Authors Helping Authors discussion

Okay I have a question and would love some feedback. I was chatting with my hubby about an intriguing new book idea; writing about someone from Adolph Hitler's family ( writing about how their relationship affected the subjects life) and my hubby surprised me by asking if it was okay to make money from that topic. I hadn't really given that any thought. I wasn't planning to glorify Hitler at all, really just focusing on how even those close to him could be conflicted and negatively affected by knowing him. Anyhow - it got me thinking, is it okay to do a book like this? Its a very different kind of historical fiction, would this topic be offensive? Please share your thoughts - I would really like some feedback.

If you ask me, it's okay. Timus Vermes, a German writer, published in 2012 a book, a satire, where Hitler is the main character. It's called "Look who's back". Since then it has been translated in several languages.

It's a subject that would have to be approached very carefully, but it could be very powerful if done in a skillful way. I think the key is to be very aware of how you want to portray him and then maybe find some beta readers who may have strong personal ties to give you some feedback.

There are subjects that both readers & writers are comfortable with/squirm & avoid.
I can't read ANY books with rape, child molestation, incest--which is why I quickly lost interest in Game of Thrones.

I think you've come up with an intriguing premise, but be prepared for the haters, regardless of how thoughtful your writing is/how careful you are NOT to 'glorify' Hitler.

Thanks so much for all your feedback everyone, I appreciate all your suggestions

Karey makes a very good point. THe subject may never be welcomed by all readers. I think you should think very hard about why you want to write such a story. What are you trying to say? Do you want to show the "human" side of him? Or perhaps just how crazy he was on a personal level? Show how he got that way? Some readers might have a real problem with anything that makes him seem more human or emphathetic. It's an interesting question and a subject that's sure to create a stir with some readers.

I think what might be interesting is how his family responded to his monstrous deeds.
Did they smile in his face, terrified of him, and plot their escape behind his back? I've never looked into this, but in answering this question you've posted, I find myself curious. Did they relocate to other countries, change their last name?
Were they forced into his 'army'?
Or, did they go willingly?
His mother was Jewish. How could he have done this? Why? Because she was Jewish, I'm VERY curious as to what became of his family/their reaction/response to what he did.
This is why I stated you've an interesting premise...but I wouldn't just do what transpired BEFORE Adolf became known the world over, I'd go into what became of his family during and after as well.
Hurry up and write it :D

Thanks so much Karey - that is exactly what I was planning to focus on, his Mom died when he was very young, but he did have a sister. I have been doing some research and its really interesting - I agree it raises so many questions. I really appreciate the encouragement.

I think it will be offensive to some, but that doesn't mean it's not ok. Does that make sense? There's a ton of media about Hitler, ranging from serious (The Downfall) to ridiculous (Hipster Hitler, memes about The Downfall), and someone is offended by some or all of it. But other people enjoy it. A watercolor that he painted just sold for like $35k. Offensive to some, but interesting to others. I think it's all context or how you present it. If you're glorifying him, well that would be offensive. But I think if that were your intent, you wouldn't worry about being offensive.

It's an ancestor of Hitler? No, that's fine as long as you don't portray Hitler as Gramps.

Have you ever read the Boys From Brazil?