A touching story of resistance and morality in Nazi Germany, based on true facts. I feel like Hawker's writing does it justice, melow where it needs tA touching story of resistance and morality in Nazi Germany, based on true facts. I feel like Hawker's writing does it justice, melow where it needs to be and strong in its message. I saw many reviews from readers who decided to give it one star no matter how good it was because in the epilogue she mentioned that she felt particularly inclined to publish at this time due to the rise of white extremism in the US. That's a bit harsh, innit? You think all your favorite authors wrote your favourite books because of reasons which perfectly align with yours? I think she's got a point... and she's making it quite eloquently at that. Enjoyable, would recommend. ...more
A little heavy on the apocalyptic language and definitely written in the rhythm of a fire siren with regards to the subject, I do think this could havA little heavy on the apocalyptic language and definitely written in the rhythm of a fire siren with regards to the subject, I do think this could have been way better. Sometimes it's a little repetitive or uses language picked up directly from academic studies, which don't seem to fit in with the general tone. It is outdated and some information found in here can be directly crossed off due do subsequent investigations. Worth a try. ...more
This would have gotten a one star, but it managed to stay mostly on track and I do agree that leftist denial of regime crimes does fall into its own pThis would have gotten a one star, but it managed to stay mostly on track and I do agree that leftist denial of regime crimes does fall into its own particular brand. However - however! - socialism is NOT communism. At some point he managed to confuse the two, which irks me. Read at your own risk. ...more
Loved it! Detailed history, many many accounts of particular skirmishes, battles or company stories mixed together with long analyses of operations anLoved it! Detailed history, many many accounts of particular skirmishes, battles or company stories mixed together with long analyses of operations and logistical details make for a very good read. Almost equal focus given to the Western and Eastern fronts, which I enjoyed. Completely worth the read for any history nerd. ...more
Big history book treating big historical points in a big way. Often painted in broad strokes, as they are necessary to encompass such long spans of tiBig history book treating big historical points in a big way. Often painted in broad strokes, as they are necessary to encompass such long spans of time. I'm not entirely sure it's a "new history of the world"... but hey, titles have to be catchy in the mass market world. Recommended to any history buff. ...more
Absolutely stunning. Jaw-dropping in its scope and written to cut you to the bone with its honesty, this has been one of the best books I've *ever* reAbsolutely stunning. Jaw-dropping in its scope and written to cut you to the bone with its honesty, this has been one of the best books I've *ever* read about conflict and what that does to humanity. Due to the experiences of the author and his life lived at the front line, his tone can at times be acid when he addresses the reader with regards to those he holds responsible for the murder and maim he has witnessed. But he is the voice of reason, the echo of morality in a world which wishes to dismiss the fact that humanity is in possession of a conscience. Some of the stories in this book will break your heart; the vivid descriptions of war, death and useless suffering are enough to make one want to forget these things are happening *every day*. Please read this, no matter if you are a history buff or not. If you're a human being, you should care about what Fisk has to tell us. ...more
Highly detailed, informative and written in a sure hand, this biography manages to weave Mussolini and Pope Pius XI together in a real story of dictatHighly detailed, informative and written in a sure hand, this biography manages to weave Mussolini and Pope Pius XI together in a real story of dictatorship, deceit and cowardice. While it doesn't necessarily feel like a history book, it certainly is exactly that - except presented to you in the enticing package of a story about humans: as they were, as they are and as they will probably never cease to be. I only gave it 4 stars because of its slow-ish pace, but that is a minor flaw and should in no way stop you from reading this book. ...more
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