Hitler, My Neighbor

This memoir offers a unique perspective on the Nazi rise to power through the eyes of a Jewish boy living across from Hitler. Hitler, My Neighbor captures a poignant childhood.

In Hitler, My Neighbor, Edgar Feuchtwanger provides a deeply personal account of his childhood in Munich during the rise of the Nazi regime. As a young Jewish boy, he lived across the street from Adolf Hitler, witnessing firsthand the transformation of his city and his life as Hitler ascended to power. The narrative unfolds with a poignant exploration of his early years, marked by innocence and a sense of normalcy that quickly crumbled as the political landscape shifted dramatically.

Edgar recounts the impact of Hitler’s presence on his family, who were part of a prominent Jewish lineage. His father, a respected editor, faced increasing persecution as the Nazis implemented their oppressive policies. The emotional weight of these experiences is palpable as Edgar describes the fear and confusion he felt while navigating a world that turned hostile. The juxtaposition of his childhood memories with the stark realities of anti-Semitism serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change.

Ultimately, Hitler, My Neighbor is not only a memoir of loss and resilience but also a reflection on the importance of remembering history. At the age of eighty-eight, Edgar felt compelled to share his story, confronting the buried memories of his youth and the infamous neighbor who changed the course of his life forever. This book is a significant contribution to the understanding of the Holocaust and the personal narratives that shape our collective memory.