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huginnmuninn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
satinnite's review against another edition
The story of the Holocaust has always been a favorite to read. This is just written more like a text book then a story even though its true.
suebrownreads's review against another edition
4.0
This book is very well researched. Full of information on the inner workings of Auschwitz which I had not heard before such as the underground, SS women, Hoss household connection to prisoners, etc. I have to say it was a little too much information on fashion and styles, dressmaking of the times which is something I am not very interested in. Overall, it is very well-done.
danicapage's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Lucy Adlington portrays much more than just the moments in the concentration camp. She details the women’s lives from the beginning to the end. She also paints in great detail the conditions of the concentration camp and the life in it, along with the “fashion salon” at Auschwitz. This is needed and important work and research. Lucy’s research is extensive and vast. She drew on a variety of sources, including interviewing some of the last survivors is of critical importance. As a research endeavor, her work and efforts cannot be overstated. This is such important work and these stories need to be told. And yet, the vastness of her research and her desire to convey it all is also perhaps the weakness of this book.
Because the research she conveys is so vast, the narrative thread is not as vibrant or strong as in other books about the period. The book seemed to jump around and was a bit disorganized, which made it a bit hard to follow. Understandably, she seemed to want to include everything she learned in her research. Important from a record-keeping perspective; but difficult from a reader’s perspective. I think this would have been strengthened by a more narrow and focused view for this book. And then perhaps additional books on other topics. However, it’s an important look at what happened and is written in an accessible way. I applaud the author for her work to document this though.
Because the research she conveys is so vast, the narrative thread is not as vibrant or strong as in other books about the period. The book seemed to jump around and was a bit disorganized, which made it a bit hard to follow. Understandably, she seemed to want to include everything she learned in her research. Important from a record-keeping perspective; but difficult from a reader’s perspective. I think this would have been strengthened by a more narrow and focused view for this book. And then perhaps additional books on other topics. However, it’s an important look at what happened and is written in an accessible way. I applaud the author for her work to document this though.
jennypennycg's review against another edition
2.0
I feel like I should have expected this, but the lengthy descriptions of clothing and fashion in the first 100 pages was just brutal to get through. I knew a large part of this book would be about clothing and the power it has to build someone up or tear them down, but the descriptions of the styles and the listing of parts of the outfits.... it was a lot. I feel like once I got to the substance of the book I was already burnt out.