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22 cells in Nuremberg (1947) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

22 Cells in Nuremberg (1947) is a first-hand account by Dr. Douglas M. Kelley, the American psychiatrist tasked with evaluating 22 top-ranking Nazi leaders including *Hermann Göring* -- awaiting trial. Kelley provides psychological profiles and in-cell interviews, concluding that these leaders were largely sane, ordinary, and opportunistic, rather than unique monsters

Adult • 1947 • 245 pages • Adult / High School

4.8
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Age
16+

This historical non-fiction account, written by the chief psychiatrist at the Nuremberg trials, explores the mental states and personalities of the primary Nazi war criminals. The book is intended for mature historical research, as it touches upon the horrific scale of the Holocaust and the psychological motives behind war crimes. While the prose is clinical and analytical, the nature of the crimes discussed—including genocide and… Sign up for the full guide

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Is 22 cells in Nuremberg appropriate for kids?

This historical non-fiction account, written by the chief psychiatrist at the Nuremberg trials, explores the mental states and personalities of the primary Nazi war criminals. The book is intended for mature historical research, as it touches upon the horrific scale of the… Read more — free account

Content severity in 22 cells in Nuremberg

Sex None 0/10
Violence Intense 8/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Moderate 4/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in 22 cells in Nuremberg, moment by moment

  1. p. 12 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
  2. p. 28 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
  3. p. 45 🍷 Substances 4/10
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Sex and nudity in 22 cells in Nuremberg

This category is essentially absent from the text, as Douglas Kelley focuses strictly on psychiatric evaluations and political history. Brief mentions occur only when evaluating the personal lives of defendants like Göring or Goebbels to search for psychological deviations or domestic instabilities. There are no descriptions of sexual acts or explicit content, as the prose maintains a dry, clinical, and professional medical tone. Readers will find the text focuses on personality traits rather than biological or…

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Violence and gore in 22 cells in Nuremberg

While the book contains no 'action-oriented' violence, the clinical descriptions of Nazi atrocities are deeply disturbing. Dr. Kelley recounts the defendants' reactions to films of concentration camps, including depictions of mass graves and systematic execution methods. The text details the cold, bureaucratic nature of the Holocaust, discussing how men like Kaltenbrunner oversaw torture and mass murder. These accounts are presented as historical facts and evidence used in the courtroom, focusing on the lack of…

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Language in 22 cells in Nuremberg

The language used throughout the book is academic, formal, and highly professional, reflecting Dr. Kelley's background as a psychiatrist. Any harsh language or derogatory terms appear strictly within the context of historical quotes or translated transcripts of the defendants' anti-Semitic remarks. There is no gratuitous profanity or modern vulgarity used by the author himself. The tone remains objective even when describing the heinous ideologies of the Nazi party members. Students will find the vocabulary…

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Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in 22 cells in Nuremberg

Substance use is a significant medical theme, specifically regarding Hermann Göring’s severe addiction to paracodeine, a morphine derivative. Dr. Kelley provides a detailed account of Göring’s physical and mental state during his forced detoxification in captivity. The text also mentions the use of alcohol in social settings by various Nazi officials before their capture as part of their character profiles. There are no depictions of recreational drug use in a positive light; rather, it is viewed as a medical or…

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Mature themes in 22 cells in Nuremberg

The book explores profound and disturbing themes such as the 'banality of evil' and the moral accountability of individuals within a fascist regime. Dr. Kelley examines whether the 22 defendants possessed a unique 'Nazi virus' or if their psychological profiles mirror those of ordinary people under different circumstances. The narrative delves into the pathology of power, the nature of psychopathy, and the ethical burden placed on medical professionals in wartime. The weight of genocide hangs over every interview…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 22 cells in Nuremberg appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests 22 cells in Nuremberg is best for ages 16+. This historical non-fiction account, written by the chief psychiatrist at the Nuremberg trials, explores the mental states and personalities of the primary Nazi war criminals. The book is intended for mature historical…

What age rating does 22 cells in Nuremberg have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. 22 cells in Nuremberg is shelved by its publisher as Adult, but that's a marketing category, not a content rating — Bontent's own review of what's actually on the page puts it at ages 16+.

What reading level is 22 cells in Nuremberg?

22 cells in Nuremberg is 245 pages and its reading level is Adult / High School. Bontent recommends it for ages 16+.

What is 22 cells in Nuremberg about?

This historical non-fiction account, written by the chief psychiatrist at the Nuremberg trials, explores the mental states and personalities of the primary Nazi war criminals. The book is intended for mature historical research, as it touches upon the horrific scale of the Holocaust and the psychological motives…

Is there sex or nudity in 22 cells in Nuremberg?

This category is essentially absent from the text, as Douglas Kelley focuses strictly on psychiatric evaluations and political history. Brief mentions occur only when evaluating the personal lives of defendants like Göring or Goebbels to search for…

How violent is 22 cells in Nuremberg?

While the book contains no 'action-oriented' violence, the clinical descriptions of Nazi atrocities are deeply disturbing. Dr. Kelley recounts the defendants' reactions to films of concentration camps, including depictions of mass graves and systematic…

Is the language in 22 cells in Nuremberg appropriate for kids?

The language used throughout the book is academic, formal, and highly professional, reflecting Dr. Kelley's background as a psychiatrist. Any harsh language or derogatory terms appear strictly within the context of historical quotes or translated transcripts…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in 22 cells in Nuremberg?

Substance use is a significant medical theme, specifically regarding Hermann Göring’s severe addiction to paracodeine, a morphine derivative. Dr. Kelley provides a detailed account of Göring’s physical and mental state during his forced detoxification in…

What mature themes appear in 22 cells in Nuremberg?

The book explores profound and disturbing themes such as the 'banality of evil' and the moral accountability of individuals within a fascist regime. Dr. Kelley examines whether the 22 defendants possessed a unique 'Nazi virus' or if their psychological…

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