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Though I read this about twenty years ago, the impact this book had on me was profound. I think it is a critical story that should be required reading while studying the Holocaust during World War II. It highlights courageous young men, who had a profound impact on the people of their region. It lifted my spirit as I saw what seemed so insurmountable challenged and conquered!

The Hungarian, Jewish Bielski brothers and other family members along with a few friends sought refuge from Hitler's reign of terror, they decided to hide in the woods rather than risk capture. Others who also had feared the control of Hitler over their country also joined them later. Word got out that people were hiding and others came asking to join them. In essence, though not intending to do so, they started a micro-city in those woods that lasted several years. There were many close calls where others were captured while guarding the community or foraging. Strict rules were in place and very thoroughly followed to prevent any form of exposure to anyone not a part of the community. To reveal their existence was to risk the lives of all in the community. Those who temporary forgot these rules were given the death penalty.

Those surviving in this world faced so many hardships and their will to survive and fight rather than quit was amazing! I had seen the movie, "Defiance" before reading this book, the movie was very true to the book but of course, it did not capture all the nuances of that between the covers. I highly recommend experiencing both. At the war's end, there were nearly 1300 people living under the Bielski's protection! Children were born and those who were elderly were buried there. Romance in a fashion took place, one Bielski brother was quite the ladies man. There were even children conceived during their time in the community.

Here are some links about them:

Courage & Compassion - The Legacy of the Bielski Brothers Education Video by Brendon Rennert on youtube
(another Bielski Brother account that I thoroughly enjoyed)


It sounds so bizarre and counter-intuitive to say I didn't want the book to end. There were countless details I wanted to know more. What happened to those who endured this intense situation? Where are they now (of course, that question was more meaningful a few decades ago when this book was published). The video answers some of my questions but I wish there were more focus on these heroic men and their community. I have read that similar groups formed elsewhere but so much of today's books give accounts of women spies (which I have read extensively) or more about actual battle's that were waged (which are vital to understanding how the Reich was toppled). This is about having a comprehensive understanding about how real people design alternative options when their community no longer exists. It was a powerful read, please don't miss it.