All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days

Main Themes and Topics

All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days by Rebecca Donner explores the compelling life and tragic death of Mildred Harnack, an American who played a pivotal role in the German resistance against Nazi Germany. At its core, the book delves into themes of courage and resistance, highlighting the moral fortitude required to oppose tyranny and oppression. Donner meticulously recounts Harnack's journey from an academic pursuit at a German university to her involvement in clandestine activities aimed at undermining the Nazi regime. The book is also a profound reflection on defiance and sacrifice, illustrating how ordinary individuals can influence extraordinary historical movements.

Writing Style and Tone

Rebecca Donner's writing is both captivating and rigorous, seamlessly fusing narrative nonfiction with elements of a political thriller. Her style is engaging and accessible, effectively bringing historical events to life in vivid detail. Through the use of a wide array of primary sources, including letters, diary entries, and declassified documents, Donner reconstructs the life of her great-great-aunt with scholarly precision and narrative flair. The tone of the book is one of admiration and respect, as it paints a portrait of a remarkable woman whose bravery was largely unrecognized for decades.

Awards and Recognition

The book has garnered significant acclaim, clinching the 2022 PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography and the National Book Critics Circle Award. It was also a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Award and the Plutarch Award. Recognized as a New York Times Notable Book and a New York Times Critics' Top Pick of 2021, All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days has solidified its position as a crucial addition to literature on World War II resistance. Publications like the Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine have also included it in their lists of the best books of 2021.

Brief Summary

The book chronicles the remarkable yet largely untold story of Mildred Harnack, an American academic who became a key figure in the German resistance against the Nazi regime during World War II. Moving to Germany for her PhD, Harnack witnessed the rise of Hitler and organized resistance efforts, recruiting working-class Germans, aiding Jews, and engaging in espionage. Her efforts eventually caught the attention of the Gestapo, leading to her capture and execution. Through Donner's exhaustive research and compelling narrative, the book sheds light on a courageous woman nearly forgotten by history, offering a gripping account of sacrifice and resilience.