Volume 2: Disaster, 1940-1945

The huge canvas this book covers is vividly written and beautifully presented with a body of illustrations, a time machine told in a narrative free of academic jargon, one giving us just enough details into the experiences of Germans during this frightening period: The Times of the Gestapo.

In volume 2, the companion to “The Hitler Years” Triumph, 1933-1939 is not an easy read it tells of the rise and catastrophic fall of the Nazi regime, a descent into barbarism, genocide and war that cost millions of lives. “Disaster” charts the dramatic changes for the Third Reich despite Hitler’s grand ambitions. This book focuses heavily on military campaigns, carefully analyzing each major battle and the turning points they represented. It makes it clear the importance to understand that Nazi Germany was in search of living space and for this to be achieved was through expansion taking lands from racially inferior nations.

Given the scope of the book (656 pages) some may say more attention could have been given to some aspects instead of others: ex. German massacres of prisoners of war. How does one condense satisfactorily so many elements in a single book? ”Disaster” is well-researched, well- structured and well-written.

If you are interested in this period of time both volumes are combinations of expert historical analysis.

Thank you St-Martin press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, this is the way I see it. ( )

This is a very detailed account of Hitler’s rise to power in the early years of 1933-1939. I definitely want to read the second volume, since it ended a bit abruptly just as the political scene around the world was getting precarious.

The book goes through each year, illustrating Hitler’s political savvy and deception. It helps if readers have some idea of what was happening during these years. I found it interesting that one of the Mitford girls from England was mentioned several times as being a close friend of Hitler’s. Having previously read about the Mitford family, this resonated with me.

What was most chilling about reading this in today’s political climate are the similarities that show up—most especially what is and is not reported to the public. On the other hand, he may have been stopped much sooner it he attempted the same scenario in the present day.

Be prepared to keep track of many names and branches of office mentioned throughout, both from Germany and several other countries. This is a long book and not an especially fast read, but definitely one that will be of interest.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy and offer my honest review. ( )