Summary

Keith Lowe's "Savage Continent: Europe in the Aftermath of World War II" presents a stark and unflinching look at the years immediately following the end of the war, challenging the traditional narrative of triumphant recovery and peaceful reconciliation. Lowe meticulously details the widespread physical devastation, the profound sense of loss, and the displacement of millions of people across the continent. The book highlights the rampant famine, moral decay, and the breakdown of law and order that characterized postwar Europe, setting the stage for a period marked by vengeance and ethnic cleansing.

Lowe explores the various forms of vengeance that swept across Europe, from the liberation of concentration camps to the purges of collaborators. He examines the complex motivations behind these acts, including the desire for justice, the restoration of moral equilibrium, and the assertion of power. The book also delves into the darker aspects of this period, such as the abuse of German prisoners of war, the persecution of women and children, and the role of anti-Semitism in fueling violence. The author exposes the myths of national unity and the manipulation of historical narratives for political gain.

The book sheds light on the ethnic cleansing that took place across Europe, focusing on the forced expulsion of Germans from Eastern Europe and the violent conflicts between Poles and Ukrainians. Lowe challenges conventional wisdom by revealing the brutal realities of these events and their lasting impact on the demographics and psychology of the continent. He examines the resistance movements that emerged in response to Soviet domination, such as the "Forest Brothers" in the Baltic States, and the complex interplay of political ideologies and national hatreds that fueled the Cold War.

Ultimately, "Savage Continent" offers a nuanced and often disturbing portrait of a continent grappling with the aftereffects of unprecedented violence and moral collapse. By challenging conventional narratives and exposing uncomfortable truths, Lowe provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of postwar Europe and its enduring legacies.