Defiance: The Bielski Partisans Audiobook

" This is one of those rare books that I actually liked less than the movie. It is really a shame because I felt the story was as fascinating as Shindler's list. The author may be thorough in her research, but she is not a good storyteller. "

" This book is about a group of Jewish partisans who worked to save Jews from the Nazis in (then) western Poland during WWII. Well researched, with many first had interviews, this book contains lots of great information about the lives of this groups leaders, the Bielski brothers, particularly Tuvia Bielski, the oldest and group commander, as they worked as resistance rescuing and protecting Jews from the Nazi's as well as Antisemitism from the local Belorussian peasants as well as their Soviet allies. The creation of a community as well as a resistance force when faced with so many obstacles is an important one that isn't often told, and as this book demonstrates the leaders of this group were even forgotten by some of those that they fought to protect. The author presented a balanced and factual account of the Bielski partisans, however her writing style was a little dry considering the material she had to work with. "

" this is a great story, wonderful people, neat pictures. if you saw the movie, this really fleshes out the true story of the people and how they lived in the forest. however, it is poorly written and structured, and the writing style at times distracts from the story. it is earnest and sincere and you can tell the author respects and cares about the subject however. read it for the information and appreciate the subject matter. "

" This book tells the story of an amazing group that sought to save Jews during WWII. Surprisingly, the narrative wasn't terribly gripping. "

" Very interesting, especially the logistics of feeding and clothing everybody and the rivalries between the various partisan camps. "

" I don't know how I missed this story in my history studies. I am so anxious to get my nose back into the book! "

" I read the book AFTER I saw the movie. Of course, the book was much better. Very real but also unbelievable...says a lot about heroism. "

" Awkwardly written, but the subject matter transcends style. Mind-boggling account of a Jewish partisan unit in Belorussia during World War II. The group not only survived (amazing enough) and participated in the resistance but built a mobile town, a civilization, in the forest. Incredible. "

" Tough Jews evade the Nazis during WWII. "

" Truly amazing story that should be far better known but not the most compelling writing. "

" Okay, so I actually only skimmed this one. I wanted to learn more about the story, but the author was really bad at building a comprehensible narrative. "

" Interesting but seemed very repetitive. Much more scholarly than I was expecting. Seems like 2 or 3 chapters would have been sufficient. "

" One of a kind story of Jews saving Jews in the forest of Belorussia during the Nazi occupation. "

" My family came from this part of Europe and I can't help but wonder if I had relatives that lived through this terrible time. "

" Reads like a documentary. Pros - Great topic. Well written. Solid research. Not overly graphic. Cons - Repetitive. Documentary format makes it difficult to feel connected to characters. "

" "The largest armed rescue of Jews by Jews during WWII. Freedom begins with an act of defiance." Better than the movie. "

" The book is ALWAYS better than a movie. "for such a time as this" "

" Interesting but seemed very repetitive. Much more scholarly than I was expecting. Seems like 2 or 3 chapters would have been sufficient. "

" This is the book of the film about 2 Polish Jews that rescued over 1200 jews from the Nazi extermination camps. The film was good but the book is even better. Courage, Selflessness, Joy, Generosity, and much much more. Read it and see. "

" Defiance the book goes into more detail than the movie about the day-to-day operations and social structure of those that lived within the Bielski otriad. Tuvia Bielski saved 1200 Jews from death by hiding in the Belorussian woods. A great story. "