DOC German Boy: A Child in War by Wolfgang W. E. Samuel in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Please readBy CmommaI simply could not put this book down. We learn so much about what life was like for the victims and victors of WWII; but I don't believe I've ever read much about the aftermath of the war on German citizens (aside from the fictional The Book Thief). I was regularly horrified throughout Wolfgang's story. I didn't realize the poverty and suffering the average German; especially the refugees; went through. I had to keep reminding myself that this book was a memoir; not fiction; because Wolfgang Samuel told such a descriptive and page-turning story. In the end; I found myself amazed by the sheer luck his family found at times; along with the grit of his often stubborn and sometimes selfish mother. I mourned the loss of his friends and family members; particularly with the gruesome ways they died. I felt such joy whenever the family found safety and shelter; and most especially when they made it to America. I will be recommending this book to everyone.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Beauty from ashes...By ToncarováI simply could not put this book down. I’m a very slow and deliberate reader; but I finished this one in record time. Once I started reading; that “what’s around the next corner” question was relentless and all-consuming. What is so amazing is how the author relates his experiences in the few years after WW2 with the perfect combination of both matter-of-fact narrative and profound personal emotion. The language and tone is so relatable. Anyone from the guy next door to an expert in European history could read this book and come away deeply affected. A brilliant autobiography.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Moving Story about Sad History of CivilansBy The Old GuyI have to say I never thought about what happens to the folks who line in the lands were there are men fightingand the towns people are caught in the middle of the fighting and because the lack of compassion on the part ofa few causes real problems for the towns people. After reading another book called "THE UNKOWN DEAD" a story about the people who went thru the "Battle of the Bulge"and still another "When the Smoke Cleared at Gettysburg" I began to see the REAL looses are the civilian's I love history and have read a lot off accounts of the battles from every one involved; but never had seen the peoples views Sad the REAL looses in any battle are still the folks who live in the land and place of the battles one gets a view of real life. and what woman are forced to do to try and keep their families alive is very sad indeed