Erik Larson, New York Times bestselling author of Devil in the White City, delivers a remarkable story set during Hitler’s rise to power.
The time is 1933, the place, Berlin, when William E. Dodd becomes America’s first ambassador to Hitler’s Nazi Germany in a year that proved to be a turning point in history.
A mild-mannered professor from Chicago, Dodd brings along his wife, son, and … Dodd brings along his wife, son, and flamboyant daughter, Martha. At first Martha is entranced by the parties and pomp, and the handsome young men of the Third Reich with their infectious enthusiasm for restoring Germany to a position of world prominence. Enamored of the “New Germany,” she has one affair after another, including with the suprisingly honorable first chief of the Gestapo, Rudolf Diels. But as evidence of Jewish persecution mounts, confirmed by chilling first-person testimony, her father telegraphs his concerns to a largely indifferent State Department back home. Dodd watches with alarm as Jews are attacked, the press is censored, and drafts of frightening new laws begin to circulate. As that first year unfolds and the shadows deepen, the Dodds experience days full of excitement, intrigue, romance — and ultimately, horror, when a climactic spasm of violence and murder reveals Hitler’s true character and ruthless ambition.
Suffused with the tense atmosphere of the period, and with unforgettable portraits of the bizarre Göring and the expectedly charming — yet wholly sinister — Goebbels, In the Garden of Beasts lends a stunning, eyewitness perspective on events as they unfold in real time, revealing an era of surprising nuance and complexity. The result is a dazzling, addictively readable work that speaks volumes about why the world did not recognize the grave threat posed by Hitler until Berlin, and Europe, were awash in blood and terror.
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Of all of Larsen’s books, this is the one I enjoyed the least. I think it’s mainly because I didn’t really like the main characters.
A historical book that is extremely pertinent to today!
Loved this book. I like history and this Author makes history enjoyable to read
It was a GREAT BOOK!!!!!!
It is a terrific book–and one that seemed to be a timely read.
Larson is at the top of his game with his masterpiece, In the Garden of Beasts. He does a deep dive into Berlin society of 1933. The year the rise of Hitler was solidified, Germans couldn’t turn back. The perspective that we view this society through is that of the socialite daughter of the new American Ambassador to Germany. Her self centered …
Everything he writes is worthy!
His books are always very interesting, and enjoyable.
I always recommend this book to those who find it hard to understand why Hitler and the Third Reich rose to power with such surprising ease. Thomas Dodd was the American Ambassador to Germany during these turbulent times. If only anyone in America had heeded Dodd’s warnings, we might be studying a whole different history today. This is an …
I did not really enjoy this book. The main characters were not like able at all! Some of the history was interesting as you learned that the State Dept was a privileged vipers nest
Every American should be required to read this book lest history repeat itself once again. Complacency can destroy democracy.
Great reading of Berlin at the break of World War Two.
Beautifully written. Interesting from start to finish. This writer understands people and how they make history.
Prelude & then actuality to Real Horror & Evil in Europe!!! Chilling!!
I enjoyed reading about this pre-World War II era and what preceded the war. Kept me interested – good read for those who enjoy historical writings.
WEll written about an interesting time
I good book with a look into Berlin and the Nazi. Very well written.
I love a Larson book
As all of Larsons ’s book it is well researched while remaining intimate with the characters
Based on real characters & events; a glimpse into Berlin during the rise of Hitler through the experiences of an American ambassador & his flamboyant daughter. Excellent read.