Summary Of Under A Cruel Star

In the memoir Under a Cruel Star by Heda Margolius Kovály documents her life as a Holocaust survivor giving insight on the social, political, and cultural changes in Prague post World War 2. Kovaly includes stories of the drastic differences that her home city of Prague had endured during the war as they adopted ideals from the Nazi regime. These cultural pressures were forced upon the city and resulted in a different tone of life during the 1950’s. Ultimately resulting in a political upheaval known as the Prague uprising. Kovaly participated in this political event which faced criticism from opposing political parties and other world powers. Kovaly’s involvement during the uprising affected her personal life having unforeseen complications …show more content…
Immediately after the Holocaust Kovaly fled from Auschwitz and began to stay at friends houses until her safety was not at risk. Despite their generosity they were reluctant to help her as they all lived in fear of retribution from the Nazi’s. These reservations to help survivors continued for years after the war which meant that they all had to maintain a low profile until things subsided. Slowly Prague began to shed these notions towards Jews and a political shift caused by the Prague Uprising lead to the acceptance of Communism. Many survivors viewed this change as a positive because they were desperately looking for a better life due to German oppression. Germans responded by invading the radio towers to ensure that the communication would be cut off. German forces were successful but ultimately faced defeat as the Russian Liberation Army sided with the Czechs to take down Germany. Personally this response from the Germans was an attempt to reclaim land they once ruled during the war. This is a natural response because during the uprising Czechoslovakia was under a transition period. Germany saw this as a point of weaknesses and a chance to regain the rule they once