More Than History!
Rating:
5 / 5
A harrowing tale of life in Occupied France that reveals, to a greater extent than anything else I've read, the experience of life Behind Enemy Lines. Some of what the author describes is so horrific that it's hard to believe he wasn't writing a movie script. But his matter-of-fact tone and attention to detail leaves no doubt as to his veracity which makes the book all the more sobering. In spite of its grim tale, this book is a GREAT read, especially his triumphant description of the liberation of his home town of Dijon. My cynical and "hip" generation no longer ascribes great heroism to the Allied side of World War II, focusing instead on the self-interested motives of many of those nations. But DeAnfrasio shows what it meant to him, his family and his fellow Dijonnais to have the Americans and Free French forces march into their city after four years of Nazi tyranny. That moment is so powerful, after having vicariouosly experienced his suffering beforehand, that I almost started shouting for joy on the beach! This book is a timely reminder that "tyranny" and "liberty" are not merely empty phrases used by venal politicians only interested in furthering their own careers. DeAnfrasio shows their real meaning by emphasizing what extraordinary courage it took to live an ordinary life during the darkest days of WWII. We Americans need to be reminded of this every once in awhile, since we haven't experienced occupation since the War of 1812. I recommend this book HIGHLY!!
Exciting
Rating:
5 / 5
The wonderful endurance and courage of a young boy is both exciting and inspiring reading.
World War II Family Story
Rating:
5 / 5
Great book! A very descriptive story about a boy growing up during the war and facing hard times. I finished the book in two days and could not put it down. This book would make an excellent movie; It's a story that needs to be told. It's definitly a story for posterity.
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