From the Bookshelf of Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library…

[close] I cannot sing this book's praises highly enough. It is a detailed and comprehensive account of the life of a man with a brilliant mind and inspiring spirit. In no way did I mind the details that were shared, for every part of Bonhoeffer's life was fascinating for the thoughtful and intentional way that he lived it. As someone who is fascinated with history I also found the background information about what was going on behind the scenes during the World War II era in Germany fascinating. This time period is one that so much is written about, but these new details gave me new understanding of how it affected the German people and their families. There were many moral dilemmas that Bonhoeffer tackled, such as the role of the church and the state, whether or not it is morally correct to lie in certain circumstances, and--of course--the rightness of being involved in a plot to assassinate the leader of a country. I couldn't always follow (or agree with) all of the reasoning that was shared, however there is no doubt that Bonhoeffer had a brilliant mind and that his life was cut short far too soon. The relationships he shared with family and friends, and his fiance were also fascinating aspects of the story, and not only added emotional impact but also suspense.