In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin
BY Erik Larson
Set in Berlin in 1933-1934, In the Garden of Beasts tells the story of America’s ambassador to Nazi Germany, William E. Dodd, and his daughter Martha, as they witness the rising terror of Hitler’s rule. At first Martha is enthralled by the parties and pomp, as well as the handsome young men of the Third Reich, with their infectious enthusiasm for restoring Germany to a position of world prominence. Enamored of the “New Germany,” she has one affair after another, including with the first chief of the Gestapo, Rudolf Diels.
Her father resolves not to prejudge the new government, but soon the shadows deepen. Jews are attacked, the press is censored and drafts of frightening new laws circulate. As that first year unfolds, the Dodds experience days full of excitement, intrigue, romance—and ultimately horror, when a climactic spasm of violence and murder unmasks Hitler’s true character and ruthless ambition.
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We are proud to partner with the Loudoun County Public Library who makes available multiple copies of this book for checkout at the Rust Library.