Chris Bohjalian has written another page turner!
The "good" German civilians who lived during WWII are seldom studied, and their hardships as Germany was retreating and the allied forces made their way to Berlin have not been acknowledged. Bohjalian examines one families retreat from the Russians, the brutality they encounter not only from the "enemy", but also from their own forces.
Another journey at the same time examines the evacuation of one of the work camps and the forced death march of the young Jewish women during the dead of winter. The emotions and involvement of a Scottish POW, and Manfred, a Jewish escapee disguised as a German soldier, who become part of this exodus, are all woven together as they work their way across the country fleeing the Russian "invasion".
This is a fantastic story of bravery, brutality, and an examination of survivial under extraordinary circumstances.
I could not put this book down.
The "good" German civilians who lived during WWII are seldom studied, and their hardships as Germany was retreating and the allied forces made their way to Berlin have not been acknowledged. Bohjalian examines one families retreat from the Russians, the brutality they encounter not only from the "enemy", but also from their own forces.
Another journey at the same time examines the evacuation of one of the work camps and the forced death march of the young Jewish women during the dead of winter. The emotions and involvement of a Scottish POW, and Manfred, a Jewish escapee disguised as a German soldier, who become part of this exodus, are all woven together as they work their way across the country fleeing the Russian "invasion".
This is a fantastic story of bravery, brutality, and an examination of survivial under extraordinary circumstances.
I could not put this book down.
Wes Moore, the author, has had an amazing life. He has contributed to our nation, his community, and honors his family. The parallels between his life and "The Other Wes Moore" are interesting, but more interesting to me is the author's determination to understand what went wrong in one life and what worked in the other.
I like this account because the author does not try to make excuses for bad behavior. He acknowledges how bad choices and victimization are key elements in determining the value of life.
There are turning points in both young men's lives. The importance of a strong family, mentors, and opportunity are acknowledged, and appreciated by the author.
I would recommend this to other teachers and young people who may come to understand that the future, in many cases, is in their hands.
I like this account because the author does not try to make excuses for bad behavior. He acknowledges how bad choices and victimization are key elements in determining the value of life.
There are turning points in both young men's lives. The importance of a strong family, mentors, and opportunity are acknowledged, and appreciated by the author.
I would recommend this to other teachers and young people who may come to understand that the future, in many cases, is in their hands.
A good story, difficult to put down, but in Neil Gaiman fashion it sticks with you. When I finished I realized that I liked the book, but needed to discuss it with someone else who had read it. I am looking forward to meeting with my book club to get their input.