In Solitary Witness, Gordon Charles Zahn
In Solitary Witness, Gordon Charles Zahn
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In Solitary Witness
The Life and Death of Franz Jgersttter

Author: Gordon Charles Zahn

Narrator: Pete Cross

Unabridged: 9 hr 28 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/11/2019


Synopsis

This is the book that discovered Franz Jgersttter and his inspiring story of unyielding resistance to Nazi orders and his commitment to the dictates of conscience even at the cost of life itself. When German troops moved into Austria in 1938, Jgersttter was the only man in his village to vote against the Anschluss (Annexation of Austria). Although he was not involved in any political organization and did, in fact, undergo one brief period of military training, he remained openly anti-Nazi and declared he would not fight in Hitler's war. This twentieth-century martyr, a husband and father of three, was beheaded for his refusal to serve a ruler his conscience could not accept.

About Gordon Charles Zahn

Gordon Charles Zahn (1918-2007) was an American author, sociologist, pacifist, and professor who was a conscientious objector during World War II. After receiving his PhD from The Catholic University of America, he taught at Loyola University. The author of numerous book and articles, he focused on the topics of conscience and war.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Robert on February 12, 2013

Every age produces its heroes. Not all of them are flashy and brash and imposing. The greatest among them are simply steadfast witnesses to Truth. Franz Jagerstatter was such a man. An Austrian farmer and peasant, a poorly educated man, a wild youth, but a deep thinker nonetheless. This was Franz Ja......more

Goodreads review by Grace on June 05, 2024

This is a fascinating story and a deep dive into one man's brave decision to resist Hitler's war machine. With his simple rationale for this refusal, both deeply spiritual and moral, Jagerstatter stood alone in his time even until his death. His faith in God and his determination to resist evil are......more

Goodreads review by Nic on March 02, 2020

A beautiful book. Amazing such a peasant in the middle of Austria could see what crimes the Nazis were committing. One of the most horrifying moments in the book actually comes years after he passed where you find people in the town STILL SAYING he didn't serve his country. After all of the horrible......more

Goodreads review by Daniel on May 04, 2019

Coming at this book from the perspective of someone who has not studied sociology there is a lot to sift through to get to the story of Franz Jägerstätter. There were sections of this book that made it worth the read, but I definitely did not fly through it. In particular the section on the official......more

Goodreads review by Jim on January 11, 2020

Very interesting book about a young soldier who was drafted into the Nazi army and refused to be apart of anything to do with the war effort. The author had a balanced and fair approach to his very controversial decision and it consequences for his wife and young family.......more