The newest immensely original undertaking from the historian who gave us the defining two-volume portrait of Hitler; Fateful Choices puts Ian Kershaw?s analytical and storytelling gifts on dazzling display. From May 1940 to December 1941; the leaders of the world?s six major powers made a series of related decisions that determined the final outcome of World War II and shaped the course of human destiny. As the author examines the connected stories of these profound choices; he restores a sense of drama and contingency to this pivotal moment; producing one of the freshest; most important books on World War II in years?one with powerful contemporary relevance.
#101052 in Books Buruma; Ian 2007-08-28 2007-08-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.75 x .52 x 5.06l; .44 #File Name: 0143112368288 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A great read; but more importantlyBy Maria S.A great read; but more importantly; a cogent examination of the Netherlands' - and by extension the West's - struggle to apply its liberal values to the challenge of political Islam. Even more topical in 2017 than when it was published in the mid-2000s.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Filling in the GapsBy Klemens MetternichThe murders of both Pim Fortuyn and Theo Van Gogh are very important to everyone; not just the people of Holland. The fundamental problems of the Netherlands; and all of Europe for that matter; is the intolerance displayed by one religion over all others and the pressures put on the most vulnerable of people to murder those who disagree with them; and do so in the name of religion.This new and dangerous intolerance will eventually visit our shores also and inflame us before our blind leaders even know about it. Therefore; it is up to people like Ian Buruma and others to speak the truth and warn us of what has already happened and why; so that we will not be caught in the same trap of denial that has overwhelmed Europe. The book does that very well; teaching us that we have been asleep too long and have been assuming that "all's right with the world." All is not right with the world and it has become a very dangerous place. But it is the only world we live in and it is time to clean it up. Thanks; Ian; good job.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Cultural turmoilBy Jason CutshallThis book captured the current turmoil in Europe; which is almost exclusively cultural. It reads like a journal article and the writing flows very well. The research seems fair and honest. Even though their is always bias; this books seems to give the facts of each murder with very little person spin. I found this book very helpful in understanding the underlying tensions throughout Europe as a whole. In the Netherlands specifically it helped me to understand a lot of the anger and division that exists and was a great introduction to the political and cultural turmoil that exists there. I would recommend this to anyone who is living in Europe or travels there often and wants to understand current European tension.
