TOKEN OF A COVENANT

by Count Hans Graf von Lehndorff ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1964

The perspective of twenty years has not dimmed the haunting ghastliness of Count Lehndorff's diary of 1944-47, when he was buffeted about over the ravaged East European landscape. His patriotism meant that he, like many Germans, had done little to stop Hitler even though opposed to him, but he makes no effort here to excuse Germany's wartime behavior (and says virtually nothing about Jews). There are a few nostalgic reminiscences of pre-war Prussian scenery, but the diary is largely devoted to the record of post-war conditions in occupied East Germany. As a surgeon, more than by reason of his distinguished East Prussian lineage, a comparatively favored position was thrust upon him. Because he was able to attend medical needs of the Poles and Russians whose captive he was, he managed to survive the hideous circumstances of starvation and bestiality imposed on the towns and countryside through which he passed. The little alludes to the Covenant between God and Noah after the Flood, for Lehndorff sees the Will of God in all his experiences and his modus vivendi was to seek solace in religion even as he applied the most practical bits of knowledge to his immediate problems. His medically-trained capacity for observation never faltered, and the transcript of his observations has been accomplished in excellent English. The effect is nauseating far beyond ordinary reportage, and this is no book to read for relaxation.

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1964

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Regnery

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1964

Categories: NONFICTION