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The Unwomanly Face of War
- Penguin Modern Classics
- Narrated by: Yelena Shmulenson, Julia Emelin
- Length: 14 hrs and 18 mins
- Categories: History, Military
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Summary
Penguin presents the audiobook edition of The Unwomanly Face of War by Svetlana Alexeivich, read by Julia Emelin and Yelena Shmulenson.
Bringing together dozens of voices in her distinctive style, The Unwomanly Face of War is Svetlana Alexievich's collection of stories from Soviet women who lived through the Second World War: on the front lines, on the home front and in occupied territories. As Alexievich gives voice to women who are absent from official narratives - captains, sergeants, nurses, snipers and pilots - she shows us a new version of the war we're so familiar with, creating an extraordinary alternative history from their private stories.
Published in 1985 in Russia and now available in English for the first time, The Unwomanly Face of War was Alexievich's first book and a huge best seller in the Soviet Union, establishing her as a brilliantly revolutionary writer.
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What listeners say about The Unwomanly Face of War
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- helloitsmefolks
- 11-03-18
Sadness of War
Instead of men writing about war the women of Russia have their say about World War 2 and all its tribulations. Their story would be the same the world over throughout history. Some stories can reduce you to tears, others about bravery and fortitude can show what can be done in the face of overwhelming odds and the brutality of war. A book not for the faint hearted but still worth listening too.
9 people found this helpful
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- bella
- 22-04-19
unwomanly face of war
incredibly sad but a story that has to be told.
the author has captured a thousand different experiences
4 people found this helpful
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- Marta
- 03-03-21
Oral history
This is oral history at its finest and the stories are vividly brought to life by the performers. I found it tricky at first to find the right listening environment; I tend to listen while walking or shopping but with The Unwomanly Face of War I really wanted to minimise distraction and give the stories of these women the attention they deserve.
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- Elske76
- 31-01-21
heartwrenching
The stories of the women are heartwrenching but beautiful. Stories of loss and grief, of women who participated in wwII..
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- Anonymous User
- 11-01-21
Excellent - shocking!
Great book, very hard to listen to some parts, shocking to hear what these Russian women went through in the fight against the Nazis! We owe them great gratitude for sharing their stories, and to the author for her work in writing their stories down.
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- Anonymous User
- 01-01-21
One of the best books I've ever read
I've been with audible 13 months. Have gone through 15 ish books. All ww1 ww2 vietnam. I've got to say this is the most moving book I've ever read. Moved me to tears sometimes. Narrating was fantastic. I have enjoyed it so much I'm going to start to listen to it again. Highly recommend it
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- Rose
- 01-12-20
the unwomanly face of war
It has it all does this book. itt’s harrowing, fascinating, cruel, kind, vain as only the young can be and yet full of gallows humour as only a book that tells such a story can be at times. it’s not the kind of book you read if you’re feeling low or depressed. it’s a great book if you just want to have a good cry but don’t know how. War is a terrible thing. Everyone knows that and yet it will never stop happening. Everybody deep down knows that too though they have faith that it might some day stop and good luck to those that have such faith.
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- Hayley Hall
- 07-09-20
A wonder exploration of hidden histories.
Loved this. Thought provoking and evokative. I be listening to it again. A new way of bringing home the scale of the conflict.
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- hellojoanie
- 27-04-20
The awful face of war
Beautifully told by those who lived it. Awful but essential listening. Buy it and live it. I don't often leave a review and this is not a book I would have read, but listen to it and feel it.
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- Steve
- 18-04-20
Important Historical Record
A well researched and written historical account of the horrors of war and the suffering of the Russian women who contributed to the victory on the Eastern front. It is difficult not to be moved to tears as you listen to the various personal accounts of the carnage, bereavement, suffering, hardship and courage of those women who provided their stories to make this book possible.
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- JanitaH
- 09-04-18
Terrible and haunting, essential reading
Despite the horrors of war described in this book, I was constantly surprised by the tenderness and love of these women.
3 people found this helpful