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3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 A German-American Success Story in the Shadows of War Nov 13, 2009
By Wolfgang Dexheimer
Born in 1930, Klaus Agthe was only 15 years old when the Nazis had utterly ruined his country. Having survived World War II, he and his family found themselves on the wrong side of the historical tracks, the Soviet Occupation Zone. With remarkable determination and luck he escaped to freedom in Berlin just in time. An academic scholarship offered by Indiana University's acclaimed Business School became a turning point in his educational and career development. A successful life as an international business executive, first based in Europe, followed. This career reached new heights after moving to the United States and becoming a citizen, only to return to the German Democratic Republic after its collapse in 1990 in order to contribute to its economic recovery. His life's vivid tale offers comparative insights into the qualitative differences between diametrically opposed systems on German soil.
Klaus Agthe's story had to be told. It is a transatlantic success story made possible by the closely knit political, economic and military alliance between the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany during the long years of the Cold War. This book deserves to be read on either side of the Atlantic, especially by young people. Publication of this book by a German publisher, therefore, should be seriously considered.
W. Dexheimer
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
A different kind of view of German history Dec 07, 2008
By Alpha908
This is the personal recollection of the author's life and experiences, both personal and business related, covering three generations during the most turbulent times of the 20th century, often called "the century of extremes." From World War I and II through the Cold War, Klaus Agthe reflects on the influences, causes and results of historical events, on himself and his family and on Germany as a whole. This is not a history book in the commonly understood sense. Rather, the book reflects one man's experience from the 1930's through the beginning of the 21st century.
Klaus Agthe's life bridged the deep divide between the two Germany's that emerged from the Second World War. While his parents and most of his friends remained in the east, Klaus Agthe went to West Germany, via West Berlin, before such a move became impossible. He juxtaposes his experiences with those of the ones who remained behind, including a retelling of the story of his school friend Guenther, who's path led him to eventually work, not entirely voluntarily, for East Germany's feared secret service, the "Stasi". This comparison of the different paths that lives can take, based on just a few fundamental decisions, is a most poignant reminder that global politics can have a profound influence on a very personal level.
A highly entertaining, sometimes amusing and sometimes poignant read, this book is highly recommended.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Shadows of War May 23, 2009
By William J. Harman
The work is historically accurate, almost to a fault. The author inserts references in the text, reminiscent of a college thesis. The author should also have engaged a competent editor. The narrative reads as if it were a first draft. Having made these two critical comments, I found the story fascinating--because it is autobiographical and because the author lived through and experienced an incredible moment in history. Klaus Agthe writes with honesty and conviction. There is also a personal reason for my appreciation of his story. He and I were born three months apart. My heritage is German. I lived with a Bavarian family in a Munich suburb in 1949 and was in Berlin in 1958 as a student. My university research covered German history primarily between 1919 and 1949, with assistance from the late Baron Axel von dem Bussche, a member of the Wehrmacht conspiracy to assassinate Hitler. I mention my background to reinforce my positive comments about the narrative. For a student of those times, Agthe brings history to life. For me, he filled many gaps in my knowledge of the Nazi and post-Nazi era.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A fine look at the German people, and is highly recommended May 08, 2009
By Midwest Book Review
Germany is not a country that had one way of life for all of the twentieth century. "Shadows of War: A German Life in the Century of Extremes" takes a wide-ranging look at author Klaus Agthe and his family during three periods of Germany's history. The eras covered are pre-World War I Imperial Germany, a European power; the postwar depression and rise of the Nazi party; and the Cold War division of Berlin. "Shadows of War" is a fine look at the German people, and is highly recommended.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A wonderful Read Apr 21, 2009
By Jordan Thompson
Many books have been written about this era.... having read quite a few of them, I can honestly say that I rate this book at the top of the list. The author has a very honest approach and one can actually feel what he is experiencing during these turbulent times. I found the book to be rich in history as well as his personal account inspiring and eloquent.
The author is originally from East Germany and one will be able to understand a different perspective of how life was at this time as well as reflections of what the future holds.
His account is one that is real, true, emotional, and hard to put down.... it is a must read for anyone that has an interest in history with a personal touch.
Highly recommended.
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