Wonderfully researched. It tells of how WWII was in Budapest. It is very well written and tells of a side of the war I was unfamiliar with.

An advanced review copy was provide by the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Detailed Summary:

"The Last Days of Budapest: The Destruction of Europe's Most Cosmopolitan Capital in World War II" by Adam LeBor provides a vivid recounting of Budapest's tumultuous wartime experience from 1940 to 1945. The narrative begins with Budapest as a relatively peaceful haven amidst World War II, known for its cultural richness and as a melting pot of spies, refugees, and locals.

The book chronicles the city's descent into chaos following the Nazi invasion in March 1944. LeBor details the life of Budapest's Jewish community, which initially enjoyed a degree of freedom, until they were subjected to severe persecution with the introduction of the "Yellow Star" houses, ghettoization, and eventual extermination efforts by the Arrow Cross Party.

The siege of Budapest by the Red Army from late 1944 into 1945 is described with harrowing detail, capturing the city's transformation into a battlefield where starvation, murder, and survival tests the human spirit. LeBor uses a wide array of sources, including diaries, interviews, and newly discovered documents, to paint a picture of both the grand scale of historical events and the personal stories of those caught within them.

Key plot points include:

The initial vibrancy of Budapest as a cultural hub and espionage center.

The brutal shift after the German invasion, leading to the persecution of Jews.

The heroic efforts of rescuers like Raoul Wallenberg, who issued protective passports.

The desperate siege of Budapest with its attendant horrors.

The aftermath and the tragic fate of many of the city's inhabitants.

The book concludes with Budapest in ruins, the end of the siege, and reflections on the human cost of this period, particularly the loss of cultural and human life.

Main Characters:

Miklós Horthy: Regent of Hungary, whose decisions impact the city's fate.

Raoul Wallenberg: Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of Jews through diplomatic efforts.

David Gur: A young Jewish forger producing fake documents to save lives.

Katalin Karády: Hungary's popular actress and anti-fascist resistor.

Ilona Edelsheim Gyulai: Horthy's daughter-in-law, involved in humanitarian efforts.

Andor Grosz: Known as the "smuggler king," navigating the black market for survival.

Significant Passages:

"Budapest, in autumn 1943, was a city that still believed in its own invincibility, even as the world around it crumbled." - This encapsulates the city's denial and eventual rude awakening to the war's atrocities.

"The Danube, glistening like liquid silver under moonlight, bore silent witness to unspeakable atrocities." - A poetic yet grim reflection on the river's dual role in beauty and tragedy.

"In their laughter was a defiance more profound than any weapon." - LeBor highlights moments of humanity and resistance amid despair.

"Survival often demanded a surrender of the soul." - Reflects the moral compromises made during desperate times.

"Horthy's tragedy was that he sought to appease forces that could not be appeased." - An analysis of the political situation and leadership's futile attempts at neutrality.

Ratings Breakdown:

Historical Accuracy: 5/5 - LeBor's use of primary sources is meticulous and enlightening.

Research Depth: 5/5 - The book benefits from extensive research, including interviews with survivors.

Narrative Style: 4.5/5 - While occasionally dense, the narrative is compelling with its character-driven stories.

Character Portrayal: 5/5 - Characters are portrayed with depth, showing their personal struggles and heroism.

Emotional Impact: 5/5 - The book evokes a strong emotional response with its portrayal of human endurance and suffering.

Overall Enjoyment: 5/5 - It's a challenging read due to its subject matter but immensely rewarding for those interested in WWII history.

Conclusion:

"The Last Days of Budapest" is not just a historical recount but a poignant reminder of how quickly civilization can collapse under the weight of war and ideology. LeBor's work resonates with modern audiences by highlighting themes of resistance, complicity, and the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion. The repercussions of these events are felt today in discussions about:

Historical Memory: The book underscores the importance of remembering and understanding the Holocaust's varied experiences across Europe, influencing modern-day Holocaust education and remembrance.

Human Rights: The narrative of rescuers like Wallenberg emphasizes the impact one individual can have, paralleling contemporary discussions on humanitarian intervention and the protection of minorities.

Political Lessons: The political decisions of Horthy and others reflect on the dangers of appeasement and nationalism, topics still relevant in today's geopolitical climate.

Cultural Loss: The destruction of Budapest's Jewish community and cultural landmarks serves as a cautionary tale about the cultural devastation war brings, echoing in current efforts to preserve cultural heritage in conflict zones.

This book serves as a vital document of one city's experience during WWII, urging readers to reflect on past mistakes while advocating for vigilance and moral courage in the present.