One of the most engrossing books I've read recently - definitely unputdownable.
This is a fictionalised account of the Roma (gypsy) experience in Czechslovakia before and during WWII. Although it started out slow, once the Nazis began rounding up the undesirables and transporting them, the book came to life. The conditions and experiences in the dentention camp made my skin crawl.
The last part of the book is set in Prague. Having just come back from a holiday which included a few days in Prague it was interesting to read about places which I could now visualise in my mind. Even if you've not been to Prague you can enjoy - it just made it all that more 'real' to me having been there and knowing the streets/sights that were referenced.
If you have an interest in historical fiction and are looking for something different, then pick up this book. There's so little written from the Roma perspective that this definitely was a treat to read despite the depressing subject matter.
This is a fictionalised account of the Roma (gypsy) experience in Czechslovakia before and during WWII. Although it started out slow, once the Nazis began rounding up the undesirables and transporting them, the book came to life. The conditions and experiences in the dentention camp made my skin crawl.
The last part of the book is set in Prague. Having just come back from a holiday which included a few days in Prague it was interesting to read about places which I could now visualise in my mind. Even if you've not been to Prague you can enjoy - it just made it all that more 'real' to me having been there and knowing the streets/sights that were referenced.
If you have an interest in historical fiction and are looking for something different, then pick up this book. There's so little written from the Roma perspective that this definitely was a treat to read despite the depressing subject matter.
Helpful Score: 3
This is a great book about the Roma (gypsies) during World War II. I have always been intrigued by the society of gypsies (which I believe is actually a derogatory term). They were persecuted by the Nazis and many died alongside Jews during the Holocaust; this is a novel based on historic fact during that time period. It is a sad story of survival that left me wondering what exactly happened to the Sinti Roma, and finding that there is not a whole lot of information on them. Nonetheless, this is a very readable book about a terrible time in history.
Helpful Score: 2
well written but depressing account of gypsies in WW2. My book club was split on their opinions about this book.
Helpful Score: 1
A fascinating look at the Gypsies in WWII. A page turner.
