What made the experience of listening to The Assassination of Heydrich the most enjoyable?
The narration made the book considerably more interesting given the subject matter.
Any additional comments?
The Assassination of Heydrich: Hitler’s Hangman and the Czech Resistance by Jan Wiener is a comprehensive telling of the sufferings of Czech people during Nazi occupation as well as the Czech resistances valliant efforts to thwart the Nazis.
Jan Wiener tells his own story of WWII as well as that of his countrymen. The chapters alternate between the author’s tale of escaping Czechoslovakia, his family’s tragedies and his experiences as a POW in Italy and that of the united effort to rid Czechoslovakia of one of Hitler’s worst. I appreciated how the story layout broke up the story into digestible parts. The author’s personal struggles through the war were indicative of so many others during that horrific period.
I have heard plenty about the French Resistance, but I had heard nothing of the Czech Resistance previously. Now that I’m out of school, I find history to be a more interesting subject, however, it can still be dry in its presentation. Between Wiener’s story layout and narrator Mark Kamish’s presentation of the story, the audiobook help my attention from start to finish. In fact, I listened to the book in its entirety on one long road trip. The narration really brought the story to life.
I don’t usually listen to credits and author notes, but I didn’t have a chance to turn off the audiobook since I was driving. I was so glad that I was “stuck” listening. The author’s notes and comments from friends and coworkers were helpful and meaningful.
The Assassination of Heydrich: Hitler’s Hangman and the Czech Resistance is a worthy read whether or not you’re a history buff. In addition to expanding your knowledge of WWII it will heighten your empathy and make you thankful for all those who serve their country.