The Bielski Brothers Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Name: The Bielski Brothers
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Author: Peter Duffy
ISBN: 9780066210742

The Bielski Brothers

The True Story of Three Men Who Defied the Nazis, Saved 1,200 Jews, and Built a Village in the Forest

by Peter Duffy

Critics' Consensus (11):

Readers' Rating (2):

First Published:
Jul 1, 2003, 320 pages

Paperback:
May 2004, 336 pages

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- Biography & Memoir
- History, Current Affairs and Religion
- Europe
- Eastern Europe
- 1940s & '50s
- Debuts
- Jewish Authors
- War Related
- Heroes
Genres & Themes
Publication Information

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Book Club Discussion Questions

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Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

Book Description

In 1941 after witnessing the execution of their parents and two siblings, Tuvia, Asael, and Zus Bielski fled into the forest and sent out the word that any Jews who made it to the woods would find a safe haven there. Over time, they gathered more than 1200 Jews, who lived hidden in the Belo-Russian forest. For two and a half years, at the height of World War II, the Bielski Jews courageously fought against the Nazis and built a thriving community that included a temple, a bathhouse, and a theater. The historical role of the Bielski brothers in saving Jewish lives from the Holocaust is at least equal to that of Oskar Schindler, but their story has never been told -- until now.

Topics for Discussion

Members of the Bielski community had to do things they would have considered morally reprehensible outside of the forest -- lying, stealing, and even killing. Do you feel their choices were justifiable under the circumstances?

What activities did members of the group develop to create a sense of community and maintain their religious and cultural traditions?

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How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Harper Perennial. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

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