The Kindly Ones is a historical fiction novel written by Jonathan Littell. It was originally published in French in 2006 under the title “Les Bienveillantes” and later translated into English by Charlotte Mandell. The book is known for its controversial subject matter and its exploration of the Holocaust through the perspective of a fictional SS officer.

The story is narrated by Maximilien Aue, a former SS officer who reflects on his experiences during World War II. Aue, who holds a doctorate in law and literature, provides a detailed and introspective account of his involvement in various atrocities committed by the Nazis.

The novel begins with Aue’s childhood in France and his complex relationship with his twin sister Una. As the story progresses, Aue’s family moves to Germany, where he becomes involved with the Nazi Party. He eventually joins the SS and participates in several key events of the war, including the Battle of Stalingrad and the extermination of Jews in Ukraine.

Throughout the book, Aue grapples with his own identity and morality. He questions whether he is a victim or a perpetrator, as he witnesses and participates in horrific acts of violence. Littell delves into the psychological depths of Aue’s character, exploring themes of guilt, complicity, and the banality of evil.

“The Kindly Ones” also incorporates elements of mythology and literature. Aue frequently references Greek mythology, drawing parallels between ancient tragedies and the events unfolding around him. The novel also includes numerous literary allusions, particularly to works by Marcel Proust.

Littell’s writing style is dense and detailed, often delving into lengthy descriptions of historical events and philosophical musings. The book spans over 900 pages, allowing for an extensive exploration of its themes and characters.

Despite its critical acclaim and numerous awards, “The Kindly Ones” has been met with controversy due to its graphic and explicit depiction of violence. Some critics argue that the novel’s portrayal of the Holocaust is gratuitous and sensationalized, while others praise its unflinching examination of the darkest aspects of human nature.

In conclusion, “The Kindly Ones” by Jonathan Littell is a thought-provoking and controversial novel that delves into the psyche of a fictional SS officer during World War II. Through its exploration of guilt, complicity, and the banality of evil, the book offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust and raises important questions about morality and responsibility.

• The Kindly Ones

• By: Jonathan Littell
• Narrated by: Grover Gardner

“Oh my human brethren, let me tell you how it happened.” So begins the chilling fictional memoir of Dr Maximilien Aue, a former Nazi officer who reinvents himself, years after the war, as a man of the strata middle class and factory owners in France.

Max was an intellectual passionate about philosophy, literature, and classical music. He is also a cold-blooded assassin and a brilliant official. Through the eyes of this educated yet monstrous man, we experience with disturbing precision the horrors of World War II and the Nazi Holocaust.

Between June 1941 and April 1945, Max was taken to Poland, Ukraine and the Caucasus; he was present at the Battle of Stalingrad and at Auschwitz; and he lived through the chaos of the last days of the Nazi regime in Berlin.

Although Max is a purely fictional character, his world is surrounded by real historical figures, such as Eichmann, Himmler, Göring, Speer, Heydrich, Höss and Hitler himself.

A supreme historical epic and a haunting work of fiction, Jonathan Littell’s masterpiece is intense, hallucinogenic, and utterly original. Published and received impressive critical acclaim in France in 2006, it won the Goncourt Goncourt, that country’s most prestigious literary award, and generated numerous responses and questions. Question from readers: How do novels deal with the evil nature of human beings? How should a novel include the Holocaust? In what ways do history and fiction come together and where do they separate?

I found this book to be shocking but so well written that I thought the author had to have been there. The narrator was excellent. During the book I wavered between empathy for Max and revulsion. However, at the end of the book, when I though I had been shocked as much as possible, I was shocked again. I actually did something I seldom do. At the end of the book, I started at the beginning again.

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