Book Review: Blitzed by Norman Ohler

“The scientist, considered unimpeachable at his institute at the Military Medical Academy, whitewashed the inquiries into the stimulant prepared for Berlin. At the same time he revealed his own, very personal inadequacy: he knew the drug better than anybody, and he was aware of its dangers, but he had become dependent upon it and played down the negative effects both to himself and to others. A classic case of an addicted dealer.”

Norman Ohler, Blitzed

Review:

The idea of Adolph Hitler on high doses of drugs doesn’t change the perception of the evil he embodied, but the idea that drugs might have been commonplace in the homes of the German people explains a lot about (or at least part of) why he was able to dominate them with his radical ideologies. 

This book delves into the drug history of the Third Reich from use in the home and everyday life to Hitler himself, desperate to maintain the ‘enthusiasm’ he had in the early days of his reign. In a society that touts a ‘pure race’ and ‘perfection’, drugs are the only way to maintain that illusion. But the euphoria doesn’t last long. 

I found this book truly fascinating. It’s a relatively short read but filled with information and thorough research on the drug history during this time in this region. Though interesting, it’s also haunting to think what this experimentation contributed to in the long run; not only through the Third Reich’s power and influence, but the rise of drug use and addiction that continues to this day. 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• Well-researched.
• Translated well.
• Offers a less discussed perspective on what might have been going on behind the scenes in the Third Reich.

What I didn’t like:

• The organization could have been slightly better.

Afterthoughts:

I’m curious to read this author’s other book, Tripped, which from the brief description I read seems like it will tie into Operation Paperclip.

Where to buy the book: