49 pages • 1 hour read
Under a Cruel Star: A Life In Prague, 1941-1968
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Book Brief
Under a Cruel Star
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1973192
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Prague, Czechoslovakia • 1940s-1960s
1973
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Under a Cruel Star by Heda Margolius Kovály recounts her harrowing experiences during World War II and its aftermath. Sent to a ghetto and concentration camps, Heda escapes back to Prague, only to find isolation and antisemitism. After remarrying Rudolf Margolius, who is later executed during a Communist purge, Heda faces continued adversity, eventually participating in the Prague Spring before leaving Czechoslovakia. Sensitive topics include experiences of persecution and loss.
Dark
Challenging
Melancholic
Mysterious
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
3,900 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
3,900 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rudolf Margolius
Rudolf Margolius
Rudolf is Heda’s first husband and an idealistic member of the Communist Party. His belief in the party’s idealistic vision blinds him to early signs of corruption.
Ivan Margolius
Ivan Margolius
Ivan is Heda and Rudolf’s son, who learns about his family's past as a teenager. He becomes a successful architect and moves to London.
Pavel Kovály
Pavel Kovály
A family friend who becomes Heda’s second husband, Pavel supports Heda through difficult times and helps her find work as a translator.
192
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Prague, Czechoslovakia • 1940s-1960s
1973
Adult
16+ years
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