Books matching: world war ii experiences
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:"The Good War" by Studs Terkel is an oral history of World War Two, capturing personal stories and experiences from a diverse range of individuals involved in the war. Through interviews with Americans from different walks of life, the book provides a unique and humanizing perspective on the various aspects of WWII, including the impact of the Atomic bomb, the social history of the war, and the personal struggles and triumphs faced by those caught up in the conflict. Terkel's writing style allows the reader to delve into the intimate details of wartime experiences, shedding light on the lesser-known narratives that often go untold in traditional historical accounts.
A huge man, built along the lines of a sumo wrestler. He manages a complex of apartment buildings in Los Angeles. He could quite easily 6e the bouncer, too. He is resigned to the assortment of illness... - #2
Save:'I Heard You Paint Houses' by Charles Brandt is a gripping true crime book that delves into the inner workings of the American mob, specifically focusing on the life of mafia hit man Frank Sheeran and his involvement in the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. The book is written in a detailed and elaborate manner, pulling heavily from narrated interviews by Sheeran, providing a comprehensive look at the Mafia world in the USA during the 50s, 60s, and 70s era. The narrative style is engaging and informative, shedding light on the connections between mob bosses, influential mobsters, unions, politicians, and corruption.
The author, Charles Brandt, skillfully weaves together the story of Sheeran's life, from his humble beginnings in Philadelphia to his involvement in criminal activities, painting a vivid picture of the underworld he was a part of. The book also explores Sheeran's involvement in significant events such as World War II, the Teamsters' activities, and his interactions with key figures like Jimmy Hoffa and Russell Bufalino. Brandt's writing style, enriched with factual commentaries and detailed accounts, provides a compelling insight into the complex relationships and events that shaped Sheeran's life and the American Mafia.
- #3
Save:Robert Robinson's autobiography provides a unique and insightful perspective on life inside the Soviet Union from 1930 to 1974. The book chronicles his 44 years in the USSR as a black American, detailing his struggles, disappointments, and eventual escape from the Communist regime. Through Robinson's narrative, readers gain a deep understanding of the daily life, challenges, and complexities of living in a repressive society like the Soviet Union, offering a blend of personal anecdotes and political insights.
- #4
Save:"To Hell and Back" by Audie Murphy is a gripping war autobiography that provides a firsthand account of the World War II experiences of the most decorated soldier of the war. It offers a raw and unsentimental look at combat, showcasing the sheer difficulty and brutality of the front lines. Audie Murphy's writing style is described as intense and personal, delving into the grim reality of war with no embellishments or glorification, focusing on the daily struggles and sacrifices made by soldiers.
ON a hill just inland from the invasion beaches of Sicily, a soldier sits on a rock. His helmet is off; and the hot sunshine glints through his coppery hair. With the sleeve of his shirt he wipes the ... - #5
Save:'The Twins' by Tessa de Loo follows the experiences of twin sisters, Anna and Lotte, who were separated during World War II and grew up in different countries, Germany and the Netherlands. The story unfolds as the elderly sisters reunite at a Belgian health resort and share their wartime experiences, showcasing their contrasting lives and perspectives. Through flashbacks, the reader witnesses Anna's marriage to an SS officer and Lotte's involvement with the Dutch resistance, highlighting the complexities of ordinary Germans during the war. The narrative delves into themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the impact of war on individuals, offering a unique perspective on Dutch-German relationships during that period.
The storytelling in 'The Twins' is described as engaging and thought-provoking, providing insights into the lives of ordinary Germans and Dutch citizens during World War II. skillfully navigates between the viewpoints of the two sisters, Anna and Lotte, offering a nuanced exploration of their divergent paths and moral dilemmas. Readers are drawn into the sisters' emotional journeys, from their childhood separation to their reunion in old age, as they confront their pasts and grapple with the consequences of their choices. The novel weaves together themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of human nature, creating a compelling narrative that sheds light on the personal struggles and historical realities of wartime Europe.
Lotte Goudriaan woke with a start from a pleasant doze, a light lethargy: to be old and yet not to feel your body. Through her eyelashes she followed the rotund figure, naked like herself under a dres... 'Quartered Safe Out Here' by George MacDonald Fraser is a World War II memoir that offers a vivid and honest account of the author's experiences as a soldier in Burma. The book delves into the life of a British infantryman on the frontlines, providing a personal view of the 'forgotten war'. Fraser's writing style includes phonetically spelled out accents and recreated conversations, bringing the characters to life and immersing the reader in the day-to-day struggles and camaraderie of the soldiers. The author candidly recounts the horrors of war, the challenges of memory recall, and his reflections on the past, all set against the backdrop of the XIV Army campaign in Burma.
THE FIRST TIME I SMELT JAP was in a deep dry-river bed in the Dry Belt, somewhere near Meiktila. I can no more describe the smell than I could describe a colour, but it was heavy and pungent and compo...- #7
Save:Eric Newby's 'Love and War in the Apennines' is a memoir that recounts his experiences during World War II, from being captured by the Germans in Sicily to becoming a prisoner of war in Italy. The narrative follows Newby's escape into the hills where he is sheltered by Italian partisans, falls in love with an Italian nurse, and ultimately gets recaptured. The book captures the hardships of war, the kindness of strangers, and Newby's journey of love and survival in the Apennines.
Newby's writing style is described as immediate and affecting, with a limpid flow that sweeps readers along like a mountain stream. The memoir is praised for its heartfelt storytelling, detailing Newby's wartime escapades, his interactions with the villagers who helped him, and the emotional journey that culminates in finding love amidst the chaos of war.
- #8
Save:The Last Convertible by Anton Myrer is a captivating novel that follows a group of friends from their college days in the 1940s through the 1970s. The story delves into the experiences of the characters during World War II, their personal growth, relationships, and the impact of historical events on their lives. Myrer's writing style is praised for its ability to bring the era to life, create vivid characters, and weave together a narrative that evokes emotions of nostalgia, laughter, and tears among readers.
“Why not?” “Well, it’s—” she glanced at us nervously. “It’s tempting fate, that’s why. Playing God.” “Oh come off it, Annie. You know I don’t buy that hocus- pocus any more.” “No, let him go,” Russ de... - #9
Save:The Last Mission by Harry Mazer is a historical novel set during World War II, following the journey of Jack Raab, a young boy who lies about his age to join the U.S. Air Force. Based on personal experiences of the author, the book portrays Jack's transformation from a naive teenager to a soldier facing the harsh realities of war. The vivid detail in the storytelling brings to life the challenges of undertaking bombing missions over enemy territories, highlighting the courage and struggles of the characters involved.
Jack Raab knelt in the shadow of the big bomber. It was early, but hot, and there was no shade anywhere on the airfield except under the wings of the plane. The six crewmen sprawled out under the B-17... - #10
Save:'Lilac Girls' by Martha Hall Kelly is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of three women - Caroline, a New York socialite involved in humanitarian efforts, Kasia, a Polish teenager caught in the underground resistance, and Herta, a German doctor at the Ravensbruck concentration camp. The story spans from the late 1930s to the late 1950s, intertwining the lives of these women as they navigate the horrors of war, including medical experiments and the aftermath of the conflict.
The narrative alternates between the viewpoints of these three women, providing a rich variety of experiences throughout the war and beyond. The author skillfully weaves together their stories, exploring themes of survival, resilience, and the long-lasting effects of both cruelty and hope on the human spirit. delves into the lesser-known aspects of World War II, shedding light on the Rabbits of Ravensbruck and the atrocities committed during the war, while also touching on the post-war recovery and struggles faced by survivors.
If I’d known I was about to meet the man who’d shatter me like bone china on terra-cotta, I would have slept in. Instead, I roused our florist, Mr. Sitwell, from his bed to make a boutonnière. My firs...
