Germany: Beyond the Enchanted Forest: A Literary Anthology
Book
'German military figures had a certain terrifying glamour,' wrote Patrick Leigh Fermor, recalling...
First Films of the Holocaust: Soviet Cinema and the Genocide of the Jews, 1938-46
Book
Most early Western perceptions of the Holocaust were based on newsreels filmed during the Allied...
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Zig Zag Girl in Books
Jul 8, 2021
This was the twenty-sixth (and final!) book in my #atozchallenge! I challenged myself to read a book from my shelves that started with each letter of the alphabet.
"'The way the body was cut into three, each part put into a black box, it reminded me of a magic trick. One you used to do before the war.'"
I absolutely adore Elly Griffiths, but I don't read a lot of historical fiction, so I've always kept this series in my back pocket. When I needed a "Z" book for my challenge, this seemed like a perfect fit. No surprise, really, but this was an easy and interesting read. Griffiths is such a good writer, and this is written in what I've come to think of as Elly's style--a fun, enjoyable form, where she captures the essence of each of her characters so well.
The book is filled with magic and war stories. The mystery is quite captivating--it's a good case, which draws you into the story. And Edgar, Max, and their crew are very compelling. I enjoyed the themes of friendship and wartime, plus the surprising vulnerability that shone through in both Max and Edgar. I would certainly read the next book in the series. 4+ stars.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Nightingale in Books
Aug 12, 2021
This was an excellent and informational portrayal of World War II. It's haunting and heartbreaking and hopeful all together. Hannah tells the story of the War through our two sisters--looking at how they approach the war, along with their father. Vianne is the practical older sister, who worries for her safety and that of her daughter. Meanwhile, Isabelle has felt betrayed most of her life after the death of their mother and perceived abandonment by her older sister and father. This feeling spurs her to join the Resistance. Following their different paths allows us to see many varied sides of this awful and terrifying War. As you form attachments to the characters, the snatching of Jewish families and children and the concentration camps become even more stark and brutal--it's horrifying.
While I cannot really know what happened during this time period, this book seemed realistic and authentic to me. It made me cry. It's sad and yet somehow sweet at times. It's a vivid look at loss and love--for sisters, family, and your country.
I read this book as part of my new reading project--choosing books off my shelves based on their Goodreads rankings. This is my first book of the project, forcing me out of my comfort zone and to try books in genres I don't usually read!
Covert Radar and Signals Interception: The Secret Career of Eric Ackermann
Peter Jackson and David Haysom
Book
Of German stock dating back to 1530 in Saxony, Eric George Ackermann GM was born on the Isle of...
Ever Glorious: The Front Line Letters of the Crookenden Brothers, 1936 -46
Book
The Crookenden brothers - Henry, Napier and Spencer - were born into a military dynasty. Their...
Wisden on the Great War: The Lives of Cricket's Fallen 1914-1918
Book
Readers of the 1917 Wisden Cricketers' Almanack were advised by the editor, Sydney Pardon: "Its...
Here in Berlin: A Novel
Book
Long-listed for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence A New York Times Book Review Editor's...
A A. Milne: His Life
Book
A.A. Milne is one of the most successful English writers ever. His heart-warming...
A Spoonful of Sugar
Book
'They say you can never truly love a child that is not your own, but that goes against every...