In Europe: Travels Through the Twentieth Century

by Geert Mak
In Europe: Travels Through the Twentieth Century cover
Good Books rating 4.4
History
Buy online
Bookshop
Format • £14.24
Waterstones
Paperback • £16.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 3360
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780099516736
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In 1999, journalist Geert Mak embarked on a year-long journey across Europe, tracing the continent's history from Verdun to Berlin, Saint Petersburg to Auschwitz, and Kiev to Srebrenica. His mission was to define the condition of Europe as it stood on the verge of a new millennium. Through the voices of prominent figures and ordinary individuals, Mak weaves together the larger narrative of Europe's extraordinary century with intimate details that bring the past to life. /n/n This book reads like an epic novel, offering readers a firsthand account of Europe's complex history. Mak's unique approach makes the reader an eyewitness to a half-forgotten past, filled with unknown peculiarities, sudden insights, and touching encounters. His vivid storytelling brings the taste, smell, and face of Europe's history to the forefront, making it an unforgettable journey through time.

Reviews
Darribas.org · 2013-03-14
poignant 4.30

The book is commended for its vivid storytelling and the author's ability to connect with the past through firsthand accounts. It is seen as a poignant exploration of European identity.

The reviewer on Darribas.org appreciates the book's vivid storytelling and the author's skill in connecting with the past through firsthand accounts. They find the book to be a poignant exploration of what it means to be European at the end of the 20th century. The reviewer highlights the author's ability to weave together political, cultural, and personal stories into a cohesive narrative that is both informative and deeply moving. The book is seen as a valuable contribution to understanding European history and identity.

Quick quotes

    Mak visits some cities over and over again, pointing out how dense are the geologic layers of change in modern Europe.

    The book is a poignant exploration on what it means to be European at the end of the twentieth-century.

    Mak's firsthand witnesses deliver us even more harrowingly into the past.

The Guardian · 2007-04-14
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for its unique approach to chronicling European history through firsthand experiences and extensive research. It is described as a compelling and insightful journey through the 20th century.

The Guardian's review highlights the book's innovative method of telling European history by visiting key locations and gathering personal stories. They appreciate the depth of research and the vivid narrative that brings the past to life. The reviewer finds the book to be a remarkable account of the 20th century, offering a fresh perspective on well-known events and lesser-known stories. It's a journey that is both educational and deeply moving, making it a standout in historical non-fiction.

Quick quotes

    Geert Mak travel around the continent throughout 1999, reporting on the history of the century just closing from the very places where that history was made.

    This is a remarkable book, not just for its ambition but for its execution.

    Mak's approach is both personal and panoramic, blending the intimate with the epic.

Goodreads · 2007-01-01
epic 4.40

The book is well-researched and informative, offering a unique and engaging journey through European history. It is described as an epic trip that provides new insights into the 20th century.

Goodreads users have praised this book for its thorough research and engaging narrative. They find it to be a well-written and informative account of European history, offering a fresh perspective on the 20th century. The book is described as an epic journey that takes readers through various historical events and personal stories, making it both educational and captivating. The reviewers appreciate the blend of politics, culture, and personal anecdotes that bring the past to life.

Quick quotes

    Well researched, well written, informative in a new and different way.

    This is a great, actually, no, it's an epic trip across Europe, and back several times.

    It provides fantastic insights into 20th century Europe.

Appears in Lists