a must for those interested in 20th century history
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Great book, finely and gracefully written. You become involved with the characters and follow their tales, even though you don't want to go where they do. Not just for WWII buffs. You could say it is like Anne Frank but with a different ending.
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A Well Told Account From A Little Known Point-Of-View
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Imagine fleeing to Russia to escape the Nazis, being drafted by the Red Army, accused of treason and narrowly avoiding execution on the spot, sentenced to the Gulag and winding up in Idaho. What a journey! Along with "My Just War" and "Babi Yar," I think this is a strong addition to the record of a history most Americans know very little of: Jewish and Russian experiences of World War Two.
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A wonderful memoir of a descent into the maelstrom
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Shalamov, Ginzburg and now Bardach can join this select group of voices from Kolyma, Stalin's frozen prison. Like Ginzburg, Bardach writes and survives based on his inexhaustable humanity. Bardach is not the stylist of a Shalamov( but few are)but the sheer force of the experience and his strength of character carry the narrative forward. I wish Bardach, Ginzburg and Shalamov were required reading in high school and college. Their experiences might change our self-absorbed perspectives. Highly recommended.
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One Man's Tale Reminds Us Of The Millions Who Died Unknown
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We have read about the millions who suffered, died and were forgotten, and sometimes the sheer number numbs us to their suffering. Yet here, one man steps forward, like Ivan Denisovich, and tells us his story, and makes it all real again. Dr. Bardach has been able to convey a difficult, sad, tragic experience into a eminently readable account that does not leave one depressed by its witnessing of the dark angels of our nature, but treasure the ability of hope and humanity to struggle on and find something to strive for against all hope.
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Very touching story of survival.
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Excellent book!
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