9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE AND INTERESTING READ, April 6, 2009
This review is from: The Shipwreck of a Nation: Germany: An Inside View (Paperback)
The Shipwreck of a Nation by H. Peter Nennhaus is an attempt (and a very good attempt, I might add), to record the thoughts, feelings and, as his introduction informs us, the overall mindset of the average German citizen before, during and immediately post World War II. I was drawn to this work for two reasons. First is the fact that I belong to one of those families who was unfortunate enough to have had member fighting on both sides of this conflict; a father and number of uncles on the Allied side and a number of uncles and cousins fighting on the German. My second reason is the fact that I am a bit of a European History nut and will read anything that I think might add to my knowledge in this area. Now that being said...
Dr. Nennahaus was a young boy upon the outbreak of hostilities in Europe during this time frame. His family consisted of average German citizens, no more involved in politics than most, and leading rather solid, ordinary, middle class lives. All of this of course changed drastically. Now due to the fact that the old saying that "the winner gets to write the history books," stories such as the one being presented here are few and far between and those that are written are usually not read by "the other side."
The main thrust of this autobiography does not delve into the motivations behind the Nazi movement, but rather focuses upon what the average German citizen felt; what his or her perceptions were as to events as they unfolded. The author is very specific in his feelings as to his feelings in regard to the atrocities committed at that time. He goes to great lengths to note that he is not speaking to us through hindsight, but rather from a real time point of view. Of course he does address the issues as to the cause of the war, the development of the war and its conclusions. Again though, it must be remembered that we are seeing it through his eyes, a young German boy/man. There are two sides to every story and this is his side.
Now there are several things that need be kept in mind when reading this work. First, the reader must keep everything in historical context; in its proper sequence, and travel with the young writer as if the reader were actually there. That is, one must put themselves into the writer's shoes for a bit. Secondly, the reader, as pointed out by another reviewer her, must have at least a working knowledge of European history going back to at least the mid 1800s. This is quite important. Some of the subjects the author addresses will be just a bit difficult to fully understand unless this history is known to the reader. Third and I feel very importantly, the reader must approach this work with an open mind. There are indeed statements in this book that might offend if not placed in the proper order and context. There are numerous statements made by the author that can (and I am sure will, as this work is read), be questioned and there is great potential for some heated debates here. That, as far as I am concerned, is a good thing. A good example of this would be the author's statements as to the justification for the invasion of Poland. We get to see how the man on the street viewed pivotal event. The book will make you think.
One of the best parts of this work is when the author, Dr Nennhaus takes us inside his family and gives us glimpses of their private lives. The author does this through recounts drawn from his memory and via letters from friends and family. Many of these family scenes are quite touching and heartwarming. Actually I felt this was the best part of the book.
This is a well written autobiography; the author is a good writer and once you become acquainted with his syntax, the work becomes quite readable. Nennhaus is quite informed as to his history and explains things quite well. The author takes great pains to be as neutral as possible while telling his tale, something I feel would be quite a challenge under the circumstances.
The author does make some very good points, many of which I personally agree with. His feelings of what was done to Germany by the French and English at the Treaty of Versailles I pretty much agree with. The statements and his attitude toward the Soviet Union under the leadership of Uncle Jo are absolutely spot on as far as I am concerned. Other statements...well we could go on with that at length here, but that is not the purpose of this review.
All in all this is an excellent work and a highly informative, if not always enjoyable, read. War, any war, is the height of human stupidity and the author is quick to point this out. It is sometimes difficult to read about such things. Informative, yes, always enjoyable, no. This is a thoughtful read and certainly should be on your bookshelf.
Don Blankenship
The Ozarks
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating account of a youth under the Nazis, April 8, 2009
This review is from: The Shipwreck of a Nation: Germany: An Inside View (Paperback)
The author was born in February 1929 and lived in Berlin while a youth, getting into an army-like situation when he turned 16 in February 1945. His account of his growing up years is full of interest, and he does a good job explaining why the Nazi propaganda took him in, though it is encouraging to note that his parents became disenamored with Hitler long before the end of the war. The account of his family and the war years in Berlin I found consistently interesting. Reading this book will give an insight which helps to explain how so many Germans supported Hitler for so long, and it is encouraging that the author knowing what he does now sees the evil that Nazidom was--although he also points out the horror which Germany went thru at Russian hands at the ending of the war and the castastrophe of Leipzig. This book will make you see that some Germans were not depraved even though they supported their country.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Record of Survival and Personal Family History During World War II, June 29, 2009
This review is from: The Shipwreck of a Nation: Germany: An Inside View (Paperback)
Dr. Peter Nennhaus has written a human interest story, a family story about survival, it is a true story about how World War II had impacted his family. This is a book which would interest anyone who wants to know what it was like living in Germany just prior to World War II and during the war itself. Originally, the author had written this book for his son who was born in America so that he could understand more about his German ancestry and learn about his family's history. By expanding the book to include world history and events which led to World War II, the author has created a book with a broader appeal for a wider audience. Using both his personal recollections as a child growing up in Germany and his mother's diary that he later discovered after she passed away, the author softens and brightens the sometimes dark events of the times. Initially, the book reads very much like a novel which describes a nearly idyllic life on a farm on an island called Rügen on the Baltic Sea. Alongside his family's story, the author seamlessly weaves historical events throughout the book and provides his interpretations of how and why the world proceeded on the disastrous course called World War II. Anyone interested in a family's story of survival during these difficult times would benefit from reading this very well written book. I found the author's writing style both erudite and captivating. He provides an insider's world view of how the average German citizen was impacted by the decisions made by the leaders of his country.
It is clear that after World War I, Germany was made to suffer huge reparations. Historians have written many books covering this subject. It is my opinion that Germany was more severely punished after World War I than the conditions of the time warranted. It is also my opinion that the Soviet Union has not been fully held accountable for the atrocities it waged against the citizens of many countries that were forced to collectivize their farms, especially the Ukraine. The author also has recorded how the Soviet Army (i.e. Russians) perpetrated many atrocities on helpless citizens during World War II, especially women. This book gives some examples of their barbaric behavior. It is not easy reading but honest books that describe the actions during any war never are. The more sensitive reader can omit these sections and still gain a great deal of understanding and insight into life before, during and after World War II. The author provides many unique interpretations of historical events which makes this a very excellent book. Sadly, the author's brother Dieter did not return after the war and was initially labelled as "missing in action" and later presumed dead. Despite the difficulties of recovery after the war, the author describes some fortuitous events which provided him the opportunity and privilege to attend medical school and achieve his life long ambition to become a physician. While at times this book is difficult to read mainly because it contains so much dense historical detail, over all it is an excellent treatment of a very important subject. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
