Books matching: wwii refugees
22 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier is a gripping tale set during World War II, following the Balicki family as they are torn apart by the Nazi occupation of Poland. The story revolves around three children, Ruth, Edek, and Bronia, who embark on a dangerous journey to find their parents after being separated. Along the way, they encounter challenges, meet a young boy named Jan who aids them in their search, and hold onto hope symbolized by a silver sword given to them by their father. The narrative is a mix of adventure, survival, and courage, showcasing the resilience of children in the face of war.
The writing style of The Silver Sword is described as engaging, with a good balance between discussing the impact of war honestly while remaining suitable for younger readers. The plot unfolds with a perfect rhythm, well-paced action, and a realistic depiction of the displacements caused by World War II in Central Europe. The characters, particularly Ruth, are portrayed as brave and determined, providing a touching look at war through the eyes of children.
This is the story of a Polish family, and of what happened to them during the Second World War and immediately afterwards. Their home was in a suburb of Warsaw, where the father, Joseph Balicki, was h... - #2
Save:'Salt to the Sea' by Ruta Sepetys is a gripping historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the little-known tragedy of the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff. The story follows the journeys of four main characters - Emilia, Florian, Joana, and Alfred - as they navigate the dangers of war and come together as refugees fleeing the Soviet advance. The narrative is presented through short chapters from the perspectives of these characters, providing a multi-dimensional view of their struggles and the events leading up to the maritime disaster.
The novel expertly weaves together the individual stories of the characters, highlighting their fears, hopes, and secrets amidst the backdrop of wartime Europe. The alternating viewpoints offer a comprehensive portrayal of the harrowing experiences faced by refugees during WWII, culminating in the tragic sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff which becomes a focal point of the narrative, shedding light on a lesser-known historical event.
I shook my head. No, it didn’t hurt. I was half-deaf but I wasn’t numb. The nurse’s face was inches from mine. Her mouth was close and her breath was in my ear. I closed my eyes, fighting like hell to... - #3
Save:The Flight Portfolio by Julie Orringer is a historical fiction novel set in wartime Europe during World War II. The story follows Varian Fry, an American academic and book editor, who volunteers to assist European refugees in escaping arrest and death camps. The book delves into the heroic efforts of individuals who risked their lives to save artists and writers fleeing Nazi Germany. Orringer's descriptive and vibrant writing style transports readers to the countryside scenes and villas, creating a sense of tension and fear experienced by the characters during this tumultuous time.
There was, as it turned out, no train to the village where the Chagalls lived: one of many complications he’d failed to anticipate. He had to pay a boy with a motorbike to run him up from the station ... - #4
Save:'Skeletons at the Feast' by Chris Bohjalian is a historical novel set during World War II, focusing on different perspectives including a German aristocratic family, a Scottish POW, a Jewish man masquerading as a German soldier, and Jewish women in a labor camp. The book vividly portrays the horrors, uncertainties, and humanity of the time, weaving a story of love, survival, and the brutal realities of war. The plot moves rapidly, delving into the characters' personalities and the historical context of the atrocities committed during the war.
The story follows the characters as they navigate the end of the war, trying to reach the Allies while fleeing from the advancing Russian army. Through multiple viewpoints, the author explores the attitudes of the time towards Hitler's treatment of the Jews and the impact of the war on different people, providing a well-rounded perspective of WWII from various backgrounds and experiences.
USUALLY, IT WAS ONLY WHEN ONE OF THE LOCAL SOLDIERS was home on leave that Anna and her girlfriends ever saw the sorts of young men with whom, in different times, they might have danced. And, as the w... - #5
Save:'Wheels of Terror' in the series 'Legion of the Damned' by author Sven Hassel is a gripping war story set during World War II. The plot follows a group of German Infantry soldiers fighting on the Eastern Front, facing the brutal realities of war. Sven Hassel's writing style vividly describes the horrors of war, the violence, and the challenges faced by the soldiers, providing a raw and unapologetic portrayal of the atmosphere during the Nazi regime.
captures the essence of war through the eyes of composite characters, showcasing the emotions endured by soldiers such as boredom, hate, fear, and blood lust. Despite some fictional elements, the narrative delivers a powerful message about the brutality of war, shedding light on the harsh conditions faced by soldiers during the tumultuous period of World War II.
The barracks were silent and dark, wrapped in the dark velvet of autumn. Only the sharp heel-taps of the sentries’ hob-nailed boots could be heard as they walked their tedious watch on the cemented pa...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Legion of the Damned ) - #6
Save:Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels is a poetic and haunting novel that follows the life of Jakob Beer, a Jewish boy who survives the Holocaust in Poland and is rescued by a Greek geologist named Athos. The story moves from Poland to Greece and eventually to Canada, exploring themes of memory, loss, history, and redemption. The narrative style is described as lyrical and beautifully written, with a focus on the impact of past experiences on Jakob's life and relationships.
The novel is structured in two parts, with the first part focusing on Jakob's life journey and the second part shifting perspective to an admirer of Jakob's poetry named Ben. The book delves into themes of trauma, grief, loss, and memory, while also incorporating layers of metaphor and poetic language. The story is a reflection on the lasting effects of war and the search for meaning and understanding in the face of profound suffering.
My sister had long outgrown the hiding place. Bella was fifteen and even I admitted she was beautiful, with heavy brows and magnificent hair like black syrup, thick and luxurious, a muscle down her ba... - #7
Save:The Muralist by B.A. Shapiro is a historical novel set in pre-WWII New York City, intertwining the stories of a young artist, Alizee Benoit, who disappears in 1940, and her modern-day great-niece, Danielle Abrams, who uncovers hidden pieces of artwork by famous Abstract Expressionist painters. The book delves into themes of art, history, the Holocaust, and the struggles faced by Jewish refugees during WWII, while also exploring the artistic innovation and political landscape of the time. The narrative alternates between past and present, building tension through a mystery plotline and vivid descriptions of the art world in both eras.
It was there when I arrived that morning, sitting to the right of my desk, ostensibly no different from the other half-dozen cartons on the floor, flaps bent back, paintings haphazardly poking out. As... - #8
Save:'German Boy: A Child in War' by Wolfgang W.E. Samuel tells the untold story of what WWII was like for ordinary Germans in the last days and immediate aftermath of the war. Through the eyes of a young boy named Wolfgang, readers witness the struggles of a German family as they flee the advancing Russians, survive hunger and poverty, and eventually find hope in the American Zone of Berlin. The narrative vividly portrays the impact of war on children and families, showcasing the resilience and determination of individuals in unimaginable circumstances.
- #9
Save:In The Forest of Vanishing Stars, readers are taken on a journey following Yona, a young girl who was raised in the forest by an old woman, learning survival skills and self-sufficiency. When Yona encounters Jewish refugees fleeing the ghettos during World War II, she decides to use her knowledge to help them survive in the forest. The book explores themes of survival, community, ethical dilemmas, and the impact of war on individuals, all told with a fresh perspective that draws readers in until the very end.
The old woman watched from the shadows outside Behaimstrasse 72, waiting for the lights inside to blink out. The apartment’s balcony dripped with crimson roses, and ivy climbed the iron rails, but the... - #10
Save:The Night in Lisbon by Erich Maria Remarque is a gripping tale set in 1939, just before the start of World War II, following the journey of a German refugee named Mr. Schwarz who is trying to re-enter Germany to find his wife after fleeing for his life. The story is narrated in a simple first-person style, alternating between Schwarz's account of his journey and a night in Lisbon where the storytelling takes place, making the reader feel as if they are seated next to Schwarz, listening to his account. The novel delves into themes of love, struggle, torture, fortune, and the human condition, providing philosophical musings amidst the couple's escape across Europe.
I STARED AT THE SHIP. Glaringly lighted, it lay at anchor in the Tagus. Though I had been in Lisbon for a week, I hadn’t yet got used to its carefree illumination. In the countries I had come from, th...
