Defiance

The Bielski Partisans

By: Nechama Tec

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

The prevailing image of European Jews during the Holocaust is one of helpless victims. But in fact, many Jews struggled against the terrors of the Third Reich.

This is the riveting history of one such group: a forest community numbering more than 1,200 that carried out the largest armed rescue operation of Jews by Jews in World War II. Nechama Tec reconstructs the amazing details of how these men and women of all ages - hungry, largely unarmed, and exposed to harsh winter weather - managed not only to survive but to take on the dual role of fighters and rescuers. Under the guidance of their charismatic leader, Tuvia Bielski, they smuggled Jews out of heavily guarded ghettos, led retaliatory raids against Nazi collaborators, and offered protection to all Jewish fugitives who could find their way to them.

©1993 Nechama Tec (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"One of the most elevating and inspiring stories in the chronicle of death and despair that is the Holocaust....an accomplished and startling work of Holocaust documentation." ( Los Angeles Times)
"An exciting story of rescuers and fighters - a story that should have been documented years ago....Defiance will no doubt engender further interest in the subject of Jewish partisan activity." ( Social Education)

What a Great Read

I often am hesitant to listen/read another book on the holocaust or WW2 but this one was part of Plus so I figured, why not?

It was such an inspiring read. The mere fact that they survived was amazing but the community they created within the forest was incredible. It is amazing what one persons hope can do in a seemingly hopeless situation. Sad that this doesn’t get more attention and it was sad to hear about Tuvia Bielski’s life after the war. Definitely a great find and don’t regret the listen at all.

Great Story, could have been told better

The raw material for this story is just riveting, which makes the flaws in the narrative that much more frustrating. I particularly found the discussion of some of the difficult moral choices the partisans had to make to be compelling reading.
Let me also say, I remember well being in 8th grade and reading Night by Elie Wiesel and feeling, forgive me if this sounds like blaming the victim, but feeling angry with the passivity of those who went into the gas chambers without a struggle. This book not only shows another side of the story, but it provides a very convincing, and heart-tugging discussion of why some didn't resist.
My only critique is that it is written more as research paper than as a story. For example, Chapter 11 is entitled (paraphrasing) "The Formation of New Social Structures", and discusses, well, social structures among the Bielski partisans. It seems to me a more inventive author would have woven that in to a narrative.
Certainly, this is a book I heartily recommend. It is easy to say "we must never forget", but a book like this is important to ensuring that we consciously remember the holocaust, rather than simply have it locked in the recesses of long term memory.

Extraordinary story

This extraordinary story is very uplifting. It demomonstrates how the desire to live can overcome so many treats.

Very good!

I highly recommend watching the movie before reading the book, because even though there is a bit of “Hollywood” involved, it will allow the reader to have a better visual of the people and places being described in the book. Some have complained that the book is too academic, and I found that it is exactly what it should be… History mixed with documentary which equals reality. I do not think I would have come to appreciate the dire situations encountered, nor would I have had as clear an understanding of the principals involved had I not watched the movie first. A definite must listen for those who are interested in, and want to dig below the surface of the known atrocities forced upon the Jewish communities of many nations during WW II. A true story about survival and what it took, and the ability of a few men to build a safe haven for as many as possible.

awesome. it was an amazing book. buy it 10/10

Their story was amazing and I'm so happy this happened and that this author gave voice to the tuvia's story.