The Past Is Myself

A most poignant account of both the history of the epoch of which the author writes and the ramifications of cross socio-political cultures. Many who have had the privilege of reading this book were initially stimulated to do so as a result of the marvelous teleplay scripted for PBS entitled "Cristabel" and possibly came to the same conclusion as did I: there were literally millions of Germans who did not subscribe to the nazification of Germany; who fought private wars to undermine the nazi regime; and who, like so many of us when faced with a haplessness seeded by the lack of logic as to how their lives had been altered despite their efforts to preserve a measure of human dignity and honor, find themselves desperately close to falling into the abyss of submission. In 2009 mankind faces a similar dilemma: authoritarion government; mandated socio-cultural lifestyle; loss of self-directed control; and a feeling of haplessness to provide answers to the absence of logic while enduring a constant barrage of mediaspeak/marketing spin idealism. I have been asked on occasion why didn't the thousands of jews who disembarked the trains at the various death camps not just swarm their captors who were outnumberd at least 100-1; seize the weapons; and defend themselves from certain death? I always answer: " Fear of the unknown compromises hope, courage, and action; have you ever stood at the barrel end of an automatic weapon?" A great read...a must read for all of us who cherish not only life, but the pursuit of happiness in our lifetime and in our style.

I am so sorry this book is not available. It is a fasinating story of a woman's ability to survive and keep her family in tact in WW II Germany. I met Mrs. Bielenberg a few years ago and she is still as interesting as she was in her book.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. I am surprised that nobody has reviewed it and I am also dissapointed to find out that it is not available to buy at the moment. I read it a few years ago and when I get the time, I will definitely read it again. Once you start you can not stop and it is a book you will remember for the rest of your life. Read it!