Customer Reviews

Hitler Here: A Biographical Novel

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In point of fact, "Hitler Here" is a very good biographical novel. It not only gives new dimension to its subject, Adolph Hitler, but the presents a unique view of 20th Century German history. Make no mistake this novel does not make Hitler a sympathetic figure nor does it mitigate his role in perpetrating monstrous crimes against humanity. It does provide a plausible explanation of how Hitler was able to cajole an entire nation into collaborating with him in these crimes. It does not really explain why Hitler did these things, but offers a scary window on what he might have been thinking while he was doing them. The best sections of this novel concern the Weimer Republic and the early years of the Third Reich. The account of how such an unlikely individual as Adolph Hitler was able to gradually able to achieve a position of absolute leadership of Germany is fascinating and quite well told. The last three sections of the book set during WWII are compelling in some ways, but considerably less interesting. This book is an exercise in creative analysis and imagination that paints a fictional, but probably accurate picture of the man behind Hitler, the larger than life personification of evil.

However, the reader should be warned that this is not a conventional novel in its form or content. Rather than tell Hitler's story from a single viewpoint, Clark constructed his biography around narratives from Hitler, his supporters, lovers, and opponents. Thus the reader is presented not with a smooth narrative, but with independent statements loosely grouped around specific events in Hitler's life. Some may find this disconcerting, but this reviewer found this style very effective. Seeing the same event or situation from several different perspectives provides depth and perspectives on Hitler that a single voiced narrative could not.

With "Hitler Here" George Thomas Clark has crafted a highly readable and thoroughly enjoyable literary experience. As historical non-fiction is the standard reading fare of this reviewer, he was quite pleasantly surprised at how good this biographical novel was from a historical standpoint. Readers of WWII history should be fully aware that "Hitler Here" is a NOVEL, yet Clark has done much homework in developing his engaging prose. The entire book is presented as short first person accounts that attempt to bring fictional life to the history. The cited bibliography is fairly extensive and from this reviewers reading of many of those book cited, Clark has grasped the historical picture quite well. This is not to say that everything in "Hitler Here" is historical or reflect reality as it happened. Yet, in general the text grips the readers interest and only a relative few minor (in terms of page relative to 'gripping' sections) cases does Clark fail to fully engage the readers imagination.

Clocking in 632 pages, "Hitler Here" holds its own, both in length and depth, against many of the great historical works Clark references (e.g., John Toland's "Adolf Hitler" and Albert Speer's "Inside the Third Reich") that have Hitler as their central theme/character. Clark organizes the book into 9 basic chapters, each (with the exception of the Prologue) divided into chronological periods ranging from one or two years (five chapters dedicated to the War years) to as long as a decade ('Discovery: 1914-1924' describing the politically formative years of Hitler). In organizing his text like this Clark was able to quite effectively compartmentalize major historical events, whether they were changing popular views and international political stresses (both pre-war categories), major armed engagements, or personal developments. Clark touches on many issues relating to the Third Reich, its major personalities and the Second World War in a more general sense as relates to the Mediterranean and European Theaters. Thus, while not a historical book per se, "Hitler Here" is good reading and provides 'historical facts' and perspective.

In spite of the generally positive nature of this review, it is fair to say that "Hitler Here" cannot substitute for traditional historical documents and works. Because "Hitler Here" is a biographical novel there are points of 'historical' contention, or at least passages subject to historical criticism. One example is the painting of panzer pioneer Heinz Guderian as one of the few high ranking military leaders in the Third Reich to speak his mind freely and critically to Hitler on a regular basis. Certainly there is historical evidence that Guderian did oppose Hitler on several occasions, but as presented in Clark's novel a reader might walk away with a 'historical' picture of Guderian as anti-Hitler or even anti-Nazi. This would indeed be misleading as Guderian was an ardent Nazi and generally loyal, if critical, supporter of Hitler. In many ways Clark might not be at fault for this view of Guderian as much of the popular historical literature has also painted him this way - in many ways self-propogated by Guderian's own book "Panzer Leader", which Clark cites in his bibliography. Second, Clark may oversell the 'innocent' basal nature of Heinrich Himmler that has been sold to the public in some historical literature. In many cases such historical accounts reflect sensational literature tactics rather than solid research to support a thesis that Himmler was not at his core 'evil'. Although Clarrk doesn't cite the work, Peter Padfield's "Himmler: Reichs Fuhrer SS" is a perfect example of a solid piece of historical literature that sells the 'innocent' Himmler idea. Lesson: readers should remember that "Hitler Here" is a novel and some amount of fiction exists to make the prose and story flow the way it does.

All in all this is a 4.5 star read and solid 3.5 star book as 'history', despite being a novel!

I've read numerous WWII books down through the years, but this was probably the most unique one I have thus far encountered. Written almost entirely in the first person, singular using straight declarative sentences, it takes a little getting used to. Even inanmimate objects give us this treatmenat and the reader is facing barrel after barrel of short declarative information blasts coming at them from all directions, but on the plus side this makes getting bored nearly impossible.

Two pages is a long chapter in this book, and due to the writing style and length of stories it should appeal a lot to the under thirty readership. In fact it is almost a Cliff Notes (although very long Cliff Notes) version of the "Rise and Fall of the Third Reich", covering nearly the same time span from Hitler's youth to Hitler's death.
It is nowhere nearly so well documented, but if not better written at least it is finished more quickly. It is weak on dates, but heavy on thumbnail sketches of the major playors and events. Like most WWII books, it can't stand on it's own, but I found it very helpful in getting an overview of the War, and found the unusual style refreshing (for one book). I'm betting that style will be the dividing line for most readers- you either will love or hate that format.

Heretofore the author of short stories, George Thomas Clark's 637-page biographical novel Hitler Here documents his ability to carry an extended and complex plot focused upon Adolf Hilter, his friends and his subordinates. Expertly researched, the fictionalized treatment allows the author to peer into and reflect Hitler's mind, and talk directly to historical figures such as Eva Braun, Goering, Goebbels, Himmler, and more. In fact, the novel's style is not that of a traditional unbroken narrative, but rather a lengthy, hodgepodge collection of first-person reports and views from a wide variety of figures - each excerpt is rarely more than a page in length, and together they piece together a dark, unfolding story of the atrocities of World War II. A compelling tale, all the more horrific for its grounding in truth.

Just when you thought that all that could be written about Adolf Hitler had already been written, here comes yet another book with an entirely different angle. In Hitler Here, author George Thomas Clark brings together a lot of facts we already knew, some facts we had forgotten, and quite a few facts and allegations we never even considered and brings them to life via the minds and mouths of Hitler, his peers, and his adversaries.
I admit I was skeptical when I started reading the book. The format seemed as one reviewer put it "dumbed-down" but as I read on I began to understand what I thought Clark is trying to do. We've all read the histories with grand overviews and personalities either noble or evil. The way Clark approaches Hitler and the Third Reich and the world around it is by animating the pettiness, the selfishness, and the rationalizations that motivate everyone involved and the consequences that resulted. When Hitler speaks in Hitler Here, what he says is not a direct quote but a product of the thought processes that Clark thinks may have occurred that would explain why he acts as he does. The same goes for the others. That may be a cynical view, but if you know a lot about the important personalities of the period, you can chuckle as they show us in thought and deed the kind of characters history has shown them to be. Hitler's contempt for nearly everyone is well-known, it comes alive here. Ditto Patton's contempt for Montgomery and Eisenhower, Stalin's contempt for Western leaders, and Mussolini's Janus-faced admiration of and contempt for Der Fuehrer. All the fawning, the backstabbing, the misjudgements, the cruelty, the bravery, and the cowardice inherent in the protagonists comes alive for us to marvel at.
I have read at least a hundred books about Hitler and his milieu. As I read this and considered Hitler's constant references to "history" and how it will judge him and his works, I wondered if he ever gave any thought to the idea that while his name would live on, it would live on in infamy as that of one of the most universally loathed men who ever lived. Clark's book is a good and surprisingly informative read despite some editing errors and some occasional silliness. If you are interesting in reading something which puts the age of Hitler in new perspective, then I recommend that you read Hitler Here.

When I first got a copy of this novel, I found the title and the artwork on the cover so disturbing that I determined to rate the book at a maximum of four stars, no matter how interesting I might find the contents. However, by the final pages with young Helga Goebbels' futile pleas to her mother in the bunker to be allowed to live as Allied troops advanced upon Berlin, I knew this book deserved the highest ranking.

I'd especially recommend this book to a person who doesn't know details of how Hitler rose to power in Germany or about who the major figures were among the leadership of Nazi Germany from 1933 to the German surrender of 1945. Written in an informal diary/oral history style, "Hitler Here" offers shifting points of view among both major and minor players in this great human tragedy.....and it's important to remember that this is a profound story of heartbreaking human tragedy primarily caused by one man and those who supported him... So many innocents died so that a few might fulfill their ambitions and attempt to gain more power. To look upon Hitler on the cover of this novel is to look upon a face of evil, true, but more than this....Hitler was cunning, charming, ruthless, and void of empathy and compassion. He took incredible military risks and gambled with the lives of his troops, such gambles that paid off handsomely early in the war but led to utter ruin a short time later. He was a complicated man who knew how to surround himself with those who would do his bidding and either like doing so or fear acting against his will. He was directly and fully responsible for tens of millions of deaths and shared responsibility to some degree for many millions more. Hitler was the one who set Nazi Germany upon her course, and he had the power to turn from this course at any time. The fact that he did not choose to do so even as it became clear to almost everyone that Germany would lose the war indicates that he was more devoted to his own personal plans and schemes than to the welfare of the German people and nation.

There are lessons for all people and all nations in the story of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany.....There is the temptation to want to sweep evil men such as Hitler and terrible events such as World War Two "under the rug", and not dwell too long upon them. Those who would be tempted to do so should remember that there was a time in Germany when many good and decent people thought that Adolf Hitler was brilliant and that he was an excellent candidate to become the leader of Germany. To simply say that he was a "bad man" does not help in understanding him. While it is true, this "bad man" was complex and deserves further study.....the most basic reason why is that we all must understand that a person such as Hitler will one day try to lead a modern nation down the same path, and those who know the story of what Hitler was really like and how he came to power will be better prepared to deal with such a person trying to become the leader of their nation....understand this and you will understand why it is proper and necessary to learn all we can about this man and those who surrounded him and the events during this dark period in our recent history....and this book does an excellent job of portraying this man, those who surrounded him, and these events!

----- John Michael O'Loughlin

Like Hannibal traversing the Alps, Clark embarks on a journey which has seemingly been made many times. Like Hannibal, however, Clark's journey is one that history will remember. Of all the books about Hitler this one is the keeper. It reminds me of the James Michener of South Pacific days before being a commerial writer eviscerated Michener's considerable talents.

This is a fine & unusual read where the author has been bold and brave in attempting to get inside the minds of real people by writing in the 1st person. The book follows the life of Hitler from his own self-discovery, rise to power; preparations for war & of course the war itself. All the main players are portrayed in the book including Hitler, Himmler, Bormann, Goebbels, Goering, Rommel, Guderian, Mussolini, Churchill, Stalin, and Roosevelt. The author also portrays the common fighting soldier & more intimate moments with the likes of Eva Braun. Trying to rationalize the above big names' actions & dare to attempt to recreate their thoughts must have been difficult, but author has drawn on many references, memoirs & historical fact. Bringing these real characters back to life may draw some criticism in some circles, but the end result makes for compelling reading & interesting & insightful portrayals. Recommended reading for anyone with an interest in history.

I liked "Hitler Here" primarily because it covered so much about the man and what he wrought and did so in a unique way. I confess that I eased my way into the book when I got it. I was pretty busy at the time and only read a few pages at a time but that was enough to give me an understanding of the concept and a respect for George Thomas Clark's thoroughness in the scope of the book. I came away with the sense that much of what I was reading was conjecture and not just because the author quoted fictional persons or things. I understood that the conjecture was primarily to try and make sense of as well as tying the various aspects of Hitler's life together in a more coherent manner. There were suggestions in this book of thing that I had not previously read about while also including suggestions of things that I had read about in more scholarly (or journalistically) researched works on Hitler and Nazi Germany. Thus I was puzzled at times on how seriously to consider that which was new to my knowledge of the man.

Clark's excellence lies in his ability to paint a portrait of arguably the world's most heinous figure. He starts at the beginning and traces the evolution of the man while giving insight to the influences and effects of Hitler's warped philosophy. Along the way, he gives us a pretty good insight to many of the other key players in this tragic story of what can happen when a mad man is left alone to pursue his twisted destiny. Clark does so by a constant string of "first person" accounts (largely fictional) of Hitler and those who witnessed him or his demented world. SOme accounts go for several pages while other pages may contain three or four brief observations. Clark willingly delves into the sexuality of the main characters although he is (purposely?) vague about that of Hitler. As WWII breaks out (and we get a pretty good understanding of the step by step evolution of how that happens) the account expands to encompass the events of the European Theater of War. Much space is focussed on the Invasion of the Soviet Union, for example. The many fictional accounts serve to describe the horror and depravations of the Eastern Front. Clark also puts in many accounts from historical characters of that era that, if not verbatim quotes, serve as accurate paraphrasing of what actually happened.

It is not possible, I think, to truly examine Hitler without spending at least a fair amount of pages covering the effects he had on his world. At times I wondered if George Thomas Clark was spending too much time away from Hitler himself. I'm not exactly complaining about that since it made for a more engrossing "novel". However, I wondered why he spent so much time, for example, covering the failed assasination attempt of 7/20/44.

If the idea of a collection of fictional first-person account sounds confusing, consider that, with editing for length, "Hitler Here" could easily be brought to the stage. I'm not overly comfortable with the "5 Star" rating I gave this book. I couldn't put it down once I gave it a more extended look and I felt that Clark had put a lot of time into constructing such a coherent account. However, parts of it seemed to drift off unnessesarily on more deviant tangents. I'd prefer to settle for a 4.5 rating but I defer to the higher rating due to the originality of style.

All the characters tell their own stories and draw the reader in more effectively than in traditional historical works. I really enjoyed and learned a lot from this book.