It was interesting to read this book right after the election. During a time when so many people are afraid for the future of the country, it is good to remember that America is still the greatest country in the world. I don't think it's a coincidence that the Founding Fathers set up the country to be run the way it is. Yes, the government has its moments of corruption. But that is NOTHING compared to what happened in Europe back then. Many of her descriptions made me physically ill, to think of the mass destruction of nearly an entire race of people. Just because of one man and his followers. Thanks to checks and balances, I'm pretty sure that we will never get to that point.
Irene was a nursing student in Poland when the war hit. I had no idea how devastated Poland was until reading this book. Everyone was trying to tear that country apart. She was a prisoner of war, and was held against her will as a nurse in a hospital. When she finally escaped she worked in a restaurant with a German man who sympathized with her wanting to help the Jews that lived nearby. While he never asked her about her plans, he let her use his facilities and money to save the lives of 10 people by hiding them away. She sent even more to the forest near their house, to keep them safe. At one point she was working for a high ranking official in the Army, and when he found out she had to become his mistress in order to keep them safe.
What an amazing woman. I wonder if I would be brave enough to do something similar. I can't even imagine the fear people had to live with at that time. I am so grateful for the time and place I was born in!
