My Father's Keeper: Children of Nazi Leaders--An Intimate History of Damage and Denial
18 journalers for this copy...
"It offers a chilling perspective on the way children live with the legacy of their parents' deeds." Some interviews with the children of Nazi officials were done in 1959, 40 years later, the interviewer's son tracked them down and interviewed them again.
Sending this on a bookray. Please journal at least twice: when you receive it, then again when you mail it out. Journal entries of your impressions and thoughts while reading it are also more than welcome! Please PM the next person in line for their address, and try to move it on within 3 weeks or so. The last person on the list is free to keep, release, or trade the book as he/she desires, or start another ray if there's any further interest.
The participants so far are:
Littlewhitebird- CA no response - sending to Joanthro
Joanthro- CO
cordelia-anne- GA (asked to be skipped)
nicolesinger- NC
Acountkel- NC
ajsmom - BC, Canada
Pinkydinky- UK
Jinglefish- UK
Penelopewanders - Switzerland <----currently here!
The participants so far are:
Joanthro- CO
cordelia-anne- GA (asked to be skipped)
nicolesinger- NC
Acountkel- NC
ajsmom - BC, Canada
Pinkydinky- UK
Jinglefish- UK
Penelopewanders - Switzerland <----currently here!
Mailed today to Joanthro. Hope everyone enjoys!
The book has arrived safely. Thanks for the postcard AmyMS88!
Sorry for the delay in journaling - I have had out-of-town guests and this is the first time I have sat down at my computer in days.
This was a very interesting book. I was fascinated by the author's observations about how WWII and the holocaust are simply not remembered by many in Germany today. The confusion, denial, and tragedy of the Nazi children was, for me, more of a metaphor of the results of the war for the German people than simply a "where are they now"? expose.
Cordelia-anne asked to be skipped, so I mailed this to nicolesinger on 4/24/08. Thanks AmyMS88 for sharing this important book!
This was a very interesting book. I was fascinated by the author's observations about how WWII and the holocaust are simply not remembered by many in Germany today. The confusion, denial, and tragedy of the Nazi children was, for me, more of a metaphor of the results of the war for the German people than simply a "where are they now"? expose.
Cordelia-anne asked to be skipped, so I mailed this to nicolesinger on 4/24/08. Thanks AmyMS88 for sharing this important book!
It's safely here! I have another book I've just started, but this will be next on my list. Thanks for sharing it with me!
This was an interesting book - not a page-turner, but thought-provoking. Like Joanthro, I was surprised by how much the history of WWII has been repressed since. Not by government or deliberate action, but by the almost willful forgetting by individuals. At the most, people were "caught up in the machine" - no one was ever the bad guy personally.
If anything was remarkable about the children of the Nazi leaders, it was how mostly unremarkable their lives have been since.
I'll PM Acountkel for an address and get this in the mail.
If anything was remarkable about the children of the Nazi leaders, it was how mostly unremarkable their lives have been since.
I'll PM Acountkel for an address and get this in the mail.
Received today!
I have a few rings ahead of this one but I will get to it soon!!
Thank you for including me!
I have a few rings ahead of this one but I will get to it soon!!
Thank you for including me!
What an interesting book this was! I liked the way Stephan took his father’s work and expanded it. It is almost as though Stephan was learning about his father and his work right along with us, the reader. The subject is the children of the Nazi leaders. Norbert interviewed them in the 1950’s. Stephan made the attempt to interview the same ones in the 1990’s. Some of them who interviewed with Norbert, refused to meet with Stephan. Some of the children agree that their fathers were behind something evil and could not be forgiven. Others still loved their fathers, didn’t believe they did anything wrong and spent their lives trying to prove it. This is a subject that I feel compelled to learn about. It was such a unique time in history, I am fascinated by it. I like reading various aspects of Nazi Germany, especially like this one. I highly recommend this to WWII history buffs.
I have PM'd the next person
I will send on to her as soon as I have her address
Thank you AmyMS88 for including me!
This is a very memorable book!
I have PM'd the next person
I will send on to her as soon as I have her address
Thank you AmyMS88 for including me!
This is a very memorable book!
Caught today, thanks!
A fascinating read! I thought it was a great idea on the part of Stephan to follow up on the interviews his father had done. Excellent translating, obviously, as I read the book quite quickly. As for the subject matter - I, along with the author, find it shocking and depressing that the Holocaust was never "dealt with" in post-War Germany. How strange that people just moved on...but then I imagine it would be very hard to admit that you had sent your neighbour to his death. Striking too, that most of Hitler's henchmen had wives and families, and yet were committing atrocities on an enormous scale. I read the bit about the soldier who bayoneted a six-year-old girl and couldn't help but imagine my AJ in her place (she's 6, too). How did people manage to extract themselves from the situation so completely? A mystery to me....
I will PM next in line. Thanks for the read, Amy.
ETA: Sent to PinkyDinky via airmail July 16, 2008.
I will PM next in line. Thanks for the read, Amy.
ETA: Sent to PinkyDinky via airmail July 16, 2008.
I look forward to reading this when I have finished my current book.
I agree with the others that it is amazing that people didn't really deal with what happened. I found the contrast in attitudes of the children interesting. Particularly interesting was the way Hess's son had dealt with things. Was this a consequence of his Father being looked up for life rather than hung like some of the others? They had an end point to deal with. His father was alive for most of his life but locked away in Spandau. Fascinating stuff. Thanks AmyMS88.
Many thanks Pinkydinky - book received safely today. I have one to finish and will then be straight into this.
Finished today and there's not a lot more I can add as to me it has already been mentioned although I do wonder who (if at all) today (or in the more recent past) has connections to a nazi past? - Could the analysis of this be quite eye opening?
I've PMd penolopewanders for an address and will move along as soon as this is received. Many thanks to AmyMS88 for making this available and for all before me in continuing the journey.
I've PMd penolopewanders for an address and will move along as soon as this is received. Many thanks to AmyMS88 for making this available and for all before me in continuing the journey.
Journal Entry 17 by Jinglefish at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (8/26/2008 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Now in the hands of Royal Mail (Air Mail) to Switzerland.
Now in the hands of Royal Mail (Air Mail) to Switzerland.
Journal Entry 18 by 
penelopewanders
from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Friday, August 29, 2008
penelopewanders from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Friday, August 29, 2008
This arrived today. It may be a bit before I get to it, because term is starting up and I have a lot of reading to do to prepare my courses. This looks fascinating though, so as soon as I find a quiet moment I think it should go quickly. Thank you so much for making this available.
Journal Entry 19 by penelopewanders from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Thursday, September 4, 2008
penelopewanders from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Thursday, September 4, 2008
I agree with quite a lot (basically all) of what was said by previous journallers, but I have to confess I was a little bit disappointed. I found it confusing at times, as various people were reported on and referred to in different sections, but without an identifiable structure. That the first part was the interview with Norbert and the second with Stephan was clear enough, but then there were other parts which weren't so obvious.
I have read a great deal about this period and I sense the ambivalence of the author(s?) - feeling compassion for people perhaps not so deserving of it in all cases. I was most struck by the observation that the victims are forever marked by the experience, but the perpetrators emerged relatively unscathed and and psychologically guilt-free. At any rate an interesting read. Unless informed otherwise, I will make this book available to continue its travels.
I have read a great deal about this period and I sense the ambivalence of the author(s?) - feeling compassion for people perhaps not so deserving of it in all cases. I was most struck by the observation that the victims are forever marked by the experience, but the perpetrators emerged relatively unscathed and and psychologically guilt-free. At any rate an interesting read. Unless informed otherwise, I will make this book available to continue its travels.
Journal Entry 20 by penelopewanders from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Friday, September 5, 2008
penelopewanders from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Friday, September 5, 2008
The ray continues, so far:
(this may change to make shipping more logical)
Lizzy-stardust (UK) Europe only
OnlyLiana (UK) can ship int'l
mazzlestar (UK) can ship international
Scruffykaz (UK) can ship int'l
kirstykat (UK) can ship int'l
sun-beetle (Switzerland)Europe only
katacs (Hungary) Europe only
dutch-book (The Netherlands)can ship int'l
LittleWhiteBird (USA)prefers US
kiri (USA) prefers US but int'l if necessary (PMs don't always work, check with penelopewanders if no response)<--it's here
(this may change to make shipping more logical)
Lizzy-stardust (UK) Europe only
OnlyLiana (UK) can ship int'l
mazzlestar (UK) can ship international
Scruffykaz (UK) can ship int'l
kirstykat (UK) can ship int'l
sun-beetle (Switzerland)Europe only
katacs (Hungary) Europe only
dutch-book (The Netherlands)can ship int'l
LittleWhiteBird (USA)prefers US
kiri (USA) prefers US but int'l if necessary (PMs don't always work, check with penelopewanders if no response)<--it's here
Journal Entry 21 by penelopewanders at ☑ 'Controlled Release' > Country > Province > City, .---controlled release---. Switzerland on Monday, September 8, 2008
penelopewanders at ☑ 'Controlled Release' > Country > Province > City, .---controlled release---. Switzerland on Monday, September 8, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (9/8/2008 UTC) at ☑ 'Controlled Release' > Country > Province > City, .---controlled release---. Switzerland
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This ray is now on its way to the UK. Hopefully it will continue to travel thereafter.
This ray is now on its way to the UK. Hopefully it will continue to travel thereafter.
Journal Entry 22 by Lizzy-stardust from Salford, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Thursday, October 23, 2008
I received this in the post probably about a month ago. When I tried to journal it the first time the BCID didn't work, and I guess I forgot to confirm it. Will make this my next read and send it along to the next person. Thanks for sharing!
Journal Entry 23 by Lizzy-stardust from Salford, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Wednesday, October 29, 2008
I found this to be a fascinating read, if only to discover how normal the children of Nazi leaders grew up to be. I thought the writing of the 1959 portions of this book were extermely sympathetic, and the authors of this book, both Norbert and his father Stephan, took great care not to place blame where no blame belonged. After all, as the progeny of Nazis, it's not as though these children were responsible for anything their fathers did.
Journal Entry 24 by OnlyLiana from Sheffield, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Thursday, November 6, 2008
Arrived safetly this morning, just reading another ring then will start on this next.
Journal Entry 25 by OnlyLiana from Sheffield, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Monday, November 17, 2008
Finished this last night. It definately provokes a certain amount of sympathy for these children whose whole futures were shaped almost exclusively by their fathers actions. I would definately look at reading some other books around this subject in the future.
I've just PMed mazzlestar for his address and will post this sometime at the end of the week.
I've just PMed mazzlestar for his address and will post this sometime at the end of the week.
Journal Entry 26 by OnlyLiana at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, November 20, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (11/20/2008 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
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CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posting onto mazzlestar this afternoon.
Posting onto mazzlestar this afternoon.
Journal Entry 27 by mazzlestar from Leeds, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Friday, November 21, 2008
*HER* address, OnlyLiana :P anyway, this came through my mailbox with alarming speed and efficiency just now, so will start reading this afternoon :)
Journal Entry 28 by mazzlestar from Leeds, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 25, 2008
This was an interesting, albeit rather disturbing, read! I found perhaps most interesting the stories of Martin Bormann Jr. and Niklas Frank, although all provided interesting insights. Will maybe buy my own copy and read it again :) PMing the next in line.
Journal Entry 29 by mazzlestar at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Friday, November 28, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (11/27/2008 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent on to ScruffyKaz yesterday
Sent on to ScruffyKaz yesterday
Arrived today. Looks like a very interesting read.
Journal Entry 31 by Scruffykaz at By mail / post / courier, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (3/17/2009 UTC) at By mail / post / courier, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sorry for stalling this ring!
Off to the next person on the list today :-)
Sorry for stalling this ring!
Off to the next person on the list today :-)
Journal Entry 32 by kirstykat from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Friday, March 20, 2009
Thank you Scruffykaz, the book has arrived safe and well and I am hoping to start it this weekend!
Read this in two days whilst sunning myself on the beach in Fuerta Ventura. This really is a haunting book because it is so real and still so current. The Second World War really isn't history when you have read and digested this book. Definately worth a read.
Journal Entry 34 by kirstykat from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Monday, May 25, 2009
Posting on to Sun- Beetle tomorrow.
arrived savely in Switzerland - thanks for sending it along!
Like in the beginning, now at the end of this book, I am still unsure what to think of it. There were good Things about it, for example the author picking up the the work of his own father and a certain respect he seemed to show to this children with a heavily painted past. This was the reason I got interested in this book at the first place. How do children deal with their parents guilt loaded past?
While reading I got the impression that the author left much of his thoughts unsaid and was himself confused if he should condemn this "children" for what once their parents did, or if he should feel sympathetic for the heavy burden this left throughout their life's.
Will send it within the next days on its way to Hungary.
While reading I got the impression that the author left much of his thoughts unsaid and was himself confused if he should condemn this "children" for what once their parents did, or if he should feel sympathetic for the heavy burden this left throughout their life's.
Will send it within the next days on its way to Hungary.
Arrived last week. I'm very busy right now, but I will try to start reading it asap.
Journal Entry 38 by katacs at a bookray, to the next reader -- Controlled Releases on Monday, October 5, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (10/5/2009 UTC) at a bookray, to the next reader -- Controlled Releases
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CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
On its way to dutch-book.
On its way to dutch-book.
Journal Entry 39 by 
dutch-book
from Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Friday, October 9, 2009
dutch-book from Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Friday, October 9, 2009
And it arrived at my house today. Will read asap.
Journal Entry 40 by dutch-book from Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Wednesday, October 21, 2009
dutch-book from Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I found this a quite interesting read. One thing that came up in my head at times that it must have been very difficult for the two interviewers to ask their questions in a polite, careful manner without scaring or anger the persons questioned. I do feel sympathy for the children, whatever they turned out to be. Ofcourse you have a choice. But, with no experience myself thank God (I hope I don't offend people with this phrase), it must be really hard to know your father was hanged. It's a difficult matter, that's for sure. You keep getting two sides of a coin. On the one hand I think this, but on the other hand... That's how I keep thinking and what makes me feel that it's a difficult subject.
I already have the adress of the next participant, but it can take a while before I can get to the office.
I already have the adress of the next participant, but it can take a while before I can get to the office.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent off to the next participant.
Sent off to the next participant.
Journal Entry 42 by dutch-book from Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Wednesday, November 18, 2009
dutch-book from Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Well, the book certainly takes long to arrive.
The book made it here today!
I'll start reading it right after I finish "The Grapes of Wrath" which I'm currently reading for a book club.
Update Nov. 28. I've started reading the book today.
I'll start reading it right after I finish "The Grapes of Wrath" which I'm currently reading for a book club.
Update Nov. 28. I've started reading the book today.
I've finished the book. I contacted Kiri on Nov. 28, but so far no response. I'll discuss with penelopewonders what to do next.
The book is quite interesting. It was interesting to see two different perspectives, the earlier by the father and then one many years later by the son.
It was sad to see how many of the children were still in the grip of their father's legacy after so many years, by their own choice, still kind of holding onto their views. I was glad to read Martin Bormann Junior's story, though. Even though the weight is still there, he's able to talk about many issues and he himself has taken a different path.
The book is quite interesting. It was interesting to see two different perspectives, the earlier by the father and then one many years later by the son.
It was sad to see how many of the children were still in the grip of their father's legacy after so many years, by their own choice, still kind of holding onto their views. I was glad to read Martin Bormann Junior's story, though. Even though the weight is still there, he's able to talk about many issues and he himself has taken a different path.
Journal Entry 45 by 
LittleWhiteBird
at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Tuesday, January 19, 2010
LittleWhiteBird at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Released 14 yrs ago (1/20/2010 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I finally got Kiri's address, so I can now send the book. Depending on the weather, I might go to the post office Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.
I finally got Kiri's address, so I can now send the book. Depending on the weather, I might go to the post office Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.
TBR
end of current ray - will move onwards when done.
end of current ray - will move onwards when done.
