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The Kindertransport

What Really Happened
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Kindertransport by Andrea Hammel examines the remarkable rescue operation before World War II, where nearly 10,000 Jewish children were sent to safety in Britain from Nazi-occupied territories. The book provides a detailed historical analysis of the mission, exploring the experiences and challenges faced by the children and the lasting impact on their lives and identities. It delves into the broader socio-political context while highlighting personal narratives to paint a vivid picture of this poignant chapter in history.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in the personal stories and historical context of the Kindertransport, focusing on the courageous efforts to rescue Jewish children from Nazi-occupied territories. Exploring themes of wartime bravery and resilience, it provides a poignant insight into a crucial humanitarian effort during World War II.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In 1938 and 1939, some 10,000 children and young people fled to the UK to escape Nazi persecution. Known as the Kindertransport, this effort has long been hailed as a wartime success story – but there are uncomfortable truths at its heart.

The Kindertransport was a complex visa waiver scheme, and its organisers did not necessarily act with altruism. The British government required a guarantee to indemnify itself against any expenses and refused to admit the child refugees’ parents. The selection criteria prioritised those who were likely to make the best contribution to society, rather than the most urgent cases. Some children and young people were placed in unsuitable homes, where many arrangements irrevocably broke down.

Written with striking empathy and insight, Andrea Hammel’s expert analysis casts new light on what really happened during the Kindertransport. Revelatory and impassioned, this book will be essential reading for anyone interested in the history of migration and refugees, and offers thought-provoking lessons for how we might make life easier for children fleeing conflict today.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Kindertransport by Andrea Hammel is praised for its compassionate and nuanced exploration of the Kindertransport scheme, highlighting both the positive and negative experiences of Jewish refugee children. Reviewers commend the book's in-depth research and balanced narrative, acknowledging its ability to present a comprehensive and critical view of what has often been simplified as an unequivocal act of British generosity. Hammel's work is recognised for its contribution to historical understanding and critical examination, making it an important text in Holocaust studies.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509553778

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 November 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 135.0mm

Height: 208.0mm

Weight: 227g

Pages: 169

About the Author

Andrea Hammel is Professor of German and the Director of the Centre for the Movement of People at Aberystwyth University.

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