Books matching: resistance movement
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II' by Sonia Purnell is a biography that uncovers the incredible story of Virginia Hall, an American spy who played a vital role in the French Resistance during World War II. The narrative follows Virginia's journey as she defied social norms and overcame obstacles to become a key figure in espionage, showcasing her courage, determination, and resilience in the face of danger and adversity. The writing style of the book presents a mix of admiration for Virginia's accomplishments and a critical look at the challenges she faced, offering a detailed account of her espionage activities and the impact she had on the Allied forces.
Mrs. Barbara Hall had it all worked out. She had raised her only daughter and youngest child, Virginia, born on April 6, 1906, in the expectation of an advantageous marriage. As an ambitious young sec... - #2
Save:In an alternative past where Britain surrendered to Nazi Germany in 1940, 'Dominion' by C.J. Sansom unfolds in 1952, depicting a smog-bound London under German rule. The narrative follows civil servant David Fitzgerald, a spy for the Resistance, who navigates through a world of collaborationist governments, corrupt politicians, and a British Resistance movement led by an underground Winston Churchill. The story delves into espionage, political intrigue, and the struggle to prevent a nuclear weapons secret from falling into Nazi hands, all set against the backdrop of a grim and oppressive society.
Sansom's writing style in 'Dominion' is reminiscent of an old black and white British film, evoking a sense of austerity and oppression in a Nazi-dominated England. The novel weaves together elements of historical fiction and alternate history, exploring themes of nationalism, resistance, and the consequences of political appeasement. Through meticulous details and well-researched world-building, Sansom crafts a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of loyalty, betrayal, and the fight for freedom in a society on the brink of collapse.
ALMOST ALL THE PASSENGERS on the tube to Victoria were, like David and his family, on their way to the Remembrance Sunday parade. It was a cold morning and the men and women all wore black winter coat... - #3
Save:"The Ragged Edge of Night" by Olivia Hawker is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the German resistance effort against the Nazi regime. The story follows the life of Anton Starzmann, a former Franciscan friar who becomes involved in the resistance movement in Germany. Through his actions, including forming a brass orchestra to protect local children from being recruited into the Hitler Youth, the author paints a picture of ordinary Germans defying the oppressive Nazi regime. Based on a true story, the book captures the courage, heroism, and sacrifices made by individuals who dared to resist Hitler's tyranny.
The train picks up speed as it leaves Stuttgart. He grew up here, amid long shady streets footed in ancient cobblestones and gardens bright-spotted with afternoon light, but it is no longer the place ... - #4
Save:The Beast's Garden by Kate Forsyth is a captivating historical novel set in WW2 Berlin, focusing on the intertwined lives of Ava, a German woman, and Leo, a German officer. The story follows their journey of survival, resistance, and love amidst the turbulent and violent times of the war. The book weaves fictional characters with real-life resistance fighters and Nazi officers, creating a rich tapestry of history and fiction that allows readers to deeply immerse themselves in the story.
The novel beautifully captures the essence of Berlin during WW2, showcasing the bravery of those who fought against Hitler's regime and the horrors faced by individuals like Rupert, a gay Jew struggling to survive in a concentration camp. Through meticulous research and detailed storytelling, Kate Forsyth brings to life a story filled with heart-stopping joy, soul-crushing sadness, and moments of hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.
It was winter. The sound of smashing glass woke her. Ava sat up, still half in the shadowlands of sleep, thinking: it’s just a nightmare. Then she heard a huge explosion. Her bedroom was lit up with o... - #5
Save:'The Auschwitz Volunteer: Beyond Bravery' by Jarek Garlinski, Michael Schudrich, Witold Pilecki provides a harrowing and compelling firsthand account of Captain Witold Pilecki's experiences at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Pilecki, a Catholic Pole and patriot, volunteered to enter Auschwitz undercover in 1940 to gather intelligence and establish a resistance effort within the camp. The narrative unfolds with detailed descriptions of the brutal conditions endured by prisoners, the constant brutality, and the everyday struggles for survival. The writing style is straightforward, factual, and reveals the atrocities faced by those incarcerated in the camp, shedding light on a dark chapter in history.
In fact, this report was the third and most comprehensive one that Pilecki wrote on his time in Auschwitz. In June 1943, shortly after his escape from the camp, while staying with the Serafińskis in N... - #6
Save:'We Die Alone' by David Howarth narrates the incredible true story of Jan Baalsrud, a Norwegian resistance fighter who escapes the Germans in Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II. The book details Jan's harrowing journey through the Arctic terrain, facing extreme weather conditions, betrayal, and the kindness of strangers who help him survive. The plot focuses on Jan's endurance, survival instincts, and the selfless sacrifices made by ordinary Norwegians risking their lives to aid him on his path to freedom. The writing style is described as engaging, well-told, and captivating, drawing readers into a narrative of bravery, determination, and the resilience of the human spirit.
EVEN AT the end of March, on the Arctic coast of northern Norway, there is no sign of spring. By then, the polar winter night is over. At midwinter, it has been dark all day; at midsummer, the sun wil... - #7
Save:Alan Furst's 'Red Gold' follows the story of Jean Casson, a French filmmaker living in Paris during the German occupation in 1941-42. Casson, forced to live under an assumed name, becomes entangled in espionage work as he is recruited to help run arms to French Communists in an effort to drive out the Germans. The book presents a realistic portrayal of life during wartime, focusing on the struggles, fears, and quiet desperation of ordinary people caught in the midst of World War II. Furst's writing style evokes a strong sense of time and place, immersing the reader in the atmosphere of Paris under German rule and the dangerous world of espionage and resistance.
Casson woke in a room in a cheap hotel and smoked his last cigarette. The window by the bed was open and the shade, yellow and faded, bumped gently against the sill in the morning breeze. When it move...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Night Soldiers ) - #8
Save:In a dystopian future America, Harper Adams, a telepath working for the oppressive government, faces a moral dilemma when her daughter's name, Veracity, is added to the list of banned words. The citizens are monitored through implanted devices that punish them for uttering prohibited words, leading to a chilling narrative about surveillance, rebellion, and the value of freedom. As Harper joins the resistance movement guided by a pre-doomsday tome, she navigates a world where language is strictly controlled, and speaking a Red Listed word could mean death.
Laura Bynum's "Veracity" offers a thought-provoking exploration of a totalitarian society where individual freedoms are sacrificed for security. The novel weaves a narrative of oppression, resistance, and the power of words in a future where psychic abilities, government surveillance, and underground rebellions shape the lives of the characters. Through Harper's journey from compliance to rebellion, the story delves into themes of control, freedom of expression, and the consequences of giving up rights in the face of fear.
"You think too much of yourself!" the shop keep snarls. He runs the card through the reader, a trenched piece of oblong plastic sitting atop the register like a malformed head. "Too good for the local... 'Beware of Small States: Lebanon, Battleground of the Middle East' by David Hirst delves into the intricate history of Lebanon, particularly its role as a battleground in the Arab-Israeli conflict. The author skillfully outlines the complexities of Lebanese politics and the influence of external powers, especially Israel, on the country's trajectory. Hirst's writing style is described as dispassionate and understated, offering a comprehensive analysis of the region's history with genuine insight and grounded analysis.
Lebanon, a mountainous country on the Eastern Mediterranean no bigger than Wales or the American state of Connecticut, has long attracted an international attention disproportionate to its size and, o...- #10
Save:'All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days' by Rebecca Donner delves into the untold history of Mildred Harnack, the only American in the leadership of the German resistance during WWII. Through meticulous research and personal connection as the great, great niece of Mildred, Donner brings to life the story of a courageous woman who faced the horrors of Hitler's regime head-on. is not a typical history or biography, but a uniquely personal chronicling of Mildred's journey, focusing on the individuals and their roles in the Resistance rather than marching through the historical events. Donner's writing style captures the reader's attention, making them deeply admire the characters and feel inspired by their courage and dignity in the face of grave danger.
