The Shadow of Numbers

by Suzannah Hicks

Set against the haunting backdrop of post-World War II Nuremberg, "The Shadow of Numbers" delves into the life of Max Bauer, a man grappling with the moral complexities of his past. In 1946, amidst the city's ruins, he navigates a world scarred by war, where every corner holds memories of destruction and loss. As he sifts through the remnants of a shattered society, he is forced to confront the choices he made during the conflict and the shadows that linger in his conscience.

The story begins in 1936, Nuremberg, where Max works as a simple bookkeeper. The story follows Max as he navigates the new Germany and the Nazi Party, trying to understand his place in this new regime. He is torn between his personal beliefs and his family's expectation of him. Throughout the story, Max's interactions with his mother and his wife highlight the growing divide between his personal beliefs and the fervent nationalism that surrounds him. As he navigates the complexities of his relationships and the changing world around him, Max is forced to confront the choices he made and the impact they had on those he cared about.

As Max reflects on his complicity in the machinery of war, he grapples with the weight of his inaction and the moral failings that haunt him. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the struggle to rebuild in the wake of devastation. Max's journey is one of introspection and self-discovery, as he seeks a path to atonement and wrestles with the question of whether true absolution is ever attainable.

Genres: Historical Fiction

266 pages, Hardcover

Published September 8, 2025

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadow of Numbers is Suzannah Hicks' debut book, set in Nazi Germany but eerily timely in America 2025. This is the story of an ordinary bookkeeper, Max Bauer, living in Nuremberg. At the urging of his cousin, he attended the massive rally in 1936, which set the course for the rest of his life. Max was never a true believer in Hitler's Germany. He wasn't violent or cruel, nor did he hate Jews, but he also did nothing to resist the regime even when he knew he should.

"I was not a monster, but perhaps that makes my actions all the more reprehensible. I was a man who chose the path of least resistance, who allowed fear and self-preservation to override my morality."

"Ordinary people like me became culpable and complicit. We allowed ourselves to be swept up in something monstrous, step by step, until we could no longer recognize ourselves."

This powerful novel is a stunning debut that reminds us that Nazi Germany's legacy isn't ancient history. If you've ever wondered what you would have done, Max's path serves as a barometer for all of us. This well-written book is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction.

[Melissa Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting tale of the cycle of hate and love, war and peace, retribution and forgiveness. A reminder that erasing history should not be done. Instead, learn from the past and apply the lessons to the future for the betterment of all.

[NHReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzannah Hicks’ “The Shadow of Numbers” is a great read set-in post-WWII Nuremberg. It follows a regular man, dealing with guilt and looking for redemption for his choices and actions during the war. The historical details and characters are really engaging, and the overall theme of looking for redemption made it hard to put down once I started it. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking story that sticks with you. I think it is particularly relevant to today’s world as it shows what inaction can mean and how even small things can have large consequences.

[Daniel Ratley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m new to Goodreads and don’t usually take the time to write reviews, but I just finished this book and wanted share what I thought. I recently finished “The Shadow of Numbers,' and I must say, it's a great read, especially for fans of historical fiction. Set against the backdrop of post-war Nuremberg, it looks into the complexities of moral responsibility through the lens of an ordinary guy. The attention to period detail is really good, and the characters are well written. The questions of redemption is handled with appropriate seriousness, making it a compelling narrative. I found the parallels to current events, particularly concerning the consequences of passivity, to be quite striking. It's got me thinking about how I might have reacted in similar circumstances. It’s a tough topic but kept my attention from start to finish. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, particularly set in WWII, I recommend it.

[Mathilda B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all like to think that we would 'do the right thing' by our fellow man in the worst of circumstances...but would any of us really be able to bear up under such crushing pressure? The history is familiar and the choices seem obvious but when you view this story thru the lens of current global conditions, it suddenly becomes much more complex. This new author has a gift for keeping me invested the choices of the protagonist. I flew thru the pages hoping for salvation, actually urging him out loud to do what was right. But does he? Like most good stories, the answer isn't as simple as you think.

[Allie Mansperger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was an excellent read. Everything in this book was well done. To the characters development to the emotional roll coaster you will feel. An outstanding story for anyone who love these types of stories. I highly recommend.