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Destined to Witness

Growing Up Black in Nazi Germany

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Destined to Witness

By: Hans Massaquoi
Narrated by: Peter Jay Fernandez
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About this listen

What would life be like for a Black boy growing up in Nazi Germany? This unprecedented autobiography answers that question with the spellbinding true story of Hans J. Massaquoi’s life in Hamburg during the height of Hitler’s regime.

Hans is the son of a Black Liberian diplomat father and a white German mother. His father returns to Africa at the beginning of the war, leaving them behind in poverty and without the means to flee. Bewildered, Hans is force-fed ceaseless anti-semitic and anti-African propaganda in his schools. Within this tense atmosphere, increasingly violent Nazi policies and Allied bombing raids make Hans and his mother’s lives a desperate day-to-day struggle for survival.

Through countless close calls, Hans perseveres by his ingenuity, strength of character and a liberal dose of good luck - eventually going on to find his father in Liberia and emigrate to America.

Peter Jay Fernandez’s intense narration brilliantly punctuates all of the tragedy and triumph in this monumental audiobook.

©1999 Hans J. Massaquoi (P)2001 Recorded Books 20th Century Americas Black & African American Cultural & Regional Europe Germany Historical Military Modern Social Sciences United States War Imperialism

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Most relevant  
I read this book back in 1999/2000 when it was first published and found it to be one of the greatest autobiographies I'd ever read. In October 2020 I found it on audible and decided to listen to it again. I'm listening for the second time and cannot fully express my gratitude for Hans J Massaquoi for writing this book, also for the EXCELLENT narration that Peter Jay Fernandez has done with re telling it in his own voice. His performance, like the story is truly unforgettable. I would urge anyone to read this book to discover the kind of trials a human being can face while avoiding bitterness and revenge. It is a wonderful account of a kind, funny, thoughtful, clever, hardworking and loving man. May he rest in Peace always.

Truly Unforgettable

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This book was very enjoyable. A different perspective on Nazi Germany, from a boy who considered himself a proper little German, yet wasn't wanted by the authorities in his country. It is amazing how little racism he experiences from most normal people and then suddenly (like when he tries to join the Hitler Youth) he finds his services are not required. An excellent book, telling a fascinating story with an admirable lightness of touch.

Really Interesting Perspective

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A unique and detailed insight into a young boys life in a hostile regime. it was touching to hear of the people who went out of their way to defend his right to be treated fairly.

Captivating listen

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informative and compelling to listen to. I highly recommend this book. The narrator was very good.

Interesting....

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Would you listen to Destined to Witness again? Why?

Yes, because the book goes into such detail, I feel that if I was to read it again I'd pick up on more details that maybe I hadn't caught previously.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that there were tense moments, moments of equilibrium and disequilibrium throughout the story. It never ceased to catch my all round focus. I like how the narrator/author goes into depth about his surroundings, it makes it easy for me to picture the exact environment, allowing me to vision it exactly from the last point that I'd listened to the book.

Have you listened to any of Peter Jay Fernandez’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was so captivating to me that I didn't want the book to end, so I made sure to listen to about 3 hours each day, so that I had something to look forward to at the end of each day.

Any additional comments?

Amazing and inspiring book. Reading this, you are able to capture the history of civilians of the World War 2 from a different perspective.

Amazing Truthful detail

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