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War

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Winter of the World - The Century Trilogy
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Ken Follett | Pan Books

Winter of the World - The Century Trilogy

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.37

$8.90

"Winter of the World" will sweep you into the intricate web of 20th-century history, imbuing the horrors and heroism of the era through the deeply personal stories of interconnected families. If you are captivated by the grand scale of world events and the intimate impact they have on individuals' lives, you'll find this book to be a compelling blend of fact and fiction. Ken Follett's rich narrative makes history feel alive and personal, bringing you face to face with the tangible emotions of a world at war.
Colditz - The Full Story - Thryft
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P.R. Reid | Pan

Colditz - The Full Story

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

Goodreads rating: 4.08

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

This book is a riveting account of the incredible escape attempts made by Allied prisoners-of-war held in Colditz Castle during World War II. Packed with suspense and filled with stories of bravery and determination, it offers a unique insight into the human spirit and the lengths people will go to in order to regain their freedom. For history buffs and those fascinated by real-life adventures, this book is a must-read.
If This Is A Man/The Truce - Thryft
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Paul Bailey, Stuart J. Woolf, Primo Levi  | Abacus

If This Is A Man/The Truce

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 4.54

$3.88

78% off est. retail
'With the moral stamina and intellectual poise of a twentieth-century Titan, this slightly built, dutiful, unassuming chemist set out systematically to remember the German hell on earth, steadfastly to think it through, and then to render it comprehensible in lucid, unpretentious prose. He was profoundly in touch with the minutest workings of the most endearing human events and with the most contemptible. What has survived in Levi's writing isn't just his memory of the unbearable, but also, in The Periodic Table and The Wrench, his delight in what made the world exquisite to him. He was himself a magically endearing man, the most delicately forceful enchanter I've ever known' - Philip Roth.
Das Boot - Thryft
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Lothar-Günther Buchheim | Cassell

Das Boot

$6.85 $4.79 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.24

$6.85 $4.79 30% off

Recommended for those who enjoy historical war fiction, and are interested in the tense, psychological drama of submarine warfare. The novel provides a visceral experience of life on a German U-boat, capturing both the monotony and terror of being hunted by the enemy. The author's firsthand experience adds authenticity to the story, making it an engrossing and unforgettable read.
The Alice Network
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Kate Quinn | William Morrow Paperbacks

The Alice Network

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.32

$8.90

If you're captivated by stories where strong women conquer adversity, "The Alice Network" is a perfect match. It offers a dual narrative that explores the raw courage of wartime spies and the quest for truth in the aftermath of chaos. The intertwining of past and present in this tale promises a gripping journey through sacrifice and triumph.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Thryft
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Annie Barrows, Mary Ann Shaffer  | The Dial Press

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

$15.90 $7.90 50% off

Goodreads rating: 4.19

$15.90 $7.90 50% off

If you're drawn to stories that bring history to life with a blend of warmth, humor, and a touch of romance, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" could be a delight for you. It's like stepping into a time capsule through the intimate form of letters, allowing you to connect deeply with characters who find solace and unity in books during the aftermath of war. It's an uplifting read that serves as a testament to the resilience of human spirit and the power of community.
Ghostwritten - Thryft
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Isabel Wolff | Harpercollins

Ghostwritten

$7.33 $5.13 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.08

$7.33 $5.13 30% off

69% off est. retail
Ghostwritten is a moving story of survival and love that is beautifully researched. It tells the story of Klara, who survived internment in a Japanese prison camp on Java during the Second World War. Jenni is sent to write her story, leading to a heart-warming friendship between the two women who learn to confront their own painful pasts. This book would be a great read for anyone seeking a poignant yet gripping tale of hope and resilience in the face of war.
Arctic Drift
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Clive Cussler | Penguin Books

Arctic Drift

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

Goodreads rating: 3.96

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

72% off est. retail
If you're into edge-of-your-seat action that blends environmental themes with historical mystery, "Arctic Drift" has all the thrills you need. Dirk Pitt's adventures are packed with suspense, making you feel like you're braving the Arctic chill and political intrigue right alongside him. Cussler's knack for weaving science and history into his stories adds a layer of depth that might make you view current environmental issues in a new light.
King Rat - Thryft
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James Clavell | Dell

King Rat

$6.37 $4.46 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.18

$6.37 $4.46 30% off

King Rat can be a good read for those interested in historical fiction with a dark, gritty edge. The book's unique aspect lies in the protagonist's cunning nature and his manipulation of both fellow prisoners and his captors. Readers may appreciate the complex portrayal of the protagonist's gradual descent into darkness and the book's exploration of power dynamics in extreme conditions.
Delayed Rays of a Star
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Amanda Lee Koe | Bloomsbury Publishing

Delayed Rays of a Star

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$8.90

68% off est. retail
If you're captivated by the rich tapestry of 20th-century history and its luminary figures, "Delayed Rays of a Star" might just satisfy your appetite. This book weaves the real-life stories of three cinematic legends, tracing their complex relationships against the backdrop of a changing world. There's a depth to their experiences that could resonate with anyone interested in the interplay between personal and public lives, all encapsulated within the glamorous yet tumultuous times they lived in.
The Soldier Who Came Back: The True Account of a Heart-Stopping Journey and a Heart-Breaking Decision - Thryft
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Alan Clark, Steve Foster  | Mirror Books

The Soldier Who Came Back: The True Account of a Heart-Stopping Journey and a Heart-Breaking Decision

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

Goodreads rating: 4.41

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

If historical heroism and nail-biting suspense stir your curiosity, "The Soldier Who Came Back" might just be your next engrossing read. You'd be stepping into the shoes of two WWII prisoners forming an unlikely bond, plotting an escape that sounds like fiction, but is, in fact, a tale of true grit and wits. It's not just a war story; it's a testament to human resilience and cunning at the face of harrowing odds.
Daughters of Cornwall - Thryft
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Fern Britton | Harpercollins

Daughters of Cornwall

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

Goodreads rating: 4.09

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

"Daughters of Cornwall" is an intriguing tapestry that interweaves past and present. If you’re drawn to stories that delve into family secrets and the complex ties that bind generations, then this tale of discovery and hidden truths set against the picturesque backdrop of Cornwall will captivate you. Britton's storytelling has a warmth that brings characters to life, promising an absorbing escape into the resilience and mysteries of familial bonds.
Breaking the Tongue : A Novel - Thryft
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Vyvyane Loh | W. W. Norton & Company

Breaking the Tongue : A Novel

$9.40

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$9.40

This brilliant novel chronicles the fall of Singapore to the Japanese in World War II. Central to the story is one Chinese family: Claude, raised to be more British than the British and ashamed of his own heritage; his father, Humphrey, whose Anglophilia blinds him to possible defeat and his wife's dalliances; and the redoubtable Grandma Siok, whose sage advice falls on deaf ears. Expatriates, spies, fifth columnists, and nationalists—including the elusive young woman Ling-Li—mingle in this exotic culture as the Japanese threat looms. Beset by the horror of war and betrayal and, finally, torture, Claude must embrace his true heritage. In the extraordinary final paragraphs of the novel, the language itself breaks into Chinese. With penetrating observation, Vyvyane Loh unfolds the coming-of-age story of a young man and a nation, a story that deals with myth, race, and class, with the ways language shapes perceptions, and with the intrigue and suffering of war. Reading group guide included.
The Kite Runner
Just Arrived
Khaled Hosseini | Bloomsbury

The Kite Runner

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.35

$9.90

55% off est. retail
You might find "The Kite Runner" incredibly moving if you're interested in stories that weave personal redemption with the vivid backdrop of a nation's turbulent history. Khaled Hosseini's rich narrative reveals not just the bond and betrayal between two boys, but it also opens a window into Afghanistan's soul. It's one of those rare novels that captures heartbreak and hope, with characters that linger with you well after the last page.
The Dark Room - Thryft
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Rachel Seiffert | Texas Book

The Dark Room

$5.12

Goodreads rating: 3.72

$5.12

The Dark Room tells the stories of three ordinary Helmut, a young photographer in Berlin in the 1930s who uses his craft to express his patriotic fervour; Lore, a twelve-year-old girl who, in 1945, guides her young siblings across a devastated Germany after her Nazi parents are seized by the Allies; and, fifty years later, Micha, a young teacher obsessed with what his loving grandfather did in the war, struggling to deal with the past of his family and his country.
In the Wolf's Mouth - Thryft
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Adam Foulds | Jonathan Cape

In the Wolf's Mouth

$3.80 $2.00 47% off

Goodreads rating: 3.23

$3.80 $2.00 47% off

A new novel by the author Julian Barnes called “one of the best British writers to emerge in the last decade”Set in North Africa and Sicily at the end of World War II, In the Wolf’s Mouth follows the Allies’ botched “liberation” attempts as they chased the Nazis north toward the Italian mainland. Focusing on the experiences of two young soldiers—Will Walker, an English field security officer, ambitious to master and shape events; and Ray Marfione, a wide-eyed Italian American infantryman—the novel contains some of the best battle writing of the past fifty years. Eloquent on the brutish, blundering inaccuracy of war, the immediacy of Adam Foulds’s prose is uncanny and unforgettable.     The book also explores the continuity of organized crime in Sicily through the eyes of two men—Angilù, a young shepherd; and Cirò Albanese, a local Mafioso. These men appear in the prologue and in the book’s terrifying final chapters, making it evident that the Mafia were there before and are there still, the slaughter of war only a temporary distraction.     In the Wolf’s Mouth has achieved an extraordinary resurrection, returning humanity to the lives lost in the writing of history.
Longest Day - The Classic Epic Of D Day - Thryft
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Cornelius Ryan | Simon Schuster

Longest Day - The Classic Epic Of D Day

$8.54

Goodreads rating: 4.33

$8.54

Uno de los libros mas amenos, sugestivos y conmovedores que se han escrito sobre la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Una obra maestra en la que conocemos a los personajes que intervinieron en la hazana mas decisiva de la guerra, que es lo que pensaban los soldados de ambos bandos, cual era su estado de animo y como lucharon aquel 6 de junio de 1944.
Chinese Stories in Times of Change - Thryft
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David T.K. Wong | Marshall Cavendish

Chinese Stories in Times of Change

$6.20

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$6.20

As the title of the collection suggests, David Wong's characters are mostly Chinese and their stories are set over the last fifty or so years, decades of dramatic and often terrifying change in China.Some, such as The Tennis Ball, depict pre-war Treaty Port life in China when, to a small boy from a poor Chinese family, a tennis ball seemed talismanic, symbolic of the leisured life of foreigners who could spend a whole afternoon hitting balls across nets whilst his mother, a servant aged before her time, worked for a pittance. For him, illusion was followed by disillusion but he was young enough to understand and learn.Learning, often from bitter experience, David Wong's characters seek resolution to eternal problems, sometimes complicated by external factors. Some do so with resignation, some with an admirable optimism.
The Opium Toffee - Thryft
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Khushwant Singh | Manjul Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.

The Opium Toffee

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 2.5

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

"The Opium Toffee" isn't just a tale of unexpected reunions; it's a deep dive into the complexities of a past that shapes the present. If you're looking for a read that blends personal struggle with broader social issues like drug abuse and political unrest, all while exploring the resilience of love, this book offers that journey through the lens of two fascinating characters set against the backdrop of a transforming India.
The Betrayal - Thryft
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Helen Dunmore | Penguin

The Betrayal

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 4.03

$3.88

83% off est. retail
"The Betrayal" is a heart-wrenching historical fiction set in post-war Soviet Russia. The book explores the lives of Andrei and Anna in a dangerous environment where one cannot be too sure who to trust. It portrays the struggle of the ordinary people to survive in a time of violence and terror. The unique feature of this book is the suspense that keeps the reader engaged and guessing till the very end. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction with elements of suspense, betrayal, and survival.
While Paris Slept - Thryft
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Druart Ruth | Hachette

While Paris Slept

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.27

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

If you're drawn to post-war stories that capture the endurance of the human spirit, "While Paris Slept" is a poignant choice. Ruth Druart weaves the lives of Jean-Luc and a young Jewish woman in a tapestry of survival, sacrifice, and the lingering effects of war. It's a novel that not only takes you back in time but also sheds light on the complexities of choice and its impact on the future, perfect for anyone who treasures historical depth and emotional resonance.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
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Heather Morris | Zaffre

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 4.31

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

This book is a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit and the strength of love amidst unimaginable horrors. It tells the heart-wrenching story of Lale Sokolov, a prisoner in Auschwitz who falls in love with a young girl, Gita. Their love becomes a symbol of hope and resilience, as they navigate the treacherous realities of the concentration camp. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a must-read for those seeking a poignant and uplifting tale of love and survival in the face of adversity.
The Naked and the Dead - Thryft
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Norman Mailer | Harper Perennial

The Naked and the Dead

$9.90 $7.90 20% off

Goodreads rating: 3.95

$9.90 $7.90 20% off

"The Naked and the Dead" might resonate deeply if you find raw, unvarnished depictions of war compelling. Mailer doesn't just deliver action; he digs into the psyche of soldiers, exposing how conflict distills humanity to its essence. It’s prized for turning the patriotic narrative on its head, showcasing the grim realities over the glory. If you're ready for a challenging but enlightening read about the human condition laid bare by war, this could be the book for you.
EMPIRE OF THE SUN - Thryft
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J.G. Ballard, Gregor Moder, Carlos Peralta  | Panther Granada Publishing

EMPIRE OF THE SUN

$21.90 $8.90 59% off

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$21.90 $8.90 59% off

66% off est. retail
"Empire of the Sun" isn't just a survival story; it's an intimate exploration of a child's tenacity amidst the world's darkest times. Reading it, you'll follow Jim's harrowing journey through the ruins of war-torn Shanghai, experiencing the stark reality of life in a Japanese internment camp through innocent eyes. Ballard crafts a narrative that's as much a personal awakening as it is a historical testament, making it compelling for anyone intrigued by the resilience of the human spirit when faced with the unthinkable.
A Gentleman in Moscow
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Amor Towles | Windmill

A Gentleman in Moscow

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.32

$8.90

55% off est. retail
Recommendation: 1. This captivating novel transports you to 1920s Moscow, where Count Alexander Rostov, an unrepentant aristocrat, is sentenced to house arrest in the glamorous Hotel Metropol. As Russia undergoes tumultuous upheaval, the Count learns to find richness in a life without luxury. With its elegant prose and insightful storytelling, A Gentleman in Moscow is an astonishing and uplifting read that will capture your heart. 2. A Gentleman in Moscow is an absolute gem of a book that will transport you to a bygone era and keep you captivated till the end. Amor Towles weaves a witty, insightful, and original tale which beautifully captures the resilience and spirit of the human soul. It is a story of love, friendship, and the power of finding joy in the simplest of pleasures. Don't miss out on this uplifting and delightful novel.
Go as a River
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Shelley Read | Doubleday

Go as a River

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.28

$10.90

"Go as a River" could be a mesmerizing addition to your bookshelf if you're drawn to stories that marry the profundity of life's experiences with the enchanting power of nature's metaphors. Shelley Read's poetic narration promises to lead you through a spectrum of human emotions, from the thrills of young love to the depths of loss, making it a potentially transformative read for those who seek both beauty and truth in their literary escapes.
Regeneration
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Pat Barker | Penguin

Regeneration

$9.90 $7.90 20% off

Goodreads rating: 4.02

$9.90 $7.90 20% off

"Regeneration" is a thoughtful dive into the oft-overlooked emotional landscape of war. Pat Barker doesn't shy away from the grim realities faced by soldiers of World War I, nor from the intricate dynamics between class, gender, and duty. It's a novel that speaks to the quiet battles fought long after the gunfire ends, perfect for readers who appreciate historical depth and the study of human resilience in the face of unimaginable hardships.
The Singapore Grip - Thryft
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J.G. Farrell, Derek Mahon  | Nyrb Classics

The Singapore Grip

$6.72

Goodreads rating: 3.93

$6.72

79% off est. retail
"The Singapore Grip" is perfect for historical fiction lovers interested in the decline of the British Empire. The story offers a unique perspective on life in Singapore on the brink of World War II, blending a tragic love story with a humorous take on the class divides of the time. Farrell's skilled writing transports readers to a bygone era with excellent character development and fascinating historical detail.
When The Emperor Was Divine - Thryft
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Julie Otsuka | Penguin

When The Emperor Was Divine

$6.41

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$6.41

Julie Otsuka's commanding debut novel paints a portrait of the Japanese internment camps unlike any we have ever seen. With crystalline intensity and precision, Otsuka uses a single family to evoke the deracination "both physical and emotional" of a generation of Japanese Americans.In five chapters, each flawlessly executed from a different point of view "the mother receiving the order to evacuate; the daughter on the long train ride to the camp; the son in the desert encampment; the family's return to their home; and the bitter release of the father after more than four years in captivity" she has created a small tour de force, a novel of unrelenting economy and suppressed emotion.Spare, intimate, arrestingly understated, When the Emperor Was Divine is a haunting evocation of a family in wartime and an unmistakably resonant lesson for our times. It heralds the arrival of a singularly gifted new novelist.From the Hardcover edition.
The Bronze Horseman - Thryft
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Paullina Simons | William Morrow

The Bronze Horseman

$5.81

Goodreads rating: 4.3

$5.81

The golden skies, the translucent twilight, the white nights, all hold the promise of youth, of love, of eternal renewal. The war has not yet touched this city of fallen grandeur, or the lives of two sisters, Tatiana and Dasha Metanova, who share a single room in a cramped apartment with their brother and parents. Their world is turned upside down when Hitler's armies attack Russia and begin their unstoppable blitz to Leningrad.Yet there is light in the darkness. Tatiana meets Alexander, a brave young officer in the Red Army. Strong and self-confident, yet guarding a mysterious and troubled past, he is drawn to Tatiana—and she to him. Starvation, desperation, and fear soon grip their city during the terrible winter of the merciless German siege. Tatiana and Alexander's impossible love threatens to tear the Metanova family apart and expose the dangerous secret Alexander so carefully protects—a secret as devastating as the war itself—as the lovers are swept up in the brutal tides that will change the world and their lives forever.
All the Light We Cannot See - Thryft
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Anthony Doerr | Simon And Schuster

All the Light We Cannot See

$7.48

Goodreads rating: 4.32

$7.48

"All the Light We Cannot See" would be a good read for history buffs as it highlights the intricacies of life during WWII. The unique feature of the book is the way the plot twists through the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy, providing a captivating and unexpected journey for the reader. The exemplary use of lucid imagery against the backdrop of the tragedy of WWII is something users are sure to appreciate.
The Bookshop of the Broken Hearted
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Robert Hillman | Faber & Faber

The Bookshop of the Broken Hearted

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.57

$8.90

"The Bookshop Of The Broken-Hearted" is a poignant love story about two individuals finding solace in each other's company through their shared passion for books. It also touches upon the sensitive topic of the Holocaust, making it an emotionally rich read that is very well-written. The story is a perfect fit for those who are looking for a heartwarming, intimate narrative that leaves a lasting impression.
Hearts of Stone : A gripping historical thriller of World War II and the Greek resistance - Thryft
Simon Scarrow | Headline Book Publishing

Hearts of Stone : A gripping historical thriller of World War II and the Greek resistance

$6.90 $4.90 29% off

Goodreads rating: 4.02

$6.90 $4.90 29% off

The fierce courage of the men and women of the Greek Resistance is brought to vivid life in Sunday Times bestseller Simon Scarrow's powerful new novel of World War II.1938. A perfect summer on the Greek island of Lefkas for three young people untroubled by the simmering politics of Europe. Peter, visiting from Germany while his father leads an archaeological dig, has become close friends with locals Andreas and Eleni. As the world slides towards conflict and Peter is forced to leave, they swear to meet again.1942: Andreas and Eleni have joined the partisan forces resisting the German invasion. Peter has returned - now a dangerously well-informed enemy intelligence officer. A friendship formed in peace will turn into a desperate battle between enemies sworn to sacrifice everything for the countries that they love...
The Kindly Ones - Thryft
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Jonathan Littell | Vintage

The Kindly Ones

$11.88

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$11.88

Dr Max Aue is a family man and owner of a lace factory in post-war France. He is an intellectual steeped in philosophy, literature, and classical music. He is also a former SS intelligence officer and cold-blooded assassin. He was an observer and then a participant in Nazi atrocities on the Eastern Front, he was present at the siege of Stalingrad, at the death camps, and finally caught up in the overthrow of the Nazis and the nightmarish fall of Berlin. His world was peopled by Eichmann, Himmler, Göring, Speer and, of course, Hitler himself.Max is looking back at his life with cool-eyed precision; he is speaking out now to set the record straight.
The Pearl Thief - Thryft
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Fiona McIntosh | Penguin Random House Australia

The Pearl Thief

$11.70 $8.19 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.22

$11.70 $8.19 30% off

75% off est. retail
The Pearl Thief is a great read for lovers of historical fiction and mysteries. With an engaging plot filled with hidden secrets and an exploration of the impact of trauma, it offers a unique perspective on the aftermath of war and hate. The revelation of the provenance of the pearls sets off a race against time to catch a Nazi, making for a thrilling and gripping read.
Catch-22
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Joseph Heller | Vintage Uk

Catch-22

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.99

$8.90

64% off est. retail
"Catch-22" takes you on a whirlwind of paradoxical military life, where survival is as comical as it is tragic. Heller crafts a world so steeped in ridiculous bureaucracy that it borders on genius. You'll find both laughter and frustration on these pages, all wrapped in Heller’s razor-sharp wit. For anyone who enjoys biting satire or is curious about the contradictions of wartime mentality, this classic is a must-read that stands the test of time.
Alone in Berlin
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Hans Fallada, Geoff Wilkes, Michael Hofmann  | Penguin Classics

Alone in Berlin

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.25

$8.90

"Alone in Berlin" is a powerful narrative that reaches into the heart of human courage under oppressive regimes. Fallada’s characters, inspired by real-life figures, are a poignant reminder that resistance, no matter how small, can unsettle even the most totalitarian states. If you're drawn to historical fiction that celebrates the human spirit amidst harrowing circumstances, this book's gripping plot and emotional depth will resonate with you.
Great Circle
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Maggie Shipstead | Doubleday

Great Circle

$12.90 $9.90 23% off

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$12.90 $9.90 23% off

If you're drawn to stories of bold adventures and complex, trailblazing characters, "Great Circle" is a journey you shouldn't miss. Through Marian Graves' life, which arcs like the flight path she's determined to conquer, you'll experience a poignant quest for freedom. Spanning eras and intertwining with Hadley Baxter's modern-day Hollywood, the novel invites you on an exploration of ambition and identity that resonates long after the final page.
Arrival and Departure - Thryft
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arthur-koestler | Vintage

Arrival and Departure

$6.11

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$6.11

This was the third novel of Arthur Koestler's trilogy on ends and means - the other two are THE GLADIATORS and DARKNESS AT NOON - and the first he wrote in English. The central theme is the conflict between morality and expediency, and in this novel Koestler worked it out in terms of individual psychology. Peter Slavek starts out as a brave young revolutionary, but suffers a breakdown. On the analyst's couch he is made to discover, in Koestler's own words, 'that his crusading zeal was derived from unconscious guilt'.
Bloodlands : Europe Between Hitler and Stalin - Thryft
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Timothy Snyder | Basic Books

Bloodlands : Europe Between Hitler and Stalin

$14.72

Goodreads rating: 4.37

$14.72

Americans call the Second World War “The Good War.” But before it even began, America’s wartime ally Josef Stalin had killed millions of his own citizens—and kept killing them during and after the war. Before Hitler was finally defeated, he had murdered six million Jews and nearly as many other Europeans. At war’s end, both the German and the Soviet killing sites fell behind the iron curtain, leaving the history of mass killing in darkness.Bloodlands is a new kind of European history, presenting the mass murders committed by the Nazi and Stalinist regimes as two aspects of a single history, in the time and place where they occurred: between Germany and Russia, when Hitler and Stalin both held power. Assiduously researched, deeply humane, and utterly definitive, Bloodlands will be required reading for anyone seeking to understand the central tragedy of modern history.From BooklistIf there is an explanation for the political killing perpetrated in eastern Europe in the 1930s and 1940s, historian Snyder roots it in agriculture. Stalin wanted to collectivize farmers; Hitler wanted to eliminate them so Germans could colonize the land. The dictators wielded frightening power to advance such fantasies toward reality, and the despots toted up about 14 million corpses between them, so stupefying a figure that Snyder sets himself three goals here: to break down the number into the various actions of murder that comprise it, from liquidation of the kulaks to the final solution; to restore humanity to the victims via surviving testimony to their fates; and to deny Hitler and Stalin any historical justification for their policies, which at the time had legions of supporters and have some even today. Such scope may render Snyder’s project too imposing to casual readers, but it would engage those exposed to the period’s chronology and major interpretive issues, such as the extent to which the Nazi and Soviet systems may be compared. Solid and judicious scholarship for large WWII collections.
Life and Fate (Vintage Classic Russians Series) - Thryft
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Vasily Grossman | Vintage Publishing

Life and Fate (Vintage Classic Russians Series)

$10.09

Goodreads rating: 4.44

$10.09

Life and Fate is an epic tale of a country told through the fate of a single family, the Shaposhnikovs. As the battle of Stalingrad looms, Grossman's characters must work out their destinies in a world torn apart by ideological tyranny and war. Completed in 1960 and then confiscated by the KGB, this sweeping panorama of Soviet society remained unpublished until it was smuggled into the West in 1980, where it was hailed as a masterpiece.Librarian's Note: This is an alternative cover edition of ISBN13: 9780099506164
If This Is a Man; And, The Truce
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Primo Levi | Viking Pr

If This Is a Man; And, The Truce

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.54

$9.90

If you're looking for a book that not only bears witness to one of history's darkest chapters but also delves into the resilience of the human spirit, Primo Levi's "If This Is a Man" is a powerful testament. Levi's unpretentious prose makes the incomprehensible horrors he experienced in the Holocaust accessible, while "The Truce" offers a poignant journey towards hope and restoration. His writing captivates not just through the stark reality it portrays but also in its ability to find beauty amidst devastation. This book could change the way you see history and the capacity for human endurance.
Small Island - Thryft
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Andrea Levy | Headline Publishing Group

Small Island

$2.90

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$2.90

Small Island Levy, Andrea
The Singapore Grip - Thryft
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J.G. Farrell | W&n

The Singapore Grip

$6.34

Goodreads rating: 3.93

$6.34

This book could be a good read for those who are interested in delving into the complexities of colonial-era Singapore during World War II. J.G. Farrell's descriptive writing brings to life the bustling city and the inner workings of the rubber business. Through its gripping storyline and well-developed characters, "The Singapore Grip" exposes the exploitative practices that were prevalent at the time, intertwining history with a thought-provoking narrative.
The Templar Knight - Thryft
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The Templar Knight

$6.74

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$6.74

72% off est. retail
Recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction with action-packed scenes and nuanced characters. This book provides a unique perspective on the crusades and challenges the reader's preconceived notions about different cultures.
The Puppet Boy Of Warsaw - Thryft
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Eva Weaver | Phoenix (an Imprint Of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd )

The Puppet Boy Of Warsaw

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 4.22

$3.88

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction. The story is captivating, with well-developed characters that are sure to leave you emotionally invested in their lives. The story is centered around Mika, a Jewish boy living in the Warsaw ghetto during World War II, who becomes a puppeteer to entertain the German soldiers stationed there. The story is also about Max, a German soldier who experiences the war from a different perspective. The unique feature of the book is how it weaves together the lives of two very different people, creating a harmonious narrative. Overall, The Puppet Boy of Warsaw is a hauntingly powerful story of love, loss, survival, and hope.
East West Street: On the Origins of "Genocide" and "Crimes Against Humanity"
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Philippe Sands | Vintage

East West Street: On the Origins of "Genocide" and "Crimes Against Humanity"

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.46

$10.90

"East West Street" might resonate with you if you appreciate the intersection of personal narratives and monumental historical events. Philippe Sands masterfully navigates through his family's past while intertwining it with the emergence of essential human rights concepts. It's not just a tale of genealogy; it's a gripping insight into how global legal frameworks evolved from individual experiences and shared academic paths. This book promises a reflective journey into the heart of humanity's darkest hours and the quest for justice that followed.
The Reader - Thryft
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Bernhard Schlink | Vintage

The Reader

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 3.78

$3.88

"The Reader" is a powerful novel about a love affair that ends abruptly and unexpectedly. It explores the themes of betrayal, guilt, and redemption in a haunting and thought-provoking way. The unique aspect of the novel is the way it seamlessly weaves a tale of love with one of history and its effects on individuals. It's a great read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a love story twist.
City of Women - Thryft
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David R. Gillham | Penguin Books

City of Women

$6.85

Goodreads rating: 3.79

$6.85

In the very darkest hour, who do you trust, who do you love, and who can be saved? It is 1943 - the height of the Second World War. With the men taken by the army, Berlin has become a city of women. And while her husband fights on the Eastern Front, Sigrid Schroder is, for all intents and purposes, the model soldier's wife: she goes to work every day, does as much with her rations as she can, and dutifully cares for her meddling mother-in-law. But behind this facade is an entirely different Sigrid, a woman who dreams of her former Jewish lover, who is now lost in the chaos of the war. Sigrid's tedious existence is turned upside-down when she finds herself hiding a mother and her two young daughters: could they be her lover's family? Now she must make terrifying choices that could cost her everything.
Winter In Madrid - Thryft
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C.J. Sansom | Pan Books (uk)

Winter In Madrid

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

Goodreads rating: 3.86

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

Winter in Madrid is an excellent read for anyone who loves historical fiction and spy novels. Set in post-Spanish Civil War Spain, this book provides a unique perspective on espionage and political turmoil in a country that is trying to rebuild itself. The main character, Harry Brett, a veteran of Dunkirk, is a relatable character who struggles with PTSD and the weight of his new role as a spy. The book is well researched and delivers an authentic portrayal of the period with vivid descriptions of Madrid and its residents. Overall, Winter in Madrid is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will keep you engrossed until the very end.