Review: Extraordinary Story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 30, 2013
"In Hitler's Backyard" by Gare Thompsom is a well told story about one Catholic German family and their friends at the brink of World War II. Focusing on the two teenage daughters of the family this reads a little like a history novel for young adults or mature children. It begins by showing the family's life in Munich just before Easter, an important celebration for the Catholic family. The political changes taking place affect the family as well as their Jewish friends and acquaintances: The Catholic school is being closed, the father is pressured to join the party, Jewish people consider leaving the country while they still can.In terms of historical facts and data the book provides little new material, particularly for people who already know about the times. This is a personal story, the way one particular family experiences the times and tries to cope and life responsibly without being caught up in the net of ideological pressure.The book has a set of very likeable characters, some great suspense and a great sensitivity to it. It is probably a very good book to give to younger readers who want to acquaint themselves with the period of European history. It is yet another extraordinary story about an unbelievable time, so many of which have yet to be told and deserve to be told.