Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful account of one's man heroic response to hitler!
Review: This book is several things. First, it is the story of a heroic man's struggle to do his part to fight the evil that he knew existed in Germany during World War Two. Second, it is a story of a boy growing into a man, imperfections and all. Third, it is about the development of one man's soul and sense of purpose. Finally, it is the story of Germany, of a country as it descends into an abyss.The book is extremely well written. It introduces us to an "inside" view of Hitler's rise to power and Germany's response to it. We meet our hero as a boy, and watch as he grows into a man. We follow him through school, through his search for self and meaning. The main character is undoubtedly a hero, but not in a story-book sense. He is - like all of us - not a perfect being. He has trouble with relationships. He has fear - great fear. He has uncertainty. But that makes his heroism all the more striking. Bonhoffer is from a very wealthy, famous German family. He is safe - had he sat back and kept quiet, there is little doubt that he would have made it through the war untouched. Yet, he rises to the occasion. The story is fascinating in its unique perspective - this man, from this very German family, gives us a glimpse of how Germany descended into insanity. We watch as he struggles with his own doubts, his own feelings of frustration and anger, and as he struggles with doing what is right versus fighting against his own country and government. It is simply gripping to read. The writing is clear and crisp and filled with meaning. The story literally flows... you will find yourself unable to put the book down. Read this book and watch and as an incredible man faces danger and fear, and rises above it. A great read!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This book more than lived up to its hype. The author did a great job of showing that all positive change is dependent upon "unreasonable" people; those that refuse to go along to get along. While some historical events were played with in order to tell a more coherent story it is not even remotely distracting or damaging to the truth of Bonhoeffer's life and those of other resistors. The characters were extremely realistic and three dimensional, even "villians" such as Bauer. Very moving.
Rating:
Summary: deeply moving, haunting historical fiction
Review: This book stayed with me long after I finished it in a marathon, late-night reading session. I did not particularly like the main character, Dietrich Bonnhaufer, but Giardina's narrative does not require the reader to like Bonnhaufer. As we accompany Dietrich on his journey, we travel deeper into our own souls. Giardina's skillfully-constructed narrative sneaks up on the reader, implanting deep questions in the reader's mind without beating the reader over the head. Extremely worthwhile read, engrossing story, haunting conclusion.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent insight into one of great theologians of century
Review: This is a heavily biographical novel about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a noted German theologian and martyr. This book gives significant insight into Bonhoeffer's personality and to the events that shaped him. It also paints a grim picture of the onset of World War II and the mentality of Germany and England at the time. This book shows Bonhoeffer's human side as well as the strong character for which he is famous. It clearly outlines the struggles he went through on his faith journey, and the fortitude with which he faced prison and death for his beliefs. This is an emminently readable book, and I highly recommend it. It was one of those books you hate to see end.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent insight into one of great theologians of century
Review: This is a heavily biographical novel about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a noted German theologian and martyr. This book gives significant insight into Bonhoeffer's personality and to the events that shaped him. It also paints a grim picture of the onset of World War II and the mentality of Germany and England at the time. This book shows Bonhoeffer's human side as well as the strong character for which he is famous. It clearly outlines the struggles he went through on his faith journey, and the fortitude with which he faced prison and death for his beliefs. This is an emminently readable book, and I highly recommend it. It was one of those books you hate to see end.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. The story is rich and complex, with a cast of characters, both real and fictional, that are interwoven througout the story. This book will really make you think, and put a lot of everyday problems we all have into perspective. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was an incredibly courageous man--physically and spiritually. I highly recommend this book--it's moral fiber will stay with you for years to come.
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