Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

"At Hitler's Side" is a book about Nicolaus von Below's time as Hitler's assistant from 1937 to 1945. Von Below tells what it was like to be with Hitler during World War II, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights.
I found this book especially interesting, because my grandfather fought against Germany in the Soviet Union army during WW II, I wanted to understand more about the war and the leaders involved. Von Below describes how Hitler planned and started the war, and how he reacted to key events like the invasion of Poland and the D-Day landings. The book also reveals Hitler's thoughts on other leaders, like Churchill and Roosevelt, and his obsession with new weapons like V-1 and V-2 rockets. As a trusted aide, von Below was present at high-level meetings and witnessed critical moments, like the attempt on Hitler's life in July 1944. He even followed Hitler into the bunker in Berlin as the war was ending. Von Below's story offers a unique and intimate perspective on one of history's most infamous figures, making "At Hitler's Side" a fascinating and important read for me.

NetGalley, Aliya Miah

As featured on World War II Today

WW2 Today

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This account from one of the few people who were very close to Hitler from before the start of WWll until the end, brings a whole new insight to how Hitler evolved from a visionary for the German population to a paranoic, unstable fanatic. It brings to the fore how it was Hitler and his cronies, Himmler, Goring, and Goebbels, that truly were the cause of the German failures, as none of them faced the reality of how to wage the war they wanted and ignored the growing capabilities of their opponents. The book follows the chronology of the rise of Hitler after WWl and it is evident that he used his perception of what was required to bring the German people along with his ambition of making Germany great again after the humiliating defeat in 1918 and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles.
This book opens up a personal view by his Luftwaffe Adjutant and his observations of the man as he deteriorates and increasingly blames his military leaders for the disastrous decisions he, himself makes. It is also evident that after the July 1944 bomb attempt on his life when he was wounded, Hitler was never the same again physically or mentally. From this point on there was never any doubt as to the final outcome.
Any historian of WWll or military history should read this updated account of Hitlers’ life and how we see Europe and the world today.

NetGalley, Sandra Miller

It was very well translated, well written & kept my attention. The author was obviously an intelligent man who was detail-orientated. It was fascinating (albeit controversial) to get a perspective from the opposite side & I hadn't realised there was so much dissent amongst Hitler's inner circle. It is an important first-hand source for insights into Hitler's inner circle & the workings of his mind.

NetGalley, Gayle Noble