OLD BUT GOOD (07/19/2012)

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My book group will be reading In the Garden of Beasts next month.  Coincidently, I recently received the following review from Monica G. from Naples, Florida. She poses some serious questions, and if you've read the book, please leave a comment.

(See Below for Erik Larson's Reply)

The book focuses on two people during the first years of Hitler's reign: William E. Dodd, the American Ambassador to Hitler's regime and his carefree daughter, Martha.

Monica G. says;

"I just finished reading IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS by Eric Larson. I only wish history courses in school had been as interesting, I would have retained a lot more! Every time I put it down, I could not wait to get back to it.

I did, however wonder why Mr Larson did not cover more about what happened to the Panovskys (his Jewish landlord) who lived above the Dodds* after 1934, although he did mention that the daughter lived in Chicago after the war.
What happened to the rest of the family?  When did they move out of the residence, what was the effect on the Dodds?
If anyone has read this book and knows the answers, leave a comment.


I definetly recommend IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS... It shows apathy to what was going on in Germany and an inside view of politics in America at the time."


REPLY FROM ERIK LARSON:
As to details about the Panofsky family: My notes are now safely tucked away in my spider-filled garage. What I can tell you, though, is that Panofsky and his immediate family survived, and made their way to America. The son, in fact, became a professor of African studies at Northwestern University. I met the daughter in northern California, where she lives still, quite happily.

E.

About The Author

Erik Larson is the author of several
bestsellers....Thunderstruck,
The Devil in the White City and
Isaac's Storm.

He resides in Seattle.