Between Two Evils

Brief Summary (no spoilers)

Between Two Evils by Lucyna B. Radlo is a gripping memoir that vividly portrays the author's tumultuous childhood during World War II. As a young girl in Poland, Radlo was forced to flee to Warsaw following the Nazi bombing of Brest. The memoir captures the harsh realities of life in occupied Poland, including her father's arrest by the Gestapo and subsequent death in Auschwitz. Radlo's narrative takes readers through her family's resilience, highlighted by their involvement in the black market and the harrowing experiences during the Warsaw Uprising. The book also chronicles Radlo's capture and time spent in a forced labor camp, and the subsequent journey alongside her mother to Austria and then back to the U.S. zone of Germany to escape approaching Soviet forces. This emotionally powerful account provides a deeply personal view of survival and resistance in one of history’s darkest periods.

Main Themes and Topics

The memoir delves deeply into themes of survival, resilience, and the human spirit's ability to endure in the face of overwhelming adversity. Central to the narrative are the challenges faced by those living in occupied Poland and the impact of war on familial bonds and identities. The book also explores themes of displacement and the trials of being a refugee, as well as the moral complexities and decisions made for survival in times of war.

Writing Style and Tone

Lucyna B. Radlo's writing style is both vivid and evocative, drawing readers into the many settings and situations she encountered as a child. Her tone balances the weight of historical tragedy with moments of levity and humor, particularly during her journey on an ox-driven cart. This approach not only humanizes the historical context but also makes the narrative more relatable and engaging for the readers. Radlo's straightforward yet descriptive prose successfully conveys the tension, fear, and occasional hope found in such dire circumstances.