Kristallnacht: The Nazi Terror That Began the Holocaust

The Holocaust Through Primary Sources

by James M. Deem

On November 10, 1938, Francis Schott slept peacefully in his bed. Suddenly, a group of Nazis broke into his house and began to destroy it. They wanted to demolish everything because Francis’s family was Jewish. For days, violent attacks like this took place throughout Nazi Germany and came to be known as Kristallnacht, the “Night of Broken Glass.” The Nazis destroyed thousands of Jewish homes and businesses, burned down hundreds of synagogues, and murdered many people. The brutal assault came to an end, but it marked the beginning of something much the Holocaust.

Genres: Holocaust, World War II, Nonfiction

128 pages, Library Binding

First published July 1, 2011

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and simply written, Deem provides a brief history of the Kristallnacht. The terror is brought home by the collection of true stories Deem retells.

Our chorus is preparing Michael Tippett's "Child of our Time", a 2oth century piece about the Kristallnacht. Deem's book has provided some helpful background for understanding the piece.

[Salamah · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot happening in the world right now as of 1/11/26. The world feels weird. So when I saw this book on display at a local library, it caught my eye and I just sat down and started reading it. I already knew what Kristallnacht was but this book tells about this terrible historical event from the perspective of people who lived it. It is a bit unnerving to read as it so closely resembles current events. Deem does an excellent job of providing extensive details about events as well as primary resources and even details of what happened to the people after the Holocaust ended. A sad but important read.

[Muriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

We knew the historical events. The books provided the perspectives of Individuals - unsettling and must read. Don’t forget what life would be in lawless world of terror.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book that was heavily packed w/ info but which wasn't dense.

This books tells you all about Kristallnacht (which was actually a 4 day pogrom that was targeted at Jewish businesses, synagogues and families. All of these places were completely destroyed after the German Abssador Ernst vom Rath was shot and killed.)

This happened years before the Holocaust occured. I learned so much from this book about what happened before that horrible time. What Hitler did to all of the Jews. Like, I didn't know that was trying to drive all of the Jews out of Germany and when nobody else would take them in that he seen that as nobody else caring for them either and so he became much worse in the way they were treated.

Very, very interesting stuff!