Liberalism can be defined as the political philosophy that emphasize ons the importance of equality. The paper elaborates the objective and main argument of the author, Heda Kovlay in her book, “Under a cruel star: A Life in Prague 1941-1968”. The book is an autobiography, which has elaborated the struggles that Heda and other Jewish families faced in leading a normal life. The author has explained the flawed liberalism deeply rooted in the mindsets of society. The author has presented the historical analysis in an influential way that makes the core concept of liberalism crystal clear and understandable.
She has explained the war era and signifies the brutalities faced by Jewish victims at the hand of Nazis. The main argument of the book is that liberalism is biased and Jews in the history have been treated as an exception to equality. Despite attempts and measures were taken by authorities to impose equality in society, minors still suffer from inequality. Liberalism mere is a philosophy saved for special groups of individuals. The autobiography signifies the struggles of a Jewish individual in a deeply flawed system regulated by the Nazis. The Nazi control in Czechoslovakia shook the fundamental building blocks of the country. The experiences and struggles encountered by Heda in chaotic situations helped her in building a strong character.
The inhumane treatment of Jews in Ghettos and concentration camps nullified the liberalism and other social concepts that exist to improve human rights. Also, the author has tried to explain the strong character of Jews that helped them to survive the chaotic and mayhem atmosphere. In conclusion, the book has tried to emphasize over the struggles faced by victims and wrong use of power by authorities to complicate the life of Jews.
Works Cited
Kovály, Heda. Under a Cruel Star: A Life in Prague 1941-1968. London: Granta, 2012.
