The Faithful Spy

The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler
John Hendrix
Amulet, September, 2018 175 pages
Ages 10-Up
Non-fiction/Graphic

Hendrix tells the story of a Lutheran minister turned spy in Nazi Germany in an unexpected graphic format. Bonhoeffer was a theologian from a young age and studied religion in both his native Germany and New York City, where he made international acquaintances. After Hitler came to power Bonhoeffer considered fleeing, but returned to try to save his homeland from the lunatic that was Adolf Hitler. Struggling with God between the commandment to "not kill" and Jesus calling us to "love one another" and standing by while Hitler murders thousands of Innocent people, Bonhoeffer finally came to the conclusion that it was his divine duty to help take down the Fuehrer. Several assassination plots are illustrated all within the context of Bonhoeffer's part in them and the overall bloody machine that was Nazi Germany. It does not go well for Bonhoeffer or his friends in the end, but they all had the courage to stand up for what was right at the risk of their own lives and happiness and live within the dictate of their morals and religious beliefs.

This was a different take on Nazi Germany. Often we read stories either of the war itself or from the point of view of a Holocaust victim. This is the story of a German who could have slipped under the radar, but chose instead to fight back despite great personal danger and his faith challenging him to live a life of peace. Hendrix presents Bonhoeffer's story within the context of a brief history of Nazi Germany for those readers unfamiliar with the background. He acknowledges at the end of the volume that it is a very limited history, but includes an extensive bibliography, as well as documented source notes and an index for researchers. The factual information is sound, yet is presented in an interesting and appealing format. More text heavy than most graphic novels, each page contains a fair amount of background information in a graphic font, while using minimal speech balloons for dialog. The information and illustrations are realistically harsh, staying true to actual events, yet remain appropriate to a mature older elementary audience. Reluctant readers will snatch this volume up and devour it, learning a bit about WWII history along the way. Because of the nature of Bonhoeffer being a theologian, The Faithful Spy incorporates Christian teachings and principals, which may make it sensitive for classroom use, although certainly it belongs in a public library where readers can chose to select it; or not. Bonhoeffer's story has a lot to say to today's youth. What will you stand up for, even at the risk of your own personal security and happiness?