Ruined by the Reich: Memoir of an East Prussian Family, 1916-1945

by Christel Weiss Brandenburg, Dan Laing

Decades have passed since World War II, yet the myth that all Germans were Nazi sympathizers still persists. This book follows the story of the Weiss family in East Prussia from World War I to the end of World War II. It is told from the point of view not of the victors but of the vanquished. Beginning with the good citizenship trap Hitler set for law-abiding German families, the book describes how Germany first prospered and then fell to ruin with the Third Reich. The people traded their freedoms for a national security, which quickly turned to tyranny with swift consequences for "disobedience." Like Christel's brothers (soldiers and members of Hitler's Youth), propaganda-fed children all over the Reich believed the highly idealized depiction of their roles and of their nation's victims. This fascinating and richly detailed memoir is told through the intimate narration of a woman who grew up in the midst of turmoil, experienced poverty and prejudice, witnessed the deaths of many loved ones, and was driven from her home by the Soviet Army. The combination of domestic details and vivid historical descriptions creates an unusual book as absorbing as it is educational.

218 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Gabriele Goldstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

In spite of some errors and annoyances . . . no time to go into them just now . . . this was an engrossing read. Mirrored much of my family's experiences.

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of the few books that talks about the Nemmersdorf massacre

[Anita Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Difficult to put down. I appreciate a couple details that coincide with details from my own family’s past.
The author is incredible at drawing images in your mind. You are transported to her childhood and can almost smell and taste the meals described.
Incredible story. Highly recommend.