In the Garden of Beasts

It's not uncommon to find German life during World War II fascinating, but to learn about the life of an American in Germany is a bit different. In the Garden of Beasts, Erik Larson chronicles the life of U.S. Ambassador to Germany William Dodd during the tumultuous rise of the Nazis. Larson describes how the Dodd family was ignorant of the atrocities committed by Hitler and his disciples, often due to the lavish parties and esteemed German guests they conversed with. Dodd's daughter was particularly fond of some Germans and a KGB agent as well. Their opinions on the party did not change until a few years into their stay in Germany. I often found myself shocked by their actions as well as how different German leaders presented themselves in casual settings.