Part deep history lesson of the Czech Republic during WWII and part historical narrative, the actual assassination of Heydrich is foretold in the title and perhaps secondary to the story. The book is voiced from both a German/Nazi perspective and a Czech/British/Resistance point of view. The author does a very thorough job of bringing the listener up to speed on the geography, politics and temperament of Europe in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s while weaving in Hitler’s implementation of the Final Solution. Be forewarned that multiple historically correct examples of Nazi soldiers zealously and fanatically carrying out their orders are described in detail. These depictions are necessary as they paint a desolate landscape for the Czech citizens, the Resistance and exiled Czech government.
Heydrich was a highly placed Nazi officer and reported directly to Hitler who referred to Heydrich in admiration as the “man with the iron heart”. Heydrich chaired the committee that formalized the Final Solution (the deportation and genocide of all Jews and other non-Arians in Europe), organized and implemented Kristallnacht and was officially charged with eliminating resistance to the Nazi party. Both Hitler and Heydrich saw the Czech Republic as an impediment to the Nazi goal of global domination, hence, Heydrich lobbied for and was granted the position of Reich Protector over Bohemia and Moravia (the part of Czech Republic incorporated in 1939. The Resistance was composed of Czech nationals, British and other Allied friendly forces. Upon Heydrich’s arrival what was a brutal and difficult occupation became a nightmare almost beyond description. So, In an act of both justice and desperation the Resistance decides to assassinate Heydrich. The Nazi retaliation is beyond anyone’s reckoning!
Many supporting characters are fleshed out in this story and the narrative moves at a reasonable pace. Wiener quotes his sources for much of the story and the listener doesn’t have to guess as to what is fact and what is dramatization. This audio book is brutally frank and historically necessary. Weiner wrote a great piece; the audio equivalent of a page turner. The narration by Mark Kamish was exceptional. There is so much thought and preparation that goes into vocal characterization and Kamish was hitting on all cylinders in this offering.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator