This astonishingly gripping autobiography by the founder of the Russian Women’s Death Battallion in World War I is an eye-opening documentary of life before; during and after the Bolshevik Revolution. Surviving domestic abuse and Siberian exile; Maria Bochkareva resolved to fight for the Motherland in the Great Patriotic War and; against all odds; succeeded. Her stories from the front are harrowing and gritty. But they are only the beginning. For when the military falls apart in the wake of the February Revolution; Bochkareva creates an all-women’s battalion as a way of shaming Russia’s men back into defending the country from German aggression. As a first-hand account of Russian life a century ago; this is a crucial autobiography. That it also offers a portrait of a bold and brave woman striving for equality and respect by flying in the face of convention and tradition makes it invaluable.
#5712754 in Books 2007-02-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.76 x .39 x 5.16l; .24 #File Name: 1862079137128 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. HelpfulBy Elizabeth A. GibsonThis book definitely offered insight and assistance in understanding the spells in the Book of the Dead; and the author does a nice job of trying to fit the spells into the everyday life and world-view of the ancient Egyptian. He seemed to me at times; however; to be a little bit condescending toward his subjects and the period; as if the Egyptian worldview and religion were inferior to our own (not in every respect; surely). Overall; though; I found it a short; helpful companion to my beautiful oversized version of the papyrus of Ani.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy RobertoExcellent.2 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Good Information; But Disappointed With Some of the DeliveryBy DellaAt roughly 110 pages; Kemp's book is more of a long pamphlet. But for those interested in understanding the mindset behind the Book of the Dead (or Peret em Heru--Coming Forth by Day); this book will be a welcome addition to the bookshelf. Kemp's writing is clear; enjoyable to read; and at times quite insightful.Kemp had a habit of subtly putting down the ancient Egyptians at times; while demonstrating a degree of respect for them at others. The part that grated most was when Kemp kept calling the ancient Egyptians' religion an invented one; as if the ancients were silly savages whose thoughts had no merit. It was really a matter of tone and how he framed it. This was the one flaw that marred an otherwise wonderful addition to my Egyptology collection.
