In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson, 2011

This summer I did finally get around to reading Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, a book I mentioned in an earlier post as having been on my radar. It was just as great as all the hype and had all the elements of a historical narrative nonfiction that appeal to me. So when I heard Mr. Larson had come out with a new book, I wanted to get my hands on it ASAP. Too bad it was still only in hardcover with no paperback edition in sight! But luck was on my side when I spied his book, In the Garden of Beasts, in a beachfront bookstore with a 25% off sticker slapped on the cover. I still hemmed and hawed but in the end, pounced on the purchase and am, after reading the book, happy with my decision.

Set in Berlin during the 1930s, the book chronicles the experience of the Dodd family while William, the father, serves as the U.S. ambassador to Germany. William's wife and two grown children accompany him on what they initially feel will be a great adventure. Leaving Chicago full of hope, the Dodds land in Berlin circa 1933. They are initially impressed with the culture and energy of the town. Martha, Dodd's 24 year old flirtatious daughter, is especially swept up in the show and embarks on affairs with some of Germany's most dangerous men. However, before long, the Dodd's begin to see holes in Germany's facade. Reports of violence against Americans in Germany, especially Jewish Americans, begin flowing into the embassy. Despite enormous pressure from the State Department to turn a blind eye to these and other flagrantly inhumane acts, Dodd tries to maintain his integrity and the integrity of his position. Discover how the Dodd's navigate one of the most tense settings of the 20th century in Erik Larson's new book In the Garden of Beasts.