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Bezig met laden... One Woman's War: A Canadian Reporter with the Free French (1987)door Gladys Arnold
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This is a story not of military campaigns and grand strategy, but the joys and sorrows of life on a more intimate battlefield--the battlefield of the French resistance. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Gladys Arnold was sent to Paris by Canadian Press in October 1939, and was the only Canadian reporter to experience the invasion of France by the Germans in the spring of 1940. One Woman's War is Gladys Arnold's vivid, eyewitness account of the fall of France and the growth of the Free French resistance. She was one of the first journalists to interview General Charles de Gaulle, and she brings to life many of the memorable people, French and Canadian, who fought the underground war. One Woman's War is an account of some of the most important and harrowing events of the 20th century, told by a marvellously engaging and courageous woman. Geen bibliotheekbeschrijvingen gevonden. |
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Google Books — Bezig met laden... GenresDewey Decimale Classificatie (DDC)940.54History and Geography Europe Europe 1918- Military History Of World War IILC-classificatieWaarderingGemiddelde:
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That being said, I had mixed feelings about the book itself. I don't think it's particularly well-written. It lacks an overall frame making it little more than a collection of anecdotes with a lot of name-dropping. Including referring to women as "Mrs. John Doe" rather than as "Mary Doe" when (I guess) the husband was the important figure.
I recognize that this book was a memoir from a pre-feminist era, but given the important and courageous roles played by women, I was surprised to see stories about women noting the poor match of colours in French clothing and the statement that having her head shaved in the worst thing that can happen to a woman. Really? Worse than rape? Torture? Murder?
But on a more positive note, I can see how Ms. Arnold must have been a good journalist. She is able to capture very poignant moments, such as the story of the French resister who worried that he was teaching his children to lie and steal. She also has good insight into the challenges of really communicating with someone who hasn't endured the hardships many displaced persons suffered -- that sympathy and empathy can only take you so far when some of the horrors of war are being remembered by victims.
All in all, worth a read. ( )