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World War II #2
Unyielding
Eighty years ago on October 24, 1936 two people pledged their love -- for each other, but also for their country and for humanity.
They left a legacy of courage and resilience. Something that is all too often forgotten in our world today.
Unyielding tells the story of unconditional love and bravery. Q and Hilde fight everyday to keep on to their own happiness while battling the evils of the Nazi regime.
Q gets sucked deeper and deeper into his intelligence work that includes sabotage of war production, giving critical information to the enemies of Germany, and acts of passive resistance.
But he feels it's not enough.
He's devising a plan to do the one thing that might shorten this horrible war and save millions of lives: assassinate a fellow human, a Nazi leader.
But can he go through with it? Or will this be the ruin not only for himself, but his entire family?
They left a legacy of courage and resilience. Something that is all too often forgotten in our world today.
Unyielding tells the story of unconditional love and bravery. Q and Hilde fight everyday to keep on to their own happiness while battling the evils of the Nazi regime.
Q gets sucked deeper and deeper into his intelligence work that includes sabotage of war production, giving critical information to the enemies of Germany, and acts of passive resistance.
But he feels it's not enough.
He's devising a plan to do the one thing that might shorten this horrible war and save millions of lives: assassinate a fellow human, a Nazi leader.
But can he go through with it? Or will this be the ruin not only for himself, but his entire family?
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2016
577 people are currently reading
814 people want to read
About the author
Marion Kummerow
118 books425 followersMarion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to "discover the world" and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she's now living with her family.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime.
It's a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime.
It's a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 21, 2018
The second book in Marion Kummerow’s trilogy takes place mostly during the war time and focuses on the circumstances especially families had to live with, which makes sense, as Q and Hilde had just recently married and were creating a family of their own now.
Apart from Q’s intelligence work and the terrible happenings during the Kristallnacht - which I really had to take a break from afterwards - the book mostly circles around the minimized food rations, how every single company had to adapt to the war and everything was intended to be war oriented as well as the bombarding of the cities.
I would have liked to have a bit more information on the general events concerning the war, but as a normal citizen (as Q and Hilde are) one obviously wouldn’t know anything about this. This makes this book very authentic in my opinion.
Especially the already mentioned Kristallnacht showed the cruelty of that time again and that was also when I had to take a break from this book when I was about halfway through. That was easy for me, but at the same time it made it so clear for me that I can be happy living in this time. The people living at the time of the Hitler regime couldn’t simply take a break. They had to go on with their lives. This also comes across through the book. Q and Hilde both are so exhausted from what is going on. The constant anxiety and fear that Q might get caught weighs down heavily on them, but they still continue do to what they have to do. It shows how strong of a character the protagonists have. Its admirable.
Apart from Q’s intelligence work and the terrible happenings during the Kristallnacht - which I really had to take a break from afterwards - the book mostly circles around the minimized food rations, how every single company had to adapt to the war and everything was intended to be war oriented as well as the bombarding of the cities.
I would have liked to have a bit more information on the general events concerning the war, but as a normal citizen (as Q and Hilde are) one obviously wouldn’t know anything about this. This makes this book very authentic in my opinion.
Especially the already mentioned Kristallnacht showed the cruelty of that time again and that was also when I had to take a break from this book when I was about halfway through. That was easy for me, but at the same time it made it so clear for me that I can be happy living in this time. The people living at the time of the Hitler regime couldn’t simply take a break. They had to go on with their lives. This also comes across through the book. Q and Hilde both are so exhausted from what is going on. The constant anxiety and fear that Q might get caught weighs down heavily on them, but they still continue do to what they have to do. It shows how strong of a character the protagonists have. Its admirable.
February 13, 2017
After being very moved by Unrelenting, the author’s first non-fictional account in her WWII Love and Resistance trilogy, I was really looking forward to this sequel.
Unyielding is as equally heart-breaking, informative and packed with suspense, tracing the story of her grandparents, who belonged to the German Resistance, in their battle against the Nazi regime. Through their friends and family, we also learn of the terrible hardships that faced not only the Jews, but most Germans, during WWII.
Infused with the love and humour of this most engaging couple, as they honeymoon in Europe, then start a family, and deal with different relatives, the author paints a very realistic view of that terrible era. The suspense of their resistance activities, coupled with the fact that people had to be careful about what they said, and to whom, since comments about the Nazi party often proved fatal, make this a riveting read.
And since Unyielding ends in such a suspenseful, terrifying situation, I can't wait to read the last book of this trilogy!
Unyielding is as equally heart-breaking, informative and packed with suspense, tracing the story of her grandparents, who belonged to the German Resistance, in their battle against the Nazi regime. Through their friends and family, we also learn of the terrible hardships that faced not only the Jews, but most Germans, during WWII.
Infused with the love and humour of this most engaging couple, as they honeymoon in Europe, then start a family, and deal with different relatives, the author paints a very realistic view of that terrible era. The suspense of their resistance activities, coupled with the fact that people had to be careful about what they said, and to whom, since comments about the Nazi party often proved fatal, make this a riveting read.
And since Unyielding ends in such a suspenseful, terrifying situation, I can't wait to read the last book of this trilogy!
Read
January 4, 2017Unrelenting is the first novel in Marion Kummerow’s World War II Trilogy, spanning the years 1932 - 1936. It is a very special story in that it is a non-fictional account of the author’s remarkable grandparents –– the courageous and unrelenting World War II German resistance fight of Ingeborg and Hansheinrich Kummerow.
In this first story we meet the main characters, following their journeys that brought them together as a married couple. We also learn of the unrest in Europe at this time, and in particular, in Germany, with Adolf Hitler’s election as Chancellor. Following the Great War, the country is suffering political unrest and economic ruin, which Hitler promises to rectify. The author’s grandparents however, are skeptical. The stage is set for the darkness and tragedy that we know will follow.
I was captivated by the moving romance of the author’s grandparents, as well as each one’s personal history. The prose evokes unrest, fear, trepidation and anticipation for another war. For anyone interested in the human stories behind the WWII resistance fighters, I would highly recommend Unrelenting, and I am very much looking forward to the second in the trilogy, Unyielding.
In this first story we meet the main characters, following their journeys that brought them together as a married couple. We also learn of the unrest in Europe at this time, and in particular, in Germany, with Adolf Hitler’s election as Chancellor. Following the Great War, the country is suffering political unrest and economic ruin, which Hitler promises to rectify. The author’s grandparents however, are skeptical. The stage is set for the darkness and tragedy that we know will follow.
I was captivated by the moving romance of the author’s grandparents, as well as each one’s personal history. The prose evokes unrest, fear, trepidation and anticipation for another war. For anyone interested in the human stories behind the WWII resistance fighters, I would highly recommend Unrelenting, and I am very much looking forward to the second in the trilogy, Unyielding.
February 15, 2017
The writer gets into her stride here as Germany gets closer to and into War. Q and Hilde are happily married and start their family. It's interesting to see how ordinary Germans - who had no voice during the nazi era unless they were pro-Hitler - lived and endured the hardships of war, fielded the probing questions of neighbors and friends they couldn't know were trustworthy, and kept their real thoughts to themselves. Not enough of their stories have been told.
Q is still in the Resistance but is getting very anxious about exposure and harm to his family.
I like that though the young couple are enjoying a loving and healthy marriage the writer closes the bedroom door.
I'm looking forward to Book 3.
Q is still in the Resistance but is getting very anxious about exposure and harm to his family.
I like that though the young couple are enjoying a loving and healthy marriage the writer closes the bedroom door.
I'm looking forward to Book 3.
April 6, 2017
The personal and political clash in this Nazi-era story of love and resistance. It is the second novel in Marion Kumerrow's trilogy based on her grandparents' lives.
Dr Wilhelm Quedlin and the love of his life, Hilde, who met in the first instalment, Unrelenting, are happily married and have two sons. Wilhelm, known as Q, works for Loewe Radio Technologies that supplies the Wehrmacht with equipment. He works with an old friend from their days at university when they were committed Communists. They haven't changed and together they do what that can to fight the good fight.
But it's not enough for Q; he wants to have a bigger impact than causing delays to the Nazi war effort by sabotaging equipment.
And he has another struggle: his desire to undermine the regime and the desire to protect his family. The former wins. He and his co-conspirators come up with an audacious plan to assassinate a leading Nazi that would have enormous consequences.
The characterisation is strong. Q and Hilde are likeable people and I cared about what happens to them. A major source of conflict is Q's internal struggle and its consequences. His subterfuge work causes tension with Hilde but not because she opposes it.
The climax is unexpected and will have you reaching for the sequel, Unwavering.
September 16, 2018
Book 2 of this trilogy does not disappoint! A love story set against the backdrop of the terrible Nazi regime. A story told by a granddaughter so very well done. The beginning of the War, to the point where it will finally turn around now on to Book 3.
September 16, 2018
Great Read
The suspense and intriguing story as presented by the author on a true event puts one in the story. You are on the edge of your seat with every page.
The suspense and intriguing story as presented by the author on a true event puts one in the story. You are on the edge of your seat with every page.
June 11, 2018
Great story believable characters
Very good writing. Believable interesting characters.... i love books written in series. good clean writing....it kept my interest. looking forward to more of her books
Very good writing. Believable interesting characters.... i love books written in series. good clean writing....it kept my interest. looking forward to more of her books
March 8, 2023
recensione a cura del blog “Libri Magnetici" by Meghan
Finalmente Q e Hilde sono riusciti a sposarsi: dopo interminabili lungaggini burocratiche, i due protagonisti, con un matrimonio semplicissimo, raggiungono l’obiettivo, e innamorati più che mai partono per il loro viaggio di nozze.
In quei quattro mesi, inizia il loro cammino come coppia, che vede i loro sentimenti sempre più forti, così come la determinazione di lui di continuare la sua attività di spionaggio.
«La sua mente andava lentamente adattandosi alla realtà del suo futuro, e quando tornò al loro appartamento aveva preso una nuova decisione. La sua volontà di distruggere il regime nazista si era indebolita e aveva ceduto il posto alla speranza di lasciare ad altri quella lotta, ma in quel momento ritrovò nuove energie e propositi che gli bruciavano nel petto.»
Questo secondo volume ci parla molto dei sentimenti personali dei protagonisti: Hilde è sempre più attaccata alla sua matrigna Emma, verso cui prova un affetto sincero, e al tempo stesso, ha ormai accettato la vera natura egoista di sua madre Annie, e non le serba più rancore.
Al tempo stesso Q capisce che la storia del suo paese è orami destinata alla guerra peggiore dell’umanità, e lui stesso capisce che bisogna ormai scegliere in modo definitivo.
«Se il mio destino è quello di restare, combatterò in ogni modo possibile.»
Si evince dalla storia che Q e Hilde, come gran parte dei tedeschi, non sapessero davvero cosa succedesse, sia perché il regime diffondeva un’informazione pilotata sia perché dopo la notte dei cristalli era solo la paura quella che spingeva a vivere.
Nella seconda parte del libro, l’autrice riesce a trasmettere bene quel senso di onnipotenza elle guerra, l’omissione ostinata delle vere difficoltà della popolazione tedesca, che veniva invitata a mangiare le erbe che nascono sui marciapiedi, o delle file interminabili per un po' di pane e latte, ma anche la determinazione di chi non voleva quella follia, che in Q diventa l’obiettivo principale e totalizzante per lui.
«Una vita umana può valere più di un’altra? Una vita può valere meno di un migliaio di vite? Chi sono io per togliere a Dio la decisione di chi deve vivere e chi deve morire?»
Come sempre, diversi sono gli inserimenti di personaggi storici reali, ma il tutto sempre in modo molto lineare, senza risultare parossistico o forzato.
Il volume si chiude con un colpo di scena, per cui non ci resta che attendere il finale.
Quattro petali.
Finalmente Q e Hilde sono riusciti a sposarsi: dopo interminabili lungaggini burocratiche, i due protagonisti, con un matrimonio semplicissimo, raggiungono l’obiettivo, e innamorati più che mai partono per il loro viaggio di nozze.
In quei quattro mesi, inizia il loro cammino come coppia, che vede i loro sentimenti sempre più forti, così come la determinazione di lui di continuare la sua attività di spionaggio.
«La sua mente andava lentamente adattandosi alla realtà del suo futuro, e quando tornò al loro appartamento aveva preso una nuova decisione. La sua volontà di distruggere il regime nazista si era indebolita e aveva ceduto il posto alla speranza di lasciare ad altri quella lotta, ma in quel momento ritrovò nuove energie e propositi che gli bruciavano nel petto.»
Questo secondo volume ci parla molto dei sentimenti personali dei protagonisti: Hilde è sempre più attaccata alla sua matrigna Emma, verso cui prova un affetto sincero, e al tempo stesso, ha ormai accettato la vera natura egoista di sua madre Annie, e non le serba più rancore.
Al tempo stesso Q capisce che la storia del suo paese è orami destinata alla guerra peggiore dell’umanità, e lui stesso capisce che bisogna ormai scegliere in modo definitivo.
«Se il mio destino è quello di restare, combatterò in ogni modo possibile.»
Si evince dalla storia che Q e Hilde, come gran parte dei tedeschi, non sapessero davvero cosa succedesse, sia perché il regime diffondeva un’informazione pilotata sia perché dopo la notte dei cristalli era solo la paura quella che spingeva a vivere.
Nella seconda parte del libro, l’autrice riesce a trasmettere bene quel senso di onnipotenza elle guerra, l’omissione ostinata delle vere difficoltà della popolazione tedesca, che veniva invitata a mangiare le erbe che nascono sui marciapiedi, o delle file interminabili per un po' di pane e latte, ma anche la determinazione di chi non voleva quella follia, che in Q diventa l’obiettivo principale e totalizzante per lui.
«Una vita umana può valere più di un’altra? Una vita può valere meno di un migliaio di vite? Chi sono io per togliere a Dio la decisione di chi deve vivere e chi deve morire?»
Come sempre, diversi sono gli inserimenti di personaggi storici reali, ma il tutto sempre in modo molto lineare, senza risultare parossistico o forzato.
Il volume si chiude con un colpo di scena, per cui non ci resta che attendere il finale.
Quattro petali.
October 25, 2019
After the last book seemed to end so abruptly I felt compelled to read the next book in the series to read what happens next. I enjoyed this book more than the first. There were some interesting quotes including:
"Is one human life worth more than another one? Is one life worth less than a thousand?
Who am I to take the decision out of God’s hand of who should live and who shouldn’t?
Is it my mission to go against the basic rules of mankind and murder one person to try and save thousands?
Am I any better than the worst of the Nazi followers if I raise my hand against a fellow human?"
And one of my other favorite quotes: “I’m sorry. I wish someone would invent a telephone that we can always carry with us. Then I could have advised you. Hilde laughed. “How would that work? Should we always drag along a cable reel? Maybe loop it around our necks.”
I am eager to read Part 3 and see what is in store for Hilde and Q.
"Is one human life worth more than another one? Is one life worth less than a thousand?
Who am I to take the decision out of God’s hand of who should live and who shouldn’t?
Is it my mission to go against the basic rules of mankind and murder one person to try and save thousands?
Am I any better than the worst of the Nazi followers if I raise my hand against a fellow human?"
And one of my other favorite quotes: “I’m sorry. I wish someone would invent a telephone that we can always carry with us. Then I could have advised you. Hilde laughed. “How would that work? Should we always drag along a cable reel? Maybe loop it around our necks.”
I am eager to read Part 3 and see what is in store for Hilde and Q.
October 7, 2023
The 2nd. In the Trilogy is a standout novel as well.
Again,this is about the authors grandparents, who met,fell in love & married during the insane time in Germany's history.
Hilde & Q both did everything they could to defy the regime.
They worked without trying to involve many others & mainly depended on each other for support.
They were lucky in love and managed to have two sons,during this trying time.
They were eventually found out & both arrested.This book tells a lot of what both went through during their arrests.
Hilde's mother,Annie whom was never a very good mother herself, took both boys in & tried to care for them,but later sending them to Hilde's natural father and step mother to raise.
A really good follow up to the first book,but hard to read at times,as I always get totally immersed & put myself in the book.
Again,this is about the authors grandparents, who met,fell in love & married during the insane time in Germany's history.
Hilde & Q both did everything they could to defy the regime.
They worked without trying to involve many others & mainly depended on each other for support.
They were lucky in love and managed to have two sons,during this trying time.
They were eventually found out & both arrested.This book tells a lot of what both went through during their arrests.
Hilde's mother,Annie whom was never a very good mother herself, took both boys in & tried to care for them,but later sending them to Hilde's natural father and step mother to raise.
A really good follow up to the first book,but hard to read at times,as I always get totally immersed & put myself in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2019
This sequel to Unrelenting takes us deeper into the war years and the struggle of everyday life, while at the same time highlighting the danger and persistence of Qs resistance activities.
As with the first book, the reader learns a lot about what life was like in war-ridden Germany. Most impressive was the rift going through society, where people either adored Hitler and blindly supported the Nazi ideology, or hated everything to do with Nazis, but kept their mouths shut for fear of denunciation. Distrust and fear dominated everything while the Nazi propaganda machine strove to execute maximum control.
An excellent novel, keeping history alive.
As with the first book, the reader learns a lot about what life was like in war-ridden Germany. Most impressive was the rift going through society, where people either adored Hitler and blindly supported the Nazi ideology, or hated everything to do with Nazis, but kept their mouths shut for fear of denunciation. Distrust and fear dominated everything while the Nazi propaganda machine strove to execute maximum control.
An excellent novel, keeping history alive.
March 20, 2025
I’ve read several books by Marion Kummerow and recommend this author if you enjoy WWII genre. Unyielding is the second of a series based on the author’s grandparents. They are Germans who do not like the politics of Hitler. Q, the grandfather, is an inventor scientist who works with the Russians against the Germans. His wife Hilde supports him, but is busy raising two boys. This book ends with a cliffhanger and I will be reading the last in the series. The story offers a different perspective to the war.
October 8, 2020
This is the second in the series. I listened to this one on audiobook. It seemed there was a lot in the middle that didn’t really add to the story but just had the characters wandering around. The story picked up again toward the end. There is some mild occasional profanity, and there is a brief reference to sex between a married couple. The book was good enough though for me to want to read the next one.
July 13, 2025
The second book in the World War 11 trilogy takes place from 1936 - 1942. Q and Hilde are married and start a family. But resistance from the the Nazis is never far away. The citizens of Germany have to put up with rationing of everything and there are daily air raids on the city. Q is planning to assassinate Goebells but I getting the details done proves a bit harder for them. This book ends with possible trouble for Q.
February 17, 2024
Amazing story
Reading about life in Germany during WW2 is fascinating and a real insight to the struggles and fears that most German people suffered. Marion Kummerow is a superb writer. All her characters spring to life and you simply have to turn the next page. Can’t wait the the next book.
Reading about life in Germany during WW2 is fascinating and a real insight to the struggles and fears that most German people suffered. Marion Kummerow is a superb writer. All her characters spring to life and you simply have to turn the next page. Can’t wait the the next book.
August 8, 2023
Always a good story
Resistance to Hitler’s regime is a seldom-told story.
We know about the military defeats, that ultimately led to Nazi-Germany’s loss.
But we seldom learn about the espionage that… almost certainly… led to the downfall.
Resistance to Hitler’s regime is a seldom-told story.
We know about the military defeats, that ultimately led to Nazi-Germany’s loss.
But we seldom learn about the espionage that… almost certainly… led to the downfall.
January 9, 2019
#2 follows Q and Hilde into early marriage and his attempts to interfere with Nazi electronic production but ends on a cliffhanger, so reading #3 is guaranteed.
February 3, 2019
This second book of the trilogy is every bit as good as book one in storyline: subplots, twists and turns.
February 17, 2019
Good book
Good book but had to read in my state. I would suggest to any one. Great book to read on a rainy day.
Good book but had to read in my state. I would suggest to any one. Great book to read on a rainy day.
May 13, 2020
First book bearable ..This is awful
Awful rubbish just too much 💘 dicey .no need to say they love one another 10 times on a page.
Awful rubbish just too much 💘 dicey .no need to say they love one another 10 times on a page.
March 24, 2021
Good read
I'm obsessed with WW1\2 novels. This entire series was so good. We can't begin to fathom what these characters actually experienced. Excellent portrayal!
I'm obsessed with WW1\2 novels. This entire series was so good. We can't begin to fathom what these characters actually experienced. Excellent portrayal!
Read
April 19, 2022Excellent book, have never been disappointed reading Marion Kummerow.
November 7, 2025
This series is so good. Set in Germany and living under Nazi rule. How brutal they were to even their own people.
February 16, 2018
Damnation! I feel like smacking myself in the forehead and exclaiming doh! I should have known this was a romance novel when I saw love in the preview. But, no. I fell for history, again. Doh!
1.5
1.5
December 22, 2022
recensione a cura del blog “Libri Magnetici" by Meghan
Finalmente Q e Hilde sono riusciti a sposarsi: dopo interminabili lungaggini burocratiche, i due protagonisti, con un matrimonio semplicissimo, raggiungono l’obiettivo, e innamorati più che mai partono per il loro viaggio di nozze.In quei quattro mesi, inizia il loro cammino come coppia, che vede i loro sentimenti sempre più forti, così come la determinazione di lui di continuare la sua attività di spionaggio.
«La sua mente andava lentamente adattandosi alla realtà del suo futuro, e quando tornò al loro appartamento aveva preso una nuova decisione. La sua volontà di distruggere il regime nazista si era indebolita e aveva ceduto il posto alla speranza di lasciare ad altri quella lotta, ma in quel momento ritrovò nuove energie e propositi che gli bruciavano nel petto.»
Questo secondo volume ci parla molto dei sentimenti personali dei protagonisti: Hilde è sempre più attaccata alla sua matrigna Emma, verso cui prova un affetto sincero, e al tempo stesso, ha ormai accettato la vera natura egoista di sua madre Annie, e non le serba più rancore.Al tempo stesso Q capisce che la storia del suo paese è orami destinata alla guerra peggiore dell’umanità, e lui stesso capisce che bisogna ormai scegliere in modo definitivo.
«Se il mio destino è quello di restare, combatterò in ogni modo possibile.»
Si evince dalla storia che Q e Hilde, come gran parte dei tedeschi, non sapessero davvero cosa succedesse, sia perché il regime diffondeva un’informazione pilotata sia perché dopo la notte dei cristalli era solo la paura quella che spingeva a vivere.Nella seconda parte del libro, l’autrice riesce a trasmettere bene quel senso di onnipotenza elle guerra, l’omissione ostinata delle vere difficoltà della popolazione tedesca, che veniva invitata a mangiare le erbe che nascono sui marciapiedi, o delle file interminabili per un po' di pane e latte, ma anche la determinazione di chi non voleva quella follia, che in Q diventa l’obiettivo principale e totalizzante per lui.
«Una vita umana può valere più di un’altra? Una vita può valere meno di un migliaio di vite? Chi sono io per togliere a Dio la decisione di chi deve vivere e chi deve morire?»
Come sempre, diversi sono gli inserimenti di personaggi storici reali, ma il tutto sempre in modo molto lineare, senza risultare parossistico o forzato.Il volume si chiude con un colpo di scena, per cui non ci resta che attendere il finale.
Quattro petali.
Finalmente Q e Hilde sono riusciti a sposarsi: dopo interminabili lungaggini burocratiche, i due protagonisti, con un matrimonio semplicissimo, raggiungono l’obiettivo, e innamorati più che mai partono per il loro viaggio di nozze.In quei quattro mesi, inizia il loro cammino come coppia, che vede i loro sentimenti sempre più forti, così come la determinazione di lui di continuare la sua attività di spionaggio.
«La sua mente andava lentamente adattandosi alla realtà del suo futuro, e quando tornò al loro appartamento aveva preso una nuova decisione. La sua volontà di distruggere il regime nazista si era indebolita e aveva ceduto il posto alla speranza di lasciare ad altri quella lotta, ma in quel momento ritrovò nuove energie e propositi che gli bruciavano nel petto.»
Questo secondo volume ci parla molto dei sentimenti personali dei protagonisti: Hilde è sempre più attaccata alla sua matrigna Emma, verso cui prova un affetto sincero, e al tempo stesso, ha ormai accettato la vera natura egoista di sua madre Annie, e non le serba più rancore.Al tempo stesso Q capisce che la storia del suo paese è orami destinata alla guerra peggiore dell’umanità, e lui stesso capisce che bisogna ormai scegliere in modo definitivo.
«Se il mio destino è quello di restare, combatterò in ogni modo possibile.»
Si evince dalla storia che Q e Hilde, come gran parte dei tedeschi, non sapessero davvero cosa succedesse, sia perché il regime diffondeva un’informazione pilotata sia perché dopo la notte dei cristalli era solo la paura quella che spingeva a vivere.Nella seconda parte del libro, l’autrice riesce a trasmettere bene quel senso di onnipotenza elle guerra, l’omissione ostinata delle vere difficoltà della popolazione tedesca, che veniva invitata a mangiare le erbe che nascono sui marciapiedi, o delle file interminabili per un po' di pane e latte, ma anche la determinazione di chi non voleva quella follia, che in Q diventa l’obiettivo principale e totalizzante per lui.
«Una vita umana può valere più di un’altra? Una vita può valere meno di un migliaio di vite? Chi sono io per togliere a Dio la decisione di chi deve vivere e chi deve morire?»
Come sempre, diversi sono gli inserimenti di personaggi storici reali, ma il tutto sempre in modo molto lineare, senza risultare parossistico o forzato.Il volume si chiude con un colpo di scena, per cui non ci resta che attendere il finale.
Quattro petali.
July 30, 2019
Any of these books are great and true to life!
April 11, 2022
Very good!
April 21, 2019
Ms. Kummerow’s writing is always excellent and this book is no different. Her characters are well developed and the story is credible. Incredible, because it is based on her grandparents lives before and during WWII. Her books can be shocking to those of us who were not taught the real horrors perpetrated by the Nazis and the impact on their own countrymen, women, and children. Thank you for the education. I am looking forward to learning the fate of this normal, but brave family.
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