Irmgard A. Hunt

A book that realistically presents one child's view of growing up during the Third Reich in Germany.

The author, Irmgard Hunt, was actually born in 1934 but she begins the book with the life her parents lived in the aftermath of The Great War-- with widespread deprivation, unemployment and inflation.

Hunt then walks you through her first 14 years, shedding light on the reasons for Hitler's rise to power, the way in which Germans (both supporters and non-supporters) talked about him, World War show more II, and the aftermath of the war under occupation. She concludes with a quite satisfying epilogue linking all these events to her adult life as a German-American in the US.

What also makes this story unique is that Irmgard grew up in the German border town of Berchtesgaden, where Hitler had his summer retreat. So in addition to the descriptions of her school-based Nazi indoctrination, she also sees top Nazi officials, including Hitler, come and go and goes to school with the children of these officials.

Although the writing is simple and straightforward, you could argue that this helps to communicate the voice of a child. Many of Irmgard's experiences are typical of what you might expect -- shortages, restrictions, the death of loved ones. But she also manages to mix in more common childhood feelings, like sibling rivalry and teenage rebellion.

If you're interested in a different kind of perspective on the Nazis, you will likely enjoy this read. show less

Very interesting to read about the Nazi regime through the eyes of a child. Irmgard was young when Hitler rose to power, but she was old enough to see the conflicts of opinion in her own family and the emotions that were running high after WWI. As the Nazi regime took over, Irmgard realized that there were different types of people around her... some were desperate and hopeful after the disaster of the war, and thought Hitler might have the answers. Others she knew were against him from the show more start. Some were fanatics, desperate to use their power to root out anyone who might not be devoted to their beloved Furher's cause, while others went through the motions against their will. When Hitler began pushing into other countries, and WWII began in earnest, her father was one of the men called up to serve at the front. It wasn't long before she learned that he would not return, and the sorrow and anger she felt.

I have always been curious about the regular people who supported Hitler, and what they thought as things became more and more extreme and dangerous. How much did they actually know? Were they scared? It was such a confusing and terrifying time for so many, especially the children, and the end of the war would have been just as confusing and traumatic being the losing side, brainwashed by harsh propaganda, and desperate for food and a return to normalcy.

I think Irmgard Hunt does an excellent job of truly giving us insight into her thoughts as a child, and the emotions she felt, but was unable to express to those around her. It truly showed the horrors of war on those who had little to begin with, and yet did their best to survive, and how hope can turn to feelings of betrayal and incredible sacrifice and loss. She also talks about her own doubts and fears that would surface on occasion as her young mind processed things happening around her.. and her horror when she came to understand, later, what could have happened to people she loved had she done small things differently. show less

The memoir of a girl from a very ordinary German family who, as a child, grew up in a house quite near one of Hitler's residences in Germany. She actually met him when she was three or so, and got photographed sitting on his lap. And many times she saw him and his entourage driving past her house.

Neither of Hunt's parents were fanatical Nazis by any means, but they both helped vote Hitler into power. And, after reading Hunt's description of the chaos and despair of the Weimar Republic, I show more didn't blame them a bit. In fact, I found myself thinking, with a bit of horror, "I might have voted for the guy too." I HATE IT when I find myself empathizing in that way; it makes me feel very uncomfortable.

Irmgard's father was drafted into the German Army and ultimately killed in France. After his death, her mother began to feel differently about the Nazi regime, but she never actively opposed it. Then, after the war, everyone had to deal with the aftermath of what happened.

I think it's important for everyone to understand why stuff like Nazi Germany happened, and what it's like for a normal person to live under a tyrannical regime. This is a well-written book that accomplishes both of those aims. show less

Wow. Written from the POV of a "normal" German girl growing up in the shadow of Hitler's mountain hideaway, this tells you about the hardships the Germans themselves had to endure during the war years, what they were told & what they were not told until the end, all from the memoirs of one well respected woman's childhood memories, as well as the memories of family members & friends. I found this book absolutely mesmerizing, funny at moments, very sad at others, but a total page turner. Well show more worth the read. SO glad I found this one at the local coffee shop as a book offered in their take one, leave one program. Thank you to whoever left it! I learned a lot! show less