“Nerdection Must Read”
They say the devil is in the details. But what if instead of the metaphoric demon, you find an actual, ancient demonic entity with two horns protruding from the sides of its head when you look close enough? Most disturbing, indeed. Yet we find many historic figures, mysterious and evil, the subject of such speculations of demonic presence. That and more themes of evil, Satanic possession, and human morality, are weaved in this phenomenal horror novel by Connor Gunnin.
Intrigued? Continue reading for the stunning spoiler-free plot and our take on The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler.
Spoiler-free Plot of The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler
It is the spring of 1938 in Germany, with Hitler emerging as a charismatic leader among his people. Many Germans love his remarkable political foresight and consider his war plans to be the key to the nation’s greatness. But Werner Stengel believes otherwise.
As a former Catholic priest and now the Interior Minister, his close observation of Hitler has made him believe that Hitler – charmer, leader, führer – might be possessed by a demon.
From here starts the eerily thrilling story of the abduction of a possibly demon-controlled Hitler. Stengel, along with his daughter, an elderly caretaker, a fierce soldier, and a blackmailed politician, will attempt Hitler’s exorcism to purify his soul from Satanic influences and stop a brewing war that might lead to the death of thousands of Jews. Can they possibly succeed?
In this astounding speculative horror novel, The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler, Connor Gunnin attempts to redefine history by offering a fresh perspective on the führer’s evil views.
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My Take on The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler
Bruna sighed. “I should have listened to you. He just made it so easy to believe him.” Stengel gently put a hand on her shoulder. “This is what Hitler does to people. You learned it in two days. It took me fourteen years.
History’s two notorious leaders (read: cold-blooded mass murderers), namely Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin share certain common things, besides their obvious similarity in instituting a reign of death and terror: religious rumor has it that the devil possessed both. Believe it or not, but certain allegations are tied to their names – that Satan himself ruled these men. For some, that would accurately explain why they were so masterfully evil in their quest for power.
That’s the theme that Connor Gunnin explores in The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler. Offering a what-if scenario of Hitler’s dominion by a demon, Gunnin masterfully creates a haunting yet thrilling narrative from the very first page of the book.
One of the things I loved in The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler is Werner Stengel’s moral struggle and dilemma; his efforts to don a priest’s gray robes over his politician’s suit to prevent an upcoming war were applaudable. Throughout the book, Stengel remains torn between his sense of duty to Germany and his love for his daughter, Bruna; all the while he tries not to get arrested for his attempt at exorcism.
The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler deals with adult themes of graphic violence, war, and horror. The first couple of chapters had more of a cozy gothic feel for me, with the ancient Falkenhayn Castle nestled deep in the Black Forest, the candle-lit exorcism room, and an air of haunting mystery. But when the horror elements do unleash by the middle of the book, you feel a chill creep up your neck and goosebumps on your arms, and then it doesn’t stop there, dear reader, it only gets better and better – and more frightening.
Experience tells me any demon that would possess a man like Adolf Hitler must be tremendously capable. They have a hierarchy just like an army does. A battle-hardened field marshal doesn’t flinch after an opponent’s first salvo. He holds the line because he’s anticipated it and he knows he can withstand it. Bruna, if Hitler is possessed, the demon doing it is no common soldier.
I also loved Gunnin’s writing style and how he portrays the questioning within the characters’ minds. Is the charismatic führer rotten from the inside? Are his wicked views on Jews and war truly his own, or do these rather belong to a supernatural villainous entity? And if Hitler should be disposed of, is a bullet through the head much more effective than a purifying exorcism? Especially since Hilter hadn’t moved towards war by then, and there were only signs of it on the horizon. As a reader, you will find questions in your mind similar to these the characters found themselves asking throughout the book.
He manipulates you. There’s an aura surrounding him that makes all resistance to him collapse. When Hitler speaks to you, you feel your objections to his ideas eroding inside of you. You enter the conversation confident but leave certain you were wrong all along.
If you love historical fiction with a touch of horror and politics, you will easily be enchanted with this one. The characters are well-done, each with a story you will relate to. The atmosphere is haunting, and one of impending doom, so you know the characters are screwed up from the very start. The plot is thought-provoking and intriguing. Overall, I couldn’t have read a great historical book at the start of 2024.
If only we could all hate one another, then the whole world could live as one.
Possessed Hitler, in one of his speeches
Highly recommended for fans of provocative historical fiction and The Exorcist, The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler will take you on an eerie intellectual journey, and leave you awestruck, and gasping for breath.
About The Author Of The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler
Connor Gunnin is an author of horror and science fiction. He was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Southern California, where he now lives in Huntington Beach with his roommate and small, white dog. Connor was inspired to write about the darker side of life by his education and career in the hospitality industry, where he learned many terrifying truths about humanity. The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler is his debut novel.
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