After Leningrad
by Elena Skri͡abina
"From the Caucasus to the Rhine, August 9, 1942-March 25, 1945 : a Diary of Survival During World War II"
Popularity
2.03 / 5
* A book's popularity is determined by how it compares to all other books on this website.
Where to buy?
Buy from Amazon* If you buy this book through the link above, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
After Leningrad by Elena Skri͡abina
Details
War:
World War II
Perspective:
Civilian
True Story:
Yes
Biography:
No
Region:
Europe
Page Count:
190
Published Date:
1978
ISBN13:
9780809308569
Description
Main Themes and Topics
In "After Leningrad," Elena Skri͡abina offers a vivid account of survival, resilience, and the human spirit amidst one of the most brutal chapters of World War II. The central themes of the book revolve around the effects of war on ordinary people, particularly focusing on the struggles and determination of women and children. This diary explores the harrowing journey of fleeing from danger, the challenges of escaping one peril only to encounter another, and the constant battle against despair and hopelessness. Skri͡abina's narrative is a testament to the indomitable will to survive against overwhelming odds.
Writing Style and Tone
The writing style of "After Leningrad" is immediate and immersive, as it takes the form of a diary. Skri͡abina’s firsthand account provides an unfiltered glimpse into the daily tribulations and emotional turmoil faced during her flight from Leningrad. The tone is intensely personal and candid, allowing readers to connect deeply with her experiences and emotions. Skri͡abina writes with clarity and poignancy, capturing the stark realities of war with vividness, yet she occasionally intersperses moments of hope and humanity that glimmer through the darkness.
Brief Summary (no spoilers)
"After Leningrad" serves as a continuation of Elena Skri͡abina's journey, picking up where her previous diary, "Siege and Survival," left off. The book begins on August 9, 1942, in Pyatigorsk, a place that initially offered refuge from the siege of Leningrad. However, as the German army invades, what was once a sanctuary becomes another perilous landscape. Skri͡abina records the harrowing retreat with her sons and the struggles as they attempt to evade dangers from both the German forces and their own country's punitive measures. The narrative details a chilling and desperate journey through war-torn regions, culminating in a forced labor camp in Bendorf, Germany. Her account ends with the prospect of liberation, yet it provides a powerful reflection on the cost of survival in the shadows of war.
