In this definitive study, Marsh (religious studies, Univ. of Virginia;
God's Long Summer: Stories of Faith and Civil Rights) delivers a fresh portrayal of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–45), German pastor, famous theologian, and anti-Nazi activist. He offers an erudite reexamination of Bonhoeffer's life and death as well as a dispassionate exploration of his attitudes and character, using personal correspondence, journals, Bonhoeffer's own publications, and other archival material to illuminate details often omitted from previous biographies and to present multiple points of view on Bonhoeffer from those who knew him. Marsh's portrait is of a spoiled, materialistic, and selfish young man who develops, over time, into a German hero. The writing is clear and concise, the endnotes extensive, and the index generous.
VERDICT The intimate glimpses Marsh provides into a great man make for a powerful new account. Fans of the author's previous books will appreciate this, as will historians interested in World War II, and anyone curious about Bonhoeffer. [See Prepub Alert, 10/28/13.]
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