This is a story of the unexpected.In Destined to Witness; Hans Massaquoi has crafted a beautifully rendered memoir -- an astonishing true tale of how he came of age as a black child in Nazi Germany. The son of a prominent African and a German nurse; Hans remained behind with his mother when Hitler came to power; due to concerns about his fragile health; after his father returned to Liberia. Like other German boys; Hans went to school; like other German boys; he swiftly fell under the Fuhrer's spell. So he was crushed to learn that; as a black child; he was ineligible for the Hitler Youth. His path to a secondary education and an eventual profession was blocked. He now lived in fear that; at any moment; he might hear the Gestapo banging on the door -- or Allied bombs falling on his home. Ironic;; moving; and deeply human; Massaquoi's account of this lonely struggle for survival brims with courage and intelligence.
#1180616 in Books 2001-02-20 2001-02-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .69 x 5.31l; .57 #File Name: 0060955627320 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Anna GroblerDifficult to get through but worth the read3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Wouk is a MasterBy Douglas GehmanI have read almost everything Herman Wouk has written; and often return to his work for writing inspiration and simple repose. I consider him among the best living American authors; and believe he will find his place in history among the likes of Steinbeck and Hemingway. His works (like this one) about his Jewish faith; are different than his novels; but provide poignant insight into his cultural underpinnings and the derivations of his masterful writing. As a Christian reading this work and also "This is My God;" I love the information about and perspective of Judaism from a serious; practicing and well-informed Jew. Enriching!13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Another fine Wouk bookBy mrliteralIn a career of fifty years or so; Herman Wouk has published less than a dozen novels. Fortunately; the time he puts into his work shows and nearly all of his works are five-star quality. This book; a non-fiction follow-up to This Is My God (which is the only book of his I haven't read); continues the high-quality trend.Although designed for a Jewish audience; this book has plenty to offer anyone who wishes to learn more about Judaism and the direction it is going. This is a good blend of history; theology and memoir; well-organized and filled with detail without losing readability. I found of particular interest the second part; "The Heritage; or the Power of a Dream" which describes the sources of Jewish thought and tradition.Although not very religious myself; I am often fascinated with religion; and this book is a good addition to my collection on the subject. As he states in the Afterword; "If this book in any way helps readers to rethink the [future of Judaism] for themselves; I will have done; to the best of my ability; what I set out to do." He has accomplished this task very well.
