Erik Larson has a gift for writing non fiction books that are as compelling to read as well crafted novels.  This book covers the years 1933-1936 in Germany.  Hitler had just been appointed chancellor and Germany was undergoing a revolutionary change.  The book's perspective is primarily through the eyes of William Dodd, the newly appointed US ambassador and his daughter, Martha.   There are many history books written about this era, but to quote Erik Larson on writing this book, "My objective was more intimate: to reveal that past world through the experience and perceptions of my two subjects, father and daughter, who upon arrival in Berlin embarked on a journey of discovery, transformation, and, ultimately deepest heartbreak."

I think most of us have wondered more than once how someone so evil as Hitler could rise to such power in Germany and what was going on that he was not stopped.  There is much detail in this book about how certain events in Germany occurred that allowed Hitler to become so powerful and the horrific results.  Even though I knew the eventual outcome I still found this book difficult to put down and would highly recommend it to anyone even if they usually only read fiction. ~Cindy