The memoirs of a German girl who became a leader among the Hitler Youth while her Social Democratic family kept from her the secret of her partial Jewish heritage

Well written and engaging, this is the story of Ilse, a German girl during World War II. Although her parents do not believe in the Nazi rhetoric, they are forced to "play along" to survive. Ilse, the youngest member of the family, does not know that her grandmother is Jewish, making her a Mischling, second degree, and subject to deportation to a concentration camp. Her family does everything to protect her, even having her join the Hitler Youth.

Most books about World War II are written from the perspective of the Jews, or other victims of the Nazi's. This book provides insight into German culture and humanizes the German people. It shows that they were motivated by the same kinds of fears, hopes and false rationalizations that we all face. ( )

An excellent book providing uncommon insights into the life of young people in Nazi Germany. ( )