Ensnared in the Wolf’s Lair: Inside the 1944 Plot to Kill Hitler and the Ghost Children of His Revenge
by Ann Bausum
4 out of 5 stars

In the midst of Nazi Germany, a group of men attempt to assassinate Hitler. Their plan fails, and their families pay the price. Hitler is merciless in his revenge on the families and children of the men who tried to kill him. But a few of the children survive, and they are nicknamed the Ghost Children.

I appreciate this clear look at a complicated time in history, and how the nuances of the political climate in Germany were so much more complex than we can understand today. I think history tends to remember all Germans as being evil people who were complicit with Hitler’s plans, but so many of the German people were actively fighting against him from within.

I love that this story explores so many aspects of living in Germany during the war. Some of the spies were being forced to fight in the German military, or even worked as government officials in the Nazi party. They had to navigate treachery and terror, in order to get close enough to Hitler to try to kill him and other high-ranking officials. And of course, we follow the children and their families at home as civilians, going to school, working at jobs, and living ordinary lives… until they weren’t.

The men who acted against Hitler were heroes, and it is heartbreaking to read the story of their children and spouses and brothers and sisters who were arrested, imprisoned without trial, sent to concentration camps, murdered, and even tortured for information.

The writing style is excellent, and really brings the history to life. The photographs and maps help the reader to visualize each person and what is happening in the history. Seeing the faces of each little child will just break your heart.

This can be a disturbing book to read. It talks about people being tortured and hanged, and others being murdered in cold blood. However it is so important that stories like these be told, so that we can learn from the atrocities of history and never repeat them.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.