From the outset this is a deeply moving book with the description of the destruction of Warsaw acting as the backdrop to the real story of the book - that of the running of an orphanage for children within the Jewish ghetto.
It is also a story about identity. Misha who is the first to be introduced in the book is at the time of his introduction working as a member of the First Polish Army attached to the Soviet forces encamped outside Warsaw. He sees himself as Polish first rather than as an ally of the Soviets. Likewise Dr Korczak when first introduced sees himself as first and foremost Polish rather than as being a Jew.
This book is a as much a story of the history of Poland and what it meant to be Polish between the wars as it is about the German occupation and its consequences.
It is well written and well researched.
It is also a story about identity. Misha who is the first to be introduced in the book is at the time of his introduction working as a member of the First Polish Army attached to the Soviet forces encamped outside Warsaw. He sees himself as Polish first rather than as an ally of the Soviets. Likewise Dr Korczak when first introduced sees himself as first and foremost Polish rather than as being a Jew.
This book is a as much a story of the history of Poland and what it meant to be Polish between the wars as it is about the German occupation and its consequences.
It is well written and well researched.