The banality of evil, and how easily we accept it

After 1945, a fog of amnesia as well as an iron curtain descended across Europe. Scores were settled, populations expelled and collaborators punished in episodes which have often been excused as justified revenge, best forgotten. But we should not forget that a surprisingly large number of senior Nazis escaped justice, often turning up in key peacetime roles, or disappearing from view, often with the collusion of Western powers and The Vatican via the Ratline, an escape hatch from Europe. Otto Wachter, Governor of Krakow then Galicia, mass murderer and senior SS member never made it beyond Rome, where he died in the arms of a Bishop. Had this been the sole theme of the book it might not have attracted much attention, but Philippe Sands, whose own family were victims of Wachter's administration, has the remarkable advantage of a long acquaintance with Wachter's own son and access to his rich family archive of diaries, recordings, photographs and documents. He is able to reconstruct the private live of Wachter and his flamboyant and ruthless wife - the latter remained an unrepentant Nazi until her death decades later - to startle the reader with the macabre contrast between the glamour of their social life and the mechanised carnage of Wachter's work.

The moral ambiguity of the story is often outrageous. It's easy to be caught up in the love story of the couple, the casually shameless plundering of artworks by Wachter's wife, the motivation of Wachter's son in trying against all the evidence to exonerate his father as a noble victim, even a hero. Here the author's surprising moral restraint about Wachter's story breaks down, pressing his son for a sign that he accepts the guilt of his father, as if this somehow will bring about a measure of justice. It's a sign that has never come despite his collaboration, over years, with the author on many iterations of the story which have become projects in their own right - publications, a podcast, public debates. The author has developed the material across these projects into a powerful story, of which this book is the ultimate telling. It's well-honed, and well presented. It's certainly compelling. I completed it in two days, pushing aside almost everything else I was doing.

The contrast between the personal biographies and the historical narrative shows up in the choice of narrator. While the author narrates the historical background and the story of the project itself, the choice of well-known actors for the biographical sections seems reasonable. Possibly because this is such a well-produced and well-told tale, Stephen Fry may have seemed a suitable choice. It's hard to listen to him narrate however without registering an element of comic irony. The gap between the private comfort and self-satisfaction of the Wachter's and the ghastly reality of their public life stands for itself, and sometimes the audible italics and raised eyebrow during these passages is a little too 'on the nose'.

This book is a fascinating revelation of how unspeakable evil coexists with everyday life, and how the most egregious injustices are normalised. It's a book that engages our emotions, a quest that we have to complete. It's a great story.

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15 people found this helpful

Excellent research into the life of Otto Wachter

The writer is very talented and keeps our attention during the entire book. I particularly liked the part where Otto hides in the Austrian Alps. That made feel like travelling however sad the whole story and subject is. The writer/narrator has a very deep and beautiful voice. Accidentally I spoilt the end of the book as I read about Otto on Wikipedia. So that made the last few chapters, where he describes the investigation into the death of Otto, a bit less interesting. The last few chapters are the ones I didn’t enjoy as much as the subject matter deviated a bit from the other parts of the book. I felt that the author kept quite calm during the narration and interactions with Horst Wächter, Otto Wächters son. As the author himself said he only lost his temper with him really once. I knew he could only be a Libra, such as the wife of Otto Wächter who I feel was the main character in this story. A Libra writing about a Libra. I still feel that the author portrayed the history on NOT such a negative way and traumatic historic events weren’t described in detail, so there wasn’t much detail about horrific occurrences during the holocaust. It was just mainly the family story and life of the Wächters. Philippe Sands is a law professor, so it is understandable that he would be as professional as possible and keep his calm when interacting with the son of Otto Wächter.

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Written by an expert in his field

This was a wonderfully researched beguiling book full of twists, turns and unlikely coincidences. Beautifully writen and narrated.

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A compelling story of family loyalty

A forensic paper trail of the life of a prominent Nazi whose ambition overrode his humanity . A son who desperately wants prove his father a hapless pawn of the Nazi machine .

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Fantastic

Superbly written and read, a real thought provoker building on the outstanding podcast of the same name

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Gripping

A detailed insight of humanity during an extraordinary period in history. Educational and enlightening which encourages tolerance of others perspectives whilst acknowledging the evil which existed.

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Utterly compelling

Extremely fair to Horst and the Wächter family, balanced with enormous amount of research detail but never once dull or monotonous. I was on the edge of my seat for chapter after chapter right until the end of the epilogue. Through firsthand diaries, letters and documents it explores the complexities of pre-and post Second World War history and politics. This is a work that makes one reflect and realise how important history is to the way any of us may behave if faced with similar circumstances. I mostly loved narration, especially that of Philippe Sands himself providing a variation to Stephen Fry’s sometimes slightly too ironic phrasing of Charlotte’s diary comments. That was the only thing I found slightly irksome.
Overall, I didn’t think it would be such an important work to follow East West Street. I was surprised at One discovery after another providing many twists in the tale. Great storytelling.

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Simply perfect

A difficult story told in a careful and respectful manner. As my title says it is simply perfect. A gifted author. Thank you. James

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it will question your morality

An exceptional true story. How do I feel now about my judgemental stance? Riveting Read.

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Outstanding

Such incredibly detailed & dedicated research leads us on an at times inconceivable journey. Beautifully written, Phillipe weaves a complicated narrative with such skill that it makes it easy to follow. Thoroughly recommended.

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