This biography is beautiful, interesting, well-written and goes quite indepth about explaining every part of Bonhoeffer’s life and surrounding context. It frequently quotes primary sources like letters and journals from Bonhoeffer, his friends and family, and Nazi officials.

The only problem I saw is that the author tried really hard to paint church heros in a rosy light. Luther wasn’t anti-semitic, he just had health problems, etc. Every possibly negative aspect of Bonhoeffer’s is quickly followed by a quote of someone praising him. I don’t doubt that he was a wonderful person especially near the end of his life, but surely his depression and anger problems that he confesses to his dear friend came up in his life?

I really enjoyed this book, particularly the insights that Bonhoeffer shares about American culture and Christianity. An outsider’s perspective is precious. I also liked when he talked about what it’s like to live in a foreign land and language—so true. I knew virtually nothing about his life before reading this book, I have never read any of his writings, so I am glad that it gave me a strong grasp on how Bonhoeffer justified his deep respect for life with planning Hitler’s murder.