A staggering love illuminating the dark corners of a Nazi prisonRenowned German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is famous for his resistance to the Nazi regime and for his allegiance to God over government. But what few realize is that the last years of his life also held a love story that rivals any romance novel.Maria von Wedemeyer knows the realities of war. Her beloved father and … of war. Her beloved father and brother have both been killed on the battlefield. The last thing this spirited young woman needs is to fall for a man under constant surveillance by the Gestapo. How can she give another piece of her heart to a man so likely to share the same final fate? Yet when Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an old family friend, comes to comfort the von Wedemeyers after their losses, she discovers that love isn’t always logical.
Dietrich himself has determined to keep his distance from romantic attachments. There is too much work to be done for God, and his involvement in the conspiracy is far too important. But when he encounters a woman whose intelligence and conviction match his own, he’s unprepared for how easy it is to give away his heart.
With their deep love comes risk–and neither Dietrich nor Maria is prepared for just how great that risk soon becomes.
Based on detailed historical research, this true love story is at once beautiful and heartrending. My Dearest Dietrich sheds new light on a world-famous theologian . . . and the woman who changed his life.
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Amanda Barratt has written a sensitive, heart wrenching novel of the love between theologian, spy and pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his eventual fiancée, Maria von Wedemeyer in “My Dearest Dietrich.” Drawing from her copious research on Bonhoeffer’s life and works, as well as personal writings, Barratt has crafted a book that will stay in your heart long after you’ve closed the pages.
As the characters in the novel were actual people from history, I wondered how the author could craft a connection with the facts and the fiction to the reader. (I shouldn’t have been concerned!) Barratt does a great job of bringing people who many consider heroes of the faith to a level that any reader, whether aware of Maria and Dietrich’s history or not, could connect deeply with. It still breaks my heart that they were never able to marry. Their love is so evident on the pages, it made me weep.
Although there are many novels based on World War II and the atrocities of the Holocaust, “My Dearest Dietrich” will pull at your heart, your conscience and your faith. It asks the reader to not only embrace that these people were real, but they were at once very human in their emotions and relationships, too. One can’t help but fall in love with the lyrical style or writing Barrett brings to this novel, and I would say that while this is not an easy read, it is one worth finishing. She also does an excellent job of setting the scenes and using descriptors of eras gone by.
Real snippets of letters and writings, along with sermons and devotionals, are carefully interwoven into the novel, thanks to Barratt’s commitment to detail and authenticity. At times you care so much for these people it almost feels like the story is too much to be true. But it is, and then the reader’s perspective changes to “What would I have done in this situation?” or ” How could this have happened?” Barratt also gives a final author’s note in conclusion that explains the reasons she wrote certain scenes or characters for the novel, which I appreciated very much. It is always nice to hear directly from the author, especially with the caliber of people she was using as characters in this work of fiction.
Beautifully haunting, hopeful in the face of evil and challenging to anyone who feels like their voice couldn’t possibly make a difference, “My Dearest Dietrich,” is a masterpiece. I was honored to have been able to be an early reader, thanks to Kregel Publications. I was not required to leave a review.
From the time I first read that this book was going to be published, I wanted to read it. Yet when I got my copy, I did not immediately begin reading it. I knew there was not going to be a traditional happy ending to Dietrich and Maria’s story. Even after I started reading it, I’d read for a little while, and then find that I had to put it aside and read something a little lighter before I could go continue reading again. I’m not quite sure how Amanda Barratt wrote such an extraordinary novel, but I am so glad that she did. Her research for this book was extensive and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s story is well known. This author made these people step out of history for me and feel that these events were happening just outside my door.
This book is so many things and all of them can only be described through emotion: It’s sorrowful, yet joyful. There’s despair, and yet there’s hope. There’s self-sacrificing love for others, and a total disregard for the sanctity of human life. Those were the things that Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Maria Von Wedemeyer experienced in their short time together. Their love for each other and their faith in God in horrendous times is an example to all of us. This is one of the most compelling historical novels that I’ve ever read about World War II and this one will linger in my mind for a long time. I think this is an award-winning book, and I’d be happy to nominate it for one if given an opportunity.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This book left me thoroughly impressed. Barratt’s writing has such depth and has captured moments of beauty during horrific circumstances. A definite page turner, this gripping love story is well researched. The stories of people willing to sacrifice everything and fight against evil in order to preserve the lives of others are truly inspiring. This powerful story will remain with me. The only question that I have is what is Amanda Barratt going to write next? I was given a copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
“Always remember. It is only space that separates us.”
It takes an extraordinary writer to pen a story whose ending is eternity and whose beginning brings it back to life for all the world to see. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who arguably possessed one of the most brilliant theological minds of the last century, fought bravely and loved deeply. Who knew? Through letters written back and forth to his young fiance, Maria von Wedemeyer, we glimpse Bonhoeffer’s passionate faith, a faith that pervaded his very being and overflowed into his heart.
“What was faith if it was not living fully and completely in all of life – its joys and sorrows, burdens and blessings? . . . . . ‘I have given you so little, but if my unending love is worth anything, then it is yours. Know that what ever comes, it is and always will be . . . yours.'”
Yes, this story is filled with times and places, events and circumstances; recounts of lives that were snuffed out prematurely at the whim of a diabolical regime, but mercifully it paints a picture of loveliness and light in the midst of darkness and inconceivable brutality, so that we may proclaim with boldness, “Auf Wiedersehen” our dearest Dietrich and Maria. “It is only space that separates us.”
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
5 Stars
“I hold your picture in my hand every night, and tell you lots of things—lots of ‘do you remembers,’ and ‘later ons’—so many of them that I finally can’t help believing that they’re only a small step away from the present. And then I tell you all the things that can’t be put into writing—certainly not if other people have to read my letters—but things you already know without my writing them down.” ~from Maria von Wedemeyer to Dietrich Bonhoeffer~
As a fan of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I applaud Amanda Barratt for making his story available and relatable to all readers through this beautiful historical fiction novel!
Through her writing, Bonhoeffer’s admirable qualities—his bravery, commitment, eloquence, kindness, faithfulness—shine, yet we also see him as a man in love, hoping for a happy future surrounded by wife and children. This makes his willingness to risk his life and personal happiness in order to stand against evil even more poignant and powerful.
If you’re not familiar with the story, during WWII, Bonhoeffer, “a balding bachelor of thirty-six” fell in love Maria von Wedemeyer “a beautiful eighteen-year-old who could take her pick among any aristocratic young man she fancied.” Perhaps what made an impression on him was that the first time he met her, she was disheveled and mud-covered from taking a stand against the neighborhood bully to protect an innocent. Maria was a “muddy, Goethe-quoting girl who’d swept into the room, disordering it—and him—in a matter of seconds.”
As a man who “didn’t have a regular income, lived with his parents in Berlin and his aunt when in Munich” and had “written few books, preached lots of sermons, and now worked daily in a conspiracy that could just as easily get him killed as not,” Dietrich had little to offer her. Yet Maria found herself drawn to him.
Wise beyond her years, she at first believed: “Though she didn’t yet love him in the way of a woman on her wedding day, she knew beyond anything that she would.” However, through letters and visits to Dietrich while he was in prison, their bond grew. Maria claimed: “Is there a limit to how much one heart can miss another? If so, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I haven’t found it.”
Their relationship shows how friendship can grow into love.
This is a thoroughly researched story of love, sacrifice, courage, family bonds, duty, romance, and—above all—faith. At times gripping, at times sweetly romantic, it’s a great read!
I’ve already started giving hard copies of this book as gifts. Can’t wait to share this story with my students!
Thanks to Amanda Barratt, NetGalley, and Kregel Publications for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Quotes I like:
“I admire anyone seeking to defend the defenseless. Even if she did go about it in a rather … interesting manner.”
“‘Only from a peaceful, free, healed heart can anything good and right take place.’ A beautiful sentence. She wanted to own it for herself, to be peaceful, free, and healed when everything around her was at war, constrained, and broken.”
“We have been silent witnesses of evil deeds; we have been drenched by many storms; we have learnt the arts of equivocation and pretense; experience has made us suspicious of others and kept us from being truthful and open; intolerable conflicts have worn us down and even made us cynical. Are we still of any use? What we shall need is not geniuses, or cynics, or misanthropes, or clever tacticians, but plain, honest, straightforward men…. There remains for us an experience of incomparable value. We have for once learnt to see the great events of world history from below, from the perspective of the outcast, the suspects, the maltreated, the powerless, the oppressed, the reviled—in short, from the perspective of those who suffer.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~
“Fear had imprisoned her. And she wanted nothing more than to rip off the chains . . . she wouldn’t withhold herself from contacting her fiancé any longer. If danger came to her, so be it. She was ready for it. They all faced danger daily. Wasn’t it right and good to meet it with those who mattered most?”
“She tilted her head to look at him. How different he seemed now, simply a man walking beside her instead of the great pastor in the pulpit. And she, no longer the little girl relegated to playing with her brothers and sisters, could be free to converse with him on equal terms. Tonight had the texture of hope in it, brought on perhaps by the presence of this man who seemed to emanate it. As if the fragrance in the air and the shades of the sky gave them permission to temporarily forget about all that went on in the world outside Klein-Krössin.”
“There was this church I attended. Abyssinian Baptist. Church in America is an entirely different experience than here in Germany . . . It was there that I learned, perhaps for the very first time, what it was to be not just a theologian but an actual Christian. Someone who took the gospel out of dusty pages and ancient cathedrals and applied it to day-to-day life and everyday people, while still maintaining the truth of that gospel, without attempting to dilute it into something weak and popular.”
“Their country was being destroyed. Not only by battle and bombs, but by an all-encompassing allegiance to a regime that spread its poison like a toxin through the country’s veins. Lethal. She didn’t want any part in it. Though she may be forced to continue her national service, she’d not let the Vogels rule her. She’d continue to feed Boris, tell the little girls bedtime stories about a Lord other than Adolf Hitler. She’d resist. Even in the small ways.”
“I don’t believe in allowing another to do what I cannot, simply to absolve myself of guilt. You asked if I would be willing to take up arms and assassinate Adolf Hitler?” Dietrich swallowed, throat suddenly dry. “I know I would have to resign from any position I held in the church. But ja, I would. Guilt must not be left to others, but taken upon ourselves.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer looms large in my list of heroes for the World War II era. This beautiful novel filled in my knowledge of his engagement and imprisonment. I heard Ms. Barratt on the Eric Metaxas show and knew I had to read it. She did a wonderful job with a difficult subject!
“My Dearest Dietrich” by Amanda Barratt is a fictional account of the true love story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Maria von Wedemeyer, and my word, is this story special! Thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and poignantly enriched with steadfast faith. You do not want to miss this gem of a book, dearies!
Bittersweet and beautiful, this book brings to life the real-life romance between Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Maria von Wedemeyer in the dark days of WWII.
I procrastinated in reading this book for a long time because I knew how it would end, yet this book surpassed my expectations in so many ways, reverently handling this true story. Previous to this book I had read various books authored by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, Christ is in the Manger, and Life Together, as well as the acclaimed biography by Eric Metaxas, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, so my respect for Bonhoeffer was already very well developed and I as afraid that I would be disappointed in this book–but disappointed I was NOT.
Meticulously well written and researched, this author’s hard work really shines especially in regard to realistically portraying Dietrich. I recognized many of the characteristics in him that I had noticed in my previous reading, and I loved how she honored those things, bringing him to life within these pages an an almost tangible way. Maria is an inwardly lovely young woman, as well as outwardly, she is very self aware, respecting and caring for her family deeply. I admired her determination, and devotion to Dietrich through it all.
This book shows the tenderness of a love given by God, against the stark realities of WWII and the sacrifices made for the sake of a better future. I loved how this book showed a softer side of Dietrich Bonhoeffer through his love for Maria, and hers for him, yet also stayed true to his character, with great attention to historical fact. I loved how this book also featured many strong friendships. I also liked how the faith of the characters was prominently shown realistically as a very big part of their lives. This is a stunning historical read, bittersweet, stark, and tender. Highly recommend!
I checked this book out at my local library, opinions expressed are my own.
What a fantastic novel “My Dearest Dietrich” is! Ms. Barratt has really done her research and has written a real-life tragic love story. She has shown the depths of love, but also the depths of faith. It is only tragic, however, when viewed through human eyes. If one believes in the sovereignty of God, as Dietrich and Maria did, you will understand that God was glorified and the two lovers were strengthened through that faith. It is still too soon after finishing this book to really write all the ways I have been impacted by it. I just know I have truly learned how truly surrendered someone is able to be or better yet, must be, to endure and triumph in this life.
”It’s time the world discovered the other papers from prison. Learned that as well as being a theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was also a man.” Thus said Maria, Bonhoeffer’s fiancée, a women up until now, most had never known existed. Being part of a plot to rid the world of the menacing dictator, Hitler, Bonhoeffer lived a secret life — one that would have deadly ramifications. But, he grew to admire and then love Maria, a woman that despite the odds, continued to return that love, fighting for every chance to be with him. As others have said, this story is haunting, poignant, rich and uplifting. For as Dietrich himself said, in so many words, there is more to life than this present world. Cry, rejoice and admire this man and his relationship with the passionate love of his earthly life, Maria Von Wedemeyer. The relationship that took courage, strength and a quiet devotion to blossom and grow, and finally to release into God’s hands.
A beautifully written masterpiece!
Honestly, I knew very little about Dietrich Bonhoeffer and even less about the woman he loved. I was fascinated to learn history while enjoying a delicate romance. I was encouraged by the intense faith in God and how that faith propelled Dietrich and his friends to work desperately to change their government to get rid of evil.
Maria said, “You, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, you are my gift. And I need no other. “
Their “…Love was like a cord of rope, or the thread in her hands. It wasn’t until that cord was pulled tight and tested that its strength became known. She’d entered her engagement with Dietrich without having tested the chord binding them together. Now she must learn the strength with which it had been wrought.” And tested it was.
What a fascinating saga of love and loss Amanda Barratt has woven. I have read whole sections while holding my breath. I have mourned. I have cried. I have been so heartbroken for this unlikely couple. I have put this book down and walked away so many times, but every time I was drawn back by the unfolding drama. This story haunted my dreams and invaded my waking thoughts.
Amanda Barratt has been thorough in her research, capturing Maria von Wedemeyer and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s love story and breathing new life into it. It is a story worth the telling and definitely worth the reading.
Barratt has written a beautiful, poignant story about Dietrich Bonhoeffer. My first recommendation is to read it slow. I am usually a speed reader, but with this story I purposefully took my time. First of all, there is so much history to be learned. Barratt’s desire to stay true to history was so evident, and she packed in so much information that I wanted to make sure not to miss a thing. Don’t mistake that for a boring read – Barratt doesn’t info dump. No, instead she presents the facts methodically, perfectly and in a way that only enhances the story line.
War stories really intrigue me, but this was different than any I’ve ever read. No, you do not see Dietrich on the battle lines per se, but you do see his battles. When you think about the time of Hitler, it doesn’t too often cross your mind that just maybe some of the Germans were not on Hitler’s side. At least not me. But here was a man who was more concerned about what the Lord thought, then bowing down to Hitler who considered himself a god. What an example not only to the other characters, but to us as readers. Sometimes taking a stand has its consequences (as Dietrich learned in the latter part of the book), but that didn’t stop him. Nor should it stop us. As believers in Christ, we should not be afraid of the consequences of standing up for Christ, no matter what punishment the world offers.
Amongst the history, the emotions, the fear, is a love story that had my attention from the beginning. Maria is an extremely strong character. Not only because of enduring the long distance relationship (well, by the time they actually called it that), but because of the sacrifices she made as his girlfriend/fiance. She put herself in danger for him. She kept secrets for him. And although their time together was scarce, her love for him never wavered. I was not familiar with Dietrich’s story, so I was not really ready for the ending, (yes I had tears) but I was okay with it. Not all love stories have the ending we want. But they do have the ability to speak to our hearts, and stay with us for a very long time.
This book absolutely blew my socks off. It was everything I wanted and so much more. It exceeded the every single expectation I had for it. But again, take your time reading it. There is so much to be gained, and every single word is important to the story. I can see this book easily becoming a classic years from now. It’s a book I know I will revisit many times! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a hauntingly beautiful tale- the kind that haunts the reader long after the last page has been read. It is a poignant love story of two people who become extraordinary during a dark time in history. It is a story of faith and how that faith becomes a beacon of light within such darkness.
Amanda Barrett, a new to me author, has landed a spot on the top of my author list. Her prose is poetic and historical research is impeccable. Her skill in weaving the two into a story that will impact the reader is that of a master storyteller! Bravo!
A couple of my favorite quotes:
“God will give us the strength at the time we require it. Not a minute before.”
“Death is not the end…It’s the freedom and light and promise. Its grace…Ours to accept of our own free will. Without Christ it is cold and dark and empty, but with Him…..death is beautiful. He transforms it.”
“Ultimately it wasn’t about him. It was about submitting to the will of One greater than himself, seeking that will more than he sought anything else. Valued anything else. Even his own life.”
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Oh my, I just finished this most beautiful story! Absolutely a FIVE STAR read. So many words come to mind when thinking of thinking of My Dearest Dietrich, these are just a few: brave, tender, lovely, moving, sad, horrific circumstances, evil, courageous, faithful. I knew little about Dietrich Bonhoeffer before reading and loving “My Dearest Dietrich” by Author Amanda Barratt. That’s what I love about well written historical fiction, it always makes me want to learn more, in fact I just ordered one of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s books, and also Maria’s book of their love letters while he was in prison, both found on the author’s “for further reading” list. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, was a German theologian and pastor who tried to fight the brutality and the evil of the Nazi’s in his own quiet, yet potentially dangerous way. It really makes one think about how important it is to fight evil where it exists in our day as well. Amanda Barratt did an impeccable job with her research, and seamlessly wove real history into this beautiful tale. I have at least a dozen pages earmarked with quotes I want to revisit. One in particular sticks out to me “…where the gospel permeates every aspect of one’s life……the whole of it-work, family, marriage -should be given over to God in its entirety.” That is certainly the goal. This is an excellent book, I highly recommend it.
‘It was what it all came down to in the end. He wanted to live, to see his parents and marry Maria, but ultimately it wasn’t about him. It was about submitting to the will of One greater than himself, seeking that will more than he sought everything else. Valued anything else.’
How in the world do you start to read a book you know is going to end in tragedy? I could not bear to start for a while because I knew what was going to happen. It was going to break my heart. I have long admired Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was one of the greatest theologians of the last century and gave his life for Christ. Bonhoeffer refused, in the face of Nazism, to compromise the values of the Bible and of Christ to Hitler’s evil machinations. And he paid with his life. He knew that was a distinct possibility, yet he forged on, knowing that he was following the right path.
Amanda Barratt took on an admirable task when she made the decision to write about Bonhoeffer’s life. And she gave us a deeper look at his life, concentrating on not only his incredible faith and bravery, but his love for his fiancé, Maria von Wedemeyer. The fiancé he would never be blessed to marry, but who he would carry in his heart all the way to the gallows. And Barratt writes this so well, so well indeed, that the reader’s heart just weeps with what they know is to come. Her research is impeccable and she manages to convey such deep emotion that I nearly weep every time I just look at this book. Well done!
And one quote from Bonhoeffer just stirs my soul: ‘Whoever I am, Thou knowest, O God, I am Thine.’ May we all have this view.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.