Provocative satire, that is definitely not "pro-Hitler", but also raises quite a few interesting points when our modern societies are concerned. Mainly, the power of the media; the way one can use it to ends that aren't the ones the audience thinks; and how it can be easy enough for a person with heinous ideas to abuse people who are mostly nice into paving the way for a monster. And let's be honest, considering some current events, this satiric novel is also very, very frightening when you think about it.

This book has the interesting premise that Hitler, somehow finding himself alive in present-day (2011) Germany, tries to regain popularity and power with the use of modern media. However, I'm not entirely sure what the author is trying to convey.

If it is trying to portray how a person from the 1940s would cope with modern technology, I guess it is generally successful although some parts appear to be aiming for slapstick humour, and I find them to be quite jarring.

But if it is a satirical piece on politicians and how politics are conducted through TV talk shows and Youtube videos, then it doesn't go far enough. Still, this may be due to the fact that the author is holding back since Hitler is still a sensitive topic in Germany. The book is originally written in German and one scathing review online criticised the book for making light of Hitler and his policies.

However, in light Donald Trump (and Brexit, to a lesser extent), I do feel that this book can be seen as a warning against him. Appealing to xenophobic sentiments? Check. Criticising immigration and employment policies without considering their ramifications? Check. Sound bites which are appealing but have no substance? Check, check, check.

Still, this book was written in 2011, before Donald Trump, and this may be why it didn't go far enough, assuming that it is a satirical piece on politics. Overall, an average book although it may rise in significance after the US Presidential elections.

Just kidding. [spoiler] But he does wake up in an empty lot..in 2011 Berlin [/spoiler]. But Timur Vermes Look Who's Back reads like the world's longest, most hilarious scenario joke you've ever run across. Except that Timur Vermes isn't joking...[spoiler] and neither is his Hitler[/spoiler].

Time travel doesn't phase Hitler the way it phases most people. Sure, it takes him a little bit to figure out where/when he is and what's going on, but then he's--as the title announces--back [spoiler] (and taking German media by storm in a misunderstood attempt to resurrect the Nazi movement) [/spoiler]. And Timur Vermes hasn't placed the Fuhrer [spoiler] and his unwavering faith in his movement [/spoiler] in the present day for nothing.

Look Who's Back will make you laugh out loud as you follow Hitler's journey through modern-day Germanic culture [spoiler] (and try to make people understand that he's actually Adolf Hitler: easier said than done) [/spoiler]. But it will also leave you just a little worried...[spoiler] after all, at the end of the day Hitler does rather a spectacular job of convincing the German media to help him out without their even realizing the scope of what they're doing [/spoiler].

Look Who's Back is a 5 star read: hilarious, satirical, light-hearted, with a depth of cultural analysis. Worth a read, and worth taking the time to understand what Vermes is saying.

[spoiler] Because Hitler in the 21st century isn't actually a punch line: it's serious.[/spoiler]

I have read this book with mixed feelings.
It is bizarre, maybe. But there were moments that this book made me laugh loud.
The book managed to shine a light on the more ridiculous aspects of modern life and in particular the media and the deification of celebrity.
Despite the strange subject matter, Timur manages to make Hitler seem almost likeable.
Excellent satire and very thought provoking.