photo_library28
Productstar 5.0
Not a Woman's Face in War by Svetlana Alexievich
This book is a real eye-opener. Svetlana Alexievich shares some pretty intense stories about the human cost of war. It's a real page-turner that'll leave you feeling moved and maybe even a little changed. The Nobel Prize-winning author gets real about war's impact on everyday people, making it a must-read for anyone into history, politics, or just trying to understand the human condition.
chevron_right
A Heavy but Rewarding Read: Women's Faces of War
summarizeEditor's Summary
I dove headfirst into this book after becoming obsessed with World War II movies, and what I found was a gripping, documentary-style account of women's experiences during the war. The book's a collection of essays, each one a powerful story of resilience and strength. I'm still reeling from the impact of these stories, and I think you will be too. If you're interested in history, women's experiences, or just great storytelling, this book is a must-read. It's a game-changer, trust me.
settingsSpecifications
KararMükemmel
KitapKalitesi9/10
HikayeKalitesi9/10
DokümanNiteliği8/10
Hello there!
I recently became obsessed with World War II movies, so I decided to dive into a book about women in war. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made, as the book is mostly documentary-style and does an amazing job of describing the various moments of young women at the time.
So today, I want to tell you about the book 'Women's Faces of War'.
The book was written in 1983 and features stories from women of different ages and professions. I'd say it's more like a collection of essays, to be honest.
The coolest thing is that Yegor Letov recorded an album based on this book, called 'The Weight of Non-Existence' - which includes a song with the same name as the book. After reading it, I had to give the album a listen, since Civil Defense is one of my favorite bands.
This book has also won a ton of awards and prizes:
Nikolai Ostrovsky Literary Prize from the Union of Soviet Writers (1984) October Magazine Prize (1984) Constantin Fedin Literary Prize from the Union of Soviet Writers (1985) Lenin Komsomol Prize (1986) Angelus Central European Literary Prize (2011) Ryszard Kapuscinski Prize (2011)
The book comes in a softcover edition, which is super convenient to carry around without any issues. The pages are thin but easy to flip through, and the font is large and easy to read.
I've always been fascinated by the unsung heroes of history - the women who've made incredible sacrifices, often in the shadows. But they're just as courageous as their male counterparts.
This book is a collection of stories from women who've been on the frontlines, as well as those who've waited back home for their loved ones. It's a powerful reminder that women have always played a vital role in war, even if their contributions have often been overlooked.
I was particularly struck by the film 'Batalon', which tells the story of a group of women who volunteered to fight on the frontlines. It's a testament to the strength and resilience of women, who have always had to fight for recognition and respect.
The book is a gripping and emotional read, and it's hard not to be moved by the stories of these young women. I had to put it down a few times, just to collect my thoughts and process everything I was reading. But once I'd composed myself, I devoured the rest of the book in just a few days.
xa0
'Memories are not a passionate or detached retelling of a lost reality, but a rebirth of the past, when time turns back on itself.'
xa0
This book was written over seven years, and not everyone was willing to open up about their experiences. Many people didn't want to revisit that difficult time, but somehow, the book came to life. The original title was actually 'I Don't Want to Remember,' because that's how many women started our conversations.
The soldiers treated these women like sisters, but there's one chapter that stands out. When young women joined one of the units, they were called some pretty hurtful names. It was a tough time, and men were often bitter and angry, with no room for good emotions. They'd seen so much death and destruction that they'd lost touch with reality.
Many of these women found love during their time in the war zone, and some even got married to their comrades after the conflict ended. Others remained single, and it's clear that they needed some serious emotional support. Even today, when our family's best friend comes back from his military service, we encourage his wife to seek counseling to help him process his experiences.
It's amazing how much of a difference a therapist can make, even in the midst of a family vacation. It's a powerful reminder that we all need a little help sometimes, and that's okay.
I have to say, the stories in this book really got to me, especially the one about a young couple, 'Two Wars Living in Our Home.' The girl got called up to serve in the navy, and it's just heartbreaking. She's a real hero for making it through all those years and still being the same person.
For many people, their time in the military is a mixed bag - they're grateful for the experience, but it's also a tough time. Many of the women in this book were decorated for their service, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows.
Another story that really stood out to me was about a girl who lost her father on the front lines and wanted to get revenge. She made it back alive, but was badly injured. She went through the Battle of Kursk and even witnessed the execution of deserters - she was one of the ones who carried out the orders. When she got back home, she got sick and everyone thought it was just a mental health issue, but once she got married and had kids, everything went back to normal.
And then there are the stories about women in non-combat roles - cooks, postal workers, journalists. They're all really powerful and show just how tough it was for everyone during that time. They had to deal with the emotional toll of delivering bad news and mourning the loss of loved ones - it wasn't easy for anyone.
These girls were pitied more during the war. They were pitied more than anyone else. It was a shame to bury them, and it was a shame to send their moms a death notice...
xa0
I also came across an interesting story about underwear, where girls wanted to look good for themselves. And when many girls got their first period and didn't know what was happening, they were scared and said they weren't hurt, but that blood was coming out. There are funny stories like that in the book too.
And how many marriages were created by the war! Girls who fell in love would follow their boyfriends everywhere, and then strong marriages were formed that lasted for many years.
I want to say that the book is interesting, but you need to prepare yourself to read it.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the book 'Women's Faces of War' about?
The book's a collection of essays that tell the stories of women's experiences during World War II. It's a documentary-style account of the war's impact on women and their families.
Who wrote the book 'Women's Faces of War'?
Unfortunately, the author's name isn't specified in the review, but the book was written in 1983.
What awards has the book 'Women's Faces of War' won?
The book's won numerous awards and prizes, including the Nikolai Ostrovsky Literary Prize from the Union of Writers.
Is the book 'Women's Faces of War' a good read for history buffs?
Yes, the book's a great resource for history buffs and those interested in women's studies. It offers a unique perspective on women's experiences during the war.
Is the book 'Women's Faces of War' a good companion to World War II movies?
Yes, the book's a great companion to World War II movies and documentaries. It offers a deeper understanding of the war's impact on women and their families.
Is the book 'Women's Faces of War' available in digital format?
Unfortunately, the review doesn't specify whether the book's available in digital format.
Can I return the book 'Women's Faces of War' if I don't like it?
The review doesn't specify the book's return policy, so you'll need to check with the seller.
Is the book 'Women's Faces of War' a good read for women's studies?
Yes, the book's a great resource for women's studies. It offers a unique perspective on women's experiences during the war.
check_circlePros
- •The book's documentary-style storytelling makes the stories feel incredibly real.
- •The essays are well-researched and offer a unique perspective on women's experiences during the war.
- •The book's a great resource for history buffs and those interested in women's studies.
- •The stories are incredibly relatable and will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.
- •The book's won numerous awards and prizes, including the Nikolai Ostrovsky Literary Prize.
- •The book's a great companion to World War II movies and documentaries.
- •The book's well-written and engaging, making it hard to put down.
- •The stories are diverse and cover a range of experiences, making it a great read for anyone interested in women's history.
cancelCons
- •The book's a bit heavy on the historical context, which can make it feel dense at times.
- •Some of the essays feel a bit disconnected from the rest of the book.
- •The book's a bit of a slow burn, but the payoff is well worth it.
- •The book's not for everyone - it's a bit of a niche interest.
- •The book's a bit outdated, having been written in 1983.
- •The book's not as widely available as some other historical texts.
- •Some readers may find the writing style a bit dry at times.
- •The book's not a light read, so be prepared for a challenge.
