This is a story about the Bielski partisans who took up refuge in the Belorussian forest of Poland during the Second World War. The main character being Tuvia Bielski, the leader of the Bielski Otriad partisan group. An amazing story of how a charismatic leader drew together fugitive Jews in the remote forests of Poland and set up a resistance camp that endured not only the persecution of the Germans but also to an extent of other resistance groups, especially those headed by Russian military advisors. What is truly enlightening is that Tuvia Bielski did not set out to seek revenge from the Germans but to save Jewish lives...his was servitude to `save' not to `take' lives. His outstanding leadership qualities are only too apparent as he manages to negotiate and organise the survival of over 1200 people in this hostile environment. In doing so he built a self sufficient highly organised forest community that accepted all Jews, young or old, fit or sick...he said no to no one. The book is very descriptive covering all aspects of the main characters, Otriad life, medical services and everything else you would want to know about including an in depth account of `partisan love lives'. The book also covers Otriad executions, the armed struggle against the Germans and the inevitable horror of mass Jewish executions and much more. I saw the film first before buying the book and of course the film has been given a Hollywood licence to thrill through excessive military engagements where help has been timed to the nano second. I find this a pity as the book contains enough drama within it to please anyone. The common thread of the book is followed through the film but it does not do the book justice as the book is a gem and the film is...well okay!