Day 160 – 52 Books in 52 Weeks

Hitler: A Biography by Ian Kershaw has been a very long read, but it has shown sides of the dictator that I never knew: his indecisiveness, how he gained power, his hypochondria, etc.

The book chronicles Hitler’s entire life even up to and after his suicide. There are parts that were difficult to get through, due to not being familiar with the governmental hierarchy of the time, German phrases, and the mass of people introduced at once. But once past those few chapters (probably 150 pages), the rest of the book is a much easier read.

Kershaw does not get into the specific atrocities that occurred during Hitler’s reign. Instead he focuses on the man himself. He pulls from numerous sources (the primary ones listed on four pages at the end of the book) but most specifically from the diary of Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s propaganda minister.

He describes the “inner circle” of people who were allowed near the dictator, and how they viewed the man. Their insights are interesting to read. Some, until the very end, were completely devoted to the man even if they disagreed on matters.

Kershaw also gives us a view of all of the political maneuverings going on in the last four years (1941-1945). Those who were secretly plotting to assassinate Hitler; those looking to find a way of life after the Hitler era; those constantly trying to gain Hitler’s favor in order to implement their own ideas for the German people… many of these are explained in great detail.

Overall it’s a very detailed biography and I would recommend it if you want to know more about Hitler. This isn’t a book about WWII or the savagery and horrors of Hitler’s reign, this is a book about Hitler himself. If you’re looking for some general info, sure you’ll find it here, but you have to get through 1000 pages to find what you want. This is not a quick-reference book by any stretch of the imagination.

If you’re also interested in politics, especially in how propaganda can sway the masses, you will find this book (and Hitler’s Mein Kampf) full of information on that particular topic.

It’s definitely a good read, but be prepared to devote a lot of time to get through it. It is a massive book.