In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin
by Erik Larson
In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson holds a well received rating of 3.81 out of 5, based on 110.5K reader ratings. First published in 2011. The book spans 448 pages.
About In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin
The time is 1933, the place, Berlin, when William E. Dodd becomes America's first ambassador to Hitler's Germany in a year that proved to be a turning point in history.A mild-mannered professor from Chicago, Dodd brings along his wife, son, and flamboyant daughter, Martha. At first Martha is entranced by the parties and pomp, and the handsome young men of the Third Reich with their infectious enthusiasm for restoring Germany to a position of world prominence. Enamored of the New Germany, she has one affair after another, including with the surprisingly honorable first chief of the Gestapo, Rudolf Diels. But as evidence of Jewish persecution mounts, confirmed by chilling first-person testimony, her father telegraphs his concerns to a largely indifferent State Department back home. Dodd watches with alarm as Jews are attacked, the press is censored, and drafts of frightening new laws begin to circulate. As that first year unfolds and the shadows deepen, the Dodds experience days full of excitement, intrigue, romance and ultimately, horror, when a climactic spasm of violence and murder reveals Hitler's true character and ruthless ambition.Suffused with the tense atmosphere of the period, and with unforgettable portraits of the bizarre Goring and the expectedly charming—yet wholly sinister—Goebbels, In the Garden of Beasts lends a stunning, eyewitness perspective on events as they unfold in real time, revealing an era of surprising nuance and complexity. The result is a dazzling, addictively readable work that speaks volumes about why the world did not recognize the grave threat posed by Hitler until Berlin, and Europe, were awash in blood and terror.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Erik Larson |
| Published | 2011 |
| Pages | 448 |
| Kindle Price | $14.99 |
| Genres | History, Non-Fiction, Biography & Memoir |
| Average Rating | 3.81 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 110,481 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin?
In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin is categorized as History, Non-Fiction, Biography & Memoir. Its primary genre classification is Biography & Memoir.
Is In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin worth reading?
Based on 110.5K reader ratings, In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin has an average score of 3.81 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin?
In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin has 448 pages.
Who wrote In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin?
In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin was written by Erik Larson. It was first published in 2011.
What is the ISBN for In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin?
The ISBN-13 for In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin is 9780307408850.0.
How much does In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin cost on Kindle?
In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin is available on Kindle for $14.99. Pricing may vary by region and promotional offers.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
