What am I reading this week? Prague Winter: A Personal Story of Remembrance and War, 1937-1948 by Madeleine Albright.
I’d been meaning to read this book since last summer when I first came across it. But with a TBR (to be read) list like mine, it’s easy for books to get lost or forgotten.
But I rediscovered it this week, and it must have been the right time for some European history because I dug in with relish.
Set in Europe—primarily Czechoslovakia—before, during, and after World War II, Albright describes the feelings and facts that surrounded the continent during this tumultuous time in its history.
Albright was the Secretary of State for Bill Clinton. But before that, she was born in Czechoslovakia right before WWII and spent her early years in Yugoslavia and England. And when she was 59 years old, she found out that she was also Jewish.
My honest opinion of Prague Winter…
I know that not everyone loves history, particularly modern European history, but I do. This is my favorite period of time to study, and I was completely fascinated by Prague Winter.
Albright writes from the unique perspective of someone who not only lived through this time in history, but whose father was part of the Czech government, and who herself was a knowledgeable player in world politics as an adult.
Through first-hand accounts, letters, documents, and recounted conversations, she fills the pages of Prague Winter with the facts and emotions of the time. She gives candid glimpses of leaders and their inner struggles, weaknesses, and strengths that I have never before encountered.
I am no great history scholar, but I really enjoyed this book—both for what I learned and how engaging it was. It’s a longer book at 480 pages, but it never dragged.
I’d recommend this Prague Winter to anyone who loves history, loves memoirs, and is fascinated by how people think and act on their political motivations. This was as much a study of history as it was of people.
Prague Winter was a great read that I’m sorry I took so long to get to. I hope you’ll pick it up and give it a try, even if history isn’t usually your thing. I think this book might just grab your attention and hold it.
Happy Reading!
(Prague Winter is available for FREE in audiobook form. Just sign up for the FREE AUDIBLE trial and cancel whenever you want!)
So, what are you reading this week? Have any suggestions for me?
Interested in more on books? Then check out these posts:
Why I Read So Much & How You Can Read More, Too
What I’m Reading… The Enchanted April
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