Twelve Years With Hitler is an interesting read because you get to learn more about his daily life than you typically learn. However, my criticism of the book comes in that the secretary still seems to be very much in awe of Hitler.

Possible Spoilers Ahead:

Sure, she says that he is a tyrant and she says he was crazy. She makes it sound like she is insulting him, but there are many instances where it seemed like she was just saying that. One such time was when she was talking about Hitler really liking this one little girl and showing favor to the girl and her mom until he found out she was part Jewish. The author had made the mother sound like she was using Hitler to improve her status and wealth, and didn't make it seem like too much of a tragedy when he cut her off. She would talk about how everyone was afraid of him, but people would often contradict him in public or in front of a group. She would make it seem like no one else would be upset in those circumstances. Basically, she seemed like she liked him and found it difficult to really find a lot of negative things to say about him.

'twelve years with hitler' is a powerful yet deeply unsettling memoir that offers a very personal look at adolf hitler, seen through the eyes of one of his closest assistants, christa schroeder. she worked as his secretary from the early 1930s until the end of WW2, spending much of her time alongside hitler.

her story is both eye-opening and disturbing. she shares detailed daily experiences, revealing both major events and the mundane parts of hitler's private life.
what stands out most is the contrast she presents between his role in causing massive destruction and how, in private, he could appear almost ordinary. well, at least in some moments.

it provides a fascinating insight into hitler's daily life. the book is very detailed and highly informative, not only about him but also about the people surrounding him. some of the information was new to me, and i was happy to learn about it. the book offers a look into his routines, personal habits, strange quirks and mood swings.

i was a bit confused at times about whether schroeder feared or admired him which was frustrating.

the narration was well done. the narrator - petrea burchard - was speaking very clearly and at a steady pace, which matched the seriousness of the topic. i had no trouble following the storyline, as the narrator used subtle changes in tone to differentiate between christa's memories and zoeller's commentary.

however, i think the book would've benefited from highlighting more clearly which parts were written by schroeder and which were added by zoeller.
other than that - i have no complaints. i was engaged throughout the entire audiobook.

i definitely recommend it to anyone interested in history, psychology or politics. this was a truly informative historical non-fiction audiobook.



*thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with this audio arc!*

Very interesting read, I haven't ever read a non-fic about Nazi-Germany before or Hitler, it's a part of History we covered a lot in High-School while not part of our curriculum our teacher discussed it thoroughly because he wanted us to have no gaps in if possible in our knowledge about history, this made me watch documentaries about a lot of parts of history and in recent years has led to me picking up non-fic books about those parts of history yet, I'm glad I can now say I've read a historical non-fic that covers this part of History. It's very short so it's not as thorough as I prefer for that reason instead of a 4 star this will be getting a 3.75.

The book was fine. I neither loved nor hated it. At times it felt like it just felt like a ramble of thoughts and it didn’t really seem to go anywhere. I couldn’t decide whether she was in awe of Hitler at times, or disdainful, she seemed to fluctuate between the two. The ending just seemed to happen and came a little bit out of nowhere. I kind of thought that there was going to be a more powerful message from this woman who had spent so long at Hitler’s side and had a front row seat to history, but it was just a bit of a list of what happened and not much explanation or unpacking of the events.

The narrator spoke very well and the book was easy to understand. I don’t believe there were any mistakes or errors.

Twelve Years With Hitler is a fascinating and deeply unsettling memoir that offers a rare, intimate glimpse into the daily life of Adolf Hitler, as recounted by one of his personal secretaries, Christa Schroeder. Over the course of twelve years, Schroeder had a front-row seat to the rise and fall of the Third Reich, and her perspective is both illuminating and disquieting.
What makes this account particularly disturbing is how it humanizes Hitler—without excusing him. If a reader were somehow unaware of 20th-century history, much of the book could be mistaken for the memoir of someone working under an eccentric, vain, animal-loving, and demanding employer—rather than one of history’s most depraved dictators.

Schroeder appears to both admire and fear her boss. She lunched with him almost daily, noting that he forbade any discussion of politics or the war during meals. She emphasizes his respectful and protective behavior toward his female staff, yet the contradictions quickly surface. Hitler had a disturbing fixation on his niece, remarking to Schroeder that he would have married her had she not died by mysterious suicide. Schroeder also spares no criticism in her portrayal of Eva Braun and offers sharp observations about Hitler’s relationships with his inner circle, as well as his rapid mental and physical decline—driven in part by the bizarre cocktails of drugs and hormones he consumed.

It is deeply uncomfortable to confront the humanity of someone responsible for such monstrous acts, but Schroeder’s account compels the reader to reckon with the disturbing complexity of this broken, genocidal maniac. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the banality of evil and the unsettling proximity of the ordinary to the horrific.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

"12 Years with Hitler: Secretary to the Fuhrer" offers a rare, intimate window into the daily life and inner workings of Adolf Hitler’s closest circle, as recounted by Christa Schroeder and compiled by Albert Zoller. Listening to this account in audiobook format adds a new dimension to the experience, making the history feel even more immediate and personal.

I struggled with how to write this review. In the end, I think it will just be easier to break it into different talking points. So, let's do that. I'll start with the audio performance (since I listened on audiobook).

The quality of the narration was fine. The narrator delivers the material in a clear, steady voice that matches the gravity of the subject matter. The subtle shifts in tone help distinguish between Schroeder’s personal recollections and the more factual, historical context provided by Zoller. This makes it easy for listeners to follow the narrative, even as it moves between personal anecdotes and broader observations. I listened on 1.5 speed, as the original pacing was a little slow for me.

Typically, I listen to most audiobooks at 2.0x speed. However, the German names and the accent made me slow this one down a bit. (Well, I still sped it up, but I slowed it down from my normal sped up speed. Haha.)

Luckily, though, even the German names and terms are pronounced with care, lending authenticity and clarity to the reading. The narrator avoids overdramatization, which keeps the focus on the content rather than the performance—a wise choice given the sensitive subject matter.

Now, onto the content:

Schroeder’s proximity to Hitler provides details unavailable elsewhere, illuminating both the mundane and the extraordinary aspects of life in Hitler’s inner circle. And as a primary account, it’s invaluable for history enthusiasts, and the audio format makes it accessible to a wider audience.

My only complaint was that the audiobook does not always clarify which material is directly from Schroeder and which may be Zoller’s additions or embellishments. Listeners should be aware of the book’s complex authorship.

Additionally, Schroeder’s unapologetic tone and claims of ignorance regarding Nazi crimes was.... let's say frustrating. It also, to me, showcased a lack of broader context and critical reflection. (i.e. - It read more like a diary at times than any sort of real political analysis.)

Still, the book is a compelling and immersive way to experience this unique historical account. While the book’s editorial history and limited perspective warrant a critical approach, the audio format adds a personal touch that enhances the overall experience.

Recommended for:
Listeners interested in World War II history, personal memoirs, and the psychology of dictatorship—especially those who appreciate well-produced, thoughtfully narrated audiobooks.

Thank you to NetGalley, Albert Zoller, Christina Schroeder, and Tantor Audio for the audiobook. Narrated by Petra Burchard, this was a deeply intriguing and powerful listen.

As Hitler’s secretary for 12 years, the subject of this retelling offers a chilling and detailed account of her time alongside one of history’s most infamous dictators. Based on recorded interviews, the narrative reveals both the day-to-day proximity to evil and the psychological complexities involved.
What makes this audiobook especially compelling is how disturbingly relevant many of the dictator’s traits remain today. It offers a sobering reflection on the patterns of authoritarianism that still echo in modern times.
Petra Burchard’s narration is excellent, bringing clarity and emotional weight to such a heavy subject. This is an intense, thought-provoking, and important listen—a must for anyone interested in history, politics, or psychology.

“The death of a human being left him completely unmoved”

This book is about one of history’s most vile genocidal maniacs and it’s written by one of his long time secretaries. She paints him, probably fairly, as an eccentric, demanding boss with no real care for people outside his immediate circle.

I was worried this non-fiction account would paint a sympathetic picture of Hitler, but it really just solidified the fact that he was awful.

This book gives an insider look at the lengths of “delulu” of this disgusting person. Yet more disturbing, is listening to this book and thinking about current events. It seems like many fascist leaders possess similar traits. In the descriptions of his behaviors and beliefs, you will be able to draw parallels between his quirky narcissism and current fascist leaders across the globe. Why people worship, adore, and fangirl over these bizarre men is something I truly don’t understand.

While I hate to give a book about Hitler written by his secretary 5⭐️ on principle, I had to do it because this book was as fascinating as it is important to world history. The audiobook is narrated well and will make this piece of history more accessible.

I think exploring different points of view on topics that we tend to think we know fairly well is a healthy balance of learning. This book was exactly that for me as a reader. Perfect for fellow history fans and even more so the ones who deep dive into the psychology of wartime. This book provides a glimpse into the day to day life of Hitler with a realistic explanation of his dissent into madness.

The audiobook is read by Petrea Burchard who is not easily understood at faster speeds. I had to bring it down to 1.5x to ensure I was understanding the voice properly.

Thank you NetGalley, Tantor Audio, and authors Albert Zoller & Christa Schroeder for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

3.75 - 4 stars
Perfect for anyone who wants to get an inside look at the mind and motives of Hitler’s life from an employees perspective. Although the book is written by a German author, the language and flow of the novel is easy to follow creating a quick entertaining read.

Zoller’s retelling of events and impressions, indicates that Hitler viewed his secretaries as his closest friends/confidants as his saw them as trustworthy and unthreatening. However, the book lacks personal opinions and emotions of the author, which further neglects the impact Hitler had on those in proximity to him.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect going into this one. I don’t usually gravitate toward historical or WWII-inspired books, but after visiting Berlin earlier this year, something shifted. Being in Germany and seeing parts of the city tied to such heavy history made me realize how recent and real these events actually are — something we often disassociate from or forget in the timeline of history.

Twelve Years with Hitler gave me a new kind of insight — not through facts or war strategies, but through the eyes of someone who was right there beside him. Christa Schroeder, Hitler’s longtime personal secretary, shares her memories in a surprisingly calm, observational way, which made the whole thing feel even more eerie and intimate. It’s strange to hear someone talk so casually about one of the darkest figures in history, but that’s what made it fascinating.

The audiobook format worked really well for this — it felt like someone just quietly telling their story, which added to the unsettling atmosphere. I appreciated that it wasn’t overly dramatic or trying to “shock” the listener. It was more about showing a very close and human point of view of a man most of us only see as a distant, monstrous figure.

I wouldn’t say this book changed my view of history, but it definitely deepened my understanding of how people close to power viewed things — or chose not to view them at all. I’m glad I listened to it. It’s a different kind of history book — one that leaves you thinking more about the people around the main players, and how easily silence becomes complicity.

I went into this book with mixed feels and none of them have been resolved.

This was a quick read that was interesting and gave an in-depth view of Hitler's everyday life, but I did feel at times that Christa Schroeder was enamored with him and romanticized him. Since the book was taken from interviews with her the book did jump around making it at times hard to follow.

I think that this book was not what I thought it would be leaving me with different expectations of the book. In the end this turned out to be just an okay read for me.

Great for any fan of history and war, especially WWII. I think evil people fascinate people because we all wonder why and how. Christa Schroeder's interview gives an interesting personal look into the Hitler behind the scenes. I think what this book made me realize even more was that he really had lost it much before he even began and was living in a fantasy world.
Although a fascinating read, I didn't really learn anything new and because the stories told felt like they jumped around in time it sometimes made it hard to follow his decline from insanity to further insanity.

Petrea Burchard did a great job narrating.

Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the arc.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the digital copy of this audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have mixed feelings about this book. One the one hand, hearing from someone who was in close proximity to Adolf Hitler and saw a different side of him would be interesting. On the other hand, I don’t want to normalize Hitler in any way; in the United States right now, the mainstream media is normalizing the behavior of fascist lunatics. Still, I decided to go ahead and request this ALC.

Twelve Years with Hitler is sometimes a fascinating closer look at the everyday Hitler, the guy who was a vegetarian because he didn’t want animals killed (??!), and also a commander of the Third Reich who okayed a genocide.

It’s important to understand in this day and age that evil people do sometimes act normal, all while forming a dictatorship and the ultimate leader in providing propaganda. Schroeder’s reminiscences include the fact that Hitler was very insecure, he refused to wear glasses in public even though he could barely see without them, revealing his vanity. There are all sorts of normal tidbits in this book. In a way, it felt like the secretary kind of romanticized Hitler.

This ALC is narrated by Petrea Burchard, who did a good job of conveying Christa’s thoughts. She doesn’t overreact or make more dramatic things that are already known about Hitler.

Derived from interviews conducted after the war, it’s clear that she wanted everyone to see that even people who are big on bluster can have insecurities and hang-ups about themselves. But to be perfectly clear, this book shows how a country can slip into fascism because of weaponized media and a charismatic leader.

I listened to this as an audiobook, which for me worked really well, with crisp narration by Petrea Burchard. This is the account of Christa Schröder, who spent 12 years at the dictator's side in the capacity of secretary and assistant, reminiscences told to Albert Zoller after the war.

It is a fairly dispassionate yet interesting account of time spent at the side of the dictator, observing his gradual demise, sharing intimate details of quotidien life in the various locations around Germany and beyond. The vanity, the crassness and the vainglorious tirades are interspersed with details of diet, domesticity and daily routines.

The self-belief of the man and his capacity for deluded thinking, growing as the war unfolded, come through starkly, and she describes the fear of many around him who didn't dare to counter his statements, assertions and prejudices. Irascible and vain - then as the situation deteriorated, he drifted further into deeply confused thinking, aided and abetted by his doctor. At the end, she comments on the dictator's white hair, a stark contrast to the way he had liked to portray himself.

This memoir serves as a reminder that leaders can gain authority through populist support and can remain in post, despite evidence that there is skewed thinking, all exacerbated by grudges and a desire for retribution, and all presented as a kind of beneficence for the 'people'. As someone who never really ventured beyond the confines of Germany and had little sense of the world, he nevertheless exerted a terrible influence over millions of people everywhere, as the vagaries of his policies and deluded thinking unfolded. Supported, of course, by tight-knit acolytes who invidiously pandered to him and his whims at every turn....

Sobering.

1933 to 1945 Christina Schroeder, once a stenographer became one of Hitler’s personal secretaries. She was totally loyal and even went to the Furerbunker in Berlin in January 1945. Post war she was interned in the Augsburg Camp and interviewed by Albert Zoller. Her testimony form this very detailed book, an insight into Adolf Hitler’s private life throughout the 1930s and 1940s.

This is an English translation, well written and well narrated (I listened to the audiobook). The contents is informative, fascinating and just really interesting. Hitler had a public persona but reading this you will gain a view of him as an individual. His obsession with image, belief in himself, his choice to be a vegetarian and not drinking alcohol. Fascinating book.

This was so well written (and narrated). There was no sensationalism and I learnt so much regarding Hitler and his relationships. I became fully engrossed listening to the narration but I couldn't listen to it all in one session I had to keep dipping in and out.

My husband is very much into history and we have been to many WW2 sites and this all put it into a different perspective. There were no excuses made at all.

Thank you to Tantor Audio, RBmedia, the author and NetGalley for an ALC in return for an honest review

This is the first book I have read about Hitler, so some of the things mentioned were new to me. After having done some research of my own, however, it appears that the information in this book is already in the public domain. So if you have already delved into the life of Hitler then this book will not shed any new light on anything for you, but I would still recommend you read it for the different perspective it gives.

The narrator Petrea Burchard, an accomplished American actress/author has narrated over 85 audiobooks across various genres and has won multiple Earphones Awards. Her adept narration skills are a perfect match for this sensitive subject matter.

'Twelve years with Hitler' was compiled from the notes taken down by Albert Zoller (a French liaison officer) who, in 1945, interviewed Christa Schroeder (Adolf Hitler's personal secretary 1933-1945). However, Schroeder herself went on to claim that Zoller published her writings without her consent and even added content she did not provide, so this raises a red flag at to the authenticity of events in the book. Indeed Christa Schroeder actually published her own account (He Was My Chief) posthumously in 1985. So it would be interesting to compare that book with Zoller's.

The book provides insights into Hitler's daily routines, mood swings and personal habits. Even describing Hitler's hygiene regime - he apparently bathed multiple times daily, especially after meetings and speeches. We also see examples of his Interactions with his staff. Along with insights into the daily atmosphere within his inner circle.

I personally gained some new insights into Hitler's life - I didn't realise for instance that there was talk of the Führer having Parkinson's Disease, or that he was deemed charismatic and was admired by the women he knew, or that his main love interest was possibly not Eva Braun, but his own niece! Geli Raubal was Hitler’s half-niece (daughter of his half-sister Angela). She lived with him in Munich for several years in the late 1920s and early 1930s. There has been much speculation about the nature of their relationship. It was said to be intense and possessive. When Geli died in 1931 from a suspected suicide, it is said to have left Hitler devastated emotionally and he became withdrawn and wary about future personal attachments.

Whilst it is clear that Hitler's physical and mental condition clearly deteriorated over time, we can't categorically state that he had either Parkinson's or Dementia. He obviously had hand tremors but he didn't seem to have any memory problems. Paranoia and mood swings could point to a personality disorder or even amphetamine use, but not classic dementia. Hitler's personal physician Dr. Theodor Morell, was known to administer bizarre medications and treatment throughout the 1930s and 1940s which could well have affected Hitler’s physical and mental state.
Morell was said to have prescribed Oxycodone, Cocaine (in a nasal spray) along with Testosterone and other hormones to treat fatigue and maintain vitality.

It is hard to reconcile with the two sides of Hitler's nature. The book describes the fondness he showed for children, painting, music and his dog, yet this clashes violently with the horrific scale of his known crimes and the ruthless, megalomaniacal dictator who orchestrated unimaginable suffering. This duality forces us to confront a difficult truth: evil doesn't always wear the face we expect. Human beings can harbour contradictory traits—moments of warmth alongside cold, calculated brutality.

Overall I was fascinated with this book, but it does leave me wondering as to whose voice we are actually hearing - Schroeder's or Zoller's?

#TwelveYearsWithHitler #NetGalley

This is a fascinating insight into Hitler, it’s a very detailed account. Christa’s interview with Zoller explains Hitler’s daily life, having herself been personally involved in it. She tells how and why he gave up drink and smoking. Similarly how and why he became a vegetarian. Intimate and personal details are shared, including health issues and his clothing. And the women in his life, and their importance to him. Hitler had a phenomenal memory and could talk endlessly. He was a night owl and had his secretary working at crazy hours of the night.
Also mentioned is Bormann, the Deputy Fuhrer, who was an awful person with a loathsome ideology, and was very controlling. He spread lies and was very deceitful. Other key personnel are discussed and often removed from their positions by Hitler. Towards the end Hitler became very removed from the real and current Germany and it’s peoples.

Petrea narrates this audiobook as if she herself was there experiencing all that we have been informed. We definitely believe all that we are being told. A very easy listen. Highly informative about Hitler and those around him during the war years.

I received a complimentary audiobook from NetGalley and RBmedia. This is my honest review. Highly recommend.

Did you know that Hitler had Parkinson's? Did you know he was romantically obsessed with his niece? I didn't until I read this book!

The book gives inside look at what happened behind the scenes in 1930-40s Germany. This account does not glorify Hitler or give excuses for what happened. It is straightforward and gives an account of events as they were. This book is for history buffs and those who are just curious about the infamous man. You'll hear about high level events in Germany and well as mundane eating habits. There is sure to be a portion of the book that will be of great interest to you.

My only complaint is that I occasionally found the story hard to follow. Some portions skip around in time, which is to be expected when someone is interviewed.