Elisabeth's book reads easily and quickly involved me. Elisabeth introduces her mother to us within a few pages. I really enjoyed meeting the author's mother, extended family, and the others within that circle of friends who faced so much turmoil and pain during the first half of the 20th century. I felt as though I knew the characters as I am of the same vintage, but on the other side of the ocean. I spent time in Germany (mid-late fifties) while in the US Air Force following the Occupation which ended ijn1955. There was still plenty of physical evidence of the war. During that service, I had many conversations with German Nationals and I was always amazed at their ability to overcome the harsh (to put it mildly) conditions---especially the mothers, wives, and sisters of the professional soldiers, including Rommel and the author's mother's husband. The author certainly describes the family relationships (and others) defined by the circumstances existing before, during, and after the Third Reich and Hitler's reign. The physical backdrop was described sufficiently, but the emotional "backdrop" was vividly depicted.
With the foregoing stated, the momentous dance, the "plot" and the title of the book, are all pivotal and suggestive of many, many, serendipitive situations during wartime, upon which lives turn, rise, and/or fall, for the better or for the worse. The "Dance" actually did save lives, without a doubt.
"The Night I Danced with Rommel" is a thoroughly enjoyable memoir narrated by a very sensitive, strong, brave, and, very fortunately, just assertive enough young woman to ask a favor of a famous Field Marshall, in the hope to save lives. It will be especially moving for those readers who have an intimate relationship, either personally or vicariously, with that very historic period of the upheaval on the European continent.
Tom Cooney Jr.
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How a German Family survived the horrors of war.
The story started out a bit slow until you knew all the players and soon it is almost impossible not to get so involved that you like to finish the book before you go to bed. The language and conversations are easy to follow and surely find a way into your heart because it's all about family, neighbors, friendships. The cities Hildesheim and Goslar play a big part. Especially the thousand year old "Kaiserstadt" Goslar and it's locations, restaurant and hotels are known to me, so it was a bit of a re-visiting for me as well. The story of Hilde is one of love and heartache, worries about her children, getting pregnant every time her husband comes home on leave and he suffers not to be able to tell her where he is sent and also not to be able to protect or look after his growing family. Luckily Hilde has a trusted circle of friends. They help and support each other, in the truest sense of the word. When her husband serves under Fieldmarshall Rommel she feels a bit safer about him and one night, when the army is on the move surprisingly they stay briefly in Hildesheim. At a special party she is singled out by Rommel and asked to dance with him. It becomes a very special memory, especially after he dies, people whisper that he was killed, - but the secret about his death is barely touched upon. The story of this closely knit family is about surviving the most horrific and difficult times during a terrible war. It is incredibly sad when Hilde and her husband part the last time - and he knows he might not return from his last posting. One wonders what will happen to Hilde next...I love the setting. Hilde in Hildesheim, the name of the city. But it could also been construed as "Hilde's Heim" - the home of Hilde. The story is representative of thousands of German families. Well worth a read to look at the past and cast a knowing look at the uncertain future of the world we are living in. This book left me feeling very connected to Hilde's life.
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Top reviews from other countries
Mrs. Ann Lewis
Well written, emotional story .
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 2, 2023
PHILIP DODD
The Night I Danced With Rommel: An absorbing, often moving, well told tale.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 26, 2014
Amazon regular
A most engaging story - highly recommended
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2013