This was an audio book that presented an interesting yet somewhat complex narrative.

The story was a curious blend of fact and fiction, centering around Hitler as a boy but told mainly from the perspective of Dieter, a demon assigned to watch over Adolf's growth.

The narrative, while not overly flowery like purple prose, was a bit long-winded for my taste. It made me wonder just how much of it was fictional with facts subtly woven in.

All the characters, except one, had real-life counterparts. Mailer did an excellent job using Dieter as the narrator to offer an extremely plausible omniscient view of events. After all, who could dispute the account of a devil?

However, at times the sex scenes seemed gratuitous, making me question their necessity. Incest also played a significant role, given the suspicion (which could potentially be true) that Hitler was a product of incest.

Despite taking me longer than usual to get through the book, likely due to distractions during the holidays, I don't regret listening to it. As it was my first Norman Mailer book, I look forward to better works from him in the future. And I would not deter anyone from giving it a try.

This was truly an extremely odd and deeply disturbing book, not suitable for those with a weak constitution.

It contains a great deal of detailed sexual content.

Narrated in the third person by an agent of the Maestro (Satan), it delves into his instructions and interventions of evil influences on Adolph Hitler, starting from before his birth and continuing through his school years.

The premise is rather difficult, yet it managed to hold my attention.

However, there were times when I felt physically queasy due to the descriptions used by the author, Norman Mailer, throughout the book.

Would I recommend this book to anyone?

Only if they have a desire to explore a cesspool of filth while also being interested in philosophical questions regarding existence, God, Satan, the afterlife, and so on.

It's a book that challenges the reader and forces them to confront some uncomfortable and thought-provoking ideas.

But it's not a light read by any means and should be approached with caution.

Norman Mailer has always been a source of frustration for me. At times, he showcases sheer brilliance, but at other times, he behaves like a cad. This novel is a prime example of the latter.

Filled to the brim with excessive crassness and sexual perversion, it seems to be Mailer's endeavor to illustrate to the reader how Adolf Hitler's family and childhood environment contributed to shaping him into the perverse and warped individual he became in adulthood.

From beginning to end, sex, in all its manifestations, reigns supreme as the main topic and the underlying tension among all the primary characters presented. To give an idea of how in-depth Mailer delves, potential readers should be aware that despite nearly 500 pages of text, Mailer only takes you up to approximately Adolph Hitler's 21st birthday before the book concludes.

In conclusion, unless you are a student or an ardent fan of Mailer's writing, it's best to skip this book. It's not difficult to fathom why the hardback versions are being sold at Barnes and Noble on the "under $6.99" table.

This book presents an endless catalogue of the incestuous, adulterous, and misogynist sexual escapades, all of which are hypothetical, of Hitler's father as recounted by a demon. Additionally, there are several tales of male urinary incontinence included for amusement. It is truly not a good read.

This is by far the worst book I have come across since being exposed to The Road by Cormac McCarthy. When Mailer is in a bad form, he can be truly horrid. His writing in this particular work seems to lack any redeeming qualities. The subject matter is not only distasteful but also presented in a manner that fails to engage or interest the reader. One wonders what possessed the author to pen such a work. It is a disappointment and a waste of time for anyone who attempts to read it.

Macroscopic, with many details, the work of Norman Mailer struggles to psychologize Hitler through his relationship with his parents and siblings.

An interesting approach that introduces a strong mysticism that stems from John Milton.

I found that it makes me queasy. I think it could have been shorter.

Mailer's attempt to understand Hitler's psyche is ambitious. He delves deep into Hitler's family dynamics, exploring how his relationships with his parents and siblings might have shaped his personality.

The use of Milton's mysticism adds an extra layer of complexity to the analysis. However, the detailed and perhaps overly elaborate nature of the work can make it a bit of a slog to get through.

Overall, while Mailer's approach is interesting, it may not be entirely successful in fully understanding the mind of one of history's most notorious figures.

Honestly, it is truly not worth the time or energy that one might invest. There are so many other things in life that hold more value and promise. Spending precious moments on something that offers little or no return is a waste. It's like pouring water into a leaky bucket. We should focus our efforts on activities and pursuits that bring us joy, growth, and a sense of fulfillment. Whether it's learning a new skill, building meaningful relationships, or engaging in a hobby that we are passionate about, these are the things that matter. So, the next time you find yourself considering something that you suspect might not be worth it, think twice. Save your time and energy for the things that truly deserve it.

A blend of fact and fiction, this is the history of a family that would later be known as Hitler, and a small boy named Adolf. It is a history related by the devil who was assigned to watch over him - a tale where the shit literally hits the man.

For a guy who has won two Pulitzer prizes, Norm is not afraid to use vulgar language. At times, he makes Irvine Welsh seem like Jane Austen. I learned more about Adolf's little 'rosebud' than I ever wanted to know. This is a great book. The whole episode of Der Alte and the bees was disturbingly fantastic. Who would have thought that beekeeping could be so fascinating? In truth, this could have been written about a fictional family and it would still have been great. Oh, and angels as cudgels; yes, that just feels right.

The author's unique writing style and bold use of language make this book a captivating read. It takes a different approach to讲述历史, mixing in elements of fiction to create a truly engaging story. Whether you are interested in history or just looking for a good read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

This was my very first encounter with the works of Norman Mailer. I decided to pick up this book mainly due to its captivating subject matter. And I'm truly glad that I did. Equally so, I'm delighted to have delved into some of Mailer's writing. The man was an incredibly imaginative writer who dared to take on a truly daunting task - that of explaining the root causes of human evil, with a specific focus on Adolf Hitler.

The answer, according to Mailer, is human beings, although he also throws in the element of demonic possession.

There is an abundance of food for thought within these pages. A great deal of insightful speculation that really makes you stop and think. I also thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspects that were woven throughout the narrative.

XO.

The Sound and the Führer

Mailer takes on young Adolf

By PETER KEOUGH | January 31, 2007

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FIRST PERSON: Norman Mailer, who has previously tackled larger-than-life figures like Marilyn Monroe, Gary Gilmore, Pablo Picasso, and Jesus Christ, now turns his attention to Adolf Hitler. In "The Castle in the Forest," Mailer presents a unique perspective on Hitler's early life.

Mailer creates a first-person omniscient narrator, Dieter, who is a member of an intelligence group similar to the SS. Dieter investigates Hitler's genealogy and discovers that Hitler's mother, Klara, was the result of incest between Alois and his sister. This revelation about Hitler's family background adds an interesting layer to the story.

The book also explores Hitler's father, Alois, a fascinating mediocrity who had a colorful life with multiple wives, mistresses, and children. We learn about young Adi's early years, including his relationship with his mother, his war games with local kids, and his initiation into something dark by a hermit in the woods.

Mailer's theories about Good and Evil, God and Satan, and history and fiction may not always be convincing, but his writing style is engaging. The Mittel-Europaisch melodrama, with its Grimm-like uncanniness and Mailer's rollicking, ribald, and grave-reeking voice, makes the book a captivating read.

However, there are some不足之处. For example, Mailer's effusiveness can sometimes lead to mixed metaphors. Additionally, the book leaves off when Hitler is only 13, and there is no mention of his love of dogs. Here's hoping for a sequel that will continue to explore Hitler's life and Mailer's unique perspective.

A strange book has emerged that attempts to offer a rather unconventional interpretation of Hitler's early life.

It does so from a most peculiar perspective, either that of the devil himself or perhaps an SS soldier.

This book delves into the murky waters of Hitler's formative years, seeking to understand the forces that may have shaped his twisted ideology and actions.

By taking on such a unique vantage point, the author aims to provide a fresh and perhaps disturbing look at a historical figure who has had a profound and lasting impact on the world.

Whether this interpretation will hold up to scrutiny or simply add to the already vast body of literature on Hitler remains to be seen.

But one thing is certain, this strange book has the potential to spark intense debate and discussion among historians and the general public alike.

I was truly and deeply intrigued by the premise of this novel. However, unfortunately, I felt that the idea didn't reach the extent that I had hoped for. I really enjoyed Mailer's interpretation of Hitler's youth. The way he presented it was quite unique. And the narration bomb drop was truly great. There is an abundance of wisdom hidden within the subtext of this novel. It is crystal clear that Mailer has a lot to convey about the intimacy of family and marriage, even when it is marred by incest.

As a reader, I was rather sad that this novel didn't delve into the downfall of Hitler in the way Anakin Skywalker's story unfolds. But the more I contemplated it, the more I became convinced that Mailer is brutally honest in his opinion. He believes that Hitler is not someone to be sympathized with and might have been corrupt from a very young age. I truly appreciate the care with which Mailer prevents the reader from becoming attached to Hitler as a character. And the way he chooses to end the tale of his youth in a rather mundane manner is quite remarkable. He opts not to turn young Hitler into a hero but instead focuses on his father and mother.

This is indeed a challenging novel to digest. It is definitely interesting and rather well-written. However, its content is rough and the sexuality is explicit. So, I recommend this with caution to anyone looking to simply pick up a novel by Mailer. If you haven't read any of his other works, I would highly recommend the esteemed The Naked and the Dead over this one any day.

Weird.

This book was truly Weird.

UBER Weird.

Moreover, it was not just weird but also queer, odd, and bizarre.

The story within the pages seemed to come from a completely different realm, defying all norms and expectations.

The characters' actions and the events that unfolded were so strange that they left the reader in a state of constant surprise and confusion.

It was as if the author had deliberately set out to create a world that was as far removed from the ordinary as possible.

And yet, despite its strangeness, there was something undeniably captivating about the book.

Perhaps it was the mystery that surrounded it, or the fact that it forced the reader to question their own perception of what was normal.

Whatever the reason, this Weird, queer, odd, and bizarre book was one that would stay with the reader long after they had turned the final page.