A German journalist keeps a diary from 20 APR 45 to JUN 45. She lives in Berlin and the diary tells the tale of how Berlin fell to the Russians, how the Russians established "order" in the city, and every day life for those citizens who were conquered.

It is graphic and the author writes without self-pity as she talks about the Russian soldiers and how they seemed "infatuated" with conquering the German woman as well.

It is a wonderful, insightful look into the day to day life of the German citizens as Berlin was being overrun.

The author's style is easy to read - very engrossing.

The end came too quickly for me. I wanted more of how she rebuilt her life and how Berlin rebuilt its life.

learn more about the end of World War II.

sad in a way. The author is very candid about the Russian's actions, how they seemed to think little of raping their war "booty," yet her interactions with the Major confuse her as well. I felt like I had a real peek into the end of the war as it affected every day citizens.

is candid and forthright about what is happening. She pulls on your heartstrings, but as the intro and foreward stress, there is no self-pity.

it is a very good look at how every day, ordinary people in Berlin faced their plight.

While the author is not graphic about the rapes that occur, it is still a topic that is upsetting to hear happened.

Two thumbs up!

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Created Sep 18, 2006 at 1:02pm • Submit your own review...