“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.
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