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There are currently 23 member reviews
for The Nazi Conspiracy
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Melissa S. (Rowland, NC)
The Untold History Lessons
Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch's account of the possible conspiracy to assassinate the leaders of the three largest WWII allied countries is a historical work that reads, in most places, like a true crime fiction novel. I found myself engrossed throughout most of the book and eager to turn the page. I do however, think the title does not give the work justice. Both sides of the inner workings of leadership of the war are represented and the multitude of actions that took place before the big three meeting. There's so much history woven into a book that is written in a such a way that the reader eagerly absorbs the lessons presented.
Having little knowledge (ok, maybe next to none) of the Soviet's plight during WWII, I found myself talking about the book with family throughout the reading of it. To me, that eagerness to discuss is a sign of such a smooth engrossing style of writing that is much different than the history book lessons we learned as kids. The "human" element of the three allied leaders' personalities that Meltzer brings to life makes the book very interesting. Even the intimate representation of the axis leaders and spies' personalities add a rich level to the book.
My only issue with the work is I found myself a little bogged down towards the middle (before the "big three summit") and I found the sole focus on the leaders and the logistics of the war a little cold. The atrocities to the Jewish, and many other, populations were only mentioned briefly and practically none, other than the actual numbers, on the Soviet side. However, I do understand this particular account is meant to focus on the leaders and the inner workings of the war, not so much the human suffering and casualties. I can appreciate that direction.
I definitely recommend this work not just to history buffs, but to all readers. My interest has been sparked and I have lots of questions to research on aspects of the war touched on in "The Nazi Conspiracy".
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Lola M. (Boise, ID)
This is History ...
This is history as it should be taught in schools. Taking the dry bones of what we know happened and flushing out into full color had me all in. Reading about the humans behind the most important figures in turning a world war, with their preferences, egos, and courage brought to the forefront how decisions on a global level are not made instantly, or without argument and misunderstanding. While sometimes the writing was a bit flippant, it will certainly speak to new generations of leaders in a language they understand now - not from 80 years ago. It was easy to take the past and find so many instances where the world is now repeating the mistakes it made and that now, as ever, women and children bear the brunt of war.
This is deep, read it slow or you will missing something read. I wrote in the margins, underlined new insights and was constantly voicing exclamations at the audacity and often selfish reasons for why things happened the way they did. But also came away with a deep sense of respect for those leaders who, in spite of the hard road and the many blocks to successful communication and the risks in doing so, managed to sit down and work out the best path forward. Even the more minor characters in the war were given their time - both the good and the bad players. Their individual gamesmanship was highlighted well without romanticizing anything. I wished for more photos, though.
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Florrie C. (Indianapolis, IN)
World War II with a twist
Well written and meticulously researched, The Nazi Conspiracy offers a fascinating look into a heretofore little examined story of a plot to kill Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill. As an avid reader of both thrillers and history, I feel that the authors do a masterful job of combining suspense with historical fact without confusing the two. Highly recommended to anyone who is already a fan of World War II history and wants to explore a different perspective or those who want to expand their knowledge of iconic events and leaders of the 20th century.
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Connie
Much More Than a Conspiracy
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the big three - Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin. The author described their personalities as well as their intrigues and strategies.
The opening and closing of each chapter made me want to keep reading, and I was not disappointed. There was drama and intrigue.
What a pleasant way to learn the history of the pivotal battles of World War II!
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Janet H. (Utica, NY)
History Brought to Life
As an avid reader of both histories and mysteries, I found this book both informative and exciting and just what I was looking for with a true story as engrossing as fiction (no dry lists of dates and battles here). Even though I have a good knowledge about the people and events of WW2, this book taught me much I didn't know. It moved from location to location, from Allies to Axis, person to person. I thought this was a great approach, but it did require paying attention to chapter headings. Besides an engaging writing style and well organized plot lines, I was left pondering what a difference small twists and turns of fate make to our history.
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Linda J. (Ballwin, MO)
What We Didn't Know
While most of us are familiar with WW2 such as how it started, Hitler's insane racism and anti-Semitic views, Omaha Beach, and the bombing of Hiroshima. However, I for one had no idea a plot to assassinate Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin at their first "Big Three" conference was hatched and thwarted. Author Brad Meltzer has done an excellent job of researching this event and addressing the questions of how the Soviets found out about it and squashed it - or did they? Many questions remain, but I found this book riveting from beginning to end.
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Anke V. (Portland, OR)
THE NAZY CONSPIRACY
The story centers around a possible Nazi attempt to kill Franklin D. Roosevelt (USA), Winston Churchill (UK), and Joseph Stalin (USSR) while they met at the secret summit of the Big Three in Tehran, Iran, in 1943, while WWII is raging. The book details the history of these three different men, how their countries were plunged into the war, the decisions they made to work together to strategically end WW2, and the very pressure this war has put upon them mentally, emotionally, and physically. In parallel, Franz Mayr, a Nazi spy in Iran, upon finding out about this meeting hatches a secret assassination plot that would have altered the course of the war and rewritten history.
The book is easy to follow, with a clear and concise voice narration of the story that skillfully relates the drama and suspense involved, making it seem like historical thriller rather than a history book. I enjoyed the book and recommend it if you are interested in WWII, politics and a story that moves fast and never lets up.
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