Rise of the Spider (The Web of the Spider) by Michael P. Spradlin is about a young twelve-year-old boy, Rolf, who is witnessing the rise of Nazis in his hometown, Heroldsberg, Germany. In 1929, Rolf notices that his town and country haven’t been the same since the end of the Great War. Most townspeople struggle to find work and afford necessities such as food.
Germany was struggling because they had to pay fines for their part in the Great War. The country is struggling, and the atmosphere is charged with everyone feeling hopeless over their current situation. A new political movement is gaining traction with the people. Rolf is afraid of the new group because they seem shady and aggressive. Nightly, Rolf’s father and his older brother, Romer, fight about politics and the new group.
Recently, two members of the new Nazi Party, Hans and Nils, move into the town as part of the Hitler Youth. The pair promises that the Nazi Party will bring Germany to its former glory. Rolf is worried about Romer when he sees his brother spending more time with them. Rolf notices an undesirable change in his brother. Romer is staying out later and acts out with their father.
Rolf doesn’t trust Nils and Hans. He feels that they are bullies even though they are promising a better future for Germany. He has seen them bully old shop owners and physically assault people who get in their way. Even with the aggression and bullying, Romer sees more enamored with their ways
I thought the book was a good read. It was easy to sympathize with the different characters. The author did a good job fleshing out the characters and their feelings. I was able to feel immersed in the story. I liked that the author included a dictionary and guide for young readers. I found the book enjoyable, but it ends on a cliffhanger. I am excited to read more books in the series.
