The Bielski Brothers : The True Story of Three Men Who Defied the Nazis, Built a Village in the Forest, and Saved 1,200 Jews
Author(s): Peter Duffy
In 1941, three brothers witnessed their parents and two other siblingsbeing led away to their eventual murders. It was a grim scene that would,of course, be repeated endlessly throughout the war. Instead of running orgiving in to despair, these brothers -- Tuvia, Zus, and Asael Bielski -- foughtback, waging a guerrilla war of wits against the Nazis.
By using their intimate knowledge of the dense forests surrounding theBelarusan towns of Novogrudek and Lida, the Bielskis evaded the Nazis andestablished a hidden base camp, then set about convincing other Jews to jointheir ranks. As more and more Jews arrived each day, a robust communitybegan to emerge, a "Jerusalem in the woods."
After two and a half years in the woods, in July 1944, the Bielskis learnedthat the Germans, overrun by the Red Army, were retreating back towardBerlin. More than one thousand Bielski Jews emerged -- alive -- on that final,triumphant exit from the woods.
Review(s):
“Captivating...a welcome story of bold, determined, and successful resistance....[An] unjustly neglected story.”
“As amazing as Schindler’s List.”
“This remarkable story would make a terrific movie…. A story about heroes, and Duffy does a masterful job.”
“Fast-paced and deeply moving...inspiring in its representation of the heroism of ordinary people.”
“An engrossing, inspiring narrative ... of an incredible victory amid an immeasurable tragedy.”
“A haunting book...with the grip of good fiction and the punch of hard truth.”
“An extraordinary story of resistance.”
“Powerful! The strength of the human spirt shines on in [this] beautifully written book.”
“Remarkable [and] surprising ... Duffy’s book is a gripping and overdue tribute to the brothers’ resourcefulness and courage.”
“A fascinating story!”
ISBN: 9780060935535