Benedict XVI: A Life, Volume One: Youth in Nazi Germany to the Second Vatican Council 1927–1965 By Peter Seewald, Bloomsbury Continuum, 2020, 512 pages Peter Seewald’s first interview with Cardinal Ratzinger in November 1992 was providential for him — it led ultimately to his return to the Catholic Faith — and also for the Church, since it in turn lead to a series of book length interviews with one of the greatest theologians in Church history, and ultimately to this riveting biography. Seewald clearly has a great love for his subject, and his subject would appear to have great confidence in his biographer, granting him many hours of interviews. And just as importantly, Seewald has a great understanding of the historical, ecclesiastical and theological context of Ratzinger’s life. Frequently the reader is treated to very informative “digressions” into historical events, intellectual movements and key thinkers which have formed the warp and woof of his life.