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Reading Group Guide

Discussion Questions

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

1. 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?

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

3. Do you believe that the cultural and religious activities that the Jews implemented into their daily lives helped them make it through the war?

4. One amazing fact about the story is that, although many gentile neighbors knew about the Jews hidden in the forest, their experience was never revealed. Why did the townspeople help keep the Bielski's secret?

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

  • Publication Date: July 1, 2003
  • Hardcover: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Harper
  • ISBN-10: 0066210747
  • ISBN-13: 9780066210742