Reviews Hitlers Soldiers in the Sunshine State
Return Hitlers Soldiers in the Sunshine State
Robert D. Billinger Jr.'s study of German POWs trapped in the golden cage of wartime Florida is a labor of love. In his well researched study of the culture and politics of prison camps, Billinger conveys the complexity of camp life. Where Nazis, anti-Nazis, democrats, Communists, Nationalists, and the politically indifferent where thrown together in highly politically unusual circumstances.
--Journal of American History
The newest and one of the best state studies, Robert Billinger's Hitler's Soldiers in the Sunshine State, concerns the German POW's experiences in Florida. Billinger is a wonderful storyteller who follows the German prisoners as they arrive, settle in, and go to work. At every junction the author draws upon documents from the Provost Marshal General's Office, recollections and stories from local newspapers. A major contribution Billinger makes to our rapidly expanding knowledge of the German POW experience in America.
--Journal of Southern History
An informative look into the lives of German prisoners of war in Florida during World War II.
--Southern Historian
Filled with colorful personal accounts, this historical book packs the punch of fiction.
--St. Petersburg Times
Billinger has created a story that not only is hard to put down but also enlightens.
--Daytona Beach News-Journal
The narrative is lively, and not bereft of information about an aspect of World War II that is often overlooked.
--Orlando Sentinel
A valuable and interesting addition to World War II history as well as the history of the Sunshine State, "a tropical paradise that for some became a tropical hell."
--Ocala Star-Banner
A solid, well-researched, well-conceived work of valuable scholarship. An excellent and important work. The portions of the book covering the experiences of individual German prisoners are especially compelling.
--Georgia Historical Quarterly
Compelling chronicle.
--Atlantic City Press
In his well researched study of the culture and politics of prison camps, Billinger conveys the complexity of camp life, where Nazis, Anti- Nazis, democrats, Communists, nationalists, and the politically indifferent were thrown together in highly unusual circumstances.
--Journal of American History
Readers of this fine book will find it a significant contribution to the history of Florida during World War II. It is well documented, well organized, and written in a clear style. We certainly have here a valuable book.
--Florida Historical Quarterly
Gives great insight into the experience and perspectives of prisoners and captors alike.
--H-Net Book Review