Sophie Scholl and the White Rose - Book Report/Review Example

(Assignment) Sophie Scholl and the White Ross The book, Sophie Scholl and the White Rose by Dumbach and Newborn, gives an inspiring account of the German resistance to the Third Reich. This book, for its brilliant narration of the so called subversive activities of young Scholl and the secret group White Rose makes a genuine attempt to unearth the untold aspects of the Second World War. Evidently, the writers heed their attention to explore the spirit of human endurance by saying the story of five German University students and their professor, who formed White Ross, the ant-Nazi association (1942-1943).

The story indeed let the world know that there were people who did not want to follow the Nazi ideologies. The white Rose was alleged for its writing and distributing pamphlets calling for the end of the war. The pamphlets it distributed condemned the inhuman acts that the Nazis had been performing in concentration camps. It was at the age of 21 Sophie Scholl got executed by the people’s court in Germany for working against Hitler. The Europe in its darkest age has been well depicted in the book and that makes the book a valuable addition to the volumes of history.

Freedom of spirit was important to Scholl since her childhood, for her father had told her thus, “what I want for you is to live in uprightness and freedom of spirit, no matter how difficult that proves to be” (The international Raoul Wallenberg Foundation). Although the book has Scholl as its major focus, it takes readers very close to every character. Undoubtedly, another important character of the book is Hans Scholl, Sophie’s brother and member of the White Ross who also was executed with Sophie.

Once being the member of Hitler Youth, he is well aware of the malicious motives of Nazis. He is therefore well determined and remains to be the major influencing individual of the White Ross. The total spirit of the group is clearly demonstrated through their own words in the last line of a leaflet; “we will not be silent. We are your bad conscience. The white Rose will not leave you in peace.” (94). What the writers want to tell the world seems this; “you can live without owning anything, but you can’t live without having something ahead of you……………….

you can’t live without hope”(185). The book altogether makes the best example of how a well written book can convey a ton of new information to readers who even may not have advanced knowledge in history. As readers, we can learn many aspects of the then societal conditions of Germany and how the war and Third Reich were perceived by common people. Works Cited Dumbach, Annette and Newborn, Jud. Sophie Scholl and the White Rose. Oneworld Publications, 2007. Print. Sophie Scholl and the White Ross.

The international Raoul Wallenberg Foundation. Web 18 June 2011