Devítka: Pravdivý příběh skupiny žen, která přežila hrůzy nacistického Německa – Strauss Gwen (2022)

Set against the backdrop of a thrilling story of nine friends who manage to disconnect from the death march and head into the German countryside towards the end of the war and American troops, Gwen Strauss describes the unique female experience of World War II. Although Strauss focuses on France, as all her heroines were involved in the French resistance, her conclusions can be read universally to some extent. She presents resistance activities as a moment of emancipation of paramount importance. Thanks to it, women realized that they could match men in capabilities, and they gained specific recognition from Charles de Gaulle in the form of voting rights. Through thorough research, the author impressively depicts conditions in prisons and concentration camps (mainly Ravensbrück and the HASAG Leipzig camp), including perhaps the most harrowing 'female' topic of giving birth within the camp walls. She brings readers closer to what everyday life in the camp looked like, what the inmates were able to create literally from nothing, and how even amidst constant exhaustion, they bolstered morale by celebrating holidays or reciting recipes. The book also carries a strong message, supported by the experiences of many women, that humanity and mutual solidarity led to survival.