Savage Continent

Across Europe, landscapes had been ravaged, entire cities razed, and more than thirty million people had been killed in the war. The institutions that we now take for granted—such as police, media, transport, and local and national government—were either entirely absent or compromised. Crime rates soared, economies collapsed, and whole populations hovered on the brink of starvation.

In Savage Continent, Keith Lowe describes a continent where individual Germans and collaborators were rounded up and summarily executed, where concentration camps were reopened, and violent anti-Semitism was reborn. In some of the most monstrous acts of ethnic cleansing the world has ever seen, tens of millions were expelled from their ancestral homelands.

Between 1945 and 1947 tens of millions of men, women and children were expelled from their countries in some of the biggest acts of ethnic cleansing the world has ever seen.

Savage Continent is a thought-provoking and harrowing exploration of Europe in the aftermath of World War II. The book delves into the chaos, violence, and social upheaval that characterized the continent during the immediate post-war years.

Lowe’s extensive research and use of firsthand accounts from ordinary people add depth and authenticity to the narrative. By highlighting individual experiences, he paints a vivid and disturbing picture of the atrocities committed by both civilians and occupying forces. The book sheds light on lesser-known aspects of post-war Europe, such as the widespread rape and looting, the displacement of populations, and the struggle for survival in a shattered society.

One of the book’s strengths is its examination of the complex moral and ethical questions that emerged in the aftermath of the war. Lowe does not shy away from exploring the difficult choices made by individuals and governments, and he raises important questions about accountability, justice, and reconciliation.

However, at times, the book can feel overwhelming due to its sheer scope. With its focus on multiple countries and diverse experiences, the narrative can become fragmented and lose some coherence. Additionally, while Lowe attempts to provide a balanced perspective, the book occasionally leans toward a more Western-centric view, neglecting the experiences and perspectives of Eastern Europe.

In conclusion, Savage Continent is a powerful and unsettling account of the immediate aftermath of World War II. Its in-depth research and compelling storytelling make it an important contribution to understanding the complexities of post-war Europe, despite some minor shortcomings in its narrative structure and perspective.