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Liked It “Highly recommended for a more unknown chapter of WWII experience. I'm grateful for the book, as I also saw the movie, but the book dramatically lays out the intricate challenges that were faced and overcome by this extraordinary group of forest dwellers in Belorussia. At least 1,200 Jews were...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “It is a great story about human triumph and adversity. However the way that it is written does not do the story justice. It jumps from date to date character to character leaving it hard to follow. I got to around page 130 and gave up.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“Nechama Tec's "Defiance" is a fascinating account of the survival of 1200 Jews during the second world war. Three brothers - Tuvia, Asael and Zus Bielski, created a sanctuary in the forest for Jews fleeing from Nazi persecution and extermination in the ghettos. According to Tec, the Bielskis accepted all Jews, including those who were unarmed and those who were not able to fight, such as children and the elderly. Despite several attacks from Germans, and continual friction from nearby Russian partisans, the Bielskis formed a "tribal society" that lasted until the Red Army liberated the group in 1944.
gregblecha wrote this review Sunday, September 6 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
It is hard to look back on the heroic efforts of the Bielskis without feeling a sense of awe. While the Germans slaughtered their families in the ghettos, a few escaped to join the Bielskis in the forest, suffering hunger, mistreatment, disease, and the fear of German raids.
While the history is incredible, the narrative is uneven and apologist. Nechama Tec seems to be building a case for Tuvia Bielski. The author describes his infidelities, suspected favoritism, the peremptory execution of a tanner who refused to follow orders, and offers commentary, either in her own words or by using the thoughts of eyewitnesses, to rationalize Tuvia's behavior.
In my mind, Tuvia needs no explanation or apologies. What he, his family, and the Jews who joined him in the forest achieved defies belief.
Ed Zwick directed a movie, presumably based on this book. The movie makes several gratuitous and unnecessary departures from the book, presumably for dramatic effect. In addition, the movie focuses on the main characters at the expense of everyone else in the film. It seems as if the Jews spend the entire movie standing in line, waiting for food and complaining about the servings. This seems like an insult to the men and women who risked their lives and suffered so many deprivations.”
“Very good historical analysis of a little-known event. At times incohesive and indecisive, but ultimately well-researched.”
Jennifer B wrote this review Saturday, July 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Highly recommended for a more unknown chapter of WWII experience. I'm grateful for the book, as I also saw the movie, but the book dramatically lays out the intricate challenges that were faced and overcome by this extraordinary group of forest dwellers in Belorussia. At least 1,200 Jews were saved by the efforts of a man, his brothers and his family.”
TRK wrote this review Friday, March 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Tenia F said: 5 stars
Play Book Tag Shelf wrote this review Monday, March 9 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The Bielski brothers, Tuvia, Azul and Zes, refused to be captured by the Jews. Along with a younger brother, they fled to the woods. Tuvia became the leader of the group, and they set off to rescue and make a home for all they could. It was not an easy life, but Tuvia and his brothers never refused entry to anyone. Everyone worked, and if rules weren't followed, Tuvia and his brothers would make sure that they were.
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“Defiance: The Bielski Partisans The Story of the Largest Armed Rescue of Jews by Jews During WWII Nechama Tech
Tenia F wrote this review Sunday, March 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
5 stars
The Bielski brothers, Tuvia, Azul and Zes, refused to be captured by the Jews. Along with a younger brother, they fled to the woods. Tuvia became the leader of the group, and they set off to rescue and make a home for all they could. It was not an easy life, but Tuvia and his brothers never refused entry to anyone. Everyone worked, and if rules weren't followed, Tuvia and his brothers would make sure that they were. ”“It is a great story about human triumph and adversity. However the way that it is written does not do the story justice. It jumps from date to date character to character leaving it hard to follow. I got to around page 130 and gave up. ”
Tanya wrote this review Monday, January 5 2009. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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