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cbendixe's review against another edition
4.0
This is an up-close look at World War II in Europe and North Africa from the perspective of the man who practically invented war photojournalism, Robert Capa. I first learned of his work because of my slight obsession with the Spanish Civil War, and became fascinated by his raw, upfront look at war by seeing the soldiers, civilians, and general mayhem. This memoir is in a conversational tone, but there is some poignant language from Capa here about the fear of battle, the tragedy of love in wartime, and his constant need to go through the cycle of war, r&r, war, r&r, etc.
He also tells in a surprisingly easy tone about his status as an "enemy alien" during the war. I knew that he was originally Hungarian, but I hadn't realized that by the time the war came around he hadn't become a citizen, and that status could be a real problem when he was trying to take photos of Allied forces on the front. Of course, there are also a lot of excellent photos. Worth a read for those interested in first-hand historical accounts, photojournalism, and European history.
He also tells in a surprisingly easy tone about his status as an "enemy alien" during the war. I knew that he was originally Hungarian, but I hadn't realized that by the time the war came around he hadn't become a citizen, and that status could be a real problem when he was trying to take photos of Allied forces on the front. Of course, there are also a lot of excellent photos. Worth a read for those interested in first-hand historical accounts, photojournalism, and European history.
dogearedandfurry's review against another edition
5.0
Engaging account of his time photographing WW2, with all the mishaps, narrow escapes, successes and horror. Great photos accompany the stories.
I have to say I'd not heard of Capa until I happened to visit the International Center of Photography in NYC (which was founded by Capa's younger brother, Cornell Capa). The main exhibit there was Robert Capa's photographs, and I decided to get his memoir in the gift shop. So glad I did.
I have to say I'd not heard of Capa until I happened to visit the International Center of Photography in NYC (which was founded by Capa's younger brother, Cornell Capa). The main exhibit there was Robert Capa's photographs, and I decided to get his memoir in the gift shop. So glad I did.
josephbdoner's review against another edition
5.0
Robert Capa is far and away my favorite photographer and it regrettably took me years to really discover just how great of a writer the man was. Capa's retelling of his time in WW2 provides a great, ground-level history of the war, giving his readers a fresh perspective on familiar set-pieces in the history of the European theater such as the Africa campaign and D-Day while also providing insight into lesser known aspects of the war such as Allied media/propaganda efforts and the treatment of the Spanish Republicans that fought with the Free French. Capa's writing style is very personable and self-deprecating, almost to the point where you feel as though you're talking with a good friend who's trying to catch you up on what they've been up to for the last several years in both a professional and personal capacity. Truly an excellent overview of WW2 for those interested in a more personal viewpoint, or those simply seeking an interesting personal history told by a quite capable storyteller.
tinysp00nz's review against another edition
4.0
un relato de la segunda guerra mundial desde el punto de vista y el humor de robert capa. qué mas decir? obviamente me ha encantado. las fotos ya te cuentan una historia por sí solas pero tener la oportunidad de leer sobre los momentos que las rodearon, y así saber los motivos y emociones del fotógrafo te da una sensación de conocimiento increíble que te ayuda a humanizar aún más a los "modelos"
grushanna's review against another edition
5.0
Перечитывая эту книгу, вспомнила насколько Роберт Капа замечательный на первых же страницах. Легкий, смешной, позитивный. Это любовь!
drbird's review against another edition
4.0
A fun, fast and interesting account of Capa's experiences in WWII. When he runs into Hemingway you know there's equal counts memory and imagination at work. Not a replacement for. A proper biography but definitely worth reading for anyone interested in WWII or Capa.
rossjenc's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting perspective on World War 2. A quick read with great photographs.
mel_sh's review against another edition
4.0
I had no right taking as long as I did reading this book. Being crazy different than anything else I have ever read, I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy this. I could not have been more wrong. It was interesting, detailed without dragging on and it was actually funny at times. It opened my eye to the war and it was a great read! Definitely recommend!