legge_la_bomba's review
5.0
So, on we march through our 20th century history trek; with the rise of the Nazis next on the agenda. This is the one I've been waiting to get my teeth stuck in to and I thought the best place to start before reading detailed accounts was to find a book which gave a general summary of the events that unfolded in Europe and the German Reich during the 1930s. Frank McDonough's telling of events, however, is so much more than a summary, it is an absolutely fantastic read from start to finish. Yes, it draws a lot from the definitive accounts of William L. Shirer and Ian Kershaw but it packs the vital info in at the right times and keeps you glued to the constant turning of events during that period.
The thing that most impressed me was the sheer amount of thoughts and opinions of the major players in this war. The diary entries, the memoirs and just the general feeling of Hitler's officers throughout the campaign. The thoughts of the European diplomats and ambassadors made for a real dynamic and fascinating read throughout. I was always under the impression that the Nazi regime stood for real unity and a common goal but the info from personal journals suggests a constant conflict of interest between the top brass. All in all, an excellently non-biased, accessible account bursting with facts and nuggets of info that I wasn't aware of and just a really interesting read from beginning to end. It's free with Prime Reading t'boot!
The thing that most impressed me was the sheer amount of thoughts and opinions of the major players in this war. The diary entries, the memoirs and just the general feeling of Hitler's officers throughout the campaign. The thoughts of the European diplomats and ambassadors made for a real dynamic and fascinating read throughout. I was always under the impression that the Nazi regime stood for real unity and a common goal but the info from personal journals suggests a constant conflict of interest between the top brass. All in all, an excellently non-biased, accessible account bursting with facts and nuggets of info that I wasn't aware of and just a really interesting read from beginning to end. It's free with Prime Reading t'boot!
bibliovino's review
4.0
Be warned: if you’re not a major history buff and a fan of footnotes, you will likely want to stay away from this first of two volumes chronicling Hitler’s rise to power and first forays into the spread of the Reich. Densely packed with a chronological layout, this detailed-oriented and anecdotally interspersed work is a real beast. Kudos on the research needed to pack so much in a short space!
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for my free copy. These opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for my free copy. These opinions are my own.
kperry2281's review
4.0
I received this an ARC through Netgalley. The Hitler Years provides an in-depth look as to how and why Hitler rose to power. It is extremely detailed and thoughtfully written. The amount of time in research for a book like this must have been immense. The pictures throughout were a wonderful touch. While this is a work of non-fiction, I did not feel that it dragged at all or was difficult to understand. While there are a lot of details shared, I never felt lost in the text. Excited to read the next installment by Frank McDonough.
shravb's review
4.0
The Hitler Years: Triumph is a non fiction book detailing the situations that led to World War II. This book is a general history of how Hitler rose to power and how the World ignored lot of signs on what was to come. The author has documented very well all the details that happened in Germany during those times economically, diplomatically and financially. It was interesting to read the formation of SS and how SS and Gestapo eventually became so powerful.
This book is definitely huge but definitely will interest readers who are interested in reading about the events leading up to the War. With plenty of pictures this is a good read.
This book is definitely huge but definitely will interest readers who are interested in reading about the events leading up to the War. With plenty of pictures this is a good read.
calimie's review
challenging
informative
medium-paced
5.0
I find it an excellent book if you are interested in a detailed account of Hitler and the Nazi Party's rise to power. I liked how the pace meant how the events progressed from '33 to those of '38 and '39.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism, Xenophobia, Torture, Police brutality, Murder, Hate crime, Genocide, and Ableism
td3's review
4.0
This is a very detailed account of Hitler’s rise to power in the early years of 1933-1939. I definitely want to read the second volume, since it ended a bit abruptly just as the political scene around the world was getting precarious.
The book goes through each year, illustrating Hitler’s political savvy and deception. It helps if readers have some idea of what was happening during these years. I found it interesting that one of the Mitford girls from England was mentioned several times as being a close friend of Hitler’s. Having previously read about the Mitford family, this resonated with me.
What was most chilling about reading this in today’s political climate are the similarities that show up—most especially what is and is not reported to the public. On the other hand, he may have been stopped much sooner it he attempted the same scenario in the present day.
Be prepared to keep track of many names and branches of office mentioned throughout, both from Germany and several other countries. This is a long book and not an especially fast read, but definitely one that will be of interest.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy and offer my honest review.
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