Because she is part German and grew up in Germany, this is extra baffling.

From what I understand, in very brief and delicate discussion on this with German students, most contemporary Germans try to disassociate themselves from Nazi history. One of my folklore professors said it's difficult to find books on German folklore because it was used as Nazi propaganda in 'what it means to be German' and so now has earned that association.

(Please note that I'm repeating this all second-hand.)