SCHIZOPHRENIC GERMANY

by John Dornberg ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 22, 1961

This is an attempt by a young German Jew, who fled his country with his parents early in the Nazi regime, to assess present-day Germany after a tour there with the U.S. Army. Actually, the author's conclusions, as the title suggests, are that there are no conclusions. Basing his observations principally on West Germany (very few references are made to the so-called Peoples' Republic), the author finds neo-Nazis, but no danger of a resurgence of Naziism; Nazis in high positions, but not Nazis in control of the government; a new army that leaves a lot to be desired but still is not excessively militaristic or nationalistic; anti-Semitism present but no more so than elsewhere; Nazis receiving pensions, but others receiving prison terms; a nationalistic press, but a more important democratic press, etc. This is a lucid book, easily read. But only the future, as the author points out, holds the answer to the question of whether democracy has really taken hold firmly enough in Germany to survive a depression, an onslaught from Right or Left, or even a change from the leadership of Chancellor Adenauer.

Pub Date: May 22, 1961

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1961

Categories: NONFICTION