BOOK SUMMARY:
Before the rise of the Nazi party, Germany, especially Berlin, was one of the most tolerant places for homosexuals in the world. Activists, including Thomas Mann and Albert Einstein, campaigned openly for the rights of gay men and women, and tried to repeal the old existing law against homosexuality. But all that would change when the Nazis came to power and existence for gay people turned into one of fear. Raids, arrests, prison sentences and expulsions became the daily reality. When the concentration camps were built, homosexuals were imprisoned along with Jews and any other groups the Nazis wanted to suppress.
The pink triangle, sewn onto prison uniforms, became the symbol of the persecution of homosexuals, a persecution that would continue for many years after the war. A mix of historical research, first person accounts, and individual stories bring this time to life for readers. Stories of bravery in the face of inhuman cruelty, friendship found in the depths of despair in the camps, and the perseverance of the human spirit will both educate and inspire.
Before the rise of the Nazi party, Germany, especially Berlin, was one of the most tolerant places for homosexuals in the world. Activists, including Thomas Mann and Albert Einstein, campaigned openly for the rights of gay men and women, and tried to repeal the old existing law against homosexuality. But all that would change when the Nazis came to power and existence for gay people turned into one of fear. Raids, arrests, prison sentences and expulsions became the daily reality. When the concentration camps were built, homosexuals were imprisoned along with Jews and any other groups the Nazis wanted to suppress.
The pink triangle, sewn onto prison uniforms, became the symbol of the persecution of homosexuals, a persecution that would continue for many years after the war. A mix of historical research, first person accounts, and individual stories bring this time to life for readers. Stories of bravery in the face of inhuman cruelty, friendship found in the depths of despair in the camps, and the perseverance of the human spirit will both educate and inspire.
Release date: April 15th 2013
Published by: Second Story Press
Page numbers: 155
REVIEW:
When I first came across Branded by the Pink Triangle, I was very curious to know about the condition and situation of homosexuals during World War II because I never even gave it a thought. I always love reading about World War II because books based during that time are full of raw emotion and they shatter me. I also love reading LGBT books for more or less the same reason. So when I realised that there is a book that takes up both the themes, I was overwhelmed and I had to read the book.
Branded by the Pink Triangle is a non-fiction account of homosexuality during Hitler's regime. Now we all know that this time was the most bloody and brutal of all history. This book isn't any different. It already kills me on the inside to read about the way people were treated during this period, but to have learned that homosexuals were treated even more badly by means that were absolutely disgusting and nasty, had me devastated.
A very well written book with thoroughly researched information, Branded by the Pink Triangle is a true eye-opener to something that hasn't been spoken of enough, and that deserves a place in history and in all our hearts. Author Ken Setterington has put out a commendable and remarkable piece of work that deserves and demands to be read, just to understand everything a little better. And to all those people mentioned in the book... Wow, we salute you.
Uh, tough and raw theme.
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