From the Bookshelf of Ashe Library Winter Reading Challenge…

Being Polite to Hitler

Robb Forman Dew

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Oct 24, 2011 Suzanne Moore rated it liked it

Shelves: ashe-winter-challenge, east-texas-library-friends

“Being Polite to Hitler” was an interesting book for me. The title is merely a comparison made when the Rosenberg execution becomes topic of conversation at a party. When one guest jokingly supports the act with references to “frying Jews,” Lavinia is appalled and speaks her mind. Her husband, Dwight, tries to smooth over the awkward, sudden silence by moving the conversation in another direction. But on the ride home, Lavinia's words are still on his mind, and she hasn't forgotten them either. “Being Polite to Hitler” was an interesting book for me. The title is merely a comparison made when the Rosenberg execution becomes topic of conversation at a party. When one guest jokingly supports the act with references to “frying Jews,” Lavinia is appalled and speaks her mind. Her husband, Dwight, tries to smooth over the awkward, sudden silence by moving the conversation in another direction. But on the ride home, Lavinia's words are still on his mind, and she hasn't forgotten them either. Dwight and Lavinia are members of the Scofield family. Dwight is actually the younger brother of Agnes Scofield, the family's matriarch. Agnes raised him as a son, along with her own three children. The story begins in 1953 and spans two decades. I recommend keeping notes or a “family tree” while reading, so confusion about who's who won't bother you.

Through the years, the family dynamics evolve along with current events such as the atomic bombing, cold war,civil rights movement, and watergate. I found myself noticing parts throughout the story, and even reflecting back to scenes read before Lavinia made the comparison used for the book's title, where politeness in the form of silence was evident. One blatant example of this occurring was when Dwight takes Christmas cookies to a rude neighbor, who in turn offers him a spot in the family bomb shelter should the need arise. Of course there isn't room for everyone, so Dwight will have to leave his family behind. He politely thanks the neighbor for considering him, knowing that his profession as doctor was the reason for offering him refuge.

When Agnes, widowed for years, remarries a younger man this of course shocks her family. Sam, Agnes's new husband, at one time actually dated Betts, Agnes's daughter. Thankfully the family remains silent about any personal objections. When Lavinia and her daughters move in and out of Agnes's home to escape Dwight's alcoholism, Agnes keeps her concerns about the problems to herself.

This novel is written as a character study, rather than a plot-driven page turner. As mentioned I found it interesting to see how situations were handled, often with kid gloves, and I wondered … would I have reacted any differently under the same circumstances. ...more

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