Bonhoeffer Student Edition is about the life of a German pastor before and during World War II. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a courageous Christian pastor, who objected to Hitler and his reign and turned spy and eventually became a martyr. This book, "abridged and adapted in student-friendly language," follows Dietrich through childhood and adulthood, highlighting his faith and the historical impact he had. Included are text boxes with interesting sidenotes and a few definitions, and each chapter has a time line of itself. There is a map and family tree in the front, and a list of key words and people in the back, as well as an extensive Notes section (bibliography).
As a Charlotte Mason styled home educator, yes, I cringed when I saw that it was abridged. I chose to review this particular book because the unabridged version is recommended in my chosen homeschool curriculum (AmblesideOnline), so I knew even an abridged version would likely be good. It was very good, indeed. I learned things about the Nazis, Germany, and that time period that I had never heard before, and was riveted in a way I have not been by a biography in a while. Hitler and his generals gained a dimension I had not seen before.
Bonhoeffer's family and childhood were interesting, and I could see where his courage came from, and I was impressed on all accounts by this man as he moved through adulthood and faced his end with love still in his heart for even his guards. I felt the pain of persecution for the Jews and Christians during the 1930-40's, but Metaxes never made the story graphic or sensationalist. I think this is a well done adaption, with the caveat that I have not read the original.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
