On Hitler's Mountain by Irmgard A. Hunt is the memoir of a woman who grew up in Germany during the reign of Hitler. She lived in a small Bavarian village that was overlooked by Obersalzberg, a hamlet where Hitler built his home and headquarters. On Hitler's Mountain begins with the story of Hunt's grandparents and parents who lived through WW1 and had never been in a financially stable position. The experience of this family, and probably many others, helps to understand in some ways how they came to elect Hitler German chancellor despite knowledge of his anti-semitism. This is an interesting book on many levels - growing up in Bavaria, growing up in Hitler's Germany with parents who supported Hitler, and especially life in occupied Germany after the war. I had really never understood before what happened when the allies occupied Germany, so the reading of this as well as additional research has been a good education for me.
This book is an important document, I think. I'm certainly not aware of many other books detailing life inside Germany during WW2, particularly from a child's point of view. As the author describes, in most cases, people in Germany at that time would prefer to forget which is understandable.
I had a difficult time with this book on an emotional level in ways that I'm not entirely comfortable with. Obviously life for Hunt and her family was difficult, living in Europe during WW2. The author made a great effort, in my opinion, in trying to give factual information and describe things how they were, not to gain sympathy but to educate. I continued to find myself, thinking, about the fact that yes, her life seemed uncomfortable, and yes, she was hungry, and no, she didn't get new clothes or toys, and the life she led is one no child should have to live. But. None of this compared in my mind to what everyone else in Europe was going through at the time. Even though it is utterly irrational on my part, I just couldn't help feeling that she didn't have it so bad in comparison. Though I struggled with these feelings throughout this book, I do recommend this book as an interesting perspective of this terrible time.
10 comments:
I read this book a couple of years ago, and it certainly gave me a better understanding of the lives of typical Germans during WWII. Most of the stories we hear are of Holocaust victims or of Nazi leaders and the occasional German rebel (Oskar Schindler or Sophie Scholl). Like you, I felt that she did a nice job making the tone sound educational rather than defensive.
That does sound like some heavy reading. I would have to be in the right frame of mind to read something like that.
This one's been sitting on my tbr pile for ages so I must get to it. I understand your reservations though and suspect you may have a very valid point. Enjoyed your review.
I was there when I was a kid, but I barely remember it.
I visited this area in 1994 -- fascinating. I can't imagine what life must have been like there, even after walking through the bunkers and the Eagle's Nest.
This book is at the top of my wishlist. Thanks!
The book sounds fascinating. My father's side of the family came from Germany, but right before the first world war. I think the way you feel about the book is similar to the way I feel about most of the world today - we all complain and cry and whine and yet we have it SO WONDERFUL in comparison to other people in the world and most of the past but it's not as if our lives are perfect.
Sounds fascinating, and like a valuable glimpse into some how's and why's.
Teresa, I agree with you - this is not the typical WW2 book, and presents a unique perspective.
Bermudaonion, it definitely is, but it's worth it.
Cath, thanks very much. I didn't expect to feel the emotions that I did.
Bybee, really? How fascinating.
Erin, it's hard to imagine isn't it, and it wasnt' really that long ago. How fortunate that you had that opportunity.
Carrie K, you couldn't be more right.
Heather, it really was - a valuable glimpse, as you said. I am glad I have this new perspective and appreciate how the book made me think about that time.
I understand what you mean about struggling with sympathy for the author. War is always a terrible thing, and there are no winners.
Lisa, you couldn't be more right. The authors life was forever changed and damaged.
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