The Cost of Following Christ: A Book Review on Eric Metaxas' "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy"

It is 1906 in Germany. A baby boy is born to a wealthy and illustrious family with famous relatives. The baby's parents named him Dietrich. Little did they know, this boy would grow up to become an intelligent pastor, defender of Jews, member of the Confessing Church, anti-Nazi, and a martyr for his beliefs. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was truly a remarkable person, and New York Times Best-Selling Author Eric Metaxas wrote a masterpiece on the life and work of this amazing German pastor. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy: A Righteous Gentile vs. The Third Reich" (being the full title) won the ECPA Book of the Year, the Canterbury Medal by the Becket Fund recognizing courage in the defense of religious liberty, and the Christopher Award (highlighting the power of faith, courage, and action), all in 2011.

SUMMARY

   The book begins with the Prologue in 1945, with the end of World War II. Chapter 1 goes back in time and begins in 1896 with the meeting of Karl Bonhoeffer and Paula von Hase, Dietrich's parents. It ends with Dietrich's memorial service in 1945 (Bonhoeffer died during the war and the book refers to it throughout, so I won't try to hide the "spoiler"). In over 500 pages, it spans the entire thirty-nine years of Bonhoeffer's life.

CONTENT

   This is not a children's book. Bonhoeffer worked against the Third Reich, so he came across much violence including war, death of loved ones, concentration camps, euthanasia, and many other sick and wrong things. Set primarily during World War II (and a little during World War I), there is much violence discussed in the biography. 

   There is not really anything inappropriate in Bonhoeffer, but there are still some parts to mention. The word "prostitution" comes up two or three times, and towards the end of the book, it is mentioned that a German and a Jew had an immoral relationship. Also, Bonhoeffer has a romantic relationship with a younger girl, but there isn't anything inappropriate to be found in this (quite the opposite, actually).

   The only language used in the book is, "My God" a few times and a couple uses of the word "bloody." These words as only used in quotations of Bonhoeffer and others.

   This book is not a novel in any use of the word. It is a biography and historical account of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, so just be prepared for that. I thought the first eight chapters or so were a little bit slow, but those who stick with it are greatly rewarded after reading the last page! Although I enjoy reading novels, this is one of the most amazing and wonderful books I have ever read. I am quite interested in World War II history, and I put Bonhoeffer right up there with The Hiding Place as my favorite books of that period. 

   Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy is a great book, and I recommend it to all who can get a hold of this masterpiece.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Number of pages: 591

Author of book: Eric Metaxas

Published in: 2010

Primary audience: Adults (though I'm sure many teens will enjoy this as well)