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4.35 AVERAGE
4.35 AVERAGE
This was an interesting book to read because it was published before the end of WWII, so even though now we know how it turns out I still felt left in the lurch because there is no "ending" so to speak.
I learned a lot about the Polish Underground and was simply amazed at the intricacy involved and dedication these people had.
I have read several books, articles, etc. on the Holocaust and WWII and am still horrified that this is actually something that happened. And to read a first hand account while it was actually happening was very thought provoking. I don't even know how to do this book justice.
I learned a lot about the Polish Underground and was simply amazed at the intricacy involved and dedication these people had.
I have read several books, articles, etc. on the Holocaust and WWII and am still horrified that this is actually something that happened. And to read a first hand account while it was actually happening was very thought provoking. I don't even know how to do this book justice.
challenging
dark
funny
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
tense
medium-paced
I have read several books about the Second World War, more or less, and I must admit that this is one of the most interesting. Seeing the perspective from Poland's point of view is a change from previous books I've read or even popular ones.
I appreciated the way Jan Karski highlights how difficult it was for him when he was tortured, how stressing his missions - such as the border crossing - were and how sincerely he appreciated the war effort of many unknow people.
The way he describes how the Polish Underground organization worked between 1939 and 1943 is excellent and complete. It was interesting to follow-up on how the organization would work from missions, to clandestine press or hosting members.
I really liked this book.
I appreciated the way Jan Karski highlights how difficult it was for him when he was tortured, how stressing his missions - such as the border crossing - were and how sincerely he appreciated the war effort of many unknow people.
The way he describes how the Polish Underground organization worked between 1939 and 1943 is excellent and complete. It was interesting to follow-up on how the organization would work from missions, to clandestine press or hosting members.
I really liked this book.
This memoir of a polish underground spy reads like a thriller.
This is one of the most intriguing and exciting books about World War II, primarily the Polish resistance, that I have read. The bravery and determination of Karski is outstanding, his tale-telling superb, and it made for quite an emotional read.
Karski wrote this immediately after the war and it shows. Sometimes he carefully avoids mentioning names probably because these people might still have been active under the communist occupation.
The book sometimes really has the structure of a report and the description of the structure of the secret state of Poland can be somewhat tedious.
The high point of the book is the harrowing account of his secret visits to the Warsaw ghetto and the extermination camp at Belzec. Karski risked his live to give a first hand report of what was happening to the Polish Jews while the rest of the world lived in ignorance of what the Nazis were doing. It makes his description of the atrocities more harsh, as if you hear it for the first time.
The book sometimes really has the structure of a report and the description of the structure of the secret state of Poland can be somewhat tedious.
The high point of the book is the harrowing account of his secret visits to the Warsaw ghetto and the extermination camp at Belzec. Karski risked his live to give a first hand report of what was happening to the Polish Jews while the rest of the world lived in ignorance of what the Nazis were doing. It makes his description of the atrocities more harsh, as if you hear it for the first time.
Very moving, adrenaline inducing and touching in an unique way. A story of a true hero. I'm ashamed to say I've not ever considered Poland's role in the war, and what a fascinating and sorrowful part they had. I was amazed id not considered the cultural genocide that Germany performed on Poland, and the story of the resistance and heroism within the fighting underground made me proud. All lovers of WW2 history should read this book.
An amazing insight into the Polish resistance and life in an occupied country during World War II from an incredibly brave, courageous and honest man.