If This Is A Woman: Inside Ravensbruck: Hitler's Concentration Camp for Women
Jan 2015 · Hachette UK
4.8star
16 reviewsreport
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848
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About this ebook
Winner of the Longman-History Today Book Prize: A 'profoundly moving chronicle' (Observer) that tells the story of Ravensbrück, the only concentration camp designed specifically for women, using new testimony from survivors
On a sunny morning in May 1939 a phalanx of 800 women - housewives, doctors, opera singers, politicians, prostitutes - were marched through the woods fifty miles north of Berlin, driven on past a shining lake, then herded through giant gates. Whipping and kicking them were scores of German women guards.
Their destination was Ravensbrück, a concentration camp designed specifically for women by Heinrich Himmler, prime architect of the Nazi genocide.
For decades the story of Ravensbrück was hidden behind the Iron Curtain and today is still little known. Using testimony unearthed since the end of the Cold War, and interviews with survivors who have never spoken before, Helm has ventured into the heart of the camp, demonstrating for the reader in riveting detail how easily and quickly the unthinkable horror evolved.
'It not only fills a gap in Holocaust history but it is an utterly compelling read' Taylor Downing, History Today
'A sense of urgency infuses this history, which comes just in time to gather the testimony of the camp's survivors . . . meticulous, unblinking . . . [Helm's] book comes not a moment too soon' The Economist
On a sunny morning in May 1939 a phalanx of 800 women - housewives, doctors, opera singers, politicians, prostitutes - were marched through the woods fifty miles north of Berlin, driven on past a shining lake, then herded through giant gates. Whipping and kicking them were scores of German women guards.
Their destination was Ravensbrück, a concentration camp designed specifically for women by Heinrich Himmler, prime architect of the Nazi genocide.
For decades the story of Ravensbrück was hidden behind the Iron Curtain and today is still little known. Using testimony unearthed since the end of the Cold War, and interviews with survivors who have never spoken before, Helm has ventured into the heart of the camp, demonstrating for the reader in riveting detail how easily and quickly the unthinkable horror evolved.
'It not only fills a gap in Holocaust history but it is an utterly compelling read' Taylor Downing, History Today
'A sense of urgency infuses this history, which comes just in time to gather the testimony of the camp's survivors . . . meticulous, unblinking . . . [Helm's] book comes not a moment too soon' The Economist
Ratings and reviews
4.8
16 reviews
Abby Fairbrother
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February 2, 2016
Very informative, yet written as a story, rather than facts and numbers. Very dark subject matter but again the writing helps it to be moving, educational and gripping. Would definitely recommend, especially for those seeking knowledge and understanding of the holocaust. This book in particular covers all women within the camp, criminals, resistance, jehovah witnesses etc and explains the difference in their treatment and the strengths they found.
2 people found this review helpful
Sharon Bloor
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February 3, 2015
A well researched and excellent description of life in Ravensbrook concentration camp. Recommended for those who are interested in this dark period of history.
3 people found this review helpful
Christopher Hedley
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May 12, 2023
excellent read
About the author
Sarah Helm was a reporter on the Sunday Times and Diplomatic Editor for the Independent before becoming the Jerusalem and then Brussels correspondent for the same paper. A Life in Secrets was her first book.
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