49 pages 1 hour read

Heda Margolius Kovály

Under a Cruel Star: A Life In Prague, 1941-1968

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1973

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Under A Cruel Star by Heda Margolius Kovály has elicited a mix of admiration and criticism from reviewers. Praised for its vivid and poignant depiction of life under totalitarian regimes, it is lauded for Kovály's resilience and narrative power. However, some critics find it emotionally demanding and, at times, overly bleak. Overall, it is recommended for its historical significance and inspirational message. MLA

Who should read this

Who Should Read Under a Cruel Star?

Readers who appreciate Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl and Man’s Search for Meaning will find Heda Margolius Kovály’s Under A Cruel Star compelling. This memoir appeals to those interested in survival stories, personal resilience during World War II, and life under totalitarian regimes, combining historical context with intimate narrative.

Recommended

Reading Age

16+years

Book Details

Period
Holocaust
WWII / World War II
Topics
History: European
Education
Military / War
Themes
Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies
Genre
Education
Biography