WOLF Herbert J. Stern and Alan A. Winter
- WOLF
- Herbert J. Stern and Alan A. Winter
- Hardcover: 552 pages
- Publisher: Skyhorse (February 11, 2020)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1510751084
- ISBN-13: 978-1510751088
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.6 x 9 inches
In the Great Tradition of Herman Wouk, Author of Winds of War and War and Remembrance, Wolf is a Thoroughly Researched Historical Novel about a Man who is Not Yet a Monster . . . but Will Soon Become the Ultimate One: Adolf Hitler.
Perhaps no one is more controversial or more hated than Adolf Hitler. Yet questions remain about how this seemingly unremarkable man gained power to become one of the most diabolical dictators of all time. Based on extensive research, the historical novel Wolf lifts the curtain on Hitler’s secret life, revealing truths that have been hidden for one hundred years.
The story begins as World War I is ending, when the fictional character Friedrich Richard meets Hitler in the mental ward of Germany’s Pasewalk Hospital. Hitler, a.k.a. Wolf, is an army corporal suffering from hysterical blindness. Unable to see or care for himself, the future Führer relies upon Friedrich for assistance, and the two men form an unbreakable bond.
As Wolf progresses, Friedrich becomes history’s eyes and ears. Interacting with real people, places, and events during a fifteen-year time frame, Friedrich watches Hitler evolve step-by-step into a megalomaniacal dictator. A book for history buffs and fiction fans alike, this remarkable thriller presents a fully-realized, flesh-and-blood Hitler that is more realistic and more chilling than any we’ve seen before.
My Thoughts
On a day when people are sending a message of love, I'm reading the book WOLF about a man who sent a message of hate.
The story is narrated by Richard. About four chapters in, we are taken back to October 21st, 1918. Germany has suspended all submarine warfare and two men have a close encounter outside Pasewalk Military Hospital.
The man with bandaged eyes, being guided from the wagon cart to the ground, is called Wolf ( Adolf Hitler). The man following is Friedrich Richard. A name assumed from a soldier who'd taken his own life.
Yes! Hitler's soon to be bunkmate has amnesia.
The hospital is short-staffed, so Richard befriends Hitler with kindness and the two form a strong bond.
Aside from his military training, Hitler is a fine artist who expresses he despised his father who was an abusive drunkard. Hitler's father died and Hitler's mother was not able to be saved by the Jewish doctor who attended to her illness.
Less than a month from Hitler's arrival at the hospital the Armistice of Compiègne is signed and Hitler is devastated by this news.
Dr. Forster is employed in Pasewalk Hospital's psychiatric department. He hypnotizes Hitler and a monster is created. Hitler believes his sight is regained because he has a special purpose and heavy responsibility to save Germany.
Soon after, Richard and Hitler are discharged from the hospital. Richard follows Hitler as he rises to power and becomes the chancellor of Germany.
I found this book to be an utterly astounding look at dominating hierarchy which is well known in wolves. We find unified forces who obeyed orders. Hitler engages in small talk, forms bonds, and uses people to achieve his ends. He has a plan and it seems nothing is going to stand in the way of this WOLF.
I received a copy of this evocative thriller through the generosity of Jane Wesman Public Relations, Inc. Despite the depressing nature of the book, as we already know of the social discrimination and genocide against specific groups, we can appreciate the open and honest way in which the authors write about relationships. We can recognize the things we take so readily for granted and build on the hope for a brighter, more compassionate, future.
About the Authors
Herbert J. Stern, formerly US attorney for the District of New Jersey, who prosecuted the mayors of Newark, Jersey City and Atlantic City, and served as judge of the US District Court for the District of New Jersey, is a trial lawyer. He also served as judge of the United States Court for Berlin. There he presided over a hijacking trial in the occupied American Sector of West Berlin. His book about the case, Judgment in Berlin, won the 1974 Freedom Foundation Award and became a film starring Martin Sheen and Sean Penn. He also wrote Diary of a DA: The True Story of the Prosecutor Who Took on the Mob, Fought Corruption, and Won, as well as the multi-volume legal work Trying Cases to Win.
Alan A. Winter is the author of four novels, including Island Bluffs, Snowflakes in the Sahara, Someone Else’s Son, and Savior’s Day, which Kirkus selected as a Best Book of 2013. Winter graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in history and has professional degrees from both New York University and Columbia, where he was an associate professor for many years. He edited an award-winning journal and has published more than twenty professional articles. Alan studied creative writing at Columbia’s Graduate School of General Studies. His screenplay, Polly, received honorable mention in the Austin Film Festival, and became the basis for Island Bluffs.