Book Review: In the Garden of Beasts

( #ErikLarson, #InTheGardenOfBeasts )

A few months ago, I heard that Erik Larson had a new book coming out about the Nazis and I was excited to read whatever story he uncovered. I purchased “In the Garden of Beasts” two weeks ago to load up on vacation reading. I managed to get through the book last week while in Maine and I figured I would share my thoughts.

The book centers around the US ambassador to Germany (William Dodd) and his daughter (Martha) during his tenure in Germany right before World War II. Dodd comes across as a well meaning academic hopelessly over his head during the Nazi rise to power. Dodd fancied himself a scholar with political aspirations (actually he was seeking appointments rather than being elected to anything). His attempts to gain Nazi attention with diplomatic snubs rather than strong worded negotiations come across as futile. Larson picked up on an odd dynamic between Dodd and several US officials. Dodd appeared to have no support from US officials during his tenure. His reports of cruel treatment of Jews and mounting tensions were brushed off.

The most interesting aspect of the book is Dodd’s daughter Martha. Dodd chose to bring both of his unmarried adult children with him to Germany for “one last adventure together.” Martha actually secretly married before she left the US, but blew off that husband to engage in several affairs with Nazi, French, and Soviet officials while in Germany. Martha’s story goes well beyond the end of WWII, the last few decades of her life could probably fill up another book.

While I really enjoyed the “In the Garden of Beasts” it suffered from the same issue as Thunderstruck – you find it hard to cheer on the leads. Since the book is based on historical documents, all Larson could do is weave the story of their lives in an interesting way (which he does incredibly well), but since you know what is going to happen, you know Dodd was not effective and, at least for me, you are hoping the worst for the daughter because she was a complete asshole of a human being.

Overall, “In the Garden of Beasts” is a great read focusing on an overlooked but critical US diplomat during one of the most perilous times in recorded history. Larson’s talent at weaving a narrative based on books, diary journals, official documents, and old reports is incredible and worth reading for the history lesson alone.