My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me: A Black Woman Discovers Her Family's Nazi Past
Apr 2016 · The Experiment, LLC
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16 reviews
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About this ebook
Now in paperback: The New York Times bestselling memoir hailed as “unforgettable” (Publishers Weekly) and “a stunning memoir of cultural trauma and personal identity” (Booklist). At age 38, Jennifer Teege happened to pluck a library book from the shelf—and discovered a horrifying fact: Her grandfather was Amon Goeth, the vicious Nazi commandant depicted in Schindler’s List. Reviled as the “butcher of Plaszów,” Goeth was executed in 1946. The more Teege learned about him, the more certain she became: If her grandfather had met her—a black woman—he would have killed her.
Teege’s discovery sends her into a severe depression—and fills her with questions: Why did her birth mother withhold this chilling secret? How could her grandmother have loved a mass murderer? Can evil be inherited?
Teege’s story is cowritten by Nikola Sellmair, who also adds historical context and insight from Teege’s family and friends, in an interwoven narrative. Ultimately, Teege’s search for the truth leads her, step by step, to the possibility of her own liberation.
The translation of this book was supported by a grant from the Goethe-Institut.
Teege’s discovery sends her into a severe depression—and fills her with questions: Why did her birth mother withhold this chilling secret? How could her grandmother have loved a mass murderer? Can evil be inherited?
Teege’s story is cowritten by Nikola Sellmair, who also adds historical context and insight from Teege’s family and friends, in an interwoven narrative. Ultimately, Teege’s search for the truth leads her, step by step, to the possibility of her own liberation.
The translation of this book was supported by a grant from the Goethe-Institut.
Now in paperback: The New York Times bestselling memoir hailed as “unforgettable” (Publishers Weekly) and “a stunning memoir of cultural trauma and personal identity” (Booklist). At age 38, Jennifer Teege happened to pluck a library book from the shelf—and discovered a horrifying fact: Her grandf...
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Ratings and reviews
16 reviews
Ellen Rinde
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July 16, 2016
Very interesting perspective. I found the constant changing between past and present tense, first and third person a little choppy. It was much more focused on the author than on history.
2 people found this review helpful
C B
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December 15, 2021
Very moving. I have also recently discovered my great uncle was an SS Oberleutnant in Crimea. Having received his personal affects, papers and other bits and pieces, it has been a very tough pill to swallow. This authors journey with grappling through a painful family is familiar- it isn't just her blood ties to Nazism that is painful, but the after effects it and the war took on her family. I'm a young man still, and yet I've come to see the many traumas that have endured with the generations since. And now that the secret is out, it has left my family quite disturbed. This book has helped me to come to terms with that, and I would certainly recommend anyone who discovers similar, uncomfortable family history, to read this book. Regardless, the book is moving, whether applicable or not, as it delves into very human, raw emotions and ways of thinking; highs and lows; and the eventual cycle of acceptance. 5/5
Cody J
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February 21, 2025
I read this book when I was in prison, it was very moving and emotional! I remember the movie Schindler's List and how it showed her grandfather on that movie and how cruel and evil of a man he was! My heart went towards all those poor souls that died under that evil man's hand in that camp. God bless the Jews!
About the author
Jennifer Teege worked in advertising for 16 years before becoming an author. For four years in her twenties she lived in Israel, where she became fluent in Hebrew. She graduated from Tel Aviv University with a degree in Middle Eastern and African studies. Teege lives in Germany with her husband and two sons. A New York Times and international bestseller, My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me is her first book.
Jennifer Teege worked in advertising for 16 years before becoming an author. For four years in her twenties she lived in Israel, where she became fluent in Hebrew. She graduated from Tel Aviv University with a degree in Middle Eastern and African studies. Teege lives in Germany with her husband a...
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