My Opposition

Brief Summary

"My Opposition" by Friedrich Kellner offers an extraordinary personal account of life under Nazi Germany through the lens of a middle-ranking official who dared to stand in opposition to totalitarian rule. Written as a secret diary from 1939 to 1945, this book captures Kellner's courageous efforts to document the descent of his nation into dictatorship and genocide. The diary serves as a protest against the widespread complicity of his fellow countrymen in the brutalities of the regime. Kellner provides firsthand insights into the early awareness of the Jewish extermination, the candid discussions among soldiers about mass murders, and the Gestapo's ruthless enforcement of Nazi policies within Germany, ranging from the euthanasia campaigns to executing those who defied media restrictions. This compelling historical record is further enhanced by a foreword from historian Alan Steinweis and the compelling tale of how the diary was discovered and shared with the world by Kellner’s grandson, Robert Scott Kellner.

Main Themes and Topics

At the core of "My Opposition" are themes of resistance, moral courage, and the pivotal role of individual accountability in the face of collective wrongdoing. Kellner's writings illustrate the internal conflict of a man caught in a system that he fundamentally opposes, showcasing the moral dilemmas and personal risks associated with standing against an oppressive regime. The diary brings to light the theme of complicity, as Kellner meticulously records the widespread acceptance and participation of ordinary citizens in the horrors perpetrated by the Nazi government. Additionally, the documentation of systemic atrocities such as the genocide of Jews and the euthanasia programs serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked authoritarian power.

Writing Style and Tone

Friedrich Kellner's writing style in "My Opposition" is observant and forthright, delivering his observations and reflections with clarity and unyielding honesty. The tone throughout the diary is one of grave urgency and moral indignation, as Kellner seeks to capture not only the factual occurrences of the era but also the tragic moral failings of society. His prose powerfully conveys a sense of immediacy and the emotional weight of witnessing atrocities firsthand. Kellner's candid tone underscores the courage required to document these harrowing events amidst the danger of discovery by the Nazi regime.