IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS, by Erik Larson

Historical Fiction -- 3 1/2 stars



More history than fiction, this book begins as William Dodd, newly appointed ambassador to Germany, moves his family across the Atlantic in 1933 to begin his posting.  Mr. Dodd only served as Ambassador for two years, but what two years they were.  ----- Meticulously researched and documented, the inner workings of Hitler's early regime are laid bare. The fascinating weirdness of the people with whom Hitler surrounded himself  is worth the read, as are the intrigues worked by other governments to aid or impede Hitler's rise.  There is much written about Germany after it began its attempt to take over the world, but Mr. Larson exposes many small details of how Hitler'sycophants made it possible.  And it is impossible not to see the similarities with 2019 America.  As Ambassador Dodd wrote, "I had at least hoped to find some decent people around Hitler.  I am horrified to discover that the whole gang is nothing but hardcore criminals and cowards." This may not be Eric Larson's best--sometimes his attention to detail becomes overwhelming, and there are times when his attention to Dodd's wild-child daughter gets old--but reading it serves as both education and warning.