Stauss combines storytelling and facts, drawn from documents and interviews with family, to demonstrate how nine women escaped a nazi labour camp. These nine resistance fighters from France, the Netherlands and Spain, who all helped to fight against Nazism, have mostly been ignored until now. Strauss demonstrates how their war efforts, often involving risking their lives, was given limited acknowledgement by the Vichy government, compared to the men. This book demonstrates the women's resilience and bravery.
Part of what I liked is how Strauss demonstrates that not all Germans were admirers of Hitler. She demonstrates how right-wing fascism was used to create a submissive population. However, whilst Strauss informs the reader of the kind of people imprisoned within the camps, she neglects how disabled people were some of Hitler's main targets for extermination. In fact, one part of the book which lets her down is her patronizing tone towards one of the smallest members of the group.
The book demonstrates how the women travelled from Ravensbruck and eventually to France, avoiding being captured by the nazis, with some help from everyday Germans. Towards the end, Strauss provides a good insight into why many survivors of the camps remained silent, as well as the traumatic impact their experiences had on their children.
Part of what I liked is how Strauss demonstrates that not all Germans were admirers of Hitler. She demonstrates how right-wing fascism was used to create a submissive population. However, whilst Strauss informs the reader of the kind of people imprisoned within the camps, she neglects how disabled people were some of Hitler's main targets for extermination. In fact, one part of the book which lets her down is her patronizing tone towards one of the smallest members of the group.
The book demonstrates how the women travelled from Ravensbruck and eventually to France, avoiding being captured by the nazis, with some help from everyday Germans. Towards the end, Strauss provides a good insight into why many survivors of the camps remained silent, as well as the traumatic impact their experiences had on their children.