Thomas F. (hardtack) -
I have read about the "Night Witches" in a number of other books on World War II, but usually they are only mentioned in a few sentences. So I was delighted to find an entire book about them. The author does a great job describing the effort to organize the women air regiments, their training and the many obstacles they had to overcome. The author tells her story by using numerous individuals who served in these regiments. She also does not shy away from telling the incredible hardships these women endured and the many deaths they suffered.
At the same time, the author also relates the evils within the Soviet (Stalin's regime) system, even as she often proclaims that many of these young men and women grew up in a society that supposedly did not discriminate against sex. I say "supposedly" as the women did encounter bias during and after the war.
Finally, while perfectly readable for adults, the book is aimed at a younger audience, due to its slightly larger print, more space between lines and the writing itself.
At the same time, the author also relates the evils within the Soviet (Stalin's regime) system, even as she often proclaims that many of these young men and women grew up in a society that supposedly did not discriminate against sex. I say "supposedly" as the women did encounter bias during and after the war.
Finally, while perfectly readable for adults, the book is aimed at a younger audience, due to its slightly larger print, more space between lines and the writing itself.
