HHhH

“This is a true story.” — Laurent Binet, HHhH

Prologue

The novel opens with the author reflecting on the nature of historical storytelling, questioning how to faithfully recount the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, one of the most feared Nazi officers. Binet introduces his struggle to balance historical accuracy with narrative flair, setting the tone for a metafictional exploration of history.

Part One: The Rise of Heydrich

The first section delves into the early life and career of Reinhard Heydrich, detailing his ascent within the Nazi regime. Born into a middle-class family, Heydrich’s ambition and ruthlessness propel him to become the chief architect of the Holocaust, earning him the nickname “The Butcher of Prague.”

Part Two: The Preparation

The narrative shifts to Czechoslovakian resistance fighters Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš, who are trained by the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) for a daring mission: Operation Anthropoid. Their goal is to assassinate Heydrich, a high-stakes act of defiance against Nazi occupation.

Part Three: The Assassination

On May 27, 1942, Gabčík and Kubiš ambush Heydrich’s car in Prague. Gabčík’s Sten gun jams, but Kubiš throws a grenade, mortally wounding Heydrich. The assassins escape, but the Nazis launch a brutal manhunt, leading to a climactic siege in a Prague church.

Part Four: The Aftermath

Heydrich dies from his injuries, triggering horrific Nazi reprisals, including the destruction of the village of Lidice. Gabčík and Kubiš, along with fellow resistance fighters, are eventually cornered and die in a final stand. The novel closes with Binet reflecting on the moral weight of their sacrifice.

Key Ideas

• The blurred line between historical fact and narrative fiction.
• The psychological and moral complexities of resistance.
• The devastating consequences of Nazi brutality.
• The ethical dilemmas of writing about real atrocities.
• The heroism and tragedy of ordinary people in war.

• History enthusiasts interested in World War II and resistance movements.
• Readers who appreciate metafictional storytelling.
• Those drawn to morally complex narratives about heroism and sacrifice.