The Unwomanly Face Of War by Svetlana Alexievich

[DoctorTwo]

I listened to the serialisation of this on Radio 4 a few weeks ago and its premise intrigued me: a woman interviewing women about their experiences during WW2. It's utterly compelling, heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time. It's a shame it took over 30 years for it to be translated into English and published here. I can't recommend it highly enough.

I recently downloaded a sample onto the Kindle and wasn't sure whether to go ahead and buy. I will now - thanks.

I also recommend her book Chernobyl Prayer.

Thank you for the recommendation. I shall order it from my local bookshop.

There must be 100+ stories that have made me lay this book face down, put my reading glasses across the spine and stare into the middle distance before a quick wipe of my eyes. No other book I have ever read has made me feel as emotional as this one has done.

I've now read Chernobyl Prayer @GhostsToMonsoon, and you were right to recommend it. The thing that stood out most was the anger, right up until The Children's Choir.

I'm now reading Boys in Zinc, her book about the Russian invasion of Afghanistan.

People who like alexievich, (I loved Chernobyl prayer, though it's a tough read), can I ask what other books you read?

I agree about the anger. It surprises me when some people say Chernobyl didn't do that much long-term damage.
Christ

That's meant to say ChristianGreysAnatomy
I haven't read anything else that's similar to Alexeievich in terms of being just oral testimony. One book I found fascinating recently was Strangers Drowning about extreme altruists which is mainly based on interviews. Also Escape from Camp 14 about North Korea. Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo. I like narrative nonfiction.

Thanks Ghosts!

I've just finished The Unwomanly Face of War. It was a hard read. The accounts of cruelty and torture from the Germans were absolutely horrific. And yet I was absolutely in awe of the bravery and resilience of those women. There was one in particular who commanded a sapper unit at the age of 20. Imagine doing that at any age!