Books Like...

"The Women of the Copper Country" by Mary Doria Russell is a historical fiction novel set in Calumet, Michigan, during the 1913 miners strike. The story follows Annie Clements, a strong female leader who organizes and leads the women of Copper Country in support of the miners' union. The book vividly describes the harsh conditions in the copper mines, the struggles faced by the miners and their families, and the brutal resistance to organized labor in the early 20th century. Through multiple perspectives, the author brings to life the courage, endurance, and sacrifices of those involved in the labor movement.

'Auschwitz and After' by Charlotte Delbo is a powerful and haunting memoir that delves into the author's experiences as a French political prisoner interned in Auschwitz during World War II. Delbo's writing style combines poetry and prose to provide a unique and emotional account of life in the concentration camps, offering insights into the female experience of the camps and the struggles of reintegrating into society after liberation. The book is described as a brilliant testimony of the Holocaust, shedding light on the unimaginable horrors faced by those who endured such atrocities.

A Woman in Berlin: Eight Weeks in the Conquered City: A Diary by Marta Hillers is a harrowing account of a woman's survival during the end of World War II in Berlin. The anonymous author documents the atrocities faced by women in the city, including hunger, rape, abuse, and mistrust, while highlighting the breakdown of societal norms and the struggle for survival in a decimated city overrun by the Russians. The diary provides a raw and factual depiction of life in Berlin during the post-war occupation, shedding light on the unimaginable suffering experienced by German women during the war.

The book captures the stark reality of the collapse of society and the lengths individuals go to in order to survive in a war-torn environment. Through meticulous observation and clear-eyed storytelling, the author paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by women in Berlin, showcasing the resilience and adaptability required to navigate through the chaos and devastation of the aftermath of World War II.

'We Were the Lucky Ones' by Georgia Hunter is a gripping novel based on the true story of the Kurc family, a Polish Jewish family that miraculously survived the horrors of World War II. The story spans from 1939 through the war, following the family members as they endure separation, hardships, and struggles in various parts of the world, including Poland, Siberia, France, and Brazil. The book beautifully depicts the family's journey of survival, resilience, and reunion after the war, showcasing the power of love, hope, and determination in the face of adversity.

The narrative style of the book is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, as it weaves together the individual experiences of the Kurc family members, portraying their courage and will to survive amidst the atrocities of the Holocaust. Through meticulous research and personal family accounts, Georgia Hunter creates a poignant and emotional tribute to her ancestors, shedding light on the untold stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances during one of the darkest periods in history.

Beginning in Paris on the eve of the Nazi occupation in 1940, 'Suite Francaise' by Irene Nemirovsky tells the remarkable story of men and women thrown together in circumstances beyond their control. As Parisians flee the city, human folly surfaces in every imaginable way - a wealthy mother searches for sweets in a town without food, a couple is terrified about their jobs as their world begins to fall apart. Moving on to a provincial village now occupied by German soldiers, the locals must learn to coexist with the enemy in their town, their homes, and even in their hearts. The first part of the book recounts the flight of Parisians as they leave the city, while the second part depicts life in a small French village under German occupation.

Nemirovsky's characters are vividly drawn and complex as they try to come to terms with their changing situation. The author's writing style is praised for its masterful portrayal of individuals dealing with the war and the occupation of France. The book weaves together a variety of perspectives, including the interactions between the French and German characters, showcasing the conflicting humanity given to the German soldiers during the occupation.

The Raft by Robert Trumbull is a true story set during World War II, following three navy men who are stranded in a tiny raft after their plane crashes in the Pacific Ocean. The book captures the incredible survival journey of these men, depicting their struggles and endurance over weeks at sea. The writing style of the author is noted for its unemotional and almost dry tone, which offers a stark contrast to contemporary war narratives, providing a unique perspective on the harrowing experience of the airmen.

Night Soldiers by Alan Furst follows the journey of Khristo Stoianev, a young Bulgarian who is recruited into the NKVD Soviet secret intelligence service after his brother is killed by local fascists. The story spans from 1934 to 1945, covering Khristo's training, operations in the Spanish Civil War, escape to France, and involvement in guerrilla operations with the French underground. Furst's writing style is described as atmospheric, with detailed geographical research and well-developed characters that bring the historical setting to life.

A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin is a beautifully written novel that tells the story of Alessandro Giuliani, an Italian soldier during World War I. The book follows Alessandro's life from being a carefree young man to his experiences as a soldier, deserter, and professor of aesthetics. The narrative unfolds as Alessandro recounts his adventures and reflections on life to a young companion while walking through Italy, capturing the vagaries of life, the beauty of the Italian Alps, and the complexities of war.

"Children of God" is a sequel to "The Sparrow" by Mary Doria Russell. It continues the story of Emilio Sandoz and the Jesuit mission to the alien world of Rakhat. delves into themes of growth, redemption, forgiveness, and the collision between faith and science. The narrative explores moral dilemmas and complex character relationships against the backdrop of different cultures on Rakhat and the challenges faced by the characters both on the alien planet and back on Earth.

Beneath a Scarlet Sky is a captivating historical novel based on the true story of Pino Lella, a young Italian who finds himself thrust into the heart of World War II. The book follows Pino's journey from a naive teenager to a courageous hero as he navigates through the horrors of the war, from escorting Jews across the Alps to becoming a spy for the Allies. The plot weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience against the backdrop of the Italian resistance movement, offering readers a unique perspective on a lesser-known aspect of WWII. The writing style, though varying in opinions, is praised for its ability to bring Pino's story to life, drawing readers into the emotional rollercoaster of his experiences.