A book everyone should read
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This is a must for anyone, irrespective of whether they believe themselves to be interested in history or not. It provides a fascinating account of the life of a truly outstanding man. Wallenberg (a Swedish diplomat who was independent of the Second World War), saved the lives of tens of thousands of Jews in Hungary at a great personal cost (his life and liberty). When the Russians came to liberate Budapest he was taken prisoner and was never heard of or seen again. According to the Russians, Wallenberg died in 1948 but the author gives enough evidence to make this claim seem stupid in the extreme. Bierman has explored all areas of this fascinating life very thoroughly and sensitively.
The book provides a mixture of historical detail and background, as well as the testimonies of many of Wallenberg's family members and associates. I cannot fault this book or the author, John Bierman. If you only ever read five books in your life, make sure that this is one of them. It brings to our attention a true hero who seems to have been forgotten over time. What a shame Wallenberg has not received as much publicity as his much more famous counterpart, Oscar Schlinder.
An absorbing but ultimately sad tale, Righteous Gentile is one of the best books you will ever read.
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