Red Orchestra: The Story of the Berlin Underground and the Circle of Friends Who Resisted Hitler by Anne Nelson (Tantor Media ( Audio), Random House ( Hardcover)

Anne Nelson's book is a real gem from start to finish.It tells the story of a group of courageous y oung people who pitted their wits against the might of the nazis- and lost. Wonderfully crafted, the opening chapters introduce the players as they gather together, all united in a commomn cause-to sabotage the Hitler regime. As the book moves on we see how they progress from disseminating anti-Nazi fliers to the much riskier aspect of working with illegally acquired radio sets possession of which alone merited the death penalty. It is at this point that the reader experiences a range of emotions beginning with anger and frustration particularly at the Allies refusal to believe vital information garnered by Red Orchestra operatives. As the Gestapo close in on their actvities the theme becomes one of sadness as the inevitable arrests and trials begin. Hitler's policy towards resisters was one of barbarous callousness. The fate of the July plotters for instance, is well documented but members of Red Orchestra suffered no less brutally. Unashamedly the urge now is to shed a tear as we read of this gallant band of brothers and women too, some with young children, take their final journey to a place from which there would be no return. Despite the subject matter this is an extremely enjoyable book. I would thoroughly recommend it.