like Graham Greene and the Times Literary Supplement praised its compelling nature, while Penelope Mortimer remarked on its profound impact, stating it creates an immersive experience of enduring physical and mental agony. Originally published in abridged editions, the Gold Edition by Elliott & Thompson restores the complete text, allowing contemporary readers to engage with this significant work in its entirety, affirming its status as one of the great English novels of the last century.