My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Lost Love

Written by Amanda Barratt

Narrated by Christa Lewis

Renowned German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is famous for his resistance to the Nazi regime and for his allegiance to God over government. But what few realize is that the last years of his life also held a love story that rivals any romance novel.

Maria von Wedemeyer knows the realities of war. Her beloved father and brother have both been killed on the battlefield. The last thing this spirited young woman needs is to fall for a man under constant surveillance by the Gestapo. How can she give another piece of her heart to a man so likely to share the same final fate? Yet when Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an old family friend, comes to comfort the von Wedemeyers after their losses, she discovers that love isn't always logical.

Dietrich himself has determined to keep his distance from romantic attachments. There is too much work to be done for God, and his involvement in the conspiracy is far too important. But when he encounters a woman whose intelligence and conviction match his own, he's unprepared for how easy it is to give away his heart.

With their deep love comes risk-and neither Dietrich nor Maria is prepared for just how great that risk soon becomes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Feb 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781515946007

Amanda Barratt

Amanda Barratt is a Christy Award-winning, ECPA best-selling author of several novels and novellas, including My Dearest Dietrich and The White Rose Resists. She is an AcFW member and a two-time FHL Reader's Choice Award finalist. She and her family live in northern Michigan. Visit her at www.amandabarratt.net

Reviews for My Dearest Dietrich

[nadinec.keels · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A nearly middle-aged German theologian and pastor who's forbidden to preach, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, lives in constant danger as a double agent during World War II, involved in plans to assassinate Hitler. The last thing he might have expected during this dark and dangerous time would be to fall in love with young Maria von Wedemeyer in My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Lost Love by author Amanda Barratt.This biographical novel must have been on my radar about a year or so before I finally read it, having picked up from the cover and title what kind of love story it would be, and knowing much about how it would end.When I already know where a story is going, it takes more than just "going there" to keep me interested. The sensitive and nuanced way the author develops Dietrich and Maria in this novel kept me, a longtime historical fiction devotee, not only interested but engrossed.Yes, it's a sober, heartrending read of faith, as I expected. It also has wonderful imagery, and the scattered moments of joy are earned. The romance here is one of the meeting of minds, a slow burn of emotional depth made more intense through ever-lurking peril.Admittedly, I became a bit annoyed at the hero and heroine a time or two, even knowing the events are true, and I came across some minor predictability in the writing here and there (as well as the repeated use of the word "stationary" where it should say stationery, in reference to writing materials).But I ached at times through the tragedy and beauty of this story. And reading it impressed upon me the more how crucial it is for us not to merely romanticize history but to purposely learn from it—and to remember it in the midst of our critical present.__________I received a complimentary copy of this book, for which I've given an honest review.

[khoyt-43756 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book. It shows the greatness of love and the goodness of God to help us through all situations no matter how tragic or unfair the circumstances. It is romantic, inspiring, and faith-building.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Biographical fiction is a hard genre to master. You have to be true to your subject, yet present it in a creative and fresh way that will appeal to readers. Amanda Barratt took on a tough task when deciding to write a book featuring esteemed theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Her newest book, My Dearest Dietrich, captures the man that many did not know existed. An intimate look at the relationship between Bonhoeffer and his fiancee, Maria von Wedemeyer, this novel reminds the reader of the lives and loves that exist even during the turmoil of war. I really liked this book, yet have a hard time articulating how it touched my heart. It is definitely a highly recommended read.Before starting My Dearest Dietrich, I had only Bonhoeffer’s writings on the Christian life as a frame of reference. Barratt drew on those writings, plus the correspondence between Bonhoeffer and Maria, as well as other letters, to flesh out the man he truly was. Known as a brilliant theologian, a spy and conspirator determined to bring down Hitler, and an ultimate martyr to the cause, Bonhoeffer could be seen as larger than life. Barratt’s portrayal combines those elements with a heart of love and gentleness — a man who yearns for an ordinary life as husband, just as much as he yearns for a restored Germany. Maria is a young woman whose maturity grows as she faces hardship and heartache. Their story is set amidst the backdrop of cruelty and terror, yet it is the novel’s depiction of the mundane that allows the reader to see a blossoming relationship growing even in the hardest of times. There is a sense of hope in that. God was central to Maria and Dietrich’s lives, and their belief in Him determined their day-to-day decisions as well as their defiance of the Nazi regime. The book begins slowly, allowing the reader to see just what the characters are made of. Towards the end, the tension of the end of the war and the certain end of many of the characters’ lives made me read faster and faster. There are so many what-ifs the book brings to mind — what-if the conspiracy had been successful, what-if Bonhoeffer had not been discovered, what-if the Allies advancement on Berlin had been swifter. While I had a sense of sadness for Bonhoeffer and Maria, I am glad that I was given a small glimpse into their lives. Truly heroic, they serve as wonderful examples of lives devoted to each other, as well as Christ.My Dearest Dietrich is perfect for book discussion groups. There is so, so much to talk about — a Christian’s role in civic affairs, the appropriateness of rebellion against authority, the importance of placing God’s values and laws above society’s — are just a few. But I believe it is the bittersweet love of Maria and Dietrich that will capture the reader’s heart. Grab a few friends to read this book with.Highly Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Kregel and the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[sbmc-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“The world knew Dietrich Bonhoeffer. But they did not know him as she had. No one else did. Together, they had shared the most earthly and the most ethereal of emotions. Love. During a time history would remember as horrific, they’d experienced moments of beauty and joy.”How can a book with a known ending cause me to cry so much? I haven’t read another historical fiction like this book - one that feels like a biography with its meticulously researched details yet also like an old nostalgic black and white romance movie to be savored with the incredible swells of emotion. Each sentence is so beautifully and lovingly crafted, each page precious in its sorrow and hope. Amanda Barratt will take you into the heart and soul of Dietrich and Maria in the war-torn Germany to experience first-hand what they were seeing and feeling. Their friendship that slowly morphs into love is challenged on every side, first by Maria’s mother then by Dietrich’s arrest and imprisonment. Dietrich is drawn to Maria’s fresh innocence and youthful delight. Maria is drawn to Dietrich’s brilliant mind, unshakable faith, and deep sense of loyalty and honor and justice. Their love is so achingly tender, pummeled by loss and sorrow, yet grounded in the hope that is eternal and everlasting. This book will stay with me for a long time to come. Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s stance on what a true follower of Christ looks like is branded on my heart. I received a copy of the book from Kregel Publication and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It literally only took seconds of reading the prologue to pull me in completely. Beautiful, profound writing with a commanding and tender opening.I’ve always been drawn to war stories, both fiction and non-fiction. WWII carries atrocities, hardship, defeat, heartbreak, and darkness. Yet within its folds I find traces of triumph, strength, endurance, love, and illumination. The combination, for me, marks such a matchless time in history that can, and should, leave us forever changed. Which is what My Dearest Dietrich has done.Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a pastor who is involved in a dark plot. Maria Von Wedemeyer is a young woman who falls in love with him. Their unique relationship is revealed through his Nazi-era letters, and is bold, tragic, beautiful, and transforming.Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review.