Thore D. Hansen
Is history repeating itself?
Does the example of Brunhilde Pomsel, former secretary to Reich Propaganda Minister Goebbels, show that we are facing a new era of radicalism? Does the story of a woman from the center of Nazi power warn us of the return of authoritarian regimes in Europe and the USA? Or have we long since seen history repeat itself through us and our behavior? Using Brunhilde Pomsel as an example, political scientist Thore D. Hansen illustrates where careerism, an unreflective sense of duty and political disinterest can lead and formulates a stark warning against a repetition of opportunistic and egoistic blindness. This highlights the relevance of Brunhilde Pomsel's life story for the current nationalist and fascist tendencies in our societies and makes the book particularly valuable.
Brunhilde Pomsel served one of the greatest criminals in history. From 1942 to 1945 she was a stenographer in Joseph Goebbels' propaganda ministry. In the documentary film "A German Life", which caused a sensation at film festivals in Munich, Jerusalem and San Francisco in autumn 2016, she gives an insight into the banality of the horror. Pomsel was an apolitical follower, and she does not deny that. Her job, her sense of duty and her need to belong came first. It was only after the end of the war that she became aware of the full extent of what had happened. Her life story and her compelling honesty confront us with the highly topical question of personal responsibility for current political events and the consequences of a resurgence of nationalism and populism. Will we later say like Brunhilde Pomsel: "We didn't want to know either"?
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A German Life« is not only one of the most important contributions to the coming to terms with the Holocaust,
but in view of the current political situation, a long overdue, timeless reminder to today’s
and future generations
Holocaust survivor Daniel Chanoch
A valuable and chilling addition to the histories of Nazi Germany ... Whatever Pomsel's degree of guilt, her choice of words and actions raise important questions about coercion and complicity ... Sometimes, as with Pomsel's testimony, it is the absences from the record or the contradictions within it that are the most telling. Reading this book we must hope that we can learn from history in a way that she could not.
What is particularly strange is her attempt to deny any responsibility for the Nazi regime. Yes, she was "cowardly" and did not oppose it, but resistance would have been "stupid", as can be seen from the example of the "White Rose".
[Brunhilde Pomsel] poses the question of guilt for the atrocities of the Third Reich not only to others – but also to herself. And some of what she says sounds particularly frightening coming from a woman who was so astute even into old age.
Süddeutsche Zeitung
At first sight, this memoir of a minor servant of Hitler is so banal that it might properly be subtitled Diary of a Nazi Nobody. Brunhilde Pomsel was a secretary in the Reich propaganda ministry.
press reviews
About Thore D. Hansen
The political scientist and sociologist Thore D. Hansen is known as the author of numerous political thrillers and for his commitment to the greatest challenge of our time: climate change.
His books are based on intensive research and scientific facts.
In 2017, Hansen published a biography of the secretary to Reich Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels, which places her in the context of contemporary political developments. The book has been translated into 20 languages worldwide. Hansen is a member of PEN Germany and a founding member of PEN Berlin.
