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Il Piccolo Villaggio dei Sopravvissuti, una Storia Vera
La storia vera di tre ragazzi che salvarono 1200 ebrei
I tre fratelli che sfidarono i nazisti e salvarono 1200 ebrei
Nell’estate 1941, tre fratelli assistono inermi alla deportazione della propria famiglia, una scena agghiacciante che purtroppo si ripeterà migliaia di volte durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale.
Ma, anziché arrendersi o scappare il più lontano possibile, i tre ragazzi – Tuvia, Zus e Asael Bielski – decidono di disobbedire ai nazisti e resistergli, ingaggiando un’insolita forma di guerriglia. Sfruttando la loro profonda conoscenza delle foreste della Polonia, riescono infatti a costruire un campo segreto tra la fitta boscaglia e a convincere a poco a poco tutti gli altri ebrei della zona a nascondersi in questo strano rifugio. Così, giorno dopo giorno, i fratelli Bielski daranno vita a quella che è stata definita la “Gerusalemme dei boschi”, la più grande operazione di salvataggio di ebrei da parte di altri ebrei della Seconda Guerra Mondiale. E, dopo due anni e mezzo di vita nella natura, i membri di questa comunità – ben 1.200 ebrei – potranno uscire sani e salvi dalla foresta, dopo che l’Armata Rossa avrà messo in fuga i nazisti.
I tre fratelli che sfidarono i nazisti e salvarono 1200 ebrei
Nell’estate 1941, tre fratelli assistono inermi alla deportazione della propria famiglia, una scena agghiacciante che purtroppo si ripeterà migliaia di volte durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale.
Ma, anziché arrendersi o scappare il più lontano possibile, i tre ragazzi – Tuvia, Zus e Asael Bielski – decidono di disobbedire ai nazisti e resistergli, ingaggiando un’insolita forma di guerriglia. Sfruttando la loro profonda conoscenza delle foreste della Polonia, riescono infatti a costruire un campo segreto tra la fitta boscaglia e a convincere a poco a poco tutti gli altri ebrei della zona a nascondersi in questo strano rifugio. Così, giorno dopo giorno, i fratelli Bielski daranno vita a quella che è stata definita la “Gerusalemme dei boschi”, la più grande operazione di salvataggio di ebrei da parte di altri ebrei della Seconda Guerra Mondiale. E, dopo due anni e mezzo di vita nella natura, i membri di questa comunità – ben 1.200 ebrei – potranno uscire sani e salvi dalla foresta, dopo che l’Armata Rossa avrà messo in fuga i nazisti.
281 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2003
67 people are currently reading
20439 people want to read
About the author
Peter Duffy
26 books19 followersPeter Duffy is an author and journalist based in New York City. He has written three books of historical non-fiction - The Bielski Brothers (HarperCollins, 2003); The Killing of Major Denis Mahon (HarperCollins, 2007); and Double Agent (Scribner, 2014). His journalism has appeared in The New York Times, New York magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Slate, the New Republic, and many other publications.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
February 3, 2013
There is no doubt that this is a compelling story, but perhaps not for the reasons you might expect. These brothers were indeed heroes to some, but what of the several Jews summarily executed by them for not following them unquestionably? To those people and their families, these men were perhaps no better than the Nazis. This book did nothing but make me sad. Sad to see those who would aspire to saving their own so quickly turn to the tactics of their enemies in order to keep the order they desire. There was no room for dissent, no sharing of power; for the Bielskis, it was their way or the highway.
This is an important story, but not because Jews were saved. It demonstrates clearly how power is corrupting and how even those we would hold up as heroes are people with faults. Not everyone will find the Bielski story inspiring even if it is captivating, fascinating, extraordinary, and engrossing. In my opinion, the best single-word review of the book printed on the back cover is haunting.
This is an important story, but not because Jews were saved. It demonstrates clearly how power is corrupting and how even those we would hold up as heroes are people with faults. Not everyone will find the Bielski story inspiring even if it is captivating, fascinating, extraordinary, and engrossing. In my opinion, the best single-word review of the book printed on the back cover is haunting.
January 28, 2009
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 apparently slavish service to historical accuracy, as the Bielski brothers were NOT depicted as simply rough and tumble Robin Hood's of 20th century Eastern Europe. They fell victim, one might claim, to the sins of vengeance and acts of overreactive aggression resulting in the death's of others; even a fellow Jew near the end of the saga.
Definite 5 star read.
I especially appreciated Duffy's apparently slavish service to historical accuracy, as the Bielski brothers were NOT depicted as simply rough and tumble Robin Hood's of 20th century Eastern Europe. They fell victim, one might claim, to the sins of vengeance and acts of overreactive aggression resulting in the death's of others; even a fellow Jew near the end of the saga.
Definite 5 star read.
September 13, 2014
I'm a big fan of narrative history and this book reminded me of why I love that genre so much. The subtitle explains what the book is about and it always amazes me to discover the number of WWII heroes previously unknown to me. The narrative is coherent and fast paced. The description of the German atrocities in the Belarus region is unflinchingly horrific. The book covers stories of individual and collective courage, but also is a lesson in choices when the regular behavior norms and governance of a society are disrupted. Some citizens show extraordinary bravery while others abandon their humanity and become willing participants in the Nazi machine. The refugee society in the woods is itself far from Utopian, and the decisions the brothers make to discourage dissension may be necessary but are also startling.
April 29, 2009
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 occurred, there is little "romanticization". The survivors are portrayed as humans; exceptional in their bravery and compassion, but humans none the less.
June 28, 2007
This was an ultimately satisfying and fascinating account. I’ve read a lot of holocaust books but how this could have happened was new to me. About forest partisans who literally lived in the forest, moving when necessary, in huge groups, right under the Nazi’s noses. Brought up a lot of conflicted feelings for me because these people were merciless and committed quite a bit of violence – and not just against the Nazis but anyone who they perceived as threatening their safety. I normally think of myself a pacifist but in the end it seemed as though the end might justify the means, but it was tough reading.
August 10, 2010
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 to always balance his anger perfectly. In time of war maybe you need these people too. It is utterly amazing the non-descript role he took as a taxi-driver after the war. You might look at this taxi driver and NEVER, ever imagine the acts of courage that lay in his past! You never know who a person REALLY is until you sit down and talk and talk and talk. It is amazing what one person can hide inside themselves. Thirdly, this book presented an absolutlely stunning overview of all parts of WW2. It is wxorth reading just for that. Nope, I think I will switch it to five stars, from my previously allotted four!
Through page 130: This is hard to swallow. Tuvia becomes just too vengeful for my tastes.I have absolutely no intention of stopping, but this is not a pleasant read.
Through page 118: At times this is an extremely difficult and detailed read about the atrocities committed during war. Actually it is the historical overviews that gives your emotions a reprieve.
Through page 60: The book begins by giving a clear overview of WW2 from 1939-1941. It is on the basis of these events that Tuvia Bieski begins to realize that he has to do something to save the remaining members of his family and other Jews in his community. It is in this man's nature to fight back. So he began to plan. I particularly liked the degree of detail given to the historical events - not too much nor too little. The sources for each chapter are noted in the back of the book. Along with the "historical events" the readers learns what was happening to the Bielski family. This makes the "historical events" have a more personal tone. This is what happened to the mother, the father, this brother and that brother. You understand the fury and determination of Tuvia and his brothers, Asael and Zus.
Starting: Lovely it has a good map! It takes place in what is today Belarus, a deep forest area west of Minsk. I so want to read about these Jews who courageously fought for their survival in WW2. they didn't just succumb.
Through page 130: This is hard to swallow. Tuvia becomes just too vengeful for my tastes.I have absolutely no intention of stopping, but this is not a pleasant read.
Through page 118: At times this is an extremely difficult and detailed read about the atrocities committed during war. Actually it is the historical overviews that gives your emotions a reprieve.
Through page 60: The book begins by giving a clear overview of WW2 from 1939-1941. It is on the basis of these events that Tuvia Bieski begins to realize that he has to do something to save the remaining members of his family and other Jews in his community. It is in this man's nature to fight back. So he began to plan. I particularly liked the degree of detail given to the historical events - not too much nor too little. The sources for each chapter are noted in the back of the book. Along with the "historical events" the readers learns what was happening to the Bielski family. This makes the "historical events" have a more personal tone. This is what happened to the mother, the father, this brother and that brother. You understand the fury and determination of Tuvia and his brothers, Asael and Zus.
Starting: Lovely it has a good map! It takes place in what is today Belarus, a deep forest area west of Minsk. I so want to read about these Jews who courageously fought for their survival in WW2. they didn't just succumb.
Want to read
December 15, 2017This is a great story ... but probably not one I can use in my novel (the sequel to A FLOOD OF EVIL)
August 7, 2010
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 survive. It is almost impossible to understand what could cause anyone to conceive of killing all the Jews (or any other race) and yet over 6 million Jews were murdered by the Nazis while lots of non-Jews stood by and allowed it to happen. Shame on them.
It is heartbreaking to think of all those poor people had to do to survive. It is almost impossible to understand what could cause anyone to conceive of killing all the Jews (or any other race) and yet over 6 million Jews were murdered by the Nazis while lots of non-Jews stood by and allowed it to happen. Shame on them.
March 26, 2023
Without a doubt, this book has been on my Goodreads TBR the longest. Ever since the 2008 move Defiance came out, based on this book, I knew I had to read it.
This was the amazing story about how a band of brothers managed to save the largest number of Eastern European Jews during WWII, even more than Oskar Schindler managed to save. Led by the idealism and zeal of Tuvia Bielski, groups of Jews managed to escape from nearby ghettos and coalesce into a group of more than 1,000, hiding in the forests of Belorussia and trying to outwait the war. Tuvia's brothers, Zus, and Asael, managed to loot and pillage from nearby peasants in order to feed the growing band out citizens. They also managed to commit acts of sabotage against Nazis and Nazi collaborators. Tuvia managed to keep the people together by claiming them to be a Russian partisan group fighting the Nazis. This was a clever maneuvering on his part.
While Tuvia's mission to save not only the fit for fighting Jewish men, but any Jewish person, regardless of age or infirmity was a commendable and amazing accomplishment, the brothers made choices in which the ends justified the means. While many of the refugees looked upon their leaders with fear and respect, some of them viewed Tuvia as a despot who was unwilling to give up power over them. Tuvia had to battle not just the Nazi threat, but Nazi collaborators, including police and townsfolk, Russian soldiers and partisans who would just as soon as sell them out as keep them as an ally, as well as the ever present threat of some from the very group of Jews he was trying to protect as they jockeyed for his position.
One of the most disheartening things to read about was a split second decision that Tuvia made on the day his people were liberated from the Nazi. . This reminded me of man's fallibility and how we should not idolize people as heroes, or at least remind ourselves that no one is ever perfect.
As a side note, while recognizing that there would be violence in a book written about World War II and about the attempt to extinguish an entire race of people from the face of the planet, I felt like the author's details about violence were gratuitous. While I appreciate objectivity in a nonfiction piece, refraining from editorializing after mass descriptions of violence felt a little bit like the author didn't have an opinion about what he was writing about or that he was completely immune to it. I've read plenty of books about World War II, including Schindler's List but the descriptions were too graphic for me.
This being said, I felt like this was an important read.
This was the amazing story about how a band of brothers managed to save the largest number of Eastern European Jews during WWII, even more than Oskar Schindler managed to save. Led by the idealism and zeal of Tuvia Bielski, groups of Jews managed to escape from nearby ghettos and coalesce into a group of more than 1,000, hiding in the forests of Belorussia and trying to outwait the war. Tuvia's brothers, Zus, and Asael, managed to loot and pillage from nearby peasants in order to feed the growing band out citizens. They also managed to commit acts of sabotage against Nazis and Nazi collaborators. Tuvia managed to keep the people together by claiming them to be a Russian partisan group fighting the Nazis. This was a clever maneuvering on his part.
While Tuvia's mission to save not only the fit for fighting Jewish men, but any Jewish person, regardless of age or infirmity was a commendable and amazing accomplishment, the brothers made choices in which the ends justified the means. While many of the refugees looked upon their leaders with fear and respect, some of them viewed Tuvia as a despot who was unwilling to give up power over them. Tuvia had to battle not just the Nazi threat, but Nazi collaborators, including police and townsfolk, Russian soldiers and partisans who would just as soon as sell them out as keep them as an ally, as well as the ever present threat of some from the very group of Jews he was trying to protect as they jockeyed for his position.
One of the most disheartening things to read about was a split second decision that Tuvia made on the day his people were liberated from the Nazi. . This reminded me of man's fallibility and how we should not idolize people as heroes, or at least remind ourselves that no one is ever perfect.
As a side note, while recognizing that there would be violence in a book written about World War II and about the attempt to extinguish an entire race of people from the face of the planet, I felt like the author's details about violence were gratuitous. While I appreciate objectivity in a nonfiction piece, refraining from editorializing after mass descriptions of violence felt a little bit like the author didn't have an opinion about what he was writing about or that he was completely immune to it. I've read plenty of books about World War II, including Schindler's List but the descriptions were too graphic for me.
This being said, I felt like this was an important read.
April 7, 2025
Hoe sterk is de mens? Hoe weerbaar, geconfronteerd met wreedheid, moord en oorlog?
Dit is het verhaal van de drie gebroeders Bielski die tijdens de 2de wereldoorlog honderden Joden hielpen ontsnappen aan de nazi-waanzin. Ze hielpen hun lotgenoten te ontsnappen uit de getto's en leidden hen de Belarussische bossen in waar ze echte gemeenschappen en dorpjes opbouwden. Ook daar echter was wreedheid niet weg te denken. De oudste broer leidde met harde hand maar door zijn toedoen overleefden de meesten de gruwel. Zelf stierf hij jaren later, aan lager wal geraakt in de Verenigde Staten.
Heel goed opgebouwd, goed gedocumenteerd en gedetailleerd boek over een vergeten geschiedenis.
Dit is het verhaal van de drie gebroeders Bielski die tijdens de 2de wereldoorlog honderden Joden hielpen ontsnappen aan de nazi-waanzin. Ze hielpen hun lotgenoten te ontsnappen uit de getto's en leidden hen de Belarussische bossen in waar ze echte gemeenschappen en dorpjes opbouwden. Ook daar echter was wreedheid niet weg te denken. De oudste broer leidde met harde hand maar door zijn toedoen overleefden de meesten de gruwel. Zelf stierf hij jaren later, aan lager wal geraakt in de Verenigde Staten.
Heel goed opgebouwd, goed gedocumenteerd en gedetailleerd boek over een vergeten geschiedenis.
June 9, 2022
Il libro narra la storia dei fratelli Bielski, coriacei ragazzi di campagna ebrei, che durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale si trovano a doversi rifugiare in una foresta dell’attuale Bielorussia per sfuggire ai rastrellamenti tedeschi.
Con il passare del tempo l’organizzazione cresce, cresce il numero di armi e cresce anche il gruppo, che arriverà a contare oltre 1200 ebrei.
Dopo anni di terrore, freddo, fame e fatiche arriverà il 9 luglio 1944, giorno in cui finalmente l’Armata Rossa passerà intorno alla foresta in direzione Ovest, ricacciando i tedeschi in Germania, e di fatto liberando del tutto il gruppo di sopravvissuti.
Il libro è scritto bene, ricco di passaggi emozionanti e redatto con dovizia di particolari. Nel complesso l’autore è riuscito certamente a rendere onore alla grandiosa impresa dei fratelli Bielski.
Con il passare del tempo l’organizzazione cresce, cresce il numero di armi e cresce anche il gruppo, che arriverà a contare oltre 1200 ebrei.
Dopo anni di terrore, freddo, fame e fatiche arriverà il 9 luglio 1944, giorno in cui finalmente l’Armata Rossa passerà intorno alla foresta in direzione Ovest, ricacciando i tedeschi in Germania, e di fatto liberando del tutto il gruppo di sopravvissuti.
Il libro è scritto bene, ricco di passaggi emozionanti e redatto con dovizia di particolari. Nel complesso l’autore è riuscito certamente a rendere onore alla grandiosa impresa dei fratelli Bielski.
January 6, 2019
I loved this book and loved learning about a really significant group of brothers who made such a difference. I appreciated the fact that the author acknowledges the problems associated with the brothers too-they aren’t angels, they are real men and made some bad decisions but their actions saved over a thousand Jews. Phenomenal.
July 11, 2009
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 Soviet citizens, which was true, but the real mission was to save the Jewish people. The atrocities are documented and so are the acts of heroism.
I kind of wish this book had been written in more of a creative non-fiction style, getting more into the heads of the main characters, but that wasn't the purpose of the book. It fufilled its purpose very well.
I felt really sad when I read about Tuvia, the oldest brother's life in America. Truck driver, taxi driver. He was a hero that got very little recognition and even less worldly sucess. It was sad.
According to this book, the Bielskis saved more Jewish lives than any other Jewish person during the war. I'm glad they made the movie and now more people than ever know about these great men.
I kind of wish this book had been written in more of a creative non-fiction style, getting more into the heads of the main characters, but that wasn't the purpose of the book. It fufilled its purpose very well.
I felt really sad when I read about Tuvia, the oldest brother's life in America. Truck driver, taxi driver. He was a hero that got very little recognition and even less worldly sucess. It was sad.
According to this book, the Bielskis saved more Jewish lives than any other Jewish person during the war. I'm glad they made the movie and now more people than ever know about these great men.
April 7, 2015
A well documented account of the heroic efforts of the Bielski brothers to save hundreds of Jewish residents from certain death in the ghettoes of Novogrudek, Lida and other cities in Belarus during WW II. The story was dramatized in the film "Defiance," starring Daniel Craig, but the author provides a great deal of additional detail about how the brothers sought to help Jews in the nearby ghettoes escape before it was too late and how they coped with the hardships of life in the forest and the persistent efforts of the Nazis to track them down. The narrative is based on interviews with eyewitnesses and/or their written accounts, and is thus a fascinating look at a harrowing era of modern history.
November 9, 2021
I would say to look at this from the Polish villagers side and you would find these men and their gang to be criminals, not heroes.
They were not fighting the Nazis mostly through the war, that is factually fabricated.
Their main efforts were robbing and killing innocent Polish villagers just trying to stay alive.
They also did some dirty deals with the Polish home army leading to their deaths through betrayal.
They were not fighting the Nazis mostly through the war, that is factually fabricated.
Their main efforts were robbing and killing innocent Polish villagers just trying to stay alive.
They also did some dirty deals with the Polish home army leading to their deaths through betrayal.
July 28, 2015
An easy to read, gripping journey of brothers trying to save their own. Written so the reader can literally put his or herself in the shoes of the Bielski brothers as they battle Nazis and their allies, starvation, sickness, the bitter cold, and each other. A story that leaves you wondering why it is you decide to complain about little things in life, after people have gone through this.
October 4, 2015
Until I read this book I had never heard of the Bielski brothers but now, having finished the book I will never forget them.
The bravery, the suffering, the horror and devastation described in this well written and researched book is unlikely to leave you unmoved.
The bravery, the suffering, the horror and devastation described in this well written and researched book is unlikely to leave you unmoved.
June 25, 2015
Learned a lot about the Jews in Russia. Guess I never realized they were there. A lot I didn't know about history was in this book. These people were amazing at what they pulled off. They're strength & courage to do this was awe inspriing.
December 6, 2017
Onvan : The Bielski Brothers: The True Story of Three Men Who Defied the Nazis, Built a Village in the Forest, and Saved 1,200 Jews - Nevisande : Peter Duffy - ISBN : 60935537 - ISBN13 : 9780060935535 - Dar 336 Safhe - Saal e Chap : 2003
April 20, 2009
Really amazing story. Looked for this book after I saw a preview for a movie based on this story that came out last year. Never saw it. Always read the book. Moving account of survival.
March 19, 2022
For such a gripping story, for such an inspiring tale, this did not grip or inspire me.
I lay that response at the feet of this author. There was something missing in his treatment of this historic rebellion and rescue mission. It has the flavour of a long newspaper report rather than a non-fiction book. I lost interest. It could be that I am experiencing atrocity fatigue and couldn't enter this world, but I don't think so. There are some journalists who can extend their reporting to writing a riveting book, I don't think Duffy succeeds in doing that here. His "remove" is at quite a distance, and I never felt the heat or terror here, there was no immediacy; in other words, I felt he was talking "about" the events rather than having us relive them with these courageous souls.
Not for me.
I lay that response at the feet of this author. There was something missing in his treatment of this historic rebellion and rescue mission. It has the flavour of a long newspaper report rather than a non-fiction book. I lost interest. It could be that I am experiencing atrocity fatigue and couldn't enter this world, but I don't think so. There are some journalists who can extend their reporting to writing a riveting book, I don't think Duffy succeeds in doing that here. His "remove" is at quite a distance, and I never felt the heat or terror here, there was no immediacy; in other words, I felt he was talking "about" the events rather than having us relive them with these courageous souls.
Not for me.
February 23, 2022
Novela histórica con un relato sobre los hermanos Bielski de Bielorrusia y como con su organización lograron salvar alrededor de 1200 judios de los ghettos y atrocidades que ocurrieron durante la invasion de los Nazis a la URSS. La verdad se me hizo muy interesante ya que no había leído ningún libro sobre Judios Bielorusos y como con su coraje y valentía pudieron crear un campamento en los
Bosques para huir de los asesinatos que ocurrían en sus ciudades natales.
Bosques para huir de los asesinatos que ocurrían en sus ciudades natales.
September 21, 2020
It was a bit dry at times, just facts. But still a compelling read and about an area in the world during the war and about the partisan fighters that I had never read about before.
May 18, 2023
A really cool piece of history I had never heard before
December 26, 2023
Still amazing what one group of people did to another.
Read
November 24, 2017מסמך היסטורי חשוב לכל אדם, נקרא במשך אחר צהריים אחד, בקלות
May 4, 2024
Interessant om eens een oorlogsverhaal te lezen dat niet in Duitsland of Nederland plaats gevonden heeft!
November 10, 2022
A compelling story and must-read. I think I would have preferred more of a memoir or historical fiction style to learn about these partisans, but the writing is more factual text and non fiction.
December 22, 2020
An amazing and heroic story! The Bielski brothers work to save a large group of Jews by setting up a village in the dense forest. The book chronicles the actions of the brothers - how they set up the village and worked to defeat the Germans.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews