MIDDLE GRADE NONFICTION : Ensnared in the Wolf's Lair by Ann Bausum
ABOUT THE BOOK
"I've come on orders from Berlin to fetch the three children." --Gestapo agent, August 24, 1944
With those chilling words Christa von Hofacker and her younger siblings found themselves ensnared in a web of family punishment designed to please one man—Adolf Hitler. The furious dictator sought merciless revenge against not only Christa’s father and the other Germans who had just tried to overthrow his government. He wanted to torment their relatives, too, regardless of age or stature. All of them. Including every last child.
With those chilling words Christa von Hofacker and her younger siblings found themselves ensnared in a web of family punishment designed to please one man—Adolf Hitler. The furious dictator sought merciless revenge against not only Christa’s father and the other Germans who had just tried to overthrow his government. He wanted to torment their relatives, too, regardless of age or stature. All of them. Including every last child.
REVIEW
During World War II, as the war dragged on, a plot was hatched to assassinate Hitler and overthrow his government. This plan was named Valkyrie. Ann Bausum tells the story of the major players in the plot and their families. Despite careful planning and strict secrecy, the plot failed, Hitler survived and the coup fell apart before it could get going. Hitler's rabid desire for revenge led to the deaths of many conspirators and the punishment of many others, including the families of those found guilty. The first half of the book focuses on the development of the plot and those who led the way. The second half of the book tells of the consequences suffered by both the guilty and the innocent. While I had heard of this plot to kill Hitler, I didn't realize just how elaborate it was and how many people were involved. Bausum does a great job of summarizing the major events and people connected to the plot. The heart of the book is the accounts of several children who were separated from their families for months because of what their fathers had done. Interviews and diary accounts helped Bausum tell this tale of heart-break and confusion. The included photographs help convey the reality of the historical setting and individuals involved. The photographs of the children with their families are especially impactful. Bausum has done an excellent job of researching and sharing this important piece of history.
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