The Nightmare Dance

Subtitled, “Guilt, Shame, Heroism and the Holocaust,” this is an emotive look at the way in which the holocaust is viewed in modern times and of some of the lesser known characters who are either forgotten heroes who deserve to be remembered or evil killers who equally deserve to stand alongside the Nazi hierarchy as responsible for the deaths of millions. The author muses that, as the holocaust passes into history, blame is given over and over again to a few men who are recognised as those behind the holocaust, while historical sites have become a tourist trap – complete with incongruous gift shops and photo opportunities. In this work, he attempts to redress the balance, with a plea to ignore the Hollywood view and remember those, both good and bad, who deserve to have their courage, or crimes, recalled.

Alongside the individuals, such as Christian Wirth, the Inspector-General of the Aktion Reinhard extermination camps, or King Christian X of Denmark, who insisted that his country had no “Jewish problem,” this is a tale of communities and betrayal. There are those, like Stella Goldschlag, who was recruited by the Gestapo to betray other Jews, the leaders of isolated rural communities who attempted to protect those who looked to them for help, the Danish people who cared for their Jewish neighbours homes and businesses during the war and the incredible personal bravery of Janusz Korczak, who cared for the orphans of the Warsaw ghetto and, ultimately, died with them. This is a moving read and reminds us both that it is important to remember the past in an unsettled present and also that one person is capable of making a huge difference - whether in terms of leadership, such as in the case of King Christian X, or personally, as with the remarkable Janusz Korczak.

Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, for review.

Since the 1960s, the Holocaust has been presented as an aberration, confined to Germany and the Nazi leaders who held power during the twelve years after 1933. Responsibility has been heaped upon a few villains in jackboots and black uniforms, whose names have become synonymous with evil. Yet behind these nightmare monsters lie other spectres whose names are barely remembered; whose lives are forgotten.
This book is a must read for all - this history should never be forgotton and must never be repeated (although things have happened since but not on this scale). A lesson in history that must be remembered at all costs.

Learned a lot from this book

Firstly, I would like to draw your attention to the cover of the book - the look on the little boy's face is haunting. What threat is he? What happened to him? Who is the man behind the machine gun and why? This book provides an explanation.

I don't think you could ever describe this book as enjoyable or a thrilling read because of the nature of its content, however it was well written and well researched although I am no expert.

I wouldn't say that I am fascinated by the horrors of The Holocaust but I am interested in how apparently "normal" people can end up committing such atrocities against fellow human beings and the reverse, how strangers put themselves at risk of certain death to protect others. This book gave good insight into both perspectives.

One gripe I have, and it's purely personal, is that there are a number of "big" and "complicated" words that are not in every day use which interrupted the flow for me at times. For example "on the basis of rival power-blocs and personal fiefdoms of byzantine complexity ...." what????? Why do this? I read it once, twice, three times to try and figure out what it meant but after that, I gave up and skipped it. I don't like having to have a dictionary with me when I read so having to skip sentences it a tad annoying but maybe it's just me and I'm a bit thick!

Would I recommend this to someone else? Yes - I know there are a lot of books out there that cover this very same subject BUT they are usually about the same people - as mentioned in the description. So, if you are interested in reading about people not normally involved or highlighted in this context plus learn about some of the history behind the hatred of the Jews, then read this.

Thanks to www.netgalley.com and the publisher, Troubador Publishing Ltd for providing me with a copy in return for an honest review.

This is not typically the types of books I read. I enjoy history and recently read/watched many different documentaries on WW II. It takes a deeper look in many aspects of Nazi Germany/Poland and surrendering area.

I highly recommend this read.

this book found every interesting details acts of brutally and kindness in others as the holocaust unfolded across Germany Poland and other countries occupied by the Nazis and even today acts as a warning against extreme politics

This wonderful historical novel is an excellent read! A very informative book about five lives who impacted the Holocaust. Two of the lives mentioned in this story are Nazis, one is a Jewish woman who turned her back on her own people, another was a king and the last but not least, a man who died a hero’s death in fighting back during this horrific time period. David Gilbertson has done an amazing job of retelling factual events in history that still haunt us today. I definitely would recommend everyone else to read his novel. This book will have a major affect upon every reader. War comes with a huge price and a destruction that impacts countless numbers of lives that were forever changed, lost, and turn apart. The Holocaust is one event in history that I shall never forget! And neither will many others especially after reading Nightmare Dance. I rate this unforgettable novel a 5 out of 5 stars!

This is not your typical story of the Jewish Holocaust history. The author explains that it isn't about Nazis but within us and still is. Nazism appears to be the only ones that were against Jews. Our history focuses on a small part of the holocaust because it has a tendency to talk about the well known Nazis, it forgets to talk about those small characters that contributed to the Holocaust.

Gilbertson tells us a brief history of anti-semitism throughout the ages. The five people he forces on are Joseph Blosche, Stella Goldschalg,, Christian Wirth, Janus Korczak., and Christian X. You will become moe aware of the world. To not read this book would be a great loss.

Reviewed on my blog here: http://www.witheredpapyrus.com/2014/09/nightmare-dance-gilbertson.html