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Sept 2014
As excellent on the 3rd reading as it was on the first 2. Highly highly recommended.

What struck me at this reading was how Bonhoeffer's family was privy to so much that was happening in the German government so far ahead of when the average German seemed to find out. I am reading "The Storm of War" now, and it is fascinating to see the military issues set in contrast to this much more personal view of history in Germany at the time.


Feb 2011 Review -- I am reading the library copy of this book, and it is due tomorrow. I have not finished it, but am about 1/2 of the way through. I have read many books on Bonhoeffer in the past, and have read a substantial number of books written by Bonhoeffer himself. He has always fascinated me. A Christian, a pastor, a German, living in the time when Hitler came to power. What did those Christians in Germany see, or not see, about what was coming? If they saw, what did they do? Or not do?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as the author has aptly written in the title of his book, was indeed a "prophet". Only two days after Hitler was democratically elected chancellor of Germany (Jan. 30, 1933), Dietrich Bonhoeffer gave a radio address on February 1, 1933 called "The Younger Generation's Altered Concept of Leadership" where he examined and dissected the fundamental problems with leadership by a Fuhrer. Bonhoeffer saw, and he acted to inform Christians as he preached and taught. He also was led to act to remove Hitler from power. His courage in speaking as a prophet and in acting led to his arrest and eventual execution in the waning days of WWII. Hitler himself ordered Bonhoeffer's execution, a mere three weeks before Hitler himself committed suicide.

While not finished with the book, I have already ordered it from amazon. This is one book that will be worthwhile to have and read and study. A fascinating book to read in conjunction with Viktor Frankl's books.

I recommend this book with 10 stars.... or more! I wonder how many more stars I'll add when I get to finish it?! I'll update the review when I do.

Some fascinating things about the Bonhoeffer family:
Christel Bonhoeffer, Dietrich's older sister, married Hans von Dohnanyi. Their son Christoph von Dohnanyi was born in 1929 and is a well known German conductor. He was for over 20 years the music director of the Cleveland Orchestra.
Hans von Dohnanyi was a schoolmate and friend of Klaus Bonhoeffer, Dietrich's older brother.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed by hanging using piano wire on April 9, 1945.
Bonhoeffer's brother-in-law Hans von Dohnanyi (husband of Christel) was executed by gunshot on April 8th (or 9th), 1945.
Klaus Bonhoeffer was executed by gunshot on April 25, 1945.
Bonhoeffer's brother-in-law Rudiger Schleicheter (husband of Ursula Bonhoeffer) was executed by gunshot April 25, 1945.

Of the 8 children that Karl and Paula Bonhoeffer had, three of their 4 sons died in war. Walter, the 2nd oldest, was killed in WWI. Karl and Dietrich were executed by the Nazis in WWII. Only their oldest son, Karl Friedrich, outlived them. Of their 4 sons-in-laws, two were executed by the Nazis in WWII. Only the daughters Sabine and Susanne had husbands who died natural deaths.