kstring's review against another edition
4.0
This was one of my first experiences with nonfiction, and I must say that after reading this, I must say I think I found the cream of the crop! I don't know if I could enjoy nonfiction by any other author now--that's the trouble with starting with the best: nothing can compare afterwards.
Even though this book was 100% fact, it was told in such a way that there was a story! I actually got caught up in what was going on and didn't really want to stop reading at times! I learned a lot and enjoyed listening to these people's stories. Erik Larson is a brilliant writer.
In truth, I tried listening to another one of Erik Larson's books about a boat, but I couldn't keep up with all the captain's logs on audio, so that is one I will have to read instead of listen to. If you're a fan of Erik Larson, this is a fine installment to his repertoire.
Even though this book was 100% fact, it was told in such a way that there was a story! I actually got caught up in what was going on and didn't really want to stop reading at times! I learned a lot and enjoyed listening to these people's stories. Erik Larson is a brilliant writer.
In truth, I tried listening to another one of Erik Larson's books about a boat, but I couldn't keep up with all the captain's logs on audio, so that is one I will have to read instead of listen to. If you're a fan of Erik Larson, this is a fine installment to his repertoire.
kiperoo's review against another edition
5.0
Fabulous book about the Dodd family in Berlin (from 1933-1937). Really incredible details here and what a page-turner!
mondovertigo's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Ableism, and Antisemitism
Moderate: Genocide
bhsmith's review against another edition
4.0
For the past 20 years I've studied a lot about World War II, the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party, the Holocaust and America's involvement in the entire affair. Often these were lessons taught to me in school. Once it was part of a television program I produced. Sometimes these studies were sparked by my own personal curiosity and pursuit for knowledge. However, in all this time, never have I come across the story of the US Ambassador to Germany in the years leading up to World War II, William Dodd. And given the role he played during the Nazi rise to power in Germany, I'm honestly a little surprised I hadn't heard his name before reading "In the Garden of Beasts."
My first exposure to the work of Erik Larson was the spectacularly-written and -researched book "The Devil in the White City." His writing and research does not disappoint in this book. I cannot fathom the sources he must have gathered together to write such a beautiful - true! - account of the mid-1930s in Germany. In fact, his writing style reads so smoothly that you'd easily mistake the work for a fiction novel. Direct quotations from all the major players read just like a novel, where you can craft a conversation to fit the story. Larson even puts into his prologue this note, "As always, any material between quotation marks comes from a letter, diary, memoir, or other historical document." I kept thinking of that promise throughout the entire book, which leant even more credibility to the story being told.
The adventures of Ambassador Dodd and his family - particularly his daughter Martha - in Germany weave a pretty complex history far better enjoyed in Larson's words than mine. It was remarkable to me, though, to watch how Germany changed during this time period, and how Dodd changed along with them. Though, their paths certainly headed different directions. Watching these stories - of Germany and of the Ambassador - play out simultaneously over time is a truly rewarding experience in a truly original book.
My first exposure to the work of Erik Larson was the spectacularly-written and -researched book "The Devil in the White City." His writing and research does not disappoint in this book. I cannot fathom the sources he must have gathered together to write such a beautiful - true! - account of the mid-1930s in Germany. In fact, his writing style reads so smoothly that you'd easily mistake the work for a fiction novel. Direct quotations from all the major players read just like a novel, where you can craft a conversation to fit the story. Larson even puts into his prologue this note, "As always, any material between quotation marks comes from a letter, diary, memoir, or other historical document." I kept thinking of that promise throughout the entire book, which leant even more credibility to the story being told.
The adventures of Ambassador Dodd and his family - particularly his daughter Martha - in Germany weave a pretty complex history far better enjoyed in Larson's words than mine. It was remarkable to me, though, to watch how Germany changed during this time period, and how Dodd changed along with them. Though, their paths certainly headed different directions. Watching these stories - of Germany and of the Ambassador - play out simultaneously over time is a truly rewarding experience in a truly original book.
mogar_pogar's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
3.25
lawyeranthropologist's review against another edition
4.0
Informative and interesting, but quite slow at times.
andergraphen's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastico romanzo storico dal punto di vista dei protagonisti che hanno vissuto l’ascesa al poter del nazionalsocialismo e dei suoi devastanti impatti sul genere umano. 9
pezfilledcookies's review against another edition
Unfortunately, I DNFed Dead Wake too. About halfway through I lost track of the characters and became uninterested. Can’t quite put my finger in why, though.