Louise Fein is an excellent writer. In her novel, Daughter of the Reich, Fein writes about what goes on in and into the mind of a 12-year-old German girl during pre World War II Germany.

The most important influences are Hetty’s parents, Vati, her father, and Mutti, her mother. Vati tells Hetty “Jews do not follow German laws, they drink a lot, and corrupt young girls.” At another time, Vati tells Hetty, “There are 2,000 Jews in this district alone with their loud voices and dirty habits.” Hetty begins to question this.

After visiting a nursing home and seeing wounded German soldiers, Hetty is fearful of another war. Mutti, her mother, tells Hetty “Don’t worry. Hitler is a great ruler who will bring us peace.” At age 12, Hetty is already being exposed to Nazi propaganda.

Another influence in Hetty’s life is her brother, Karl. Karl becomes a member of the Hitler Jugend. Hetty hears her brother shout, “Adolf Hitler, you are our great fuhrer. Let us hear thy voice, and order us by your leadership. We will obey to the end, even with our lives!”

Hetty also wants to join the Hitler Jugend, but cannot since she is a girl. Karl tells Hetty that she cannot be a doctor and travel. Karl tells her Hitler wants her to stay home and bear children for the Reich. Her family and its beliefs have affected Hetty’s mind. She tells a picture of Hitler that she will be a good German girl.

As always, peers have an influence in the making of Hetty’s mind. Her friend, Tomas, spits on the sidewalk where an elderly Jewish couple is walking. Tomas encourages Hetty, “Say something!” Hetty shouts, “Jewish swine! Disgusting! Who wants to live among pigs?”

In her future, Hetty will no longer believe this. She questions many things that are said and were said to her.

Teachers can be a big influence on Hetty’s mind. At this time in her life, Hetty rejects their anti-Semitic views. They view another German student very negatively. Hetty believes he, Walter, is kind and thoughtful. “He doesn’t even look Jewish.”

Now comes the “juicy part.” Hetty and Walter meet several years later and fall in love. Hetty becomes pregnant. Walter is sent to a concentration camp, but is released. What will happen to Walter and Hetty? What will happen to their baby?

Read and find out! The ending is amazing!

Marsha Halpert is a former kindergarten teacher at Hebrew Academy and lives in Albany.