Dresden was a cosmopolitan city filled with glorious buildings, home
to the arts and music, and with a rich history. At the end of WWII,
Dresdeners thought they would be spared. The city wasn’t a high
value target from a military perspective, and it was renowned for its
cultural significance. However, on February 13, 1945 that changed.
The British and Americans agreed on one of the most devastating
bombings of the war. After the war this decision was hotly debated.
Sinclair McKay
builds the picture of Dresden prior to the bombing. The early
chapters detail the art and architecture, the boys choir, and other
cultural landmarks. He also discusses the plight of the citizens at
the end of the war. Many were starving, had no good place to live,
and were ill. The plight of the Jews was particularly dreadful. The
had lost their homes, treasures, and relatives. Now they were hoping
to not lose their lives.
After the scenes
depicting the beauty of Dresden, the descriptions following the
bombing are devastating. The streets were aflame. People were burned
alive or suffocated in their shelters. Finally, the book ends with
the reconstruction of the city and the friendship between Coventry,
England and Dresden. It was a pleasing ending to the tale of tragedy.
Throughout the book,
the author introduces us to the real people who were affected by the
war from Jews to Hitler Youth to the Nazis who governed the city.
Their stories made the tragedy real. I highly recommend this book if
you enjoy history, particularly that of WWII.
I received this book
from St. Martin’s Press for this review.
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