The Nazi Mind: Twelve Warnings from History by Laurence Rees (book cover is in image) is the perfect narrative for layperson like me interested in understanding the how cultural conditions and the psychological mindset of the Germans prior to and during WWII led to the rise of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust.

The narration by John Sackville was engaging and easy to follow and allowed me to complete the entire audio in one day. I recommend this book to those like me who want to learn abut the history with out being bogged down in academic language.

Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: May 06 2025

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The Nazi Mind is a compelling story for those interested in WWII and the psychology of human behavior. It delves into the 12 warning signs of the Holocaust, exploring the motivations of those who committed atrocities all in the name of Adolf Hitler.

John Sackville narrates the audiobook with a pleasant voice that conveys the gravity of the subject matter. His narration enhances the story, making it engaging and thought-provoking.

Rees has a remarkable talent for weaving together firsthand accounts, historical documents, and expert analysis to provide a comprehensive look into the psychology behind one of history’s most infamous regimes. This book presents a chilling yet insightful exploration of the motivations, fears, and beliefs that fueled the rise and rule of the Nazi leadership. I appreciated the meticulous research and the way Rees draws from interviews and archival material to humanize even the darkest figures in history, making for a gripping, if unsettling, listen.

However, the book’s intense subject matter and sometimes dense analysis may not appeal to every reader. It demands a certain level of emotional and intellectual engagement, which might be challenging for those less familiar with the period. Additionally, the audio format, while well-narrated, can feel overwhelming at times given the gravity of the content.

Overall, "The Nazi Mind" is a compelling but heavy exploration of a critical chapter in human history. I’d recommend it to those deeply interested in WWII, psychology, or political history, but with the caveat that it may not be for everyone.

Thank you to Laurence Rees, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley/Hachette for the advanced copy of the audiobook.

This book was a really informative refresher to how the Nazis persuaded civilians with little effort to commit crime against humanity. Listening to this book in 2025 forced to me to think even more critically than I would have in previous years and make comparisons to current events. Certain chapters, especially the early ones, were really dense and not very provocative. Then, there were sections that were fascinating, relevant, and downright terrifying. I actually listened to a couple of chapters several times. I particularly appreciated the psychological analysis of Nazis and Nazi collaborators. As someone from a history undergrad background, I really appreciated the analysis of German women’s participation in atrocities. This is not something that is explored enough in history classes and there’s so much to unpack as to why this and how this happens.

I've been slowly making my way through this book as I know how necessary a book about this topic always is but mindful of my mental health, so taking it in small doses seemed best.

While some might consider the lessons this book draws attention slightly derivative of other history books written on the topic, I think what this book does brilliantly is explore the Nazi mind and explain not only how the German population of the era could fall under the spell of a charismatic leader but also how Nazi commanders could start justifying atrocities committed against the Jew and other ethnicities.
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The extracts from interviews and the Nuremberg trial are hard hitting. However, I have to say I'm not amazed that some of these former Nazis admitted openly to not feeling a shred of remorse. Given that this is not the first book on the topic of Holocaust, I have already been exposed to the pernicious and dehumanising effects of the mentality of 'us against them '.

Another point in favour of this book is how timely it is because society is recurrently in danger of falling in the same traps.

Thank you to Laurence Rees, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

The Nazi Mind takes a fascinating deep dive into the psychology behind the who’s, what’s and how’s of the atrocities that took place leading up to and during WWII.

I thought the narrator did a great job. I also loved that this was a perspective you don’t normally get —
Still factual, but from the perception of the mind, rather than opinion or cold hard facts.

I’d highly recommend this book to anyone interested in WWII and wants to learn more about the psychological impact that occurred during this time.

*A big thank-you to Laurence Rees, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
I have read several books by Mr Rees, and apprecite his clear explanations of the problems he tackles. The Nazi Mind is another attempt to analyze motivations both ordinary Germans and those who had power and influence had to back the Nazi rule. This book offers warnings for us all who still believe that what happened then cannot be repeated.
Highly recommend to those who want to understand.

Thank you to Hachette Audio for this advances arc audiobook.

Narrator: 5 stars - The narrator made this story even more compelling and kept me interested all through. I am not one who read or listen to lots of non fiction, it is not my usual preference but this was one of the best narrated audiobook.

This is a non fiction story based on how Hitler came to power and how WWII happened. It showcase how, at many times, this could have been prevented (eg Hitler was incarcerated after their COUP attempt but managed to be out quite quickly). It's based on factual data and psychological aspect mixed with how they were able to manipulate through misinformation, scare tactics and full blown Semitism, thousands if not millions of people.

This story is actually truly scary as I feel we are in 2025 reliving every steps that occurred after WWI that lead to WWII. A person cannot read/listen to this story and not see the correlation with MAGA movement. The question is: Will we do something to prevent this movement to rise and become the exact replica of WWII or Will we close our eyes and ignore the warning signs like in 1926?

The Nazi Mind gives a detailed account of psychological motivations behind Nazis and those who would justify their own actions within the time period.

Audiobook Review: The Nazi Mind by Laurence Rees
Narrated by Derek Perkins

I received this audiobook from NetGalley, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to discover and read new authors and share my thoughts.

This was my first book by Laurence Rees, and as someone who has a deep interest in the history of World War II and the Holocaust, I found The Nazi Mind to be a powerful and insightful listen. Just when I think I’ve read or heard it all on this topic, another book like this comes along and teaches me something new.

What stood out to me most about The Nazi Mind was its exploration of the psychological and ideological foundations behind the Nazi party and its followers. Rather than focusing solely on battles, timelines, or key figures, Rees delves into what drove ordinary people to support, follow, and participate in one of history’s most horrifying regimes. The book draws from firsthand interviews, survivor testimonies, and decades of historical research to examine not just what happened, but why it happened—on a deeply human level.

The narrator, Derek Perkins, did a fantastic job delivering this heavy and emotional content. His voice was steady and clear, and there were moments when I could truly hear empathy and emotional weight in his tone, which made the listening experience all the more impactful.

Overall, The Nazi Mind is a thought-provoking and necessary read for anyone seeking to understand the psychological mechanisms of mass manipulation, fear, and ideology during one of history’s darkest times. I highly recommend it to readers of WWII history, and I’m grateful to have been introduced to Laurence Rees through this audiobook.

Thank you again to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this excellent work.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hatchett Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen and review this book. All opinions are my own.

The Nazi Mind is a great read, especially if you're interested in WWII and the psychology behind what motivates people to do what they do. The Holocaust is the most devastating time in history for genocide and this books delves into the 12 warning signs of what was about to happen when Adolf Hitler became dictator and the minds behind those that committed the ultimate atrocities in the name of Hitler.

Laurence Rees does a great job with outlining facts and telling a story that, while quite sad and brutal to listen to, is also very intriguing. I could tell while listening to this that Rees did a lot of research and he did a wonderful job of translating history into a, sort of, criminal profiling-type read for Nazis.

I would absolutely listen/read anything else by Rees in the future and look forward to seeing what he comes out with next as well as what Hachett Audio releases in the future.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for an advanced audiobook of The Nazi Mind.

I have read a number of Laurence Rees books previously and he is an expert in this field. As usual from him, this book has been thoroughly researched and is very thought provoking. The author links the way Nazi propaganda was used to appeal to and to win over many, even though it was so self-evidently wrong.

I found the information about the way the brain develops very interesting. This was something I had not considered previously and the author used this to great effect in his developing his hypothesis.

The way the cult of Nazism was sold, with the "them and us" way of differentiating resonates to some degree with the personality politics we see today. The author does seem to play on this.

This audiobook is expertly narrated by John Sackville. I will certainly look for his work again.

An excellent book but certainly not an easy read purely due to the subject matter.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Obviously, there are quite a few trigger warnings for this book. Some of the many include genocide, concentration camps, torture, rape, suicide, plus homophobia, antisemitism, racism, ableism, fascism, and a whole lot more.

I think it’s vitally important to study history to learn lessons from the past. Most people would say that’s so we don’t repeat some things. But somehow, neo nazis still exist, the KKK still exists, and fascism is back, at least here in the United States.

What I liked about this book is that it’s written in a way that’s accessible and not textbook-like. That’s not saying that the subject is oversimplified, but rather a comfortable middle ground. There are twelve psychological and political warnings here, and it’s not a stretch to see what’s happening in our part of the world right now. There are so many similarities, it’s frightening.

Despite the accessible style of writing, it’s still a hard topic to study. Generally speaking, I don’t study the atrocities of WWII because I studied it so much in high school and college, and I had excellent teachers who didn’t sugar-coat anything and use both-sides-ism. But I do think it’s important to read books like this so we, the resistance, know how to fight back.

This audiobook is narrated by John Sackville. He has a very pleasant speaking voice, yet it has the gravity that is needed to talk about these horrible topics in detail. I would definitely listen to something other books narrated by him.

I'm just...overwhelmed. More horrible details are discussed which will have you questioning the humanity of the everyday German public during the Reich.
I am very of German heritage with known relatives, a great uncle that was in the Lüftwaffe. Nazi, Nazis in my extended heritage. How could anyone of the blood we share been so cruel, so inhuman?
All for blood guilt and conspiracy theories about Jewish people that were routinely referenced as
"rats", as vermin, as...diseased...I'Il stop there; I just can't understand it.
But the Nazi mind was most Germans of that time.
The Stanford Zimbardo experiment, the Stanley Milgram study...Its our human nature I'm so sorry to say.
And if you're at Sinclair Lewis' "It Can't Happen Here" stage you'd be so very wrong.
I'm going on too long. This is an important, stunning work of scholarship. Recommended but listen...Guard vour heart. That's the takeawav.

As a German, I feel a deep responsibility to engage with the darkest chapters of our history—and to ensure that they are never forgotten or distorted. Laurence Rees’s The Nazi Mind is a vital, sobering, and immensely thought-provoking work that I found both compelling and deeply disturbing. In these uncertain times, as we witness the troubling resurgence of fascist ideologies across the world, this book feels especially urgent.

Rees does not merely recount events; he interrogates the psychology behind them. Through chilling testimony and rigorous research, he explores how ordinary people came to embrace—and even justify—extraordinary cruelty. The book asks difficult questions without offering easy answers, and for that reason, it lingers in the mind long after listening.

The narration by John Sackville is excellent. His voice brings a steady gravity to the material, respectful of its weight without becoming overly dramatized. He guides listeners through harrowing territory with clarity and compassion, which is no small feat given the subject matter.

The Nazi Mind is not an easy listen, nor should it be. But it is an essential one. I am grateful to NetGalley and The Hive for the opportunity to experience it in audiobook form, and I urge others—especially fellow Germans—to read or listen. Remembering is not enough; understanding is crucial.

One of the best listens I have had dealing with why Germans blindly followed Hitler and his ilk into preforming the atrocities during WWII. Fascinating insights that really make you think about what America is facing today with the political climate heading towards a fascist regime.

Highly recommend

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for an advanced audiobook of The Nazi Mind.

Firstly, the title and synopsis, I do not feel is an accurate description of this book. If you are expecting a psychologically focused book about the Nazi's (like I was), you will be disappointed. The actual psychological aspects felt like token pieces added in random places and made up probably less than 10% of the book. If however, you love history, you will devour this book. It was very well researched and written and presented in a chronological manner that was interesting and engaging. What I found most horrifying though, were the similarities between the Nazi regime and the current Trump MAGA, truly frightening.

The audio was good, neither exceptional nor bad. The narration was clear and listenable. I had to play with the speed before getting it the way I liked.

Overall, a good read for history buffs.

Rating: 3.25/5

This is the book I've been hoping for! It's an excellent read for anyone even remotely interested in the current political climate in the United States. If that's not you, but you love history, then it's still an excellent read for you!

This book goes on a deep dive into Germany leading up to, during, and after WWII. I say Germany, not the Nazis, as there are discussions about people who were not Nazis. The book discusses a wide range of topics and delves into how and why tactics used were successful.

For our current times-- this book is a terrifying warning. Current politics are not discussed, but the similarities of what is happening today and what happened then is impossible to miss.

For history-- what more can a history buff want? I have been interested in WWII, and particularly the Third Reich, since high school. I was fascinated by the government system and how everything came about. How did the activities of the Holocaust happen? How were so many people swayed to believe that it was the right thing to happen, and how was it all done through the government? It created a life-long passion for governmental systems. It led to my majoring in Political Science in college then going on to get my law degree.

I have read a lot of books about WWII. Many of the books discuss the same events and topics with nothing new to offer. The portion of the book I found most interesting was the discussion on distancing oneself from the acts. The book explains that it is psychologically easier for people to commit an act if they don't have to look someone in the eye when it's happening. Discussions on how those high up in the regime took into consideration the psychological effects on party members were particularly interesting to me.

If you want a brief overview of the Nazi regime, this isn't the book for you. If you are looking for something that assumes you already know the names of all the players and will give you new information, then this is absolutely the book for you!

I listened to the audiobook, and I think the narrator did a fantastic job. He spoke a bit slowly, so I did speed it up to 1.2x. An audiobook of this length and of this subject matter could fall into the trap of having a monotone narrator. This narrator perfectly avoided the trap. His voice was clear and pleasant.

I took one star off because of the density of the book. It is all pertinent information that belongs in the book, but it does hinder its ability to be a casual read. Personally, I enjoyed the book and all of its contents. It does not get five stars, because it is not a book I would read over and over again.

The book traces the creation of the Nazi party and Hitler's rise to power, as well as how he and the rest of the Nazi officials exercised the power entrusted to them by the German people. It follows their action from the very start until the very end of the war and the fall of the Nazi Party and Hitler’s suicide. It also touches on the development and processes after the war.
There are countless chilling similarities to what we can see happening right now all over the world, though these ties are not surprising, as history, after all, is often repeating itself in various ways and forms.
The book is full of interesting as well as horrifying insights from the very start, and even though I have studied modern history at university and I have a full bachelor's degree in Area studies, I found out a lot of new interesting information I hadn’t heard before. Such as the German narratives towards Woodrow Wilson’s 14 points, or the connection between the rule of law and the narrative of Jewish collective blame, as well as the horrific details of how they acted towards Jews-especially in Poland, and so much more.
I also very much appreciate the mention of women in this time, as they are often forgotten in history or their roles are marginalized.
I loved the part at the start, where this book was described as "not a sociology book informed by history but a history book informed by sociology" - very fitting explanation.
The narration is amazing, the voice is very soothing, and it gripped me immediately. Would 100 % recommend this book to literally everyone.

Laurence Rees’s “The Nazi Mind” begins by establishing the historical context surrounding the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party. He incorporates testimonies from contemporary witnesses to reinforce his arguments. While the ascent of Hitler and his party aligns with the typical socio-economic and political factors of the time, Rees delves deeper, exploring various phenomena such as the normalisation of extreme violence through modern psychological frameworks. His twelve warnings serve as a cautionary guide, allowing readers to draw parallels between the Nazi regime and other potential single-party states, both past and present. This multifaceted approach enhances our understanding of historical events and prompts critical reflection on contemporary political dynamics.