THE Traitors Circle is a finely drawn telling of the story of some of those who found that keeping silent in Nazi Germany was not something that they could do. The book is a testimony to how important it is to find others who share your views and values in a tyrannical state — and how dangerous.
The Circle that Freedland writes of were well-born and well-connected, both within Germany and around the world. Most of them came to the notice of the Nazis very early on, and it feels astonishing that they were allowed to get away with things for as long as they did.
The diplomat Otto Kiep spoke in support of Einstein in New York in 1933. The inspiring head teacher Elisabeth von Thadden was reported for inviting a Jewish friend to a meal at her school. The civil servant Arthur Zarden was forced to resign because his parents-in-law were Jewish. The awesome Countess Maria von Maltzan lost her inheritance for speaking her mind on the rise of Hitler. (Her courage and confidence are inspiring and saved at least 60 Jews: she definitely deserves her own film).
Freedland, the experienced author and garlanded Guardian commentator, is particularly good on how a tiny error of trust brought disaster, and on how even those who survived the war could never emerge from the shadow of being betrayed and interrogated; for, as we are learning about the Circle, we are also learning about Leo Lange, who pioneered the use of gas to murder people, and was rewarded by being put in charge of arresting critics in Germany. His ruthless evil embodies what made so many people complicit — and how important it is that some people spoke out and acted.
We should thank the God whom so many of the Circle trusted and strove to follow that some Germans did stand — and blazed a trail for all those who also find their values and their God at war with their government. Rarely has the meeting of eyes between a husband and wife in a prison yard felt so tender, and the lone walk to the guillotine felt so brave.
The Revd Richard Lamey is Director of Mission and Ministry in the diocese of Norwich.
The Traitors Circle: The rebels against the Nazis and the spy who betrayed them
Jonathan Freedland
John Murray £25
(978-1-3998-1367-9)
Church Times Bookshop £22.50