Reviews

Inge's War: A German Woman's Story of Family, Secrets, and Survival Under Hitler by Svenja O'Donnell

lilahluna's review

dark emotional sad medium-paced

4.5

nannykaren's review against another edition

5.0

I really enjoy stories of the war because I learn so much. Inge's War is just the same. I learned so much about how the German's also suffered. A good read.

gaylebn's review

3.0

The book description accurately describes the story, so there is no need for me to repeat it. My reaction to the book was sadness and compassion for the woman at the center. It put a face to one of many German residents who did not support their country’s politics nor wartime actions. It was an interesting tale and well-written.

tsoutham's review

dark emotional informative sad tense slow-paced

3.0

I was really excited about this book. The thousands of unjust deaths in Palestine and those in Israel call us to action. Surely this book about the holocaust would shed light on our needed actions? However the conclusions of the book did not inspire. They instead mirror all of the inaction in the world today.  

In reflecting on what she now knows about both her German grandmother's inaction and of her suffering O'Donnell says “My grandmother's life was not one of innocent or guilt. It was one of extraordinary events, of the things we do to survive, and how they shape our lives. What would I have done in wartime? Growing up in a Europe at peace, I always thought I'd known the answer, confidently imagining myself among those who would stand up and be counted. Only now do I understand what was meant by Thomas Nagel's phrase, "moral luck," which casts doubt on whether we can judge actions influenced by events beyond an individual's control.” Page 278 -279. 

Moral luck seems like a weak response to atrocities. Yes Palestine is outside of a control but can we not rage and cry out at the very least? Interestingly a woman who took in O'Donnell's grandmother when she was in school is the one that continues to cry out and she eventually commits suicide. So what does that tell us? That moral fortitude has a price?

bookswritingandmore's review

3.0

3.50 stars for me. I wish Goodreads would allow half stars, whose with me?
This book was difficult to read but just as hard to turn away from. I was completely consumed with the tale of Inge and how her Christian family lived in Kolinsburg during Nazi Germany times. I believe this is the first writings I've read from the point of view of someone looking into the aggression against the Jews in Germany. It was extremely enlightening.
Some of the book did drag a bunch which is why it's not a 4 star for me. However, it is a story is recommend picking up just for the prose and research done of the time. I loved how the author spoke of her grandmother Inge as withdrawn and unemotional but soon got to know her more and realized everything buried inside her.

georgilvsbooks's review

4.0

What is so special about Inge's War is how much it took over my heart and soul. I have read other ww2 non-fiction reads in the past but they have never made such an impact on me like Inge's story has. I absorbed this story within 24 hours.

Inge's War tells the story of Inge and her life in Nazi Germany and how she and many others survived under Hitler.

This story flowed nicely and was easy to connect with the characters. I loved that this story contained photos and documents, it just made it that more interesting and exciting to read.

It has opened my eyes up to a lot about ww2 and what so many people suffered from. from both sides.

‘But with every war come layers of suffering, and only by acknowledging it all can we ever stop hatred from tearing people apart’.

Inge’s story is perfect for anyone who loves to read about history and is looking for an inspiring story.

cybershed's review

informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.25

lola425's review

4.0

Read for book group. Interesting examination of the effects of World War II from the average ethnic German perspective. O'Donnell's pursuit of her family's history opens up old wounds that had never before seen the light. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? You can be the judge.

cgpc's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced

rovingreader's review

adventurous emotional hopeful informative sad tense medium-paced

4.0