Review of “My Dearest Dietrich” by Amanda Barratt

Publisher Description

“A staggering love illuminating the dark corners of a Nazi prison”

“Renowned German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is famous for his resistance to the Nazi regime and for his allegiance to God over government. But what few realize is that the last years of his life also held a love story that rivals any romance novel.

Maria von Wedemeyer knows the realities of war. Her beloved father and brother have both been killed on the battlefield. The last thing this spirited young woman needs is to fall for a man under constant surveillance by the Gestapo. How can she give another piece of her heart to a man so likely to share the same final fate? Yet when Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an old family friend, comes to comfort the von Wedemeyers after their losses, she discovers that love isn’t always logical.

Dietrich himself has determined to keep his distance from romantic attachments. There is too much work to be done for God, and his involvement in the conspiracy is far too important. But when he encounters a woman whose intelligence and conviction match his own, he’s unprepared for how easy it is to give away his heart.

With their deep love comes risk–and neither Dietrich nor Maria is prepared for just how great that risk soon becomes.

Based on detailed historical research, this true love story is at once beautiful and heartrending. My Dearest Dietrich sheds new light on a world-famous theologian . . . and the woman who changed his life.”

My Review:

From the time I first read that this book was going to be published, I wanted to read it. Yet when I got my copy, I did not immediately begin reading it.  I knew there was not going to be a traditional happy ending to Dietrich and Maria’s story.  Even after I started reading it, I’d read for a little while, and then find that I had to put it aside and read something a little lighter before I could go continue reading again.  I’m not quite sure how Amanda Barratt wrote such an extraordinary novel, but I am so glad that she did.  Her research for this book was extensive and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s story is well known. This author made these people step out of history for me and feel that these events were happening just outside my door.  

This book is so many things and all of them can only be described through emotion:  It’s sorrowful, yet joyful.  There’s despair, and yet there’s hope. There’s self-sacrificing love for others, and a total disregard for the sanctity of human life.  Those were the things that Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Maria Von Wedemeyer experienced in their short time together.  Their love for each other and their faith in God in horrendous times is an example to all of us.  This is one of the most compelling historical novels that I’ve ever read about World War II and this one will linger in my mind for a long time.  I think this is an award-winning book, and I’d be happy to nominate it for one if given an opportunity.  

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.