audiobook Bystanders: Conscience and Complicity During the Holocaust by Victoria Barnett; Victoria J. Barnett in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A precise and technical studyBy GeorgeI gave this book five stars because of its clear value to any study of Nazi Germany. Barnett has done her homework. There is one thing I would give as a warning to any perspective reader. This is not; in large part; a recounting of particular instances of what bystanders actually did or didn't do. Rather; it is a detailed and technical study of the psychological and sociological aspect of watching others suffer while doing little of nothing to aid them. Barnett picks the brains of copious experts in the field of Holocaust research. This book gives every opinion you can imagine as to why people stood by and did little or nothing. Barnett expands her observations beyond Germany and gives the reader a good idea of how the world felt about what was happening. If you can stick with the technical aspect of this study; you will learn a lot. If such an approach is not your cup of tea you ought to pass on "Bystanders".25 of 25 people found the following review helpful. Penetrating Examination of Human Behavior and the HolocaustBy FTSIn recent years; a number of books have probed the question; "How could the Holocaust happen in a highly-civilized country of 'ordinary;' law-abiding people?" Victoria Barnett's penetrating and provocative book goes a long way in answering the question. Barnett is a first-rate scholar and a skillful writer. She has studied in Germany and is an expert on Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Although she relies on a vast amount of research; the material is presented simply and directly. Rather than trying to inflame or lay blame on one person or institution or people; Barnett examines the historical and psychological elements of both individual and institutional behaviors and attitudes in Germany and Europe. Her approach is detailed; fair; and reasoned. In an honest and rational manner she presents all the factors that converged in Germany; beginning in the years immediately after World War I; to create Nazism and ultimately the "final solution." This is a disturbing book. Almost from the first page you will find yourself looking into a mirror asking: "Would I have been a bystander?" "Am I a bystander?" Barnett's writing style is simple; direct; clear; and engrossing. However; don't be surprised if you fing it difficult to read more than a few pages at a time. Bystanders should be required reading in every Holocaust-studies; ethics; history and psychology class in every country in the world. If we can answer the questions "how" and "why" perhaps we save the world from another Hitler or another Holocaust. This book changed my life.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Excellent look at motivation and ethical choicesBy Donna LunaThis book was required reading for an ethics class I took in college. I ordered it for my son to read because we were discussion the motivation for Hitler before the start of WWII and the people who followed him. It seems that many followed him blindly; but as you read through the pages; ethical decisions become a challenge when one is threatened. Not to excuse his choices or the choices of others; but when the fire is lit beneath you and you are bound by fear of torture; death and other nasties; what would you do?Bonhoeffer was a man of strength and conviction and he was able to withstand the threats and faced many horrors because of his ethical choices. A must read for any serious ethics; psychology or history student.