How Could This Happen

by Dan McMillan
How Could This Happen cover
Good Books rating 3.9
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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  • ID: 10613
  • Added: 2026-02-01
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9780465080243
  • Publisher: Basic Books a Member of Perseus Books Group
  • Published: 2014-04-08
  • Reviews: 3

In 'How Could This Happen,' a German historian embarks on a profound exploration of the Holocaust's roots, focusing on the societal acceptance of anti-Semitism and scientific racism in the politically fractured aftermath of World War I. The book meticulously examines how these ideologies contributed to the devaluation of human life, setting the stage for the atrocities that followed. /n/n This scholarly work is not just a historical account but also a stark reminder of how easily societal norms can be manipulated, leading to unimaginable horrors. The historian's insights provide a chilling perspective on the fragility of human rights and the importance of vigilance against such ideologies.

Reviews
Audible · 2026-02-02
compelling 4.00

The audiobook is chilling yet compelling, offering a fascinating explanation of the Holocaust that resonates with contemporary issues. It is a powerful and thought-provoking listen.

The audiobook version of this title is as chilling as it is compelling. It offers a fascinating explanation of the Holocaust that is impossible to hear without thinking about today's issues. The narration brings a sense of urgency and relevance to the historical events, making it a powerful and thought-provoking listen. It's a brave attempt to tackle a complex subject and succeeds in making it accessible to a wider audience.

Quick quotes

    As chilling as it is compelling ...

    It's impossible to hear this fascinating explanation for the Holocaust without thinking about today.

    Bravo.

Vaughan Public Libraries · 2025-12-11
brilliant 4.20

The book is brilliant and worth a close read, pulling on a wide variety of sources and asking all the important questions. It is not afraid to assign blame where it is due.

This book is brilliant and worth a close read. It pulls on a wide variety of sources and asks all the important questions. The author is not afraid to assign blame where it is due, making it a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the Holocaust. The book is well-researched and provides a deep understanding of the events leading up to and during the Holocaust. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand this complex and tragic period in history.

Quick quotes

    Brilliant, Worth a close read.

    He pulls on a wide variety of sources.

    He asks all the important questions, He Is not afraid to assign ...

Goodreads · 2014-04-08
thoughtful 3.50

The Holocaust is a complex and incomprehensible event, but this book attempts to explain it in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. It is well-suited for both general readers and scholars.

The Holocaust is a monumental crime that has long seemed incomprehensible. This book attempts to explain it in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. It is equipped with excellent endnotes and is well-suited for general readers, students, and scholars. The book is thoughtful and comprehensive, providing a cogent explanation and analysis of the Holocaust.

Quick quotes

    The Holocaust has long seemed incomprehensible, a monumental crime that ...

    Equipped with excellent endnotes, the work is well suited for general readers, students, and scholars.

    This thoughtful work ...

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