A competent memoir about World War II Germany.
The story of a German family’s struggles during Hitler’s reign.
McIntosh attempts to explore–and perhaps atone for–the sins of Hitler’s Germany via this carefully related story of one family. Intimate tales of domestic drama mix with historical accounts of Hitler’s youth in Vienna, his entrance into German politics, rise to power and, ultimately, his demise. The author’s implication is clear–Hitler is a self-serving outsider who weasels his way, with more charm than integrity, into an essentially good nation, only to ruin it. McIntosh, a German born during Hitler’s rise, writes with a sense of contrition only truly available to those who directly experienced the dictator’s rule. However, she tends to insinuate her own perspective into her protagonists’ speech and thought. Her characters often speak as if they were reading from a 21st-century analysis of the crimes committed in Nazi Germany, possessing strong insight into the unfolding events. In the preface, McIntosh thanks a friend for ridding her manuscript of “Germanisms.” Though her writing remains free of such errors, it is clear that English is not her first language–the prose is clean but indicates that the composition cost her much time and effort. An able craftswoman, McIntosh has yet to elevate her writing to the level of art.
A competent memoir about World War II Germany.Pub Date: June 27, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-7414-3971-9
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
