Super Short Summary

Saints and Villains by Denise Giardina is a speculative retelling of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life, focusing on his moral struggle and eventual plot to assassinate Hitler, leading to his execution. The novel portrays Bonhoeffer's complex character, drawing from his childhood, experiences in America, and return to Germany under Nazi rule, highlighting his political activism against systemic injustices and his covert resistance efforts. The book contains sensitive topics, including racism, anti-Semitism, and violence.