SKU: 39970065614

Sudden Courage: Youth in France Confront the Germans, 1940-1945

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Sudden Courage: Youth in France Confront the Germans, 1940-1945The author of When Paris Went Dark returns to World War II to tell the remarkable story of the youngest members of the French Resistance and their war against the German occupiers and their collaborators On June 14, 1940, German tanks entered a nearly deserted Paris. Eight days later, France accepted a humiliating defeat and foreign occupation. Many adapted to the situation even allied themselves with their new overlords. Yet amid increasing Nazi

The author of When Paris Went Dark returns to World War II to tell the remarkable story of the youngest members of the French Resistance and their war against the German occupiers and their collaborators

On June 14, 1940, German tanks entered a nearly deserted Paris. Eight days later, France accepted a humiliating defeat and foreign occupation. Many adapted to the situation--even allied themselves with their new overlords. Yet amid increasing Nazi ruthlessness, shortages and arbitrary curfews, a resistance arose--a shadow army of workers, intellectuals, shop owners, police officers, Jews, immigrants, and communists. Among this army were a remarkable number of adolescents and young men and women; it was estimated by one underground leader that "four-fifths of the members of the resistance were under the age of thirty." Months earlier, they would have been spending their evenings studying for exams, sneaking out to dates, and finding their footing at first jobs. Now they learned the art of sabotage, the ways of disguise and deception, how to stealthily avoid patrols, steal secrets, and eliminate the enemy--sometimes violently.

Nevertheless, in most histories of the French Resistance, the substantial contributions of the young have been minimized or, at worst, ignored. Sudden Courage remedies that amnesia. Amid heart-stopping accounts of subterfuge, narrow escapes, and deadly consequences, we meet blind Jacques Lusseyran, who created one of the most influential underground networks in Paris; Guy M quet, whose execution at the hands of Germans became a cornerstone of rebellion; Maroussia Na tchenko, a young communist uncannily adept at escaping Gestapo traps; Andr Kirschen, who at fifteen had to become an assassin; Anise Postel-Vinay, captured and sent to a concentration camp; and bands of other young rebels who chose to risk their lives for a better tomorrow. But Sudden Courage is more than an inspiring account of youthful daring and determination. It is also a riveting investigation of what it means to come of age under the threat of rising nativism and authoritarianism--one with a deep bearing on our own time.

--Joseph J. Ellis, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of American Dialogue: The Founders and Us

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Custom House
Published: 09/01/2020
ISBN: 9780062470041
Pages: 336
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.60w x 1.00d
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SKU: 39970065614

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egro
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 4
Try it but have lower expectations
Color: Black, Size: Queen
Pros: -fairly heavy -fits right -soft enough to dream on -not too expensive Cons: -kinda lumpy feeling and that’s hard to shake -not the classiest wrap/attachment -a little stinky out of the box that can take a while to offgas or whatever It definitely upgrades a futon mattress, even if it doesn’t want to bend easily with it. It’s meant for a stationary mattress.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026
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Red panda
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Feels Like Sleeping on a Cloud
Color: Black, Size: Queen
This mattress topper completely transformed my bed. From the first night, I noticed how much softer and more comfortable my mattress felt. The pillow-top design adds a plush layer of cushioning without making the bed feel overly soft or unsupportive. I was especially impressed by how breathable it is. I tend to get warm while sleeping, but this topper stays comfortable throughout the night and doesn’t trap heat. The moisture-wicking fabric is a nice bonus and helps keep the bed feeling fresh. The deep-pocket design fit my mattress perfectly and stayed securely in place without shifting around. Installation was quick and easy, and the black color gives it a sleek, premium look. After fluffing up, it provided just the right amount of extra comfort and made my mattress feel much more luxurious. For the price, this topper offers excellent value and has greatly improved my sleep quality. I would definitely purchase it again and recommend it to anyone looking to add softness and comfort to their bed.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026
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Michelle Pepe
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Feels Like Sleeping on a Cloud — One of My Favorite Bedsure Products Yet
Color: Black, Size: King
I’ve had really good experiences with Bedsure products over time, so whenever I get the chance to try another one I usually do, and this mattress topper definitely did not disappoint. This one went on my mom’s king size bed and the difference was noticeable immediately. The topper has a soft, cloud-like feel while still giving enough support underneath so you don’t just sink straight through it. It added a much more comfortable layer to the mattress and made the bed feel cozy and inviting without being overly heavy or hot. I also appreciated how easy it was to put on. The deep pocket design fit securely over the king mattress without struggling to stretch the corners, and once it was on, it stayed in place well through the night. The material feels breathable and smooth, which is especially nice for warmer nights. My mom commented that she slept really well with it and woke up feeling more comfortable than usual, which honestly says a lot. Overall this feels like a high-quality mattress topper that makes a bed instantly more comfortable. Bedsure continues to be one of those brands I trust for soft bedding and reliable quality.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026
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Emily Gutierrez
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 2
Not Worth the Price
Color: Black, Size: Queen
I expected more. The images are a bit misleading with the amount of fluff and thickness the product actually has. Despite following the instructions, it’s pretty flat. It had a funky chemically smell to it, so I sprayed with some Febreeze. Honestly in my opinion I don’t think it’s worth $60. I think if you want something similar, go to Marshals or TJ Maxx.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026
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John S.
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Makes my camp mattress so much better.
Color: Black, Size: Full
I'm in a small motorhome and this has helped my sleep quality a ton. I got rid of my big mattress because the 2 camp mattresses I have are smaller in size, but a bit dense than the mattress I had. Uncomfortable for anyone that sleeps on them for long periods and when I come from biking or hiking the pain was making it hard to sleep. These have improved my sleep quality immensely. It also, to my surprise fit well, the cushions are only a few inches. These are up to 18, but the edge is nearly a perfect fit at the start. The straps keep it from moving. The length and width using 2 of the bed rolls is nearly perfect. On mattress the deeper part of the pocket, would fit perfectly. The quality feels great, lightweight and washable, this is one of those items I wouldn't have likely ordered, but trying it is near priceless for my usage. Couldn't imagine how good it must be on a bed.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026

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