My Review - The End of Law

4 out of 5 stars

THE END OF LAW was a chilling book that graphically described the lengths to which Hitler, and his officers, went in order to rid the world of those he deemed unworthy.

SS Officer Walter Gunther proves his loyalty over and over again to the ideologies of the Third Reich. This gets him notice, and he quickly advances in Hitler’s army. Because he kills without remorse, Gunther is the perfect choice to lead the T4 program. This program is set up not only to rid the world of the hated Jews, but also the mentally ill, homosexuals, even children with disabilities and health deficiencies.

Hedda Gunther struggles in an unhappy marriage. When her husband becomes abusive, and emotionally distant, Hedda turns her energies to her children. With a head-in-the-sand personality, Hedda doesn’t give much thought to the war or the growing rumors of what is really going on. That is, until it affects her child. Through a turn of events, Hedda realizes the horrors that are being executed in the name of war, and the many people close to her who are actively involved in these tragedies.

SS Officer Karl Muller doesn’t like the part he plays in the euthanasian programs of the Third Reich, but doesn’t have much of a choice. He does what he’s directed to do and tries to distance himself emotionally. But, when his wife’s mental condition makes her a candidate for the T4 program, Karl does everything in his power to save her, even if it means being arrested and put to death for treason.

THE END OF LAW follows these three people as they come to grips with the choices they have made in life. Walter is a horrible, unconscionable man who only cares about his career. Hedda starts off as bland and one-dimensional, but turns into a warrior for her daughter. Karl has his eyes opened to the atrocities being committed, and his part in it. He races against time to save not only his wife, but a child before either of them can me exterminated.

This book was difficult to read. Knowing it is based on the truth of Hitler’s assault on humanity, you just can’t put it down and forget what you’ve read. Therese Down was very blunt and unfiltered in her retelling of the most horrific time in world history.

Book provided for review purposes.