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lizmart88's review against another edition
3.0
I recently read a biography of Bonhoeffer so this was a fun addition to my knowledge about him. As they mention, his relationship with his fiancee was very secretive and only occurred in the last three years of his life.
Based on true events with only a few liberties taken, this was definitely a fun read. Nice to get the love story view of a famous theologian.
Based on true events with only a few liberties taken, this was definitely a fun read. Nice to get the love story view of a famous theologian.
sarahs_readingparty's review against another edition
5.0
My Dearest Dietrich is a beautiful tale of the true love story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his fiance, Maria. Normally I'm a bit skeptical of "true" fiction books but I am so inspired by Dietrich's faith and heroism in Germany during World War II that I decided to read it. And I am so glad that I did!! I could immediately tell that the author, Amanda Barratt, put so much research, time, and effort into respectfully telling Dietrich and Maria's story. It was lovely and tragic all at once... and I adored it. I loved the author's decision to include bits of the letters and poems the two shared, and I also appreciated her clear indication of which parts are fiction at the end of the book. I would highly recommend this book to all. Even though the subject matter is a bit heavy at times, it still would make a good summer read because of the enduring hope throughout the novel.
Thanks to the publisher for a free electronic copy through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for a free electronic copy through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
cpeters137's review against another edition
3.0
I hesitated over this rating. The life of Bonhoeffer is a 5+ and his romance with Maria a beautiful story. However, when the author admits that she added episodes that didn’t exist, it almost trivializes the true story. The writing style was somewhat stilted and didn’t flow with the story. I’m glad that I read it; I was unfamiliar with this part of Bonhoeffer's life, but I thought the writing left much to be desired.
books_n_blossoms's review against another edition
5.0
I honestly knew nothing about Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This was SUCH a powerful story of Dietrich and Maria. What an incredible love story they had. Who could build a relationship with a man who is twice her age while he spends the bulk of their relationship in a German prison? Maria von Wedemeyer was such a young girl when this all began!
What everyone went through to try to bring down the Nazi regime is mind boggling. I don't know that we can ever truly understand what these individuals and families went through, but Amanda Barratt gives us an incredible insight as to what dangers they faced.
The writing absolutely brought me to the early 1940s as the war progressed. I think my heart was in my throat through most of the second half of the book. I was surprised how much younger Maria was than Dietrich. After reading about their relationship, what they had was incredibly powerful. I could imagine how hard it was from Dietrich's perspective to finally fall in love with a woman as well as Maria's young perspective never having had a relationship before.
What they both went through during their forced separation is something no one should ever have to endure. It broke my heart to find out that they were never able to marry and have children. They, along with their families gave so much during this tragic time. This story is NOT to be missed!
What everyone went through to try to bring down the Nazi regime is mind boggling. I don't know that we can ever truly understand what these individuals and families went through, but Amanda Barratt gives us an incredible insight as to what dangers they faced.
The writing absolutely brought me to the early 1940s as the war progressed. I think my heart was in my throat through most of the second half of the book. I was surprised how much younger Maria was than Dietrich. After reading about their relationship, what they had was incredibly powerful. I could imagine how hard it was from Dietrich's perspective to finally fall in love with a woman as well as Maria's young perspective never having had a relationship before.
What they both went through during their forced separation is something no one should ever have to endure. It broke my heart to find out that they were never able to marry and have children. They, along with their families gave so much during this tragic time. This story is NOT to be missed!
ladyberry's review against another edition
5.0
My Dearest Dietrich was absolutely beautiful. I was already familiar with Dietrich Bonhoeffer's story, but I had no idea he had such a wonderful and tragic love story. It was incredible to see how their lives were intertwined.
Beautifully written with robust characters, I thoroughly enjoyed it as a reading experience. It was also a really interesting take on WWII, from the perspective of Germans living under Hitler's dictatorship.
Captivating and heartwrenching, My Dearest Dietrich was one of the best books of 2019.
Beautifully written with robust characters, I thoroughly enjoyed it as a reading experience. It was also a really interesting take on WWII, from the perspective of Germans living under Hitler's dictatorship.
Captivating and heartwrenching, My Dearest Dietrich was one of the best books of 2019.
theteacuphalffull's review against another edition
5.0
Prost to all the strong-willed women of the 1930-1940s! And let's not forget all the men and women who retaliated against Hitler from inside Deutschland--not everyone believed in what he did nor did they stand for it. And I found it interesting to read a WW2 book from that perspective.
While I admit it took me a bit to get into the book, once I was hooked, I read it all in one fell swoop. I enjoyed the historical aspect of the novel, and the author, Amanda Barratt, even includes a notes section in the back to explain what happened to the characters in real life. But I also enjoyed the fictional liberties Barratt took to bring the story to life and fill in any gaps left behind in the past.
Maria von Wedemeyer is not a force to be reckoned with. She's strong, stubborn, and a wonderful person. Dietrich Bonhoeffer is kind and thoughtful. I enjoyed the formatting of the book with the switching narrators between the two and getting to intimately know each one of them. Take note: Pay close attention to dates and locations at the beginning of each chapter! Barratt also tucks in German words in the midst of the English in such a way that I noticed and appreciated, but it wasn't forced. I feel it helped authenticate the story, and I liked it!
If you're interested in love, WW2, and a sucker for a good historical fiction, "My Dearest Dietrich" is your next read.
While I admit it took me a bit to get into the book, once I was hooked, I read it all in one fell swoop. I enjoyed the historical aspect of the novel, and the author, Amanda Barratt, even includes a notes section in the back to explain what happened to the characters in real life. But I also enjoyed the fictional liberties Barratt took to bring the story to life and fill in any gaps left behind in the past.
Maria von Wedemeyer is not a force to be reckoned with. She's strong, stubborn, and a wonderful person. Dietrich Bonhoeffer is kind and thoughtful. I enjoyed the formatting of the book with the switching narrators between the two and getting to intimately know each one of them. Take note: Pay close attention to dates and locations at the beginning of each chapter! Barratt also tucks in German words in the midst of the English in such a way that I noticed and appreciated, but it wasn't forced. I feel it helped authenticate the story, and I liked it!
If you're interested in love, WW2, and a sucker for a good historical fiction, "My Dearest Dietrich" is your next read.
raben_76325's review against another edition
3.0
Book #166 of 2019. This is a historical fiction that tells the real-life story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s romance and engagement, as well as his arrest and time in prison. The author, other than fictionalizing the story has taken very few liberties with the historical account, making this a pleasant and educational read.
At times, I felt that Barratt’s concentration on Bonhoeffer as a primary narrative made him a little effeminate and preachy, but he was a pastor and a theologian, so what else should I expect?
At times, I felt that Barratt’s concentration on Bonhoeffer as a primary narrative made him a little effeminate and preachy, but he was a pastor and a theologian, so what else should I expect?
fiction_aficionado's review against another edition
5.0
*blows nose, dabs eyes, and takes a deep breath*
Wow. Where do I start? This book is beautifully written, impeccably researched, and as inspirational as it is heartbreaking. If you want to know the cost of discipleship, read this book. I mean, you could read Dietrich’s own words as well, but he LIVED that cost in a way most of us will never have to experience—Praise God! And reading his story—living his story—as it’s presented in these pages is a powerful experience that will never leave me, all the more so for the depth of love that grew between Dietrich and Maria at such a difficult time.
The choices that Dietrich, Maria, and their families had to make will also linger with me. It’s rare to find a story that gives the reader so much cause to consider what it would have been like to have been German and opposed to the Nazi regime. And if there was one thing that came through strongly as I read this novel, it was that there was no easy answer to the question of, “How should we respond?” In fact, the only answer was for each man and woman to prayerfully follow his or her own conscience, regardless of the cost—knowing full well that the cost would be high regardless.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s story is truly remarkable, and I cannot recommend this novel highly enough.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Wow. Where do I start? This book is beautifully written, impeccably researched, and as inspirational as it is heartbreaking. If you want to know the cost of discipleship, read this book. I mean, you could read Dietrich’s own words as well, but he LIVED that cost in a way most of us will never have to experience—Praise God! And reading his story—living his story—as it’s presented in these pages is a powerful experience that will never leave me, all the more so for the depth of love that grew between Dietrich and Maria at such a difficult time.
The choices that Dietrich, Maria, and their families had to make will also linger with me. It’s rare to find a story that gives the reader so much cause to consider what it would have been like to have been German and opposed to the Nazi regime. And if there was one thing that came through strongly as I read this novel, it was that there was no easy answer to the question of, “How should we respond?” In fact, the only answer was for each man and woman to prayerfully follow his or her own conscience, regardless of the cost—knowing full well that the cost would be high regardless.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s story is truly remarkable, and I cannot recommend this novel highly enough.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
chautona's review
5.0
My Dearest Dietrich: Is It My Favorite Book of the Year?
Well, the year isn’t over, so I can’t say unequivocally, but my tentative answer is a decided yes.
How’s that for wishy-washy? Sorry, can’t help it.
If you don’t know the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his work to bring down Adolf Hitler, it would be best to read up a little on him before reading the book. Readers unfamiliar with him might find the book unsatisfactory, otherwise.
But My Dearest Dietrich offers what I love best in good fiction—heroism, self-sacrifice, faith, and love shown in action rather than effusive protestations of affection.
And she did it without yielding to the temptation to create a fast-paced, “whirlwind” style story. That sort of “it’s a war so let’s rush the narrative to give the illusion of tension and speed” would have destroyed this book’s greatest strength. It flows at the natural pace of a couple who must wait, watch, and trust for the Lord’s timing to their lives, and all without prompting the drumming of fingers.
The attention to historical detail couldn’t be more impressive. It became most obvious only when I realized I hadn’t noticed it in the narrative. It’s woven so delicately and deliberately through the story that instead of being slapped over the head with setting, facts, and figures, Barratt simply immerses you into a tale you hope never to emerge from.
And yet, when the story ends, you realize that for it to be the deeply moving, powerful, and life-changing story that it was, it couldn’t have been told any other way. It had to end when and where it did. True stories work like that, and instead of trying to make a true story fit the romantic tropes that the genre demands, Ms. Barratt simply told their tale as God wrote it.
How could it be any better than that?
Recommended for lovers of history, WWII buffs, and for those who cherish the memory of a German theologian who loved Jesus even more than his beloved Maria.
About the book:
A staggering love illuminating the dark corners of a Nazi prison
Renowned German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is famous for his resistance to the Nazi regime and for his allegiance to God over government. But what few realize is that the last years of his life also held a love story that rivals any romance novel.
Maria von Wedemeyer knows the realities of war. Her beloved father and brother have both been killed on the battlefield. The last thing this spirited young woman needs is to fall for a man under constant surveillance by the Gestapo. How can she give another piece of her heart to a man so likely to share the same final fate? Yet when Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an old family friend, comes to comfort the von Wedemeyers after their losses, she discovers that love isn't always logical.
Dietrich himself has determined to keep his distance from romantic attachments.
There is too much work to be done for God, and his involvement in the conspiracy is far too important. But when he encounters a woman whose intelligence and conviction match his own, he's unprepared for how easy it is to give away his heart.
With their deep love comes risk--and neither Dietrich nor Maria is prepared for just how great that risk soon becomes.
Based on detailed historical research, this true love story is at once beautiful and heartrending. My Dearest Dietrich sheds new light on a world-famous theologian . . . and the woman who changed his life.
Well, the year isn’t over, so I can’t say unequivocally, but my tentative answer is a decided yes.
How’s that for wishy-washy? Sorry, can’t help it.
If you don’t know the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his work to bring down Adolf Hitler, it would be best to read up a little on him before reading the book. Readers unfamiliar with him might find the book unsatisfactory, otherwise.
But My Dearest Dietrich offers what I love best in good fiction—heroism, self-sacrifice, faith, and love shown in action rather than effusive protestations of affection.
And she did it without yielding to the temptation to create a fast-paced, “whirlwind” style story. That sort of “it’s a war so let’s rush the narrative to give the illusion of tension and speed” would have destroyed this book’s greatest strength. It flows at the natural pace of a couple who must wait, watch, and trust for the Lord’s timing to their lives, and all without prompting the drumming of fingers.
The attention to historical detail couldn’t be more impressive. It became most obvious only when I realized I hadn’t noticed it in the narrative. It’s woven so delicately and deliberately through the story that instead of being slapped over the head with setting, facts, and figures, Barratt simply immerses you into a tale you hope never to emerge from.
And yet, when the story ends, you realize that for it to be the deeply moving, powerful, and life-changing story that it was, it couldn’t have been told any other way. It had to end when and where it did. True stories work like that, and instead of trying to make a true story fit the romantic tropes that the genre demands, Ms. Barratt simply told their tale as God wrote it.
How could it be any better than that?
Recommended for lovers of history, WWII buffs, and for those who cherish the memory of a German theologian who loved Jesus even more than his beloved Maria.
About the book:
A staggering love illuminating the dark corners of a Nazi prison
Renowned German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is famous for his resistance to the Nazi regime and for his allegiance to God over government. But what few realize is that the last years of his life also held a love story that rivals any romance novel.
Maria von Wedemeyer knows the realities of war. Her beloved father and brother have both been killed on the battlefield. The last thing this spirited young woman needs is to fall for a man under constant surveillance by the Gestapo. How can she give another piece of her heart to a man so likely to share the same final fate? Yet when Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an old family friend, comes to comfort the von Wedemeyers after their losses, she discovers that love isn't always logical.
Dietrich himself has determined to keep his distance from romantic attachments.
There is too much work to be done for God, and his involvement in the conspiracy is far too important. But when he encounters a woman whose intelligence and conviction match his own, he's unprepared for how easy it is to give away his heart.
With their deep love comes risk--and neither Dietrich nor Maria is prepared for just how great that risk soon becomes.
Based on detailed historical research, this true love story is at once beautiful and heartrending. My Dearest Dietrich sheds new light on a world-famous theologian . . . and the woman who changed his life.
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