Eva Braun

Life with Hitler

By: Heike B. Gortemaker

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

German historian Heike B. Görtemaker delivers the first comprehensive biography of Eva Braun in this authoritative reassessment of Braun’s role in Hitler’s life and revealing portrait of the Führer and his inner circle. Drawing on newly discovered documents, Görtemaker carefully distinguishes fact from fiction.

©2011 Damion Searls (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

“The first scientifically researched biography to correct the image of the dumb blonde at the side of the mass murderer.” ( Spiegel)

Diva Or 'Dippy'!

I knew very little about Eva Braun prior to reading this book. Unlike the other reviewers my concentration has been primarily in Tudor history but I was watching a documentary on Adolf Hitler and I had to admit that I was intrigued as to the type of woman (correction 'girl') who would be interested in sharing her life with this crazed egomaniac.

I quickly found this very informative volume on Audible.com and I am delighted.

Initially I expected a 'co-egomaniac' but I was so wrong. However I am still confused. Aren’t we all though? Was Eva a Diva 'wanna' be? Did she listen to her parents who were pretty smart? Let us not forget that they survived the war pretty well in tact didn't they? Perhaps they manipulated her and intimated that she could become the future Frau Fuhrer!

On the other hand Eva was yet another 'fan' of Hitler's. Also there was much discussion within the Third Reich about Hitler's sexuality. Rumors regarding incest, suicide, insanity and even murder.

Personally I think that Eva was as well trained as poor Blondie, Hitler's dog. Let's face it, he would say 'jump, sit, stand, leave, come, go’...and guess what ...they both did.

Excellent performance by Suzanne Toran. So glad that the narrator had a German accent as so often a performer with an American or profound British accent is chosen. I feel that 'something' is lost when this is done.

A really interesting read that will make you think.

Eva Braun, Friends and Family

This book doesn't give you anything really new about Eva, but it does give a little bit more of a rounded background and picture of her. The author does bring in alot of characters some we know already (like Hitler and his inner circle) and some you might know so well (like her family members and co-workers). I feel that the author by bringing in others in Eva and Hitler's life, the reader gets a feel for how she reacted, also how some of them reacted and felt about her. I found this especially true when reading about how the wives of the inner circle characters. But, like all the biographies written about her, she is revealed as a person that Hitler kept in the shadows, but you learn he did this with all the "secretaries" that worked for him, when important visitors come to call at the Berghof. In case you didn't know she listed as one of many "secretaries" Hitler had around him . However, you will learn she had an interest in other things that revolved around her, such as her pets, shopping and fashion, picture taking (the films we now have of Hitler are home movies she made) and her family, but she was also dutiful and loyal to Hitler to the end. An was she so foolish.. she paid the supreme sacrifice for the man she loved and went down in history as the wife of Hitler, foolish? perhaps. All in all its an excellent read and will definitely hold the attention of any "Hitlerphile" or WWII addict. Yes you will read alot about Hitler and his little quirks and habits from the time she met Hitler and their death.

Not much about Eva Braun

Interesting book but not a book about Eva Braun. Most is about Hitler and his followers. Only occasional references to Eva Braun. Seems like the author had little to say about Eva Braun but needed to fill out a full book and chose to rehash Hitler stories

Too many incidental names. Not enough substance.

The author doesn't really get around to the subject until well into the book. Pretty disappointed.

Too many incidental names. Not enough substance.

The author doesn't really get around to the subject until well into the book. Pretty disappointed.