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In this groundbreaking biography, German historian Heike B. Görtemaker delves into the startlingly neglected historical truth about Adolf Hitler's mistress. More than just the vapid blonde of popular cliché, Eva Braun was a capricious but uncompromising, fiercely loyal companion to Hitler; theirs was a relationship that flew in the face of the Führer's proclamations that Germany was his only bride. Görtemaker paints a portrait of Hitler and Braun's life together with unnerving quotidian detail, while weaving their personal relationship throughout the fabric of one of history's most devastating regimes. Though Braun gradually gained an unrivaled power within Hitler's inner circle, her identity was kept a secret until the final days of the war. Faithful to the end, Braun committed suicide with Hitler in 1945, two days after their marriage. Through exhaustive research and newly discovered documentation, Görtemaker has meticulously built a surprising portrait of Hitler's existence outside of the public eye: Braun was privy to his thoughts, ruled life within his entourage, and held his trust.--From publisher description.
An acquaintance of Eva Braun once said she will prove a disappointment to readers of history -- and the writers of history, as well. She was no Lola Montez or Madame de Pompadour, but a completely average lower middle class woman who attached herself emotionally and financially to an older man early in their relationship, and never let go. Brainy, she wasn't, and though Hitler kept her in the background (he was supposed to be giving up all for the cause of the German people and National Socialism) he seems to have found comfort in her undemanding company, and they had sincere feelings for one another. This book is more interesting for its portrayal of the private army of friends and hangers on to the Fuehrer, which included Albert Speer, Leni Riefenstahl, and others.
sharonb122
Jul 14, 2014
Hard to know what to say about this book. It did not seem like a biography of Eva. Of course it did tell about her some, but mostly said other people's opinions that contradicted each other. On the other hand, I learned quite a bit about Hitler and the people close to him. Since I don't know all that much about the details of WWII, it was a bit hard to follow and all of of the German! Hitler: an evil little man who ended up a pathetic evil little man.
Interesting book of Hitler's mistress and the life they shared together. Lots of candid photos as well. Well written and organized. Once I picked it up, it really drew me in.
afemalespecies
Feb 19, 2012
This is a history book which seems to revolve around Hitler and the events that took place during his rule and leading up to his rule. I feel it is unjust to title the book Eva Braun. I felt the author gave barely any insight as to who Eva Braun is and the role she played during this world turmoil.
TERRI Z HISEL
Dec 06, 2011
This work purports to illuminate Ms. Braun's role as Hitler's mistress, and to further define her as an individual. It does neither. Historical research is suspect, as most key historical figures of the Nazi era-those who knew Ms. Braun "best" were anxious to distance themselves from her and her paramour. What titrates out, then, is speculation-tiresome-and a portrait of a woman who ultimately is infamous from making bad choices. Nothing more than a Nazi "moll". Ms. Gortemaker's lack of clarity on Ms. Braun's knowledge of, and support of, Nazi programs is suspect as well.
sjmitra
Nov 09, 2011
More informative and objective than Angela Lambert's biography of Eva Braun. No startling new information revealed but the retelling is still interesting.
Comment
Add a CommentAn acquaintance of Eva Braun once said she will prove a disappointment to readers of history -- and the writers of history, as well. She was no Lola Montez or Madame de Pompadour, but a completely average lower middle class woman who attached herself emotionally and financially to an older man early in their relationship, and never let go. Brainy, she wasn't, and though Hitler kept her in the background (he was supposed to be giving up all for the cause of the German people and National Socialism) he seems to have found comfort in her undemanding company, and they had sincere feelings for one another. This book is more interesting for its portrayal of the private army of friends and hangers on to the Fuehrer, which included Albert Speer, Leni Riefenstahl, and others.
Hard to know what to say about this book. It did not seem like a biography of Eva. Of course it did tell about her some, but mostly said other people's opinions that contradicted each other. On the other hand, I learned quite a bit about Hitler and the people close to him. Since I don't know all that much about the details of WWII, it was a bit hard to follow and all of of the German! Hitler: an evil little man who ended up a pathetic evil little man.
Interesting book of Hitler's mistress and the life they shared together. Lots of candid photos as well. Well written and organized. Once I picked it up, it really drew me in.
This is a history book which seems to revolve around Hitler and the events that took place during his rule and leading up to his rule. I feel it is unjust to title the book Eva Braun. I felt the author gave barely any insight as to who Eva Braun is and the role she played during this world turmoil.
This work purports to illuminate Ms. Braun's role as Hitler's mistress, and to further define her as an individual. It does neither. Historical research is suspect, as most key historical figures of the Nazi era-those who knew Ms. Braun "best" were anxious to distance themselves from her and her paramour. What titrates out, then, is speculation-tiresome-and a portrait of a woman who ultimately is infamous from making bad choices. Nothing more than a Nazi "moll". Ms. Gortemaker's lack of clarity on Ms. Braun's knowledge of, and support of, Nazi programs is suspect as well.
More informative and objective than Angela Lambert's biography of Eva Braun. No startling new information revealed but the retelling is still interesting.