British historian Keith Lowe’s book is not about the jungles or wastes of Asia, nor the barbarism of pre-history America. Savage Continent is a study of Europe after the end of World War II, when old animosities and hatreds, made almost acceptable by Nazi and Soviet practices, continued in every presumably civilized country.
When the war was done, victors in all countries sought punishment or revenge upon persons and peoples. Poland attempted to make itself Ukranian-free. The Ukraine attempted to deport all Poles. Stalin sent all Crimean Tartars to Central Asia. More than 11 million Germans were deported from Eastern European countries.
Governments, former resistance groups and newly formed guerrilla bands murdered tens of thousands of people.
The end of war did not bring peace.
Savage Continent is a well-researched and well-written book and brings to light a history seldom discussed.
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