The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
keruichun212's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book fascinating, mainly because I knew nothing of Chechoslovakian history, nor how they were affected by the war. What made it better were all t he references to her parents' letters and other writings that personalized this history, as well as her peppering the facts with her own questions and opinions. Though sometimes the structure of the book was a bit spotty, (better transitions would have helped), it was easy to read for a heftier nonfiction historical "memoir."
abrswf's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fascinating look at how Albright's family's personal history, much of which she discovered much later in life, intersected with Czechoslovakian history and in particular the period preceding, during and following the second World War. Albright is a competent writer and I never lost interest, though I read this book in fits and starts during quiet times at work.
danidesantis's review against another edition
2.0
I desperately wanted to enjoy this book, but constantly found myself nodding off. The bits where Madeleine shares her own story are deeply compelling, but the broader telling of the historical machinations were a bit of a slog, sorry to say.
foxon's review against another edition
3.0
This book is a view of the second world war through the lens of the Czech Republic. We get a lot of personal writing of Albright's diplomat father and also her mother, but most of the meat comes from her research into her hidden history. I found this book a good read, it doesnt get into the war in details but takes an different perspective then most WWII books who tend to concentrate on the larger players. I would recommend it.
mhoechsmann's review against another edition
4.0
This book offers an intriguing perspective on Czech history during WWII and the lead up to the communist coup that held Czechoslovakia under the Iron Curtain. I was drawn to this book because of the time I spend studying abroad and my personal affinity for Prague and the Czech Republic. Albright easily keeps the reader engaged, but occasionally has the tendency for unrelated tangents. Overall excellent read.
creepyaliengirl's review against another edition
3.0
Minus one star for not picking up until chapter 18 and minus one star for being a war criminal
mjsteimle's review against another edition
3.0
I knew who Madeleine Albright is, but I had no idea that she was born and partially raised in Czechoslovakia.
Albright relates a quick-moving history of Bohemia/Czechoslovakia up until the 1930s. Once we reach the 1930's the pace slows down and in detail we learn about Hitler's invasion of the Sudetenland, Prague and Czechoslovakia during WWII, and Czechslovakia's turning to Soviet influence and communism after the war.
Albright's father was a diplomat, so she and her family have some first-hand experience with political leaders and events. However, I would describe this as history with personal experiences weaved in, as opposed to memoir.
Albright relates a quick-moving history of Bohemia/Czechoslovakia up until the 1930s. Once we reach the 1930's the pace slows down and in detail we learn about Hitler's invasion of the Sudetenland, Prague and Czechoslovakia during WWII, and Czechslovakia's turning to Soviet influence and communism after the war.
Albright's father was a diplomat, so she and her family have some first-hand experience with political leaders and events. However, I would describe this as history with personal experiences weaved in, as opposed to memoir.
shutterjess's review against another edition
4.0
I gave this one a four, but I possibly could have gone with a three. I envisioned this book being a personal story of her family, and it was, but in Madeleine Albright fashion, it went deep into the foreign policy and relations that were going on. This, in retrospect, I probably should have guessed. It was extremely informative, just not what I thought I was getting into.
Though the style was different than expected, her family's experience did include all of the political aspects. This book was very well researched, and Madeleine has the advantage of knowing the kinds of people that were involved.
All in all, I am glad that I read it. It was not a quick read for me, but maybe, just maybe, I learned a few things!
Though the style was different than expected, her family's experience did include all of the political aspects. This book was very well researched, and Madeleine has the advantage of knowing the kinds of people that were involved.
All in all, I am glad that I read it. It was not a quick read for me, but maybe, just maybe, I learned a few things!
cawhite's review against another edition
4.0
I want to say that I enjoyed listening to this book. I specifically chose the audio version because I wanted to hear Madeleine Albright narrate, but that was a big mistake. It sounded like she was just reading words, but not the story. Her narration seemed indifferent to the content. That said, it was a very good book. I strongly recommend reading a print copy so you can enjoy the book at not be distracted by the poor narration. I give the book 5 stars, but the narration 1 star.
k8iedid's review against another edition
5.0
I'd say this is more history book than memoir, as Albright accounts historical events she clearly wasn't present for (since she was a young child), but that doesn't take anything away from this fantastic read. The accounts of Terezin were new to me and drew parallels to what the US is doing at our own border in detaining migrants.