When I first saw that there was an opportunity
to read My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Lost Love by
author Amanda Barratt, I wasn’t interested. Mostly because this novel would be hard to
read emotionally and learn more about the evils that happened during World War
II. But I’m so glad I took a second look
and decided to read it.
Before I read My Dearest Dietrich,
I had basic knowledge of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, that he was a Christian pastor and
had participated in a plot to have Adolph Hitler assassinated and that he was executed
for his part in that conspiracy. But
other than that, I didn’t know the details.
This book is wonderful. I learned about Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life,
family and his beloved fiancée Maria von Wedemeyer. How
decent, God-fearing Germans citizens were impacted by what Hitler was doing. While not everyone was able to personally fight
the evil things they saw happening, so many citizens were gravely impacted by
the maniacal and brutal dictator and were just trying to survive. It was heartening to learn of the Bonhoeffer
family, their friends and many others who sought, albeit unsuccessfully, to put
an end to Hitler’s reign of evil.
In Dietrich and Maria’s story, I saw that love
must be brave. It was inspiring and touching
to see how Maria sought to be there for Dietrich, breathe life and hope into
their future, even if it meant risking her own life. They managed to deepen and grow their
relationship through letters and monthly one-hour visits at Tegel prison under
the watchful eye of the guards. Dietrich,
in turn, sought to protect Maria and his family and accepted the severe
consequences of his actions.
I took my time reading My Dearest
Dietrich because I didn’t want to rush by and miss some of the
treasures contained therein. This is a
beautiful love story between two very different, but uniquely suited, people during
a pivotal time in history. Amanda
Barratt did a wonderful job in writing this true and fictionalized, account
of Dietrich and Maria’s love story.
I would like to thank Kregel Publications and
NetGalley for a complimentary of the book and the opportunity to read My
Dearest Dietrich by Amanda Barratt. It’s a love story to remember. I was no obligation to give a favorable review.
