Members with This Book
Most Helpful Reviews
see all reviews
Liked It “Mailer - always great writing but in this case I was a little disappointed in that I expected him to expand the premise more than he did. This turned out to be more a story of Hitler's father rather than Hitler himself. But still - Mailer is always great to read!” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It“The fictional story of Hitler's youth was somewhat interesting but not gripping. And the background story about the devils and angels dueling over the souls of humans was silly and mocking of religious/spiritual beliefs and seemed out of place in such a serious novel. |
Newest Reviews
see all reviews-
“The fictional story of Hitler's youth was somewhat interesting but not gripping. And the background story about the devils and angels dueling over the souls of humans was silly and mocking of religious/spiritual beliefs and seemed out of place in such a serious novel.
Kate F wrote this review 12 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The story is told from the perspective of a devil, who is writing a present-day reflection on Hitler's childhood and his influence over it. The character is writing in the first person in 2008, but he uses very old fashioned English that makes it hard to take him seriously. As a supposedly clever devil, he would surely have updated his style of speaking to fit in with modern humans.
And the novel never makes the connection that, I think, most readers are looking for. Nothing unfolds between Hitler's childhood and his notorious later life. The story only begins to show how devils had an influence on him, and then it ends, with only vague hints as to how they manipulated him later.
Lastly, although this didn't bother me, I think many people would be turned off by the vulgarity in the novel.
It was interesting enough to hold my attention, and I'm glad I read it, but I wouldn't recommend it. ”“Mailer - always great writing but in this case I was a little disappointed in that I expected him to expand the premise more than he did. This turned out to be more a story of Hitler's father rather than Hitler himself. But still - Mailer is always great to read!”
Jim M wrote this review Monday, October 26 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Yeah. He (Mr. Norman Mailer) IS saying that he really REALLY HATES hitler...no two ways about it.”
donna b wrote this review Friday, October 16 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“My first Mailer novel. Eloquent prose, deftly composed and superbly written. I found it to be more a book about Alois than young Adolf....a very Screwtape Letters feel to it. Lovely. ”
Nic the Greek wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Norman Mailer maybe an acclaimed author and no doubt the skill, imagination and talent are all evident in this book. However, while minds may be intrigue by devling into what may have created and stirred the insidious nature of Adolf Hilter, Mailer's take is a bit too flagrant in his fictional acccounts.
M. Scott Rogers wrote this review Monday, October 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Should this be a movie (highly unlikely due to it's nature and content), Hollywood would even be hard pressed to stamp an "R" rating on it. While language and violence are within acceptable limits, the sexual content, while driving an underlying theme, is too descriptive to the point of being offensive and unnecessary.
While I'm inclined to completely tank my rating for this book, Mailer does lend some intriguing insights and possiblities to the development and growth of Adolf into the monster he later became. However, this doesn't necessarily justify Mailer's almost vulgar use of the English language.”“Liked the twist with the demon but thought the book should've been the life of bees. ”
Dawn K wrote this review Thursday, August 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“So far so good”
juli j wrote this review Wednesday, July 29 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A journey through the consciousnesses that provide a plausible insight into Adolf Hitler. Challenging but rewarding.”
Cliff wrote this review Sunday, June 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“What a story. Mailer's imagination is unequalled. A great read for those willing to look at things a little differently than others.”
Rick R wrote this review Tuesday, April 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A thoroughly engrossing read. In it, Norman Mailer tells the evidently well-researched story of Adolf Hitler's childhood years and the lives of his parents and siblings as seen through the eyes of the demon or devil sent to watch over him and cultivate him as a client from the moment of his conception. A very well-written, flowing narrative with a few light touches and brief excursions into other seemingly unrelated events (the coronation of Nicholas II, the murder of Sisi) which help paint the historical backdrop in which to place young Adi, as his family call him. Originally intended as the first in a trilogy, unfortunately the author's death means the story will never be concluded, and it does seem to end rather abruptly and arbitrarily...but it does offer an insight into the complex family history and relations of this most atrocious individual of the 20th century, as well as an insight into the intricacies of bee-keeping.”
gamiila wrote this review Sunday, April 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
