The tragic fate of Albert Einstein’s family during World War II is the focus of Thomas Harding’s compelling new book, “The Einstein Vendetta: Hitler, Mussolini, and a True Story of Murder.” The narrative recounts the harrowing events leading to the murders of three members of the Einstein family, targeted specifically due to their surname, as the Nazi regime intensified its campaign against those deemed enemies.
As Allied forces advanced through Italy in the summer of 1944, German soldiers engaged in brutal reprisals against civilians suspected of aiding partisans. According to Harding, such atrocities were commonplace, with more than 2,000 individuals executed without mercy. Among these victims were Robert Einstein, his wife Nina, and their two daughters, Luce and Cici, who were caught in a web of violence that stemmed from their connection to the renowned physicist.
In the context of this tumultuous period, Albert Einstein had escaped Nazi Germany in 1933, fleeing to the United States as the regime placed a bounty of approximately 1,000 British pounds on his head. His extended family, primarily residing in neutral Switzerland or the United States, was largely safe, with the exception of Robert, who chose to remain in Italy. The situation for the Einstein family turned dire following the German invasion in September 1943, which led to widespread roundups of Jews throughout the country.
Living in the Villa Il Focardo, a picturesque residence in the Tuscan countryside, Robert and Nina initially felt secure. Harding notes that Mussolini’s anti-Jewish laws had little immediate effect on their lives, allowing their daughters to continue their education. However, as the threat escalated, the family began to contemplate fleeing their home.
On the morning of August 3, 1944, members of the elite Hermann Göring Division arrived at the villa demanding to see Robert. Although Nina managed to truthfully inform them that he was away, the soldiers later returned, forcing their way into the home. After searching unsuccessfully for Robert, they imprisoned the family in the basement while interrogating them.
In a desperate attempt to protect her husband, Nina led the Germans to the woods, calling for Robert in the hopes he would not reveal himself. Unfortunately, this decision led to devastating consequences. When the soldiers returned empty-handed, they executed Nina, Luce, and Cici in the villa’s salon before setting the residence ablaze. Harding vividly illustrates the chilling scene, with Nina embracing her daughters as they faced their fate.
The aftermath of the murders was marked by despair for Robert, who believed he could have saved his family had he revealed himself to the Germans. Struggling with guilt, he attempted suicide but was prevented from doing so. The subsequent investigation into the killings, led by Major Milton Wexler of the War Crimes Commission, proved inconclusive. Harding highlights the limited accountability in the chaotic postwar environment, where only a small number of German war criminals were prosecuted for their actions in Italy.
Despite the book’s lack of definitive answers regarding the identities of the perpetrators, Harding meticulously details various investigations that have pointed to potential suspects among the soldiers involved. The ongoing search for justice remains significant for the Einstein family, with relatives still hoping for closure decades after the events.
“The Einstein Vendetta” serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors inflicted by the Nazi regime and the far-reaching consequences of their vendetta against individuals and families connected to those they viewed as enemies. As Harding weaves together personal stories with historical analysis, he captures the enduring impact of this dark chapter in history, emphasizing the need to remember and honor the victims.
