pickThis is my first Iris Origo and it won‘t be my last. It is the author‘s diary of the entrance of Italy during World War II, and her unique perspective as a well-connected British woman living with her Italian husband in the countryside of Italy. Its commentary on the realities of living under fascism, effects of propaganda and the manner in which people continued to live their lives is as relevant today as it was 85 years ago.
pickThough sprawling, this book is a testament to the “ability of small groups of outsiders to challenge huge powers precisely because they have strengths that those powers see as weaknesses,” demonstrating how “the very people Hitler‘s Reich sought to exclude or destroy were singularly equipped to defeat him,” contributing their diverse backgrounds and scholarly skills to the newborn US intelligence service and playing a pivotal role in winning WWII.
pickI thought this was a good read. It provided a good overview of the Pacific Theater of WW2. While the U.S. and Japan were the primary focus, other countries involved (such as Australia and Britain) were included as well. Besides major battles and campaigns, other topics include some political aspects, as well as some personal dynamics, like the rivalry between the army and navy. Definitely recommend.
pick🎧 was not the best way to read this. Unfamiliar with Polish names and I struggled with keeping people straight. But. What a book. This is a feminist look at not only an amazing woman also war. I had never heard of The Silent Unseen - Polish paratroopers trained in Britain and dropped behind enemy lines in Poland Zo's story is both fantastical and frustrating as the Soviet punished Nazi fighters and men refuse to recognize women's contributions.
Listening to the tagged on my neighborhood walk where the cherry blossoms are blooming
pick'She was a very strong lady,' Marzenna recalled. 'For her, nothing was impossible.
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Recommended history of Polish resistance in WW2.
The descriptions of Agent Zo's personal skills reminded me of my gran. Everyone loved her, but not for her small talk!
Personal gripe: one of those "hidden histories" where actually what the author means/ acknowledges is "*English speakers* didn't know about it...".
#wpnf25
Well, I've read 3 of them! Agree with 2 (Agent Zo & What the Wild Sea Can Be), not so sure about Raising Hare.
I'm glad The Eagle and the Hart didn't make it, but disappointed Sister in Law isn't there.
Will be getting Story of a Heart out of the library!
As far as possible, the women saved each other.
(Magdeburg camp, 1944)
"an insane feminist and pioneer of the "liberation" movement and equality of women', the report continued. 'A hysterical woman'.*" '
Got to love the lack of self-censorship in pre-Freedom of Information civil servants' memos.
