Hitler's Children

Sons and Daughters of Third Reich Leaders

By: Gerald Posner

Narrated by: Julian Elfer

Göring. Hess. Mengele. Dönitz. Names that conjure up dark memories of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. They were the architects of the Third Reich. And they were fathers. Gerald Posner convinced 11 sons and daughters of Hitler's inner circle to break their silence.

This second generation of perpetrators in Hitler's Children struggle with their Third Reich inheritance. In grappling with memories of good and loving fathers who were later charged with war crimes, these heirs to the Nazi legacy add a fresh and important perspective to understanding the complexity of what historian, Hannah Arendt, dubbed "the banality of evil".

Hitler's Children is much more, however, than a series of startling family interviews. It is also a spellbinding insider's look at some of the men whose names have become synonymous with terror. This is a classic book about the second generation of Nazi perpetrators (the only one ever to have family interviews with Hess, Mengele, Donitz, and Göring.) No other book author or documentarian ever got those children to talk again. And Norman Frank, the eldest son of war criminal Hans Frank, also never spoke to anyone but Posner.

©2017 Gerald Posner (P)2017 Tantor

Powerful and Informative

"Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti is a haunting journey into the lives of those who navigated the treacherous path of adolescence during one of history's darkest periods. Bartoletti's meticulous research and empathetic storytelling bring forth a narrative that transcends mere historical documentation, weaving a tapestry of human experiences that resonate long after the last page is turned.

In this poignant exploration, Bartoletti masterfully captures the nuances of innocence corrupted, tracing the transformation of vibrant young souls into unwitting pawns of a malevolent regime. The author doesn't shy away from delving into the complexities of these young lives, skillfully revealing the gradual erosion of individuality and the insidious indoctrination that molded them into fervent followers.

The narrative unfolds with a delicate balance between empathy and objectivity, allowing readers to witness the gradual descent of idealistic dreams into the nightmare of blind allegiance. Bartoletti's prose is both evocative and restrained, steering clear of gratuitous sensationalism while painting a vivid picture of the emotional turmoil that enveloped these youths.

The author's ability to breathe life into historical facts is commendable, making the reader not only witness but feel the weight of the choices these young individuals faced. The intimate anecdotes and personal narratives interwoven into the broader historical context create a visceral reading experience that is as enlightening as it is heart-wrenching.

"Hitler Youth" stands as a testament to the author's dedication to truth-telling without sacrificing the emotional depth of the narrative. Bartoletti's keen insight into the human condition allows her to unravel the intricacies of moral dilemmas faced by the youth caught in the crossfire of ideologies. The book becomes a mirror reflecting the fragility of innocence and the harrowing consequences of unchecked power.

In the end, Bartoletti's narrative doesn't merely recount history; it serves as a sobering reminder of the potential for darkness within the human soul. "Hitler Youth" is an emotionally charged odyssey that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths while instilling a profound sense of empathy for those who lived through the shadows of Hitler's regime. It is a literary triumph that lingers, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's conscience.

Very informative

It is eye opening to see the perspectives of children of Nazis. Many of them have different viewpoints and this gives good insight into how their childhood, and whole life for that matter, affected them.

Great story

Very interesting book and very well read. The story was easy to follow and fascinating. No problem finishing this book!

Couldn’t put it down!

Just flew through this book. The narrator was so good that I never noticed him. Each person’s story was very interesting. Amazing how many of these evil men never showed remorse. I would highly recommend this book if you like history and consider yourself a student of human beings.

Very interesting and well written

Written in away that i wanted to continue to learn more without bias, it was presented with facts but without being boring.