Tim Heath

Sex Under the Swastika by Tim Heath is almost more of a resource book than a history book (I'll explain what I mean in a moment), though it is an area which, while disturbing, needs to be brought to light.

I'll try to explain my distinction between a resource and a history book. A history book, for me, presents facts and even some suppositions and connects them through some kind of analysis. Even just presenting it as background to a regime or an event can count as a loose form of analysis. A resource is something that historians can reference (yes, history books can also be a reference, but generally they are referenced for their ideas and analysis, not as a source of information), from primary documents and commentary to, as often in this case, largely reliable but hearsay testimony from relatives and friends. This reads more like a resource than a history book with a coherent thesis. Well, other than just demonstrating the depths of Nazi perversity.

Having said all that, the book is still quite interesting. While many of the cases and incidents discussed aren't new, this offers some new perspectives on them. They also offer what for many may well be too much detail. I lean toward believing even horrible details need to be available, so I can live with the disturbing passages. Some readers may be better off reading the other books available on these atrocities as well as anything new that might come from historians using these interviews to do further research.

While I would recommend this to readers who can stomach horrific details, I would make sure everyone understands that no punches are pulled here. It is an uncomfortable read and isn't presenting new incidents, just new details, so unless this is a research area for you I might suggest other options to this.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (más)

A remarkable study about everyday sexual habits under a liberal Weimar republic in comparison to the later tainted hypocritical attitude of the so called pure in mind and body Aryan german race overseen by the Nazi party. The writing is engrossing and at times erotic openly destroying the propaganda orchestrated by Joseph Goebbels. Hitler and his circle of evil would have us believe that their form of facism promoted good clean living backed up by strong bodies toned and shaped to perfection. The truth is more sombre, a diary of torture and loose sexual habits hidden behind a litany of lies. It is somewhat ironic that Goebbels preached abstinence and perfection when he himself presented as a small man, with a large head, crippled foot, and fragile body. He wanted to be accepted as a family man with a devoted wife Magda and six adoring children. He openly had numerous affairs, in particular Lida Baarova, an aspiring actress whose career was ruined and nearly ended with her being put to death at the end of world war 2. Hitler in his early political career had a strange relationship with his niece Geli Raubal, he was 19 years older. He was obsessed with her to the point of banishing friends and suitors from her side, keeping her alone and solely for his pleasure. There is evidence to suggest a sexual side to this relationship indeed rumour of gros kinky acts with Hitler insisting that his niece urinate on him. There is much reference made to the deplorable treatment of women during this time, so many violated and raped by advancing armies and attractive internees in concentration camps being offered the life of a prostitute as an alternative to death..” We learned we would be offered as prostitutes to the German forces, and those Latvian members of the German military, in one of their brothels. The idea filled me with dread in an instant. I was 17 years old and had never experienced sexual intercourse at that point in my life. I was scared of what was going to happen to me. I was the youngest of the seven of us and the other women who were in their twenties tried to offer some comfort to me, but they could do nothing else”.

This is a remarkable book compiled mostly from endless research and interviews with eyewitnesses and victims who lived through the horror of that time. It is not always an easy read and the sexual element, often described in great detail, is in my opinion an important part of the text if we are to fully understand the evil perpetrated by many on a defenceless few. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley for a gratis copy in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written. Recommended.… (más)