Joanna Bogle

Sue Ryder became a household name in the UK in the 1950s thanks to the Homes she founded and the help she gave to the survivors of the concentration camps, the disabled and anyone in need of long-term care who she brought to Britain. This work expanded to people living in Britain and was funded by various methods and in no small part by the well-known high street charity shops, which still operate today under her name. But her full story involves so much more-service with SOE in World War II, prison visiting in Germany in the immediate post-war years, long-haul relief work in countries all around the world and a life driven by a commitment to care for those in need. In this new biography the story of an extraordinary life unfolds. It is a story of courage, dedication and adventure with a challenge.… (altro)

A Heart for Europe is a good double biography of the last Emperor and Empress of Austria-Hungary, Bl. Karl I and Zita. The authors do a good job of covering both their lives, although Karl gets a bit more attention at times, as befits his station as a head of state. Beginning with childhood, the book follows the subjects as they find themselves unexpectedly hurdled into places and situations they never expected to be, all while Europe falls apart around them. The postwar situation is covered well, and helps lay the groundwork for understanding why Karl is currently on his way to being recognized as a saint (Blessed is the second-to-last stage of the canonization process). If you've ever wondered if some of the bloodshed and slaughter of the twentieth century could have been avoided, Karl is a man whose story you need to read. And his wife is an inspiration in her own right. My only complaint is that they could have cited their sources better, but they were writing when many of the people who knew the Imperial couple were still alive, which has benefits of its own. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Central European history, World War I, or interesting biographies.… (altro)