Janie and Megan talk over one of the most impressive books we read this year: The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler.
Janie: Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a name most Evangelicals know—or should know. In the
Megan: It’s like reading a documentary more than a graphic novel because it is packed with text not limited to frames, and because Hendrix uses equal parts showing and telling. He does an especially wonderful job with imagery and metaphor, like rats sneaking into a crack in the foundation of the Reichstag building or a wolf representing Hitler.
Janie: I was impressed by the same things. For another example, one double-page spread symbolically represents Germany’s decline from the stability of the early 20th century through the disaster of the Great War, then into the postwar years when Germany tried to gain her feet and reassert herself on the world stage. It gives the reader a literal picture of how an opportunist like Hitler was able to take advantage of his country’s instability to seize power.
Here’s another question, that may not be as obvious as it seems: What does John Hendrix’s faith bring to this subject?
Megan: Janie, when an author shares a passion with his subject, his skills really shine. Because Bonhoeffer wrestled with his faith and working it out to the glory of God in the time and place in which he lived. It seems that Hendrix is wrestling with some of Bonhoeffer’s questions. What would I do in his place? Whether or not he would join an underground revolutionary assassination movement, he obviously admires Bonhoeffer for acting faithfully on his convictions. This brings to mind my recent reading of A Christmas Carol and Les Miserables, and how we are called to lighten the burdens of those who are suffering. Bonhoeffer strived to do that in his time, Hendrix admires that, and the reader is compelled to respond.
Janie: I sensed that, too: a strong undercurrent of the question, “What would I do?” in a similar situation. Hendrix says that his most valuable source material was Bonhoeffer’s own “Letters and Papers from Prison.” We should point out, too, that much of the material is directly quoted from Bonhoeffer’s own writings (all noted with an asterisk and footnotes). The books adds up to a surprisingly detailed and comprehensive account not only of Bonhoeffer’s life and faith, but of Germany, Hitler, and the course of the war—all in 167 pages!
The part I found most moving was toward the end, when he was a prisoner knowing the war would soon be over but unsure if he would survive it. At various times in his life he felt his faith to be weak or uncertain, but toward the end he began to doubt if God heard him—or if God even existed. I think this is valuable for us to know: even the great “heroes of faith” experience doubt and even despair. We have evidence of that in Paul’s writings. But Dietrich’s life did not end in despair, and the last three pages brought tears to my eyes. What part was the most moving or memorable to you, Megan?
Megan: Those last three pages are amazing. I wasn’t clear whether that was recorded in Bonhoeffer’s writings or if that was Hendrix’s creative speculation. Do you know, Janie?
Janie: The dream was creative speculation, but the author gathered some of the imagery from letters Bonhoeffer wrote from Tegal Prison (his next-to-last incarceration). The last quote is his final recorded words, spoken to a friend as he was taken to Flossenburg Prison (where he was executed).
Megan: Compared to another graphic novel biography I recently read about a hero whose feet were left with clay, Bonhoeffer’s Christian hope was refreshing. I was also moved by the support from his family and the woman he loved and how they encouraged him in prison through books, jam jars and secret messages. This is such a multi-faceted story that ends in joy—in spite of the outcome of the conspiracy.
That sums it up for both of us, I think! Next, Betsy and Janie will be talking over a very buzzy book we haven’t reviewed yet: The Parker Inheritance. And watch for our interview with John Hendrix, to be posted later this month!
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Support our writers and help keep Redeemed Reader ad-free by joining the Redeemed Reader Fellowship.
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
FREE Bible Guide!
Get a guide to the Best Bibles for Children and Teens. Perfect for an Easter gift.
We'd love to hear from you!
Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!
Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.
2 Comments
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Checked this out from the library based on your recommendation. This book was fantastic…couldn’t put it down…compelling writing with amazing art work….don’t have enough good things to say about it. I have already recommended it to others. I will be purchasing a copy for our home library.
Me too, Heather! Including the home purchase!