[2] The novel is a combination of Goebbels' own thoughts and the life of his best friend Richard Flisges who had actually fought in World War I, and later ended his college studies to work in a mine where he died in an accident.
[3] In a diary form the story follows the journey of Michael, a fictional character who represents a young Joseph Goebbels.
Throughout the novel Michael wrestles with this mix of nationalist pride and anger towards Weimar Germany and he explores his personal philosophy and belief system.
"[5] Goebbels retained a small amount of Christianity, but an eccentric form, which diminished even more after the failed church reform program in 1934–35.
[6] One of Joseph Goebbels' biographers, Joachim Fest (who was also Hitler's biographer), suggests that Michael sheds light on Goebbels' state of mind and self-image: "The very name of the hero, Michael, to whom he gave many autobiographical features, suggests the way his self-identification was pointing: a figure of light, radiant, tall, unconquerable," and above all "'To be a soldier!