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A review by leilatre
The Warburgs: The Twentieth-Century Odyssey of a Remarkable Jewish Family by Ron Chernow
4.0
This is the second Ron Chernow book I've listened to on audiobook (the first being the mesmerizing Alexander Hamilton). Being a book about a large family, it was a bit of a challenge keeping the various characters straight.
The history covers 1600 through present day for a Jewish-German family. As you might expect, the most interesting part revolves around the build up to and action during WWII. It is interesting to hear about the experience of well-off German Jews (as contrasted with poor Jews from conquered/invaded countries -- the subject covered by many of the WWII books that I have read). Hitler and his goons could be bought (at least for a while). Also the slow loss of rights is really cleverly outlined, which makes it easier for readers to understand how even wealthy people wound up trapped there.
Post-WWII the book bogs down a bit with lots of talk of proposed bank mergers. Even a (former) bank lawyer like myself glazed over from time to time. But overall it is a thoughtful, interesting tale of a mostly-caring, involved and successful family that built and rebuilt its fortunes through some extremely difficult circumstances.
The history covers 1600 through present day for a Jewish-German family. As you might expect, the most interesting part revolves around the build up to and action during WWII. It is interesting to hear about the experience of well-off German Jews (as contrasted with poor Jews from conquered/invaded countries -- the subject covered by many of the WWII books that I have read). Hitler and his goons could be bought (at least for a while). Also the slow loss of rights is really cleverly outlined, which makes it easier for readers to understand how even wealthy people wound up trapped there.
Post-WWII the book bogs down a bit with lots of talk of proposed bank mergers. Even a (former) bank lawyer like myself glazed over from time to time. But overall it is a thoughtful, interesting tale of a mostly-caring, involved and successful family that built and rebuilt its fortunes through some extremely difficult circumstances.