Women and WWII

Thanks to Debbie G for the delicious German soup, and everyone for all the other yummy contributions.  It was so nice to gather around and share friendship along with our book discussion. 

This month's read was "The Women of the Castle" by Jessica Shattuck.  It was yet another WWII story, but with a decidedly different view.  The story brought together three German women, of different social statuses and political views, and their families during the war.  As with other WWII stories, we expected it to end when the war ended.  Though the war was a major driving factor, the story went beyond the 40's, moving into the 50's and how people were coping with their life's changes after the war ("It was so ugly.  The peace and plenty of this time were like a thin quilt spread over a pile of shit.  No one was innocent.") and then into current times. One woman wants to "put the past away and be done with the horrible time."  Another "holds it close and lets it shape her life."  The third "didn't lie, she just didn't share the truth with us."  For some, "history came above everything else."  For others, "history was death", a "horrible, long, sloppy tale of grief."  It was interesting to see how these women became friends during the war and how their lives and friendship changed and evolved post-war.  It was about more than self-preservation; it was about protecting their children.  "Sometimes it is easier to see clearly from a distance.  And what is up close...is harder to make out."  We all reflected that none of us could be sure what our beliefs would be or what side we would support if we were in the same situation.  "There is so much gray between the black and the white...and this is where most of us live, trying, but so often failing, to bend toward the light." 

Our May meeting will be hosted by Barbara.  She will be contacting us via email to set the meeting date and time.  Stay tuned!