- Hardcover: 464 pages
- Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf (Mar 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0375411844
- ISBN-13: 978-0375411847
- Product Dimensions: 21.4 x 15.3 x 4.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 5,122,790 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
The Sunday Telegraph
'Gripping and studded with humour... startling reading'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
The Sunday Times
'This is a fascinating and enjoyable book. Eminently readable... leaving one with haunting reflections'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is one of the best books I've read in ages. Annette Kobak wanders Europe, emotionally and historically looking to understand why her father is like he is. She weaves his personal story into the rich contextual tapestry of the second World War and explores the underecognised and incredible contributions made by Czechs, Poles and other Eastern Europeans. There were places in the book in which I felt genuinely outraged on their behalf by the complicity of their allies, as much by their treatment at the hands of their enemies.
But the book has a real soft touch; it's impeccably researched, and beautifully writtten; Kobak brings real insight to her storytelling and finishing the book is like sitting back, replete, after a really good meal. Recommended.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Joe's War is a very exciting discovery. It gave me a new perspective on WW2 and it's traumatic legacy, and what that means to us, the free generation. It mostly follows the story of a foot solder, Joe Kobak, and is written by his daughter Annette Kobak.
The first treat with Joe's War is the English - Annette Kobak writes such beautifully constructed sentences, it makes you realise how writing should be done. War books can be dry and dense, and this is crafted more like an award-winning novel than a non-fiction memoir.
Kobak manages to humanise WW2 by keeping it personal to her own journey into finding the truth about her Dad and re-assessing how own identity. But it's Kobak's discoveries about our (the allies) the treatment of the Polish army are truly shocking, unforgettable and unforgivable.
This book feels so right-minded and eye-opening; it has educated me on the most important event of this century, and expanded my imagination like art should. I'm not surprised it is selling so quickly on Amazon - I felt compelled to write this review, pass it on and gush!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I really, really highly recommend Joes War to anyone interested in WWII and family history as this beautifully written book has both. The writer makes the same hazardous journey her father did from Poland to Czechoslovakia to UK during the war reminding us both of the realities of the impact of war on us normal people then and now. It is al the more powerful because you know that this is a story which he has not told anyone for 50 years. Amazing and good to be reminded of the bravery of the human spirit. I came across it by accident and loved it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A personal view of history
It is an engaging idea, to research the historical events that shaped her father's war experiences, to better understand his chaarcter and moods. Read more
Published on 10 May 2009 by P. J. Cook
Moving and fascinating
I have read Annette Kobak's book about Isabelle Eberhardt and loved it, but this book moves onto a different league. Read more
Published on 13 Aug 2005 by "nickbattersby"
A fantastic book
I bought this book without having had the opportunity to browse through it first. It has been featured on BBC Radio Four's "Book of the Week" programme. Read more
Published on 17 Jan 2005
Best Book I've Read in Ages
If you like to learn whilst you read, but be engaged by a compelling story and see things from new perspectives this is a great book for you. Read more
Published on 23 Feb 2004
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