In The Garden Of Beasts

Erik Larson, author of "In The Garden of Beasts" takes us into the turbulent, exciting, deceptive world of Berlin, Germany during the pre-World War II years of the 1930s. The United States Ambassador, William E. Dodd and his wife Mattie, daughter Martha, and son, William Jr., were a family living on a college professor's salary. They were unused to the trappings of living in a grand mansion, of having a car and driver at their disposal, and of being expected to give receptions and parties. Their favor was courted and wooed, while they were simultaneously lied to about the nature of incidents that reflected the true nature of the Nazi regime, At first, they felt sympathetic toward Hitler and his cohorts, because the nation was beginning to prosper again under their leadership. Additionally, the Dodd family had their own pre-conceived ideas about Jews from the era in which they lived. After witnessing several atrocities, however, they soon came to realize the error of their beliefs. Martha enjoyed the partying, excitement and the attention of young virile men, until an event causes her to see more clearly. Ambassador Dodd becomes disenchanted with those around him, and begins to notify his superiors of what he knows. This is a fascinating, insightful story of the years leading up to World War II. It's a must read for anyone who likes world or American history, on a more personal level than just dry facts and figures.

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