We seem to have been exposed to many stories of the atrocities of World War II - Germany but very few have given us the insight as to how the world got into this dilemma. This non-fiction read goes into great depth in defining the reasoning --- both positive and negative --- for the stance of the United States at this time and the placement of diplomatic personnel to help define the situation. Clearly, Mr. Dodd was a sorry fit as ambassador to Germany --- but no one else wanted the job! It was an interesting read --- although not very fast. I don't feel that this was Larson's best work.

This is a well written book that flows seamlessly. The time and effort put forth to research this book over whelms me. This author did his homework! I recommend this book to those that want a side of a historic era you never thought of.

A well written piece of non-fiction that reads like fiction. The author alternates between the building of White City and the \\\"Devil.\\\" Googling images of the fair, H.H. Holmes, and his apartment building make this a more fascinating read.

The site saved my review of The Devil in White City under In The Garden of the Beasts. Not the way I preferred but I\\\'ve read both and thoroughly enjoyed both. In the Garden is chock full of detail about the time prior to the full empowerment of Hitler and the role of Ambassador Dodd and his family during this time. Although it\\\'s not light reading, we had an excellent discussion based upon this book.

Interesting gained info on Germany in the pre-war years, but a bit tedious at times. Generated lots of discussion in my book club, worth readng

I thought it was a tough read. It was interesting history but failed to grab me right away. I did read the entire book, but would not recommend to another club.

Our book club was split 50;50 on whether to recommend. Members either loved the book, or found it very challenging to get through. If you are a history buff you will love this one. Larson does a good job of taking excerpts from various documents and combining to make cohesive story about the rise of Hilter and how the US had opportunities to stop the maddness. On the flip side Larson does provide a lot of information, which at times can be challenging if you don't read the book for a period of tiime.

our book club had such a exciting discussion that we ran overtime.

Amazed at the author's research so that it is written like a story with much information interjected. Confusing trying to keep characters and their names straight, but we had a great discussion of pre WWII.

Erik Larson does a superb job of research and writing in this difficult non-fiction book. The book is difficult because of the subject matter -- Hitler's rise in Germany -- as well as due to the foreign names and political rigamarole that is frustrating.

Well written and documented. A part of American History we should all know about. This book was a
real eye-opener. How does an entire country let a
tyrant come to power?

Took a long time to get into it - read rather like a text book. Some interesting characters, though, especially Martha, the ambassador's daughter.
Enjoyable to those who like history, and WWII information.

Tedious. Extremely tedious. First book in a century that I struggled to finish.

Larsen utilizes such great detail in his books. You feel as though you're actually there in teh time and place...