The Kindly Ones by Jonathan Littell
The book in question is a fictional memoir of a former SS intelligence officer who recounts his experiences during World War II, offering a detailed and disturbing insight into the machinery of the Nazi genocide from the perspective of a perpetrator. The narrative delves into the protagonist's complex psychology and his role in the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, as well as his post-war life. The novel is notable for its extensive historical research, moral ambiguity, and the controversial and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of the time.
The 2202nd greatest book of all time
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- Published
- 2006
- Nationality
- French
- Length
- Very Long
- Pages
- 900-1400
- Original Language
- French
- Avg User Rating
-
(3.7)
- Alternate Titles
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- As Benevolentes
- De Velvillige
- De Welwillenden
- Die Wohlgesinnten
- Le Benevole
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This book is on the following 8 lists:
- 4th on The Top 21: The Best Novels of the 21st Century (De Groene Amsterdammer)
- 33rd on The 101 Favorite Novels of 'Le Monde' Readers (Le Monde)
- 42nd on Honorable Mention - The 25 Masterpieces of World Literature That Will Define the 21st Century (25-250) (Télérama)
- 67th on The 100 Best Books of the Decade(2000) (Times)
- 116th on The 500 best books of all time from Culture Café users (Culture Café)
- 5424th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- Prix Goncourt (Prix Goncourt)
- The 100 Novels That Have Most Enthralled "Le Monde" Since 1944 (Le Monde)