Ever since I read Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, I’ve been reading his novels. I told myself that I was going to wait until his latest came out in paperback, but I broke down and bought it in hardcover.
In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson
Immediately before World War II, Germany was a nation on the brink of disaster. It was heavily in debt to the United States, the U.S. desperately needed an ambassador in Germany, and Adolf Hitler was the newly chosen Chancellor. The President of the United States at the time was Franklin D. Roosevelt and he chose William Dodd – an unassuming and docile professor from Chicago to assume the post in Germany.
In 1933 Dodd, his wife, son and daughter moved to Hitler’s Berlin and thus began a turbulent 4 years. While Dodd tried to avoid any conflict with Hitler’s regime, his daughter became infatuated with the Nazi revolution. Rumors regarding Jewish persecution were quickly dismissed and the Dodds found themselves caught up with the parties, fancy cars, food and drink. By the time the Dodds realized how mad Hitler really was, it was too late – he had ultimate power.
There were numerous signs of Hitler’s impending madness. When you read this book you will be astonished how the world missed the opportunity to put a stop to one of the world’s most destructive dictators.
Below is the list of Loop Book Club books thus far. Next book in two weeks.
