Should a man who participated in plots to kill Adolf Hitler be considered a saint?
Many people who have heard of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and preacher, regard him as a saint for his courage in speaking out against Hitler and the Nazis.
But did he deserve such accolades?
At the heart of the debate: was Bonhoeffer’s involvement in plots to kill Hitler a sin against God (a violation of one of the 10 Commandments) or a virtuous act to prevent the deaths of millions of innocent people (including many Jews)?
Denise Giardina’s historical novel, Saints and Villains, gives readers an informed opportunity to make their own judgment about Bonhoeffer’s character.
This book is labeled as historical fiction because the author filters a huge collection of facts through her novelist’s mind to create what she calls “a work of the imagination.”
Characters:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer—protagonist; prepared through his childhood (up to age 14) to be a concert pianist, then decided to study theology
Dietrich’s family members:
Karl Bonhoeffer—Germany’s leading psychiatrist; opponent of Freud and psychoanalysis, not religious
Paula—Karl’s wife, daughter of Prussian aristocracy; religiously observant
Christel—his older sister, who marries Hans von Dohnanyi
Sabine—Dietrich’s twin sister
Suse (Baby)—younger sister who Dietrich taught and defended
Karl-Friedrich—oldest brother, not sympathetic to Dietrich
Walter—second-oldest brother (both were conscripted in Great War; Walter dies of wounds)
George Bell, Bishop of Chichester-British pastor and bishop; became Dietrich’s mentor and close friend
Elizabeth—Dietrich’s long-term love interest; her Jewish heritage plays a central role in the novel
Maria von Wedemeyer—Dietrich’s second and much-younger girlfriend and fiancée in his later days
Alois Bauer—abused boy who becomes prominent Nazi and antagonist of Dietrich
Fred Bishop—friend of Dietrich’s at Union Seminary in New York; introduces him to American Black culture
Lasserre—French friend of Dietrich’s at Union Seminary; pastor of a working-class mission in northeastern France
Uncle Rudi (General Rudiger Graf von der Goltz) Paula’s brother-in-law)—looks down on Jews, supports Hitler
Strengths:
Saints and Villains reveals the complexities, strengths and weaknesses of its major characters, while weaving them into a compelling, tension-filled plot.
Weakness:
This novel is rewarding, but not a quick read. Some readers may not have the patience to follow Dietrich through the many situations he encounters.
Content review:
Saints and Villains is a book for mature readers who can handle reading about some of the disturbing things done by the Nazis to silence their enemies and eliminate anyone they disapproved of.
My Recommendation:
Saints and Villains was a satisfying read for me, as it gave me a better understanding of Bonhoeffer, his enemies, and his culture—all while telling a fascinating, haunting story of the consequences of making choices that go against powerful, unrestrained rulers. I recommend it to readers who wish to learn about Bonhoeffer and his cultural context.
Reader, can you recommend a novel or non-fiction book about Bonhoeffer that gives a balanced assessment of his life and legacy?