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nekreader's review against another edition
4.0
This book is good, but as another reviewer commented, it could have been much better. Despite the horrors, the challenges, the injustices, and the utter cruelty the author encountered and describes the book seems to lack emotion and analysis. I recently visited Prague, and it is extremely difficult to reconcile the beautiful city one sees today with the nightmarish city Kovaly knew and described. This book, although flawed, reminds us of the history that led up to the heavily touristed city we see today. Although soemtimes a bit dry, it is nevertheless a gut wrenching tale of oppression and persistence.
elliotjcooper's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
pino_sabatelli's review against another edition
4.0
Un libro incredibile che racconta una vita incredibile.
Con una scrittura sobria ed essenziale, l'Autrice sembra stilare un verbale che, rifuggendo qualsiasi patetismo, si limita alla pura descrizione di un mondo che oscilla fra l'orrore e l'assurdo.
"La gente mi chiede spesso: come ci sei riuscita? Sopravvivere ai campi! Fuggire! Tutti credono che morire sia facile, e che invece la lotta per la vita richieda uno sforzo sovrumano. Di solito è il contrario."
Nient'altro da aggiungere.
Con una scrittura sobria ed essenziale, l'Autrice sembra stilare un verbale che, rifuggendo qualsiasi patetismo, si limita alla pura descrizione di un mondo che oscilla fra l'orrore e l'assurdo.
"La gente mi chiede spesso: come ci sei riuscita? Sopravvivere ai campi! Fuggire! Tutti credono che morire sia facile, e che invece la lotta per la vita richieda uno sforzo sovrumano. Di solito è il contrario."
Nient'altro da aggiungere.
msbert04's review against another edition
fast-paced
4.0
Fast to read, insightful about life under communism in Prague
ariag's review against another edition
5.0
I had the pleasure of reading "Under a Cruel Star" whilst living in Prague for a few months. As a History and European Politics graduate student, I not only found Heda's story deeply moving, I believe it serves as a reminder of the importance of oral history, specifically of a country that not many people know much about.
This English translation is eloquently written and whether you are interested in the country, the history, or just a good story, you will not be able to put this book down. It is one thing to know facts about a time & place, but it is another thing to experience them through the eyes of those who were there firsthand.
In these 200 pages of "Under a Cruel Star," I have cultivated an immense respect for Heda and her experiences under Communism in the Czech Republic, I have had the opportunity to recognize the privilege inherent in the life I live, and I have felt deep gratitude for Heda and all those who form part of her story for entrusting us with their personal histories.
This English translation is eloquently written and whether you are interested in the country, the history, or just a good story, you will not be able to put this book down. It is one thing to know facts about a time & place, but it is another thing to experience them through the eyes of those who were there firsthand.
In these 200 pages of "Under a Cruel Star," I have cultivated an immense respect for Heda and her experiences under Communism in the Czech Republic, I have had the opportunity to recognize the privilege inherent in the life I live, and I have felt deep gratitude for Heda and all those who form part of her story for entrusting us with their personal histories.
aro78's review against another edition
This is an important book. Reading it in Prague hurt my soul.
moseslh's review against another edition
5.0
A remarkable memoir of a Jewish woman's life in Prague from 1941-1968. Kovály's narrative is a fascinating account of the joys and tragedies of her life from her escape from a Nazi concentration camp to the show trial of her husband under Communist rule, concluding on a hopeful note with the Prague Spring. While the subject matter is heavy, Kovály's story is easy to read and her book hard to put down.
bella246908's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
4.75
traceychick's review against another edition
5.0
I had never heard of Heda Kovaly prior to finding this book in my local Oxfam Bookshop.However, after reading the blurb, I was very keen to know more.
We are all aware of the countless atrocities that took place during the holocaust, but at times Mrs Kovaly's firsthand account seems unbelievable in its graphic portrayal of events and reads almost like a harrowing novel.
However,the events are real and not only did Mrs Kovaly endure persecution as a Jew during the Second World War, she was also caught up in the years of the Communist rule in post-war Czechosolvakia.I knew little of this era and for me this part of Mrs Kovaly's story is even more painful to read as the Czech people's hopes for a better future following the war were cruelly dashed by the Communists and their regime of fear.
Mrs Kovaly's writing is fluid, evocative and expressive and I found this added to the compelling nature of the book. Her strength of emotion is almost palpable despite its being written many years after the events. I cried several times during my reading and it has been a long time since I have been so moved by a book.Reading at night whilst tucked up in my cosy bed in sleepy North Dorset, I was struck by the contrast between her life and mine and counted myself very lucky to have the freedom and comforts that I do.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Whilst the subject is very upsetting and painful to read about, Mrs Kovaly's strength of character and emotional courage shine through and I find her story a very inspiring one.
We are all aware of the countless atrocities that took place during the holocaust, but at times Mrs Kovaly's firsthand account seems unbelievable in its graphic portrayal of events and reads almost like a harrowing novel.
However,the events are real and not only did Mrs Kovaly endure persecution as a Jew during the Second World War, she was also caught up in the years of the Communist rule in post-war Czechosolvakia.I knew little of this era and for me this part of Mrs Kovaly's story is even more painful to read as the Czech people's hopes for a better future following the war were cruelly dashed by the Communists and their regime of fear.
Mrs Kovaly's writing is fluid, evocative and expressive and I found this added to the compelling nature of the book. Her strength of emotion is almost palpable despite its being written many years after the events. I cried several times during my reading and it has been a long time since I have been so moved by a book.Reading at night whilst tucked up in my cosy bed in sleepy North Dorset, I was struck by the contrast between her life and mine and counted myself very lucky to have the freedom and comforts that I do.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Whilst the subject is very upsetting and painful to read about, Mrs Kovaly's strength of character and emotional courage shine through and I find her story a very inspiring one.