Welcome to Litsy!

I listened to this audio book alongside reading The Paris Library. Getting perspectives on the war from two different countries really helped educate me on what was happening all over the world. Mildred was really an astonishing woman who accomplished so much yet we know so little about her.

An impressive historical account of the life and death of Mildred Harnack, an American scholar (and relative of the author) who was a part of the German resistance. It‘s a truly chilling look at the rapid rise of Hitler and the bravery of those in Germany who fought to resist. Donner brilliantly weaves together historical accounts and quotes to paint a portrait of life in Nazi Germany before and during WWII. Compelling and gutting.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

So impressed by what the author was able to do here as I have to imagine her source material was limited. I really liked how this wasn‘t just an uncovering of Mildred‘s story, but so many other figures in the resistance who were in her orbit.

^^p237. The pain of living through her adopted country‘s transformation, singing “John Brown‘s Song” to her students of English in Berlin. Donner does a good job acknowledging gaps in historical documents. Includes attempts from the resistance that failed, small turns that could have changed the length & outcomes of the war. Good sense of this fierce Wisconsinite who loved her German husband, her adopted country, her ideals. Great book TITLE.

“American lecturer who took on Hitler” seems sensational, but this history of Mildred Harnack, leader in the German resistance (written by great-great-niece)=strong read. Daily life in Berlin as Nazi power forms & transforms, partying w/ Thomas Wolfe just before Kristallnacht, recruiting, hiding, encoding, loving, dancing, teaching, defending her PhD. Pit-in-the-stomach read because you know the end. Her EYES. Her strength. Arvid‘s letter. 💜2021

A profoundly moving and immersive picture of what German resistance during WWII was like for the people who lived there. The second half of the book is particularly effective, as the tension before the Circle‘s arrest builds. I wish there had been more information about what they were accomplishing, and if Arvid and Mildred ever had any regrets about the steps they took to recruit others to their worthy cause. Definitely a recommended read.

Well written narrative fiction detailing the German resistance to Hitler. Though you know that the resistance were caught on the second page, it doesn‘t diminish the build up of the saga. I liked that the author articulated what happened to so many who passively or actively resisted. If you like this one, I‘d recommend Agent Sonya for more details on spying techniques or The Light of Days for a wider view of resistance in neighboring countries.

This provided a look at the antifascist movement in Germany. There were some erratic verb tense changes but it was so informative and gave the women in the movement equal billing by focusing on the work and ties of one American woman. Thanks to Edelweiss for a digital ARC. The release is planned for later this Summer.