Hitler Youth

Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow

By: Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Narrated by: Kathrin Kana

Length: 4 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

On January 30, 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany, thanks largely to the efforts of the Hitler Youth, whose organized propaganda marches throughout Germany helped the Nazi Party grow in strength. By 1939, it is estimated that more than seven million boys and girls belonged to the Hitler Youth.

Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow is the riveting and often chilling tale of a generation of young people who devoted their energy and passion to the Hitler Youth organization and left an indelible mark on world history. Award-winning author Susan Campbell Bartoletti infuses the work with the voices of both former Hitler Youth members and young people who resisted the powerful Nazi movement. These voices stand alongside those of Jewish youths and others who were senselessly and brutally targeted by the Third Reich. What emerges is the story of average children and teenagers faced with extraordinary and unenviable choices. The paths taken by the Hitler Youth and their struggle to come to terms with their actions at the end of World War II are sure to spark debate among young readers.

©2005 Susan Campbell Bartoletti (P)2006 Random House, Inc. Listening Librarty, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"Bartoletti lets many of the subjects' words, emotions, and deeds speak for themselves, bringing them together clearly to tell this story unlike anyone else has." (School Library Journal)

Educational and Thrilling!

An incredible listen! I've only had this download about a week and have already listened to it three times over! If you have any interest in the terrible period of Nazism, or sociology, cults, brainwashing, etc., this book is for you!

Good but not the best

This book is a fantastic, but a shocking story of the people raised during the time of the Third Reich. Looking at it as simply a book the only fault is that the author jumps around different years in the book too fast. As an audiobook I find it highly annoying that the person reading this apparently can't pronounce German/Polish names which starts to sound very annoying after a while.

memorable and thought-provoking

This will be an audiobook hard to forget for me.

Good narration, great research and an enthralling subject.

Powerful and Hear wrenching

"Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti is a haunting journey into the lives of those who navigated the treacherous path of adolescence during one of history's darkest periods. Bartoletti's meticulous research and empathetic storytelling bring forth a narrative that transcends mere historical documentation, weaving a tapestry of human experiences that resonate long after the last page is turned.

In this poignant exploration, Bartoletti masterfully captures the nuances of innocence corrupted, tracing the transformation of vibrant young souls into unwitting pawns of a malevolent regime. The author doesn't shy away from delving into the complexities of these young lives, skillfully revealing the gradual erosion of individuality and the insidious indoctrination that molded them into fervent followers.

The narrative unfolds with a delicate balance between empathy and objectivity, allowing readers to witness the gradual descent of idealistic dreams into the nightmare of blind allegiance. Bartoletti's prose is both evocative and restrained, steering clear of gratuitous sensationalism while painting a vivid picture of the emotional turmoil that enveloped these youths.

The author's ability to breathe life into historical facts is commendable, making the reader not only witness but feel the weight of the choices these young individuals faced. The intimate anecdotes and personal narratives interwoven into the broader historical context create a visceral reading experience that is as enlightening as it is heart-wrenching.

"Hitler Youth" stands as a testament to the author's dedication to truth-telling without sacrificing the emotional depth of the narrative. Bartoletti's keen insight into the human condition allows her to unravel the intricacies of moral dilemmas faced by the youth caught in the crossfire of ideologies. The book becomes a mirror reflecting the fragility of innocence and the harrowing consequences of unchecked power.

In the end, Bartoletti's narrative doesn't merely recount history; it serves as a sobering reminder of the potential for darkness within the human soul. "Hitler Youth" is an emotionally charged odyssey that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths while instilling a profound sense of empathy for those who lived through the shadows of Hitler's regime. It is a literary triumph that lingers, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's conscience.

A Must Read

If you could sum up Hitler Youth in three words, what would they be?

A MUST READ

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Critcal to understanding how a 'good' government gradually infiltrates the most rational of minds in preparation for atrocities.

Understanding the brainwashing

I am not blond hair nor blue-eyed, but knowing how the Hitler Youth was sold to the children, I could easily see myself desperately wanting, and feeling left out for not being allowed in. This is not dissimilar to how some civilian population supports terrorist organizations because those organizations, and not the proper government, provide essentials. This reinforces Jane Elliott's results as she taught 3rd graders to hate and taunt their friends mercilessly. I am sure there are many more who were offered but did not participate because they still believed the teachings of their youth. This is the truly frightening part.

WANTED TO LEARN MORE

VERY WELL DONE. AFTER READING THIS BOOK I WANTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SOPHIE SCHOLL AND HER BROTHER. I WENT TO THE VIDIO STORE AND FOUND A FILM WHICH WAS MADE A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO CALLED SOPHIE SCHOLL .THE FINAL DAYS. THE FILM WAS GREAT EVEN THOUGH IT IS SUBTITLED IN ENGLISH. GET THE BOOK. RENT THE MOVIE.

Learning About History

I just watched a movie on Anne Frank...when I came across this title I said," Why not?" There is a little curiousity on how one human being can treat another human being so horribly. I am curious of the psychology behind it. This book tells the tale of many who lived through that era of history. The book was organized and well written. I would recommen it!

Re pronunciation

I grew up in Germany and wondered about a previous reviewer's comments about the narrator's German mispronunciation. I can't speak for Polish but her German pronunciation is spot on. I did a little research and also discovered (as is apparent also from her very slight German accent) that Kana is a native German. Her pronunciation of German names is perfect.

Interesting but lacking

I enjoyed the book overall but found the material to be lacking in depth. I should have noticed how short the book was and anticipated such. This is a good basic historical summary of the Hitler Youth but certainly not a thorough study. The book also gives the reader a basic understanding of WW2
However, there is no real discussion of the Hitler Schools or the other specialized schools they were sent to for indoctrination.
Anedotally it is entertaining and this is the best feature of the book.
Hard to explain, just something was missing.