The Unwomanly Face of War: An Oral History of Women in World War II

by Svetlana Alexievich
The Unwomanly Face of War: An Oral History of Women in World War II cover
Good Books rating 4.5
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  • ID: 6578
  • Added: 2025-11-23
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
publishersweekly.com · Unknown · 2025-11-26
moving 4.50

The Unwomanly Face of War is a powerful collection of oral histories from women who served in World War II, offering a unique and often overlooked perspective on the war. The book is praised for its raw and unfiltered accounts, providing a deep and moving insight into the experiences of these women.

The Unwomanly Face of War is a remarkable book that brings to light the stories of women who played crucial roles in World War II. These oral histories are not just about their bravery and resilience but also about their humanity and the emotional toll of war. The book is highly recommended for its authenticity and the way it challenges traditional narratives of war. The reviewer found the personal accounts to be deeply moving and thought-provoking, offering a perspective that is often missing in historical accounts. The book is a testament to the strength and courage of these women and a reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of women in war.

Quick quotes

    The women's voices are raw and unfiltered, providing a deep and moving insight into their experiences.

    The book is a powerful reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of women in war.

    The personal accounts are deeply moving and thought-provoking.

jowritesfantasy.me · Unknown · 2025-11-26
profound 4.50

The Unwomanly Face of War is a powerful and moving oral history of women's experiences in World War II, compiled by Svetlana Alexievich. It offers a unique perspective on the war, highlighting the often overlooked contributions and sacrifices of women.

Svetlana Alexievich's The Unwomanly Face of War is a profound and deeply affecting collection of oral histories from women who served in various capacities during World War II. The book provides a fresh and essential perspective on the war, focusing on the experiences of women who were often marginalized or ignored in traditional historical accounts. Through their stories, Alexievich reveals the courage, resilience, and humanity of these women, offering a poignant reminder of the personal impact of war. The book is not just a historical document but a testament to the enduring power of individual voices in shaping our understanding of history. It's a must-read for anyone interested in World War II, gender studies, or oral history.

Quick quotes

    The women's stories are raw and unfiltered, offering a glimpse into the horrors and triumphs of war.

    Alexievich's work is a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict.

    The book is a testament to the resilience and strength of women in the face of adversity.

nytimes.com · Unknown · 2025-11-26
harrowing 4.50

The Unwomanly Face of War is a powerful and moving collection of oral histories from women who served in World War II, offering a unique perspective on the war. The book is both harrowing and inspiring, highlighting the bravery and resilience of these women.

The Unwomanly Face of War is a profound and deeply affecting book that gives voice to the often-overlooked experiences of women in World War II. Through a series of oral histories, Svetlana Alexievich captures the raw emotions, struggles, and triumphs of these women, providing a nuanced and humanizing account of war. The stories are both heartbreaking and uplifting, showcasing the incredible strength and courage of the women who served. This book is a testament to the power of personal narratives and the importance of remembering the often-forgotten heroes of war. The reviewer found the book to be a moving and essential read, one that offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the war.

Quick quotes

    The women's voices are raw and unfiltered, offering a stark contrast to the sanitized versions of war often presented in history books.

    Their stories are a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.

    The book is a testament to the power of oral history and the importance of preserving these personal narratives for future generations.

thefrumiousconsortium.net · Unknown · 2018-07-24
moving 4.50

The Unwomanly Face of War is a deeply moving oral history of women in World War II, showcasing their bravery and the discrimination they faced. It's a powerful and emotional read that highlights their crucial role in the Soviet victory.

The Unwomanly Face of War is a profound and emotional journey through the experiences of women in World War II, as compiled by Svetlana Alexievich. The book is a testament to the courage and resilience of these women, who often faced discrimination both during and after the war. Their stories are heart-wrenching and inspiring, showing the vital role they played in the Soviet victory. The book is both easy to read and deeply moving, making it a must-read for anyone interested in war, history, or feminism. The collective voices in the book also subtly challenge the sexism of the time, highlighting the importance of their femininity in preserving their humanity and fighting spirit.

Quick quotes

    I can’t even imagine the amount of work Svetlana Alexievich put into writing this book: not just tracking down, transcribing and editing the testimonies of these brave, undervalued women, but also the sheer weight of bearing witness to so much courage and heartache.

    The USSR, as a matter of fact, had one of the highest percentages of women in the military in the 20th century, and certainly in World War II.

    It’s a terrific historical document that absolutely deserves a Nobel prize for its author.

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