The Past Is Myself

Bielenberg, Christabelle

ISBN 10: 0552990655 / ISBN 13: 9780552990653

Published by Corgi, 1989

Book is in very good condition and may include minimal underlining highlighting. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Seller Inventory # ZEV.0552990655.VG

Synopsis:

Christabel Bielenberg, a niece of Lord Northcliffe, married a German lawyer in 1934. She lived through the war in Germany, as a German citizen, under the horrors of Nazi rule and Allied bombings. Closely associated with resistance circles, her husband was arrested after the failure of the plot against Hitler's life on 20th July 1944, and she herself was interrogated by the Gestapo. Not only do we meet her friends whose tragic bravery shines from the book, but dozens of everyday Germans, from the simple-minded Nazi official who was also her odd-job gardener, to the good-hearted Black Forest villagers who sheltered her till the liberation. They are presented with humour and sympathy, allowing the reader a remarkable insight into their character. All the more haunting, then, is her night-time encounter with an SS man from Riga who searches desperately for death on the battlefield. The human dimension of her writing brings about an unforgettable portrait of an evil time.

From Library Journal: Clear enunciation and accurate accents by narrator Sheila Mitchell enable the listener clearly to follow the many characters and episodes described in this autobiography of a British woman who marries and lives as a German citizen under Nazi rule. Bielenberg conveys her "belief in the triumph of good over evil," yet admits that at one point she refused to harbor a half-Jewish couple or disturb her own safe haven. Throughout, Bielenberg proves she is an astute observer of human behavior and offers much wry commentary. Ironically though, she muses, "What makes men sit tight and do nothing?" This is an effectively composed story that conveys Bielenberg's confessed "dogged determination to survive." Any public library with collections in history and autobiography will find an audience for this production.
Frances Yates, Prince George's P.L., Laurel, Md.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Past Is Myself
Publisher: Corgi
Publication Date: 1989
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: very_good