"The boy at the top of the mountain" by John Boyne - Reflected glory !
This book is published by RH UK in 2016 and has 224 pages.
It’s 1936. Pierrot Fischer, son of German father and French mother, is orphaned. His estranged aunt Beatrix, who works as a house keeper at a home on a mountain top in Berghoff, Austria, takes him in. Everyone in the house is afraid of the master who visits the home but doesn't stay for long. Some even dislike him but would never speak out.
Why did he agree to shelter Pierrot? Will Pierrot be influenced by the master? What will become of his friend Anshel? Who is the master?
Although the identity of the wealthy and strict master is an enigma for a while, it’s revealed that it’s none other than Adolf Hitler who is convinced that Germany was unfairly treated and he should bring Germany back to its lost glory.
Somehow, Pierrot ends up spending a lot of time with Hitler and slowly but surely he is indoctrinated. He starts thinking that men are superior. Jews have robbed the Germans and they are sub-humans. He ceases any communication with Anshel. Uniform brings entitlement. He is important and his friendship is something that others should covet. He becomes insolent and considers himself very important. He thinks that the reflected glory is his own.
His aunt doesn’t like the transformation but she is helpless. Then Pierrot takes a step that marks the point of no return. Although he earns Hitler’s trust, his area of influence is restricted to Berghoff. And then the wheel of time turns.
It’s a medium size book. Readers are amazed to witness Pierrot’s metamorphosis. On one side they are amazed and on the other they feel sorry for him. It’s a very pertinent question. What happened to Hitler’s foot soldiers after his death?
Author concludes the book with a beautiful twist. This twist, although unexpected, isn’t out of line with the story. The seeds are already there.
Why did I read this book? Author.
What I didn't like? Umm......
What did I like? How playable minds work.
Recommend reading.
