When you read other books, like Citizen Soldier, you dont feel the pain and suffering that German Civilians went through because of the war. This gives you new light on a shady area. The book made me really think about the war in Iraq, the fact is, Wolfgang's position in life isnt too uncommon. Its a sad fact of war.
I suggest this too anyone interested in WWII, History in general, or just great writing. I think that this book can make people more aware of the effects of war. Its hard to feel sorry for someone shooting at you with an gun, but you cant help but feel sorry for a mother so desprate to provide for her children, she sells her body.
If youve made it this far into the review, get the book. 5 stars, hands down.
This is a great book for those interested in the time period of 1945-50. It shows how the Russian army treated the Germans, what life was like under Communist rule, and how the allies in West Germany helped rebuild the country. There is a really good section that covers the Berlin airlift and the impact it had on the country. The reader also gets a glimpse of what it was like to grow up in a war-devastated country.
This is the life of a young boy; so don?t expect any grand heroics or tales of battles. Do expect stories of survival during a horrible time in history and the lengths that people would go to, including his mother, to survive and to feed their families. There are many examples of horrible behavior as well as true kindness. Truly a fascinating story. There is a foreword by Stephen Ambrose, who also loved the book.
What horror it must have been to have been a German family (in this case a mother and son) and stuck in Germany at the end of WWII and even worse luck to be stuck in the Soviet Zone. The book is an account of one family's determination to survive: Survival that depended on the ability to learn how to quickly adapt to the constant changes of circumstance and the willingness to undergo individual sacrifices. In short, to do what ever was necessary to live one more day, over and over again.
A compelling work: hard to put down. Highly recommended!