Courageous hearts

by Dorothee von Meding

Nazi 'justice' following the attempt on Hitler's life on 20 July 1944 led not only to the brutal execution of scores of conspirators, but also dramatically changed the lives of their families. However, whereas it is the husbands who are celebrated annually as heroes of the Resistance, little mention is made of their wives. Their collection of interviews, conducted by the author, reveals that it was the women's courage that sustained their husbands both before the plot and later, in the face of certain violent death.