This collection of women's experiences of World War II is fascinating and educating. The women the author interviewed had served, in different capacities, on the Soviet. side of the war. Some were nurses, but others fought in the Red Army alongside men. Their roles were far more diverse and more likely to include combat than the women who participated in other Allied forces. Overall, a good read and one that helped to further expand my understanding of the second world war. ( )

Las mujeres rusas en el ejército durante la II guerra mundial ( )

#ReadAroundTheWorld #Belarus

This is a fascinating book of womens’ recollections of their wartime service during WW2 in the Soviet Union. Svetlana Alexievich is the first Belarusian author to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. She was born in Ukraine to a Belarusian father and Ukrainian mother and grew up in Belarus. Her book is a detailed collection of many women’s stories, thoughts, feelings and heartaches. She has dedicated herself to writing a history through women’s eyes and words, a story that includes emotions, not just cold facts, conquests and achievements.

I found this an intriguing, readable history that highlighted much for me. The dichotomy between the Soviet belief that women were equal and could be fighter pilots, drive tanks and become army surgeons, and the intrinsic chauvinism of the patriarchy that exists in all political systems is apparent. For me, from a country where we view our politicians with distaste and cynicism, I found the patriotism and nationalism and desire to serve the mother country at all costs almost fanatical. Yet the women were unbelievably brave, heroic and tough and they accomplished extraordinary feats. All the while, many of them carried an unwavering desire to be women, to be feminine, and delighted in any opportunity to style their hair and wear heels. Many of them found war challenging on an emotional level, and shed tears as they either killed or saved lives, yet they still managed to continue their tasks. Sadly when they returned home as decorated war heroes they were often treated with suspicion and contempt by their country and their people. This is a remarkable piece of work that deserves much recognition. ( )

The author gathers stories of the women who served in the Russian military during World War II. It is a collection of short interviews. There is no over all narrative or long view on any one woman. ( )

Another reviewer said this book is mandatory reading, and I agree. Most of us read books or articles that glorify or pillory generals, heroes, and politicians. Almost none speak of the regular people who go out to fight. Some are soldiers. Others are volunteers.

And this is the first book that brings together the voices and stories of women who fought and served. The book tells their stories and their voices will haunt you. ( )