"The Hitler Years", by Frank McDonough

Volume 1: Triumph 1933-1939

This is an intricate portrait of Adolf Hitler’s political rise and the Nazification of Germany. The author presents Hitler as a master of flexibility and improvisation in his takeover of the German government. The country’s economy was weakened after the Great Depression and the promises he made to end unemployment and to take a grip on the nation’s finances struck a chord with the middle-class. Hitler became chancellor in 1933. Mr. McDonough delves deeply into those years: from the rise and fall of the Third Reich. The volume #1 ends after the military defeat of Poland in 1939.

A chapter is dedicated to each year and chronicles the major events during that time the narrative presents an excellent overview. The book in whole covers a lot of ground from political to personal topics. Although the style is fluid I found this topic not to be an easy read, actually I had a very hard time keeping up with what was said. What a terrible beginning: the brutal violence was astonishing, heinous deeds began such as forced sterilization, aggressive zeal and passionate hatred towards groups I can go on and on this and the book tells all, no wonder it led to worst time. In some ways this is a fascinating book that highlights the aggressive arrogance of Hitler and his cohorts and how weak and slow were Britain and France to response to the brutality against the people of Germany.

I am a huge fan of non-fiction even fiction set during the war time but rarely had I the chance to read books during the pre-war years “The Hitler’s Years” opened my eyes with its breathtaking information, numerous photos and footnotes. If you want clarity on events leading to the war in Europe, this account is worth well giving it a try. But be ready lots is transmitted that can be overwhelming.....

I was given the opportunity to read this ARC from St-Martin Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.