Out of the Darkness: The Germans, 1942-2022

by Frank Trentmann
Out of the Darkness: The Germans, 1942-2022 cover
Good Books rating 4.25
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  • ID: 4469
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
literaryreview.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-21
intriguing 4.00

Out of the Darkness: The Germans 1942-2022 by Frank Trentmann explores the moral transformation of Germany post-WWII, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges. The book delves into the complexities of German identity, from the immediate aftermath of the war to contemporary political issues, offering a nuanced perspective on the nation's journey.

Frank Trentmann's Out of the Darkness: The Germans 1942-2022 is a comprehensive examination of Germany's moral evolution over the past eight decades. The book begins by highlighting the stark contrast between the atrocities committed during WWII and the subsequent efforts to rebuild and redefine German identity. Trentmann's research reveals that even during the war, many German soldiers held a distorted sense of heroism, believing they were forces for good. This duality is further explored in the post-war era, where the country grappled with its past while striving to create a new democratic society. The book also touches on the cultural and political shifts that have occurred, including the reunification of East and West Germany and the rise of right-wing movements like the AfD. Trentmann's personal insights, drawn from his dual citizenship and upbringing, add a unique perspective to the narrative. The book ends on a cautionary note, highlighting the ongoing challenges Germany faces in reconciling its past with its present and future.

Quick quotes

    What initially surprised me was that even in the middle of the Second World War, as they murdered civilians and Jews, many German soldiers were imbued with a Wagnerian sense of heroism.

    The growth of AfD [Alternative für Deutschland] is very troubling.

    I do not believe in a national character, but I have come to be more aware of certain views and habits which I carry with me, thanks to my German upbringing.

camdennewjournal.co.uk · Unknown · 2024-12-05
compelling 4.50

Out of the Darkness by Frank Trentmann is a compelling exploration of Germany's moral transformation from 1942 to 2022. The book skillfully balances dramatic exposition with serious moral challenges, offering a nuanced perspective on guilt and redemption.

Frank Trentmann's Out of the Darkness delves into the complex moral landscape of Germany over eight decades. The book opens with a vivid vignette of philosopher Karl Jaspers, who faced deportation during the war but survived to lecture on 'German guilt' post-war. Trentmann's narrative is both engaging and profound, seamlessly weaving together political, legal, and cultural aspects with the moral dilemmas that define Germany's journey. The author's ability to present a 'world of stuff'—material culture—adds depth to the historical and moral analysis, making the book a rich tapestry of Germany's transformation. They appreciate Trentmann's gift for lively exposition and his serious approach to moral challenges, which makes the book both compelling and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Trentmann has a gift for lively and dramatic exposition.

    Yet his is a deeply serious work that moves gracefully between the moral challenges that are his central concern and the more familiar categories of politics, law and culture.

    This passage indicates the qualities that make Out of the Darkness so compelling.

librofulltime.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2024-11-25
insightful 4.00

Frank Trentmann's book traces Germany's moral transformation from Nazism to its liberal present, exploring how Germans have framed social, economic, and political problems as moral ones. The narrative spans from 1942 to 2022, highlighting shifts in collective memory and ethical consciousness, though Trentmann remains uncertain about the current lack of a unifying narrative.

Frank Trentmann's 'Out of the Darkness: The Germans, 1942-2022' is a rich history that traces the moral transformation of Germany from the depths of Nazism to its liberal present. The book argues that Germans have a tendency to turn all social, economic, and political problems into moral ones. It begins in 1942, describing how individual Germans resisted the growing sense of their culpability for World War II by insisting on their personal innocence. After the war, many Germans recounted their suffering through fascist rule, Anglo-American bombing, and Soviet occupation and 'ethnic cleansing.' Through the 1960s and 1970s, Germans reversed course, taking public responsibility for the Holocaust. German foreign policy exhibited an uneasy combination of ethical consciousness, including eschewing war and providing assistance for refugees and poorer countries, and a willingness to stake a central role in the Cold War and support military action in the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. As Trentmann reaches the present, he seems less sure whether the absence of a single compelling narrative today marks a lack of moral imagination or the rise of a more modest and mature political sensibility.

Quick quotes

    The book begins in 1942 with a description of how individual Germans resisted the growing sense of their culpability for World War II by insisting on their personal innocence.

    Through the 1960s and 1970s, Germans reversed course, taking public responsibility for the Holocaust.

    As he reaches the present, Trentmann seems less sure whether the absence of a single compelling narrative today marks a lack of moral imagination or the rise of a more modest and mature political sensibility.

foreignaffairs.com · Unknown · 2024-10-11
insightful 4.50

Out of the Darkness: The Germans, 1942-2022 offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of German history and culture. The book provides a deep dive into the complexities of German identity and the country's evolution over the past eight decades. It is a thought-provoking and insightful read that challenges conventional narratives and offers a fresh perspective on the subject.

Out of the Darkness: The Germans, 1942-2022 is a meticulously researched and beautifully written book that delves into the heart of German history and culture. The author's approach is both scholarly and accessible, making it a compelling read for both academics and general readers. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the immediate aftermath of World War II to the contemporary political and social landscape of Germany. It provides a nuanced understanding of the country's complex identity and the various factors that have shaped it over the years. The author's ability to weave together historical events, cultural trends, and personal narratives makes the book a rich and engaging read. It is a must-read for anyone interested in German history, culture, or contemporary affairs. The book's insights are particularly relevant in today's political climate, where understanding the complexities of German identity is more important than ever.

Quick quotes

    The book offers a fresh perspective on German history and culture.

    It is a thought-provoking and insightful read that challenges conventional narratives.

    The author's ability to weave together historical events, cultural trends, and personal narratives makes the book a rich and engaging read.

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