This was one of the most difficult books I have read. I could only read a chapter or so at at time. It was so depressing. No one comes out well. While Germany bears the largest responsibility no one is innocent. The occupied areas often enthusiastically cooperated with the killings especially in east Europe. The western countries refused refuge even after it became clear that the killings were happening.
The organized religions come out no better although any resistance to the regime was usually based on religious faith.The only lack is the understanding that once a totalitarian state is established it is almost impossible to overthrow. The group that totally disgraced itself was the military. Only they had the power to act and with a few exceptions soiled their honor.
The research which went into this book is beyond belief. Not only major edicts by the Nazis, but also small-town reactions to those edicts are recounted in this work. I am amazed that this is an abridgement, for there is SO much material here. I take at face value the presentation; I have no way of checking any of the material. The important thing, though is the content--horrifying, depressing, anger-provoking. After every chapter I was depressed. The reason I give this three, instead of more, stars is its excruciatingly fine detail. On the other hand, it might be that very fine detail that caused me to be so affected by the work.
This book should be required reading for all college students.
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