There are obviously many, many books on the topic of WW2, covering every aspect of that horrific event from every angle, yet I always find myself drawn to new stories, new angles... this book is not only one of those, but one that has stayed with me like no other.
Perhaps it's the personal point-of-view involved: author Rebecca Donner is not writing about some distant, if heroic, figure, but about her own great-great-aunt, Mildred Harnack, the young American woman who's been identified by historians as the only American in the leadership of the German resistance.
Imagine, at twenty-six, being ensconced in a PhD program in Germany, only to watch the insidious and terrifying rise of Hitler and the Nazis. While many Americans, and others, absconded back home, or to other locales deemed as safe, Mildred had created a life and community in Germany, and opted to stay. This led to her growing activism (she held secret meetings in her apartment), which ultimately evolved into a full-blown resistance movement, replete with all the dangers, near misses, small triumphs, and the relentless, harrowing experiences endemic to the time and place. Mildred, though begged by family to come home, was deeply, profoundly committed to the cause, which concluded with Hitler personally ordering her execution, carried out on February 16, 1943, under the blade of a guillotine.
Yet, as truly tragic and heartbreaking a story as this is, it's the uniquely personal chronicling of Mildred's journey, inclusive of so much private, internal, well-researched information, that elevates the telling. Ms. Donner imbues this heretofore little known history with so much essential and moving detail, along with countless and provocative, compelling photographs that bring to life the many people involved, I could not stop thinking about the book long after I was done reading it.
In fact, one of the last images of Mildred, a close-up portrait captioned, "Mildred was awarded a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin," captures the face of young, beautiful woman staring intently into the lens, suggesting a strength, even a challenge, that was clearly an accurate depiction of who she was. Looking at that photograph, I couldn't help but be moved by her courage, and weep at her untimely death.
A tremendous and recommended read.
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Popular Highlights in this book
This, then, is the rationale for Dachau. It’s called a concentration camp because all the individuals who threaten the security of Germany are concentrated here.Highlighted by 211 Kindle readers- By the winter of 1923, forty-two billion marks was worth one American cent. The collapse was complete.Highlighted by 209 Kindle readers
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Reviews with images
Learn history from those who lived it
considering the political climate of today I would say this book is a cautionary tale. Well written, easy to read, and heartbreaking.
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Visited Berlin and concentration camps
Reviewed in Canada on October 19, 2021
Jill K. Andrew
Interesting & enjoyable.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 28, 2021
