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Bielski Brothers: The True Story of Three Men Who Defied the Nazis, Built a Village in the Forest, and Saved 1,200 Jews
by
Peter Duffy
In 1941, three brothers witnessed their parents and two other siblings being led away to their eventual murders. It was a grim scene that would, of course, be repeated endlessly throughout the war. Instead of running or giving in to despair, these brothers -- Tuvia, Zus, and Asael Bielski -- fought back, waging a guerrilla war of wits against the Nazis.
By using their inti
...moreLibrary Binding, 0 pages
Published
June 28th 2004
by Turtleback Books
(first published July 1st 2003)
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I have to say that I am quite embarrassed as to not fully appreciating the breadth and scope of the Holocaust atrocities. I wasn't aware of the scope of brutality as it related to extended efforts the Nazi regime took to attempt Jewish extermination in the relative far reaches of Nazi-occupied USSR. This occurred all the way into 1943, only ceasing as the Nazi' were routed by the Red Army in their retreat back to Germany from the eastern front.
I especially appreciated Duffy's apparen...more
I especially appreciated Duffy's apparen...more
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Here's my recommendation: If you cannot get your hands on a copy from your local library immediately, go buy it. One of the most compelling stories of survival and heroic action by small groups of Jews hiding from vicious Nazi killers during WWII. Belarus, a small central European country, had a large Jewish population before the war. Like so many countries in the vicinity, when the war ended, there were nearly no Jews left. The Bielski brothers, a very tough trio, by dint of will and no small m...more
This book is a very fascinating book, and the author wrote it well. He keeps you interested even through the parts that should be boring.
It blows me away that they could pull something that huge off (don't want to say anything that might ruin the story). One thing that did bother me about the author is that he kept using phrases like "Luck was on their side..." " And luck was with them..." right after a miracle would happen.The part that bothered me the most was near th...more
It blows me away that they could pull something that huge off (don't want to say anything that might ruin the story). One thing that did bother me about the author is that he kept using phrases like "Luck was on their side..." " And luck was with them..." right after a miracle would happen.The part that bothered me the most was near th...more
The movie Defiance is based on the true story of the Bielski Brothers, amazing men who saved over 1000 Jewish people during WW2. The book was written in a very simple style--but it was informative and direct. These men were so brave and skillful--they faced so much opposition--the Nazis of course, but there were internal threats to their authority, and they were also incorporated into the Soviet partisan movement and had to answer to the Russians, empahsizing to them that they were saving Sovi...more
This is a fascinating book and one that I think everyone should read. At the same time, it is very sad and had me quite depressed. Probably not the book I should have read Christmas day and the day after . . .but it was very compelling. It was well written but pretty dry, a recounting of fact after fact, after fact, etc. I guess that's why I am giving it three stars instead of four. Of course, it's non-fiction but I still think that the information could have been handled a bit differently....more
This book really does read like a non-fiction thriller. It was life affirming and heart breaking at the same time. Given the knowledge of where the brothers settled in the later years of their lives, reaffirms my awe and wonder at how sometimes hidden among ordinary neighborhood, hidden behind ordinary jobs, there might just be an incredible hero. What I find wonderful about Duffy's account is that while some parts may be, out of admiration, recounted slightly fonder than they actually occurr...more
I had seen the movie "Defiance" when it came out several years ago and was inspired to learn more about the Bielski brothers because of it. Obviously, it takes me a little while to get through my reading list, but this is an excellent account of their lives and the time they spent leading a group of Jews in hiding. Not only did they survive, but they also resisted their German occupiers and were very good at doing both. Tuvia, Zus, and Asael Bielski were not perfect - their flaws and m...more
An excellent story, rendered a bit dry by all the focus on the party & group structure, I didn't appreciate the importance of this information until I saw the piece of garbage which was the movie version. The author also "spoils" the suspense by letting us know who lives through (at least of the major players). I would have liked so much more detail of the day to day life and persons involved. An amazing story of survival nonetheless, and it is so important for us to remember what h...more
A detailed description of the untold story of Zus, Asael and Tuvia Bielski, three Jewish brothers who, after having their families killed by the Nazis, decided to fight back. Their became a partisan fighting group in the forests of their homeland with a twofold goal: rescue as many Jews as they could, and kill as many Nazis as they could. Author Peter Duffy used personal interviews, written histories and memoirs from those who were part of this historical group of Jewish fighters to put together...more
Wow! I cannot even begin to describe how amazing this book is! It is written in very simple, straightforward language that tells the true story of 3 Jewish brothers who escape the destruction of the Jews during WW II by taking their family and a few friends into the forest to hide. They build a small community there and take in anybody who wants to join them--sick, old, child--and take care of them. The story of their courage, dedication, compassion for others, and faith is inspiring. They ...more
Sometime in the middle of the first chapter I told myself to just go on and finish this book, after all it was my suggestion for reading group; but then I learned to enjoy the way it was written. It is almost clinical in its accuracy and time-line. Yet it is most definitely not a history book you'll read in school, at least not primary education. Filled with dates, facts, numbers, names, and details this story is interesting and provocative, bold and daring. Some very brave people lived to tell ...more
What a great read! This book tells the amazing story of three Jewish brothers and their struggle to survive the Holocaust. These brothers saved more Jews from the Nazis then Oskar Schindler. This book serves as a good reminder of the anti-semitic tendencies of almost all of Europe. While the Holocaust was so extreme and evil, it didn't come out of nowhere. The family history of these brothers shows how the Jews had been fighting for survival for generations leading up to the Holocaust. Thi...more
Having written so many reviews today, I am getting lazy and sloppy. Let me just summarize by saying that I really liked this book b/c it showed how some Jews fought against the Nazis. So many just say they dumbly put themselves on trains to the concentration camps. THAT IS FALSE! Their active attempts to fight against all odds must be made known. This book helps make clear the truth. Jews did fight for their ives. Secondly, Tuvia was a fighter. To be that you cannot at the same time expect him t...more
Bythedeed
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review of another edition
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review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Outlaws, Antifa, Anarchists, Partisans, Ambush, Saboteurs, Jews, Forest Dwellers
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The journey of three Jewish brothers that escape Nazi persecution then go on to form a small resistance unit that keeps growing throughout the war as more and more Jews escape the Ghettos and concentration camps.
When the war ended, about 1200 Jews came out of the woods.
The story, details the story of the Bielski brothers' journey, a sort of biography. It talks about their attempts at cooperation with the communists, their strategies, their warlord attitudes, but also their story afte...more
When the war ended, about 1200 Jews came out of the woods.
The story, details the story of the Bielski brothers' journey, a sort of biography. It talks about their attempts at cooperation with the communists, their strategies, their warlord attitudes, but also their story afte...more
Following the defeat of the Nazi's in 1944 Russia, a group of 1200 people came out of hiding to return to civilization. That these people were alive (not to mention the literally thousands who are their descendants), was due to the actions of three brave brothers.
After witnessing the early stages of the Nazi's attacks against the Soviet Union, the three Bielski brothers launched a daring rescue of their fellow Jewish citizens, and began hiding people in the dense forests that surrou...more
After witnessing the early stages of the Nazi's attacks against the Soviet Union, the three Bielski brothers launched a daring rescue of their fellow Jewish citizens, and began hiding people in the dense forests that surrou...more
In the interest of honesty, I skimmed the majority of this book because, well, it wasn’t want I was expected. I had expected more insight into the Bielskis’ life inside the forest; however, The Bielski Brothers chose to focus on life around the forest, not in it. So much so that it gets bogged down in the details and the Bielski Brothers get the short end of the stick — their story isn’t being told; the story of Jews in Poland is.
And the writing is absolutely boring, except for the p...more
And the writing is absolutely boring, except for the p...more
Seen the movie Defiance? This is the true story of the Bielski brothers - mostly fact - some trimming round the edges. Three brothers starting their own Jewish partisan group in Belorussia. Largely unnoticed - except by the hundreds of people they managed to save. The facts are compelling in itself - some book that you pick up and never set down
A very thorough look at the life and adventures of the Bielski Brothers both before, during, and after World War II. I picked it up thinking it was a novel, it's not, it's like reading a documentary. It was not boring, however. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the brothers and their forest campaign, or a thorough look at how the Russins, Poles, and Germans viewed and treated the Jews before, during, and after the war.
I watched the movie, Defiance, and thought, "No way. WAAAAAY too Disney and everything makes way too much sense." So I picked up the bio, and yep, the movie was way sanitized. The brothers are in the wrong order. But the spirit of it is the same, carving a life when no one want you there. A good read.
A thorough and moving account of The Bielski Brothers. I cried at several points: out of anger, fear, sadness; at the incomprehensible evil. But also I cried out of gratitude: the integrity, generosity, and strength it took to fight the battles the Bielski's and those with them fought. There is no greater tribute to these men then to know that thousands of people are living their lives right now because of the Bielski's did.
Amazing story! It's hard to imagine the difficulty of living and surviving during the holocaust. The evil and loss of life is heartbreaking, but the sacrifices and love shown during those darkest times is inspiring.
I made the same observation as another reader Liz, she says, "Given the knowledge of where the brothers settled in the later years of their lives, it reaffirms my awe and wonder at how sometimes hidden among ordinary neighborhoods, hidden behind ordinary jobs, the...more
I made the same observation as another reader Liz, she says, "Given the knowledge of where the brothers settled in the later years of their lives, it reaffirms my awe and wonder at how sometimes hidden among ordinary neighborhoods, hidden behind ordinary jobs, the...more
Excellent true story about 3 jewish brothers who saved almost as many jews as schindler by hiding them in the woods of eastern europe while fighting germans in combat as their own militia. This was an easy read, it moved fast but was very moving, informative and exciting
What a story! These brothers were so incredibly courageous, and somehow made all the right moves in evading death by the Nazis for themselves and 1200 others. What they did to survive was super-human, particularly since they had no idea how long they were going to have to exist that way. There has been little recognition of these men considering what they drove themselves to do. There was a really good movie made in 2008 about this called "Defiance". It takes a few creative license...more
After seeing the movie, "Defiance," I became very interested in the story of these three brothers who rescued over 1000 Jews in Belorussia during WW II. This book was excellent - some truly tragic parts - but well written and tells the amazing story.
An amazing true story of the Bielski Brothers during the Nazi invasion of Belorus. Tuvia Bielski hd a vision of saving Jews from the Nazis and he carried it out come hell or high water. In spite of all odds he kept bringing in refugees and providing a place for them. He said "We cannot sit in the bushes and wait until the wolf comes for us. We must send people into the ghetto to save Jews." Amazing.
It is heartbreaking to think of all those poor people had to do to sur...more
It is heartbreaking to think of all those poor people had to do to sur...more
I'm really not in a book review mood, but so far I've learned they left A LOT out of the story out of the movie "Defiance." Needless to say, this book is about people who said yes to life and no to their oppressors.
This is a story that certainly deserved to be written about, but the text seems to have been written to a low common denominator and came across as very Ambrose-esque, which is no high praise for a work of nonfiction.
This is an amazing account of how 3 Jewish brothers saved the lives of nearly 1200 Jewish men, women and children during the holocaust years of WW II. They did this by hiding them in the forests of Russia, while waging their own partisan war against starvation, cold, loss, and probable annihilation by the heartless Nazis. A true account of the suffering and perseverence of a few who were able to escape and the genius, strength, and fortitude of their three leaders -- Tuvia, Zus, and Asael Beilsk...more
I cannot wrap my mind around what happened in WWII. How can people be so cruel to other people? What drives such hate?
This was an amazing read....very emotional.
This was an amazing read....very emotional.
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