Summary

In the Garden of Beasts recounts the experiences of William E. Dodd, a mild-mannered American historian appointed as U.S. Ambassador to Germany in 1933, and his daughter Martha as they navigate the social and political landscape of Berlin during Hitler's rise to power. Initially optimistic about Germany's revival, they become increasingly disillusioned with the Nazi regime. The story begins with their arrival in Berlin, where they witness the city's vibrant culture juxtaposed with its growing Nazi presence. They settle into a luxurious house at Tiergartenstrasse 27a, owned by a wealthy Jewish banker seeking protection under the ambassador's proximity. The Dodds' early days are marked by diplomatic functions, opulent parties, and Martha's flirtatious forays into Berlin's social scene.

As time passes, the Dodds become aware of the escalating violence and oppression against Jews, communists, and other groups deemed undesirable by the Nazis. Martha initially dismisses reports of atrocities as isolated incidents, but her perceptions begin to shift as she witnesses firsthand the regime's brutality. The family also grapples with the constant fear of surveillance, resorting to hushed conversations and coded messages within their own home.

Ambassador Dodd, struggling to reconcile his ideals with the Nazi regime's actions, faces an internal conflict. He attempts to use his position to subtly criticize the government and promote moderation, but his efforts are largely met with indifference or hostility, both from the Nazis and from his own government. Martha, meanwhile, navigates her own complex relationships, including affairs with several high-ranking officials, including Rudolf Diels, head of the Gestapo, adding a layer of danger and intrigue to the family's lives. Her growing affection for Boris Winogradov, a first secretary at the Soviet embassy and an undercover agent for the KGB, further complicates matters.

The climax of the story unfolds with "The Night of the Long Knives," a brutal purge orchestrated by Hitler to eliminate his political rivals. The Dodds witness the chilling atmosphere of violence and fear grip Berlin as scores of people, including their friends and acquaintances, are murdered or arrested. This event marks a turning point for both Dodd and Martha, solidifying their revulsion towards the Nazi regime. Dodd's belief in reason and persuasion crumbles and he grows increasingly isolated in his diplomatic post, while Martha, haunted by terror and sleeplessness, accepts her full disillusionment with the once-alluring Nazi revolution.

The Dodds' departure from Berlin marks the beginning of their outspoken criticism of Nazi Germany and America's isolationist policies. Back in the United States, Dodd warns about the looming threat of war in Europe, but his advice is largely disregarded. Martha continues her secret collaboration with the Soviet Union, a decision that will haunt her for years to come and ultimately lead to her exile. In the years that follow, their time in Berlin casts a long shadow over their lives, shaping their political beliefs and affecting their personal relationships. The book concludes with a chilling quote from Hitler himself, revealing his belief that Martha could have been exploited to manipulate her father and gain influence over American policies. This sobering realization underscores the Dodds' naivete and the grave danger they faced during their time in the garden of beasts.