Autumn 1945 saw the start of the Nuremberg trials; in which high ranking representatives of the Nazi government were called to account for their war crimes. In a curious yet fascinating twist; witnesses for the prosecution and the defense were housed together in a villa on the outskirts of town. In this so-called Witness House; perpetrators and victims confronted each other in a microcosm that reflected the events of the high court. Presiding over the affair was the beautiful Countess Ingeborg Kálnoky (a woman so blond and enticing that she was described as a Jean Harlowe look-alike) who took great pride in her ability to keep the household civil and the communal dinners pleasant. A comedy of manners arose among the guests as the urge to continue battle was checked by a sudden and uncomfortable return to civilized life. The trial atmosphere extends to the small group in the villa. Agitated victims confront and avoid perpetrators and sympathizers; and high-ranking officers in the German armed forces struggle to keep their composure. This highly explosive mixture is seasoned with vivid; often humorous; anecdotes of those who had basked in the glory of the inner circles of power. Christiane Kohl focuses on the guilty; the sympathizers; the undecided; and those who always manage to make themselves fit in. The Witness House reveals the social structures that allowed a cruel and unjust regime to flourish and serves as a symbol of the blurred boundaries between accuser and accused that would come to form the basis of postwar Germany.
#37799 in Books Taylor Trade Publishing 2004-07-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.06 x 1.51 x 6.12l; 2.18 #File Name: 1589791320752 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Easy to read lots of detailsBy M. GardnerI checked this out at the library first then ordered the paperback. It is a lot to read but easy reading. I got it because I have several ancestors involved in this ugly business and I know little about it. Thought I'd find out. Its interesting and the way it is written is very good.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. GreatBy C. S. GarciaLoved the format. It provides a clearer view of how the hysterics started; continued; and finally ended. Also great for genealogy because it specifically names many of the accused and accusers; and gives dates and content applicable to each.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Interesting Approach to the Salem Witch TrialsBy Elizabeth R.I bought this to use on my Kindle app for when I went on vacation. Very interesting read. I haven't worked my way through it; but I like the format. It is very day-to-day - almost like reading a diary. If you don't like that type of format; this may not be the book for you. Normally I don't like that format; but the writing is good; and the story is illuminating.
