The Devil That Never Dies

The Rise and Threat of Global Antisemitism

By: Daniel Jonah Goldhagen

Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins

Length: 22 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

A groundbreaking - and terrifying - examination of the widespread resurgence of antisemitism in the 21st century, by the prize-winning and number-one internationally best-selling author of Hitler's Willing Executioners.

Antisemitism never went away, but since the turn of the century it has multiplied beyond what anyone would have predicted. It is openly spread by intellectuals, politicians, and religious leaders in Europe, Asia, the Arab world, America, and Africa and supported by hundreds of millions more. Indeed, today antisemitism is stronger than any time since the Holocaust.

In The Devil That Never Dies, Daniel Jonah Goldhagen reveals the unprecedented, global form of this age-old hatred; its strategic use by states; its powerful appeal to individuals and groups; and how technology has fueled the flames that had been smoldering prior to the millennium.

A remarkable work of intellectual brilliance, moral stature, and urgent alarm, The Devil That Never Dies, is destined to be one of the most provocative and talked-about books of the year.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2013 Daniel Jonah Goldhagen (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Confusing and repititious

What did you like best about The Devil That Never Dies? What did you like least?

The best feature was that Goldhagen traces the history of antisemitism from the earliest times up to present. Goldhagen's writing, however was poor: repetitious both in terms of wording and topics, and confusing. I was not able to listen to the entire book. It was making me antisemitic - and I'm Jewish! I want my credit back!

What do you think your next listen will be?

The Drive on Moscow, 1941: Operation Taifun and Germany’s First Great Crisis of World War II

What does Kevin T. Collins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narration made it easier to follow

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

Devastating, despite a few flaws

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook. Despite a few flaws (e.g., self-indulgently wordy and discursive reasoning, and a definition of antisemitism that frays at the ends by trying to cover too much), the subject is topical, the thesis is powerful, the categories are useful, and the narration is exceptional.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Kevin T. Collins is the best narrator I've had the pleasure of hearing. He's glib, practiced, engaging, and lends a tremendous amount of gravitas to what he's saying. If this book doesn't appeal to you, you won't fall asleep listening to him; and if the author's chilling argument resonates with you, you'll hang on Collins's every word.

Which scene was your favorite?

Goldhagen shines when he's 1) Elucidating what makes modern "global" antisemitism new, unique, and threatening; and 2) Pointing up the banality of his subject by comparing antisemitism to hatred against other discreet social groupings: i.e., Most people would never quietly indulge the claims routinely made about Jews, much less demurely accept the provocations made against them, were they leveled at just about any other ethnic group, religious community, nationality, or race.

If you could give The Devil That Never Dies a new subtitle, what would it be?

The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion meet the Internet

Any additional comments?

More works by Goldhagen, more narration by Collins, and more books on Jewish subjects, please.

Long but informative

Learned much of which I was not aware. Unfortunate that it will not readily be ameliorated.