In Solitary Witness

The Life and Death of Franz Jägerstätter

By: Gordon Charles Zahn

Narrated by: Pete Cross

This is the book that discovered Franz Jägerstätter 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, Jägerstätter 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 20th century martyr, a husband and father of three, was beheaded for his refusal to serve a ruler his conscience could not accept.

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Such wisdom

What an amazing story and Franz Has such depths a wisdom that can only come from a man to be a saint someday.

Fantastic

This is the most impactful story of matyrdom I've ever encountered. To hear his prayers and struggles in seemingly real time is haunting and inspiring. I am so thankful to the author, the narrator, and the publisher for making this available.

Franz is a Secondary Character

I have to say I wanted to love this story. However, in making the story of Franz the secondary story, it's easy to get lost in the side story. This is a sociological story, full of facts, figures ,and writings that really don't connect a lot of times. It's like a book within a book. It's about the horrors of National socialism, and one Austrian solitary farmer choosing his faith over allegiance to the party line. And how those around him, especially clergy, often chose to go along with the National Socialists and not stand up for their faith. In many ways, the author is simply trying to accomplish too much in one writing. Oh how I wish this book had told the story of Franz Jagerstatter instead of diving off into facts and figures. But it's still definately worth a listen.

A Story that Needs to Be Known

Very good listen. The book seems to be hard to find (or $$) so this is a deal. A Hidden Life - the movie was great, but this book really helps one understand the whole story.

A "must" read

It's my latest discover. What surprised me most was how germanic mentality is "formated" by Hegel and the obedience imperative, which translates into not taking responsability for one's own decisions and acts but push it to the authorities, decision-makers. A schisophrenic mentality. It seems to be true till our present times, regretfully. And the hierarchy didn't see anything wrong with it!!!