Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi by David Chotjewitz

Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi by David Chotjewitz

Author Background:

The author of Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi is David Chotjewitz. He is a German-born author who lives in Hamburg, Germany. He is previously known for writing entirely German books, so he would know about his countries involvement in World War II and Nazism.

Synopsis:

The year is 1933; Hitler is beginning his rise to power. Daniel was a normal Arian boy, like any other German child. He lived a happy life, he was wealthy, he played sports, he was normally successful in the things he did. Daniel’s best friend was Armin. They sometimes found themselves in trouble, but Armin and Daniel were otherwise very normal German boys. Both boys had a dream to become a high-ranking official in the Nazi army. Daniel was determined to join the army, even against his parents wished, when he got the news that changed his entire life. He was half Jewish.

In the times of Nazi Germany, being a half-Jew was considered to be a crime. Daniel is now faced with a choice, run away and desert his family, or stay with them and try to blend in as best as he can. The book fast-forwards to the year 1938. Daniel and his family are now considered outcasts to his country, even though his father was once a highly respected war veteran. Daniel’s friendship with Armin, who has became an entry-level soldier in Hitler’s army, has started to deteriorate. Yet, Armin still cares for his friend. Daniel has now been forced into hiding, along with his cousin. After they believe to be safe, Daniel and his family plan to leave for America in the year 1940. Daniel and his family are now able to escape to America and are finally safe. In a final chapter, the book fast-forwards 8 years. Daniel is now an adult in the Allied army. He is determining the fate of several Nazi soldiers when he happens across Armin. Armin has been promoted to an SS soldier and tried to hide his past. Daniel still has harsh feelings about his friend betraying him and joining the army, so he decides to mark Armin down as guilty. They talk for a little longer as the book finally comes to a close.

Pace:

            Daniel Half Human’s pace begins slowly, but gradually picks up as he becomes discovered as a Jew. Overall the book’s pace fits the plot and increases the reader’s interest in the book. Though it is not a book that left me craving for more, it was good enough that I was genuinely interested in the plot.

Characters:

            Generally, the characters fit the era of 1930’s Nazi Germany with a few slight exceptions. The characters are well developed and come to life as you are reading the book. Daniel especially becomes a fantastic character as we learn more about his passion for family and his drive to survive. The supporting characters are also well created, but none of them are built to the level of Daniel.

Writing Style:

            The writing style of this book is a flashback type book. We are going forward and backward in time as we learn more about Daniel’s past. This writing style makes Daniel seem much more believable, so it fits the book. This book is a perfect example of a high-school level book. The reader must have at least some prior knowledge of World War II going in, or they will be slightly confused. Daniel Half Human is an average high-school level book.

Praises/Criticisms:

            The book’s use of Nazi Germany to drive the plot was outstanding. The time period was perfectly depicted and it gave the readers insight into how things were. The setting was excellently created and was the driving force base behind the novel. Chotjewitz’s inclusion of a closing scene was fantastic. The scene in which Daniel eventually chooses Armin’s fate was outstanding. The final chapter really closes the book nicely and makes the book feel complete. Overall these two things stood out to me as I read this book.

5 Star Rating/Recommendations:

            Overall, I would give the book 3.5 stars out of 5. As it was a good read, it was also boring at some times, and the climax never really felt like a true climax. I would recommend this to someone who is interested in World War II or someone looking for a quick, decent read.

Genre:  Historical Fiction, WWII

Rewiewed by:  Johnny Crandall

Teacher:  Mara Pufko