1937-1948, A Personal Story of Remembrance and War

I knew Madeleine Albright was a fully engaged Secretary of State during the Clinton era. This book was provided insight into her history and why she was so driven. I was fastened to the story of Czechoslovakia's history of the last century. It was insightful to the actions of the world leaders of the time.

Excellent and thorough overview of Czech history from
the viewpoint of a witness with outstanding sources
(Madeleine Albright's research, experience as professor
of international politics and diploman, and her Father's
personal documents and publications. One has to keep
in mind, however, that the book is a subjective and
personal memoir and not a history book. The writing
style is terse and full of detailed description that keeps
the reader on the edge of his seat, so to say. A good
read.

Anyone interested in the history of Czechoslovakia in the pre-post WWII era will find this of interest. The text is informative without being ponderous. While Albright's family is a core around which the narrative is anchored, the book really gives the larger picture of the country's history,

Well written history interspersed with personal accounts making the book enjoyable as well as informative. Most of my knowledge of World War Two is from the perspective of the United States, Germany, England and France. It is illuminating to see the Czechoslovakian perspective of that time, as well as the post war era and the struggle to keep independent of the USSR. It also increases my admiration of Madeleine Albright' s service to our country. She has carried on a most admirable family tradition of dedication and service to high ideals.

Madeline Albright is an excellent writer, and injects bits of humor into this story. She also teaches us about Czechoslovakia, which I must admit I didn't know about. Great history and geography combined with a fascinating memoir. Recommended!

Very interesting book about period of 1937-1945 from the perspective of a diplomat daughter. Her parents being diplomats to Serbia, after that they had to leave for London, life in London in the war period, and working on the BBC. Moving to the USA will be their best decision .

Isn't it delightful when you find someone youi deeply admire also is a great writer? This story is so simply and elegantly told aboiut events and people whose story will bhreak your heart. The picture of Prague pre-communism is as a sanctuarty for the best of humanity, tolerance and progressive liberal living. As for the anti-Semitism she depicts without histrionics, what's new?

This book was very well written, as I expected. Having been to Prague, I was particularly interested in the geographic references, and I learned a great deal about the events behind the facts with which I was already familiar. I would recommend this book on several levels.

So far this book is mostly historical which can get a little dry at times. I think I was expecting more of a personal memoir since that's the genre it was listed under. In all fairness, I'm judging before finishing the reading though. Maybe it will get more personal by the end of the book.

This is an extremely detailed historical documentary of Ms Albright's heritage in Europe during the 2nd World War. Ms Albright did not learn of her Jewish heritage until later on in life and presents a picture of the driving forces behind all the politics around the world and especially in Europe during that time.

Very good read that assists the reader in understanding Prague's history, especially during WWII and the communist takeover during the Cold War. I would avoid the audio version, though--poor Madeleine is NOT a good reader, even of her own material.

This is an interesting but a bit tedious review of the Albright story. Lots of details of the time but a bit difficult to read and follow. Recommended for anyone with a keen interest in the confusion in Europe caused by the Nazis. But nevertheless a bit tedious.

Very interesting on the history of Croatia and the Slavic countries. Not a lot of her in the book as I wanted. But it was so interesting to read how those countries were treated before and during WW 2.

Loved the way the life experienced by ms Albright is portrayed. So much of the history before and after ww2 is depicted here was an eye opener for me.my background is bohemian and I learned so much of which i had never been aware . Very interesting story.

Madeleine Albright is a brilliant writer, as well as a gifted historian. She was only a tot when most of this era took place, and wanted to know more about the mysteries of her extended family during that time. Through careful and exhaustive research, she uncovers the truth about lost family members, and educates us with detailed history about Czechoslovakia (and other countries) before, during and after WWII. I learned SO much, and my admiration for this wonderful woman has soared. Bravo, Madam Secretary!

Well written and researched. Everthing you would expect from Madeleine Albright. This is a timely book that made me reflect on the political madness in todays climite. We American's need to wake up and look at the facts. We must set aside all of the political spin. There is room for all of us to have a place in this country and we do not need to inflict our views on everyone else. Political correctness is a dangerous road to travel!!! She did an excellent job of showing the swings in the political parties of Eastern Europe and the impact of this bickering on the break down of the society. Everyone needs to put their political views aside and reflect on what we really value. Religous freedom, a government that will protect us to pursue our dreams (Whether others disagree), and a respect for the successes of others. Material envy will kill us all. Otherwise, we will go down the road of history!!!

As I am Czeck born and lived in "Czechoslovakia" for my first 19 years, and am about the same age as M. Albright, the book was very interesting to me. Some of the experiences I lived through too, but I also learned more about the Czech history. E. M. is a terrific writer, very intelligent and was such a great Secretary of State. ---- I just wish I knew her and could talk Czech with her---

I already recommended the book to friends.

Eva J. Haight

A very good account of World War II and especially the effect it had on Czechoslovakia's political environment. I got a little bit lost in the details, but the book is so well written that I was able to keep going. I would read anything written by Ms. Albright after having read this book.

I either slept though world history when I was young or forgot it. This was a very interesting book on the European part of WWII from a person that lived though it. It is well written and organized. Once I started it did not take me long to complete it. I would recommend it.

Ms. Albright, a past Secretary of State, finds out that her parents were Jewish and hid that identity from her. She begins a personal study of how her family, who were diplomats of Checkoslovakia, had a story that wove into the last century political story of Checklosavakia and influenced her own political story. Readers should also check out her lecture series at Wellesley on foreign relations, particularly women in various careers influencing the third world in finance.

Having read this; I have additional insights into The Balkans. I also wish we could elect Madeliene Albright to office but that is a strictly personal opinion. Her upbringing brings allot to the World Table. Read the book and feast on!

Madeline Albright portrays this period of turbulent European history brilliantly. The book covers a great deal of behind-the-scene detail from a Central European perspective. We usually get history told to us from a US/Western European perspective.

I was stunned by the remembrances of Madeleine Albright. I was able to begin to understand the misery, lies, egos and sacrfices of WWII. I came away with a different picture of how the events of those years traded weaker countries at the will of the super powers of that time.

A must read for all, but especially for those of Chech heritage. One of the better books I have read in a long time.

Albright writes very well and provides a fascinating look at life in Prague and elsewhere in Europe during the WWII era. Highly recommend this, esp. to any one who might want to travel to that part of Europe.

Madeline Albright learned of her Jewish heritage and the deaths of her grandparents and other relatives when she was 59 years old and serving as U.S. Secretary of State. This moving story of her family is a gripping tale of the experience of the 20th century and the searing multigenerational price of ethnic and racial hatreds.

She includes the historic development of democracy in Czechoslovakia, as well as accounts of WWII & the Communist takeover of the country, gleaned from many accounts, including her father's & her personal memories. Very interesting reading.

This book gives an astounding history of the period in Central Europe and particularly Czechoslovakia immediately before and after WWII which is a period that Americans know little about. It is beautifully written, incorporating both the writer's personal history and the complicated events surrounding her home country's involvement leading up to and including the war itself. I have enjoyed reading it immensely.

Excellent book, many small stories within the major backdrop of war, that make this book so personal. I also tells how we, as the human race, can choose to be so blind, to events not happening in our own backyard.

Madeleine Albright has written a masterful combination of her own biography and an authoritative history of the period of her life when she lived in former Czechoslovakia and during WWII in London. Well worth reading!

Prague Winter added a personal touch to a piece of our World's history that doesn't get much mention, written in a style that propels you forward into the book - not a slog like some historical tomes. My In-laws grew up in these times in the Czech Republic, exiled to England, with my Father-in-law working in the Diplomatic Core and returning as a tank commander to battle the Nazi's. Remembering his stories while visited Prague this past summer with my wife, Dagmar, and 2 of her siblings made the visit that much more special. Reading this book helped put those stories into context and made me want to get the book my Father-in-law wrote translated, so the stories can be refreshed and passed on to future generations of our family.
Thank you Mrs. Albright

Madeleine Albright brings an important aspect of WWII to us in very readable prose. I am disappointed that when the video, which I assume is the "enhanced" part of this edition, appears nothing happens!