Berlin Diary, by William Shirer

A journal of an American foreign correspondent stationed in Europe (particularly Germany) between 1934 and 1941. Shirer provides a first-hand account of the steady rise of the Nazis as the official political power in Germany, through the early stages of World War II.

Today, the broad details of the path that led to the War are basically familiar and might seem to have an inexorable quality. So it is fascinating to read an account that captures the uncertainty and confusion of the actual period. 

Shirer in 1961  (By IvoShandor at en.wikipedia
 [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons)

Shirer also provides a striking account of the character of German life during the Nazi era. One story that particularly stood out for me was that of a German woman who was officially informed that her son was missing and presumed killed in action. However, the BBC reported that her son had been taken prisoner. When eight of her friends and family let her know that her son was still alive, she reported them all to the police and had them arrested for listening to the BBC (listening to foreign broadcasts was illegal in Germany after the war began). Details such as this make for a compelling and eye-opening read.

Reviewed by Corey, First Regional Library

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