Flower Fairies of the Countryside

Book Description

When a spunky young reporter smuggles herself into Chechnya, her undercover reports spark anti-war protests in France and change her own life forever.

Two years ago, when she was thirty years old, Anne Nivat decided to see first-hand what war was all about. Russia had just launched its second brutal campaign against Chechnya. And though the Russians strictly forbade Westerners from covering the war, the aspiring French journalist decided she would go.

There are two very real dangers in Chechnya: being arrested by the Russians and being kidnapped by the Chechens. Nivat strapped her satellite phone to her belly, disguised herself in the garb of a Chechen peasant, and sneaked across the border. She found a young guide, Islam, to lead her illegally through the war zone. For six months they followed the war, travelling with underground rebels and sleeping with Chechen families or in abandoned buildings. Anne trembled through air raids; walked through abandoned killing fields; and helped in the halls of bloody hospitals. She interviewed rebel leaders, government officials, young widows, and angry fighters, and she reported everything back to France. Her reports in Libération led to antiwar demonstrations outside the Russian embassy in Paris.

Anne's words move. They are not florid, but terse, cool, dramatic. More than just a war correspondent's report, Chienne de Guerre is a moving story of struggle and self-discovery-the adventures of one young woman who repeatedly tests her own physical and psychological limits in the extremely dangerous and stressful environment of war.

Customer Reviews:

A French reporter's view on the War in Chechnya........2004-07-10

Ms. Nivat reports on the War in Chechnya by way of traveling with the civilians and rebels of this war torn province of Russia. Civilians are indeed the victims of any war, and there is no difference in this conflict. I would say that perhaps the Russians were more brutal than other nations. Their targeting of civilian centers by artillery and air bombing turned many of the Chechen civilians against the Federation of Russia. Nivat is very sympathetic to the Chechens. She has been treated kindly by them. She makes frequent mention of the Wahabbis (Islam Fundamentalists) and even describes the terror of these fighters.
Present day knowledge shows that many Chechen Fundamentalists fought and died for the Taliban of Afghanistan. Chechens themselves have been accused of killing and beheading foreigners helping the civilians of Chechnya. Knowledge of this makes me think Nivat could have been a victim of a Chechen crime. Sympathy for the civilians is one thing, supporting Chechen Fundamentalists is another. Chechens invading other provinces of the Russian state and bombing apartment buildings does not give me much sympathy with the goal of this ethnic group. Nivat has too much sympathy for the civilians and overlooks the killing of the rebels. This was (is) a fierce war, and both parties don't look too appealing.

UNE GUERRE TERRIBLE!!!.......2003-11-04

Before there was "Operation Iraqi Freedom", there was the war in Chechnya. A war that the Russians try to disguise as an insurrection. A war that could easily have been avoided if Moscow had simply given Chechnya the sovereignty it sought in the early 1990s. Here in this book, Anne Nivat shows both the horrors and absurdities of the Chechnyan War.

Like the other reviewers, I commend Mlle. Nivat for her courage in going out on her own into Chechnya to get at the heart of the story. Anne Nivat is a gutsy woman. Her story is all the more remarkable and sobering given the efforts of Moscow to censure the news reportage from Chechnya. Being a fluent speaker of Russian also allowed Nivat to form personal bonds with many of the people she met. Thus, the reader gets a more intimate insight into the daily perils people face in Chechnya.

Courageous Account.......2003-06-02

With her powerful description of life on the frontlines and the backroads and rooms of Chechnya, Anne Nivat helps put a voice to this incredible conflict. Having worked in the Caucasus with Chechen refugees, I know her accounts to be real. My only complaint is that she tries to focus on too much and ends up glossing over some of the more interesting and horrifying aspects of the conflict. I remember standing by the office door and actually counting the Chechen staff on Monday mornings after their weekend journeys home...Anne Nivat's book reminds me why. Courage and the will to survive seem to be common traits in the Caucasus and it is a most humbling experience to read this book in the comfort of my home back in the US.

a human tragedy.......2002-12-30

This is another of those works whose content takes on new significance after Sept. 11, 2001. Prior to those events, Western public opinion of Moscow's handling of Chechnya was overwhelmingly critical. The Chechen conflict was usually described as a "dirty war". In order to garner international sympathy for the plight of Chechen civilians caught between Islamist extremists and Russian Federal forces, Ms. Nivat clandestinely infiltrated the battlezone. She risked arrest by the Russians, kidnap and torture by the rebels, and death in the crossfire as she conducted her interviews with the populace. Any humane reader will grieve for the suffering of the innocents. But like many antiwar treatices, "Chienne de Guerre" wears its heart on its sleeve and conveniently neglects to tell the whole story: After having won de-facto autonomy, Chechnya rapidly became a region of abysmal poverty and lawlessness. Its leadership, divided by power-struggles between warlords and religious extremists, descended into anarchy. In a close parallel with Afghanistan, Wahhabists gained control. Eventually, these "rebels" began making incursions into neighboring Russian republics. Rebel-occupied Daghestan appealed to Moscow for assistance. Daghestanis, although Muslim, vehemently reject the Wahhabi sect of Chechen Islamists. After Russian Federal troops had freed one Daghestani town, its residents held a meeting to determine the fate of the Wahhabi mosque the Chechens had erected there. The mayor favored razing it, but several townsmen suggested converting it into a strip-club -- "since that would disgrace it more". This anecdote demonstrates the depth of Daghestani hatred. It was the Chechen invasion of Daghestan, followed by a series of terrorist bombings in Moscow, which provoked the second armed response. Like their Taliban counterparts, Chechen Wahhabist rebels have been unaverse to using noncombatants as human shields, and callously exploit civilian casualties for propaganda. This willingness to sacrifice innocent lives did not endear the rebels to the populace whose "cause" they were ostensibly defending. Enter the naively pro-Chechen Anne Nivat. Even she distrusted the motives of the rebels, although at the time their alliance with al-Qaeda was still generally unknown. Since 9-11, Chechen complicity in international terrorism has been widely exposed, and all pretense on the part of rebel mujahedin abandoned. Chechen websites today proudly boast allegiance to bin Laden, post videotaped torture and executions, and make threats against Russian, American, and Israeli targets. Mujahedin leaders defiantly reject any political or diplomatic reconciliation: the only solution they advocate is jihad. Violent terrorist acts, such as the bombing of a Daghestani Veterans Day parade and the raid on a Moscow theater have become increasingly commonplace. Likewise, Chechen-run terrorist training camps and Chechen/al-Qaeda terrorist plots have been uncovered in France, Pakestan, and Afghanistan. Foreign-born Wahhabists now openly direct the Chechen rebel leadership. Talib influence was unmistakable during the Moscow theater siege, in which numerous burka-clad, explosives-wired female terrorists, the so-called "Black Widows", participated. Under Wahhabism, the only way for women to obtain Paradise (and possibly reunite with fallen husbands) is by martyrdom in jihad. President Bush no longer criticizes Putin's handling of Chechnya, but supports the Russian War on Terrorism. The US military, on the other hand, has never criticized. For several years, the American military has closely observed the fighting in Grozniy, and has been practicing urban warfare in deserted bases throughout California. Our military has acknowledged that similar US urban action could result in the same discouraging casualty rate experienced by the Russians -- and with a similar, unavoidable civilian toll. The relevance, post-911, of "Chienne de Guerre" is its documentation of that enormous human tragedy. But, as was the case of Afghanistan and al-Qaeda, Chechen civilians are suspected of supporting terrorists. (Albeit, as Nivat writes, often reluctantly.) So much so, though, that Chechens -- unlike Albanian, Somali, and other Muslim victims of aggression -- have not been permitted refugee status in the West. In closing, I would say this book is probably the best and least biased on the subject. But a mere year has provided new light and different perceptions on this "dirty war".

Makes arguements and refuses them at the same time........2002-07-04

I must agree with Kirill's review of the book. I will add a few things of course, First there are two main groups in Chechnya, The Russo-Chechens and the Wahabbis. Wahabbis are Muslims who live by the strict code of the sharia, this can be drawn on the same level as the Taliban in Afghanistan. The difference here is that the Wahabbis came into Chechnya in the early 1990s, at the weakest time of Russian change from Communism to Democracy. Led by Shamil Basayev the 94-96 was fought for an independent Chechnya, by the "people" which consisted of many pride filled Chechens and some Wahabbis. After the first war, Wahabbism spread throught and no clear leadership was established, It looked as if Wahabbis the gun toting Chechens that threatened the population to do as they wanted would take control. This would once again establish the same rule as the Taliban in Afghanistan. But they blew their chance for becoming an independent state, and started making raids into nearby Russian Teritories, leading up to the apartment buildings in Moscow. The Russians did what nobody did to the Taliban when they took control of Afghanistan. So this leads us to the point in the book, the Invasion of Chechnya, battles for Grozny. The book was written in 1999-2001, it is now 2002 and the situation has, changed, Reconstruction has begun of schools, administrations, and apartment buildins to restore life to normal. For once in the last 10 years, Chechnya is getting money from the Russian Federation to rebuild, the outlook is bright. If this doesnt draw parallels with US-Afghanistan, I dont know what does.

A Woman's Europe: True Stories (Travelers' Tales)

Average customer rating:

A varied, but excellent collection

A Woman's Europe: True Stories (Travelers' Tales)

Manufacturer: Travelers' Tales
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Feminist Theory | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Travel | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books

Essays & Travelogues | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1932361030

Book Description

A Woman's Europe is a collection of inspiring and entertaining true stories by women about their travels throughout the Continent. Europe has always drawn Americans in part because so many of their ancestors emigrated from there. But Europe also has an irresistibly romantic appeal. It's a place of old-world elegance, with centuries of history, rich art and architecture. It is this romantic ideal that pulls more travelers to Europe than Asia or elsewhere, and that appeals to women in particular. These stories highlight women discovering peculiarly European pleasures — the romantic realities of a gondolier's life on a ride through the Venice canals; meeting a comforting Swiss matron when a village visit becomes lonely and confusing; the meaning behind rituals like picking olives or learning flamenco; and more.

Customer Reviews:

A varied, but excellent collection.......2004-08-29

This is a wonderful collection of short pieces by women of talent. Not every piece is great literature, but on finishing it I felt I had made new friends.

There are some familiar names who are always reliable or at least interesting. There are new talents as well. I greatly enjoyed Portrait of the Artist as a Bold Man by a charming new author with a bright future.

This is a perfect book for the corner table to read while you have 5 or 10 minutes.

Escape into Darkness: The True Story of a Young Woman's Extraordinary Survival During World War II

Average customer rating:

Escape into Darkness: The True Story of a Young Woman's Extraordinary Survival During World War II
Sonia Games
Manufacturer: S.P.I. Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Jewish | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Poland | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

An amazing story.......2001-05-11

A fascinating story of conquest, greed, and betrayal, written in a clear, fast-moving fashion. I've always wondered how a few Spaniards could conquer the massive Aztec empire, and now it makes sense to me.

Book Description

Capturing the likeness of animals on paper is a rewarding challenge for any artist. Domesticated dogs, our most familiar furry friends, bring forth a unique blend of trials for artists trying to replicate their features accurately. The incredible range of breeds, colors, sizes and shapes is further enhanced by the never-ending poses each can assume, from sitting and sleeping to working and fighting. Each dog is, at best, an individual, and bringing forth those special aspects of each animal's character will make any artist's drawings come to life. Artist Melvyn Petterson offers advice for capturing the essence of these animals, both young and old, purebreds and mutts, along with tips for portraying their features accurately, drawing fur in different media, and mastering a range of poses. * A practical guide to capturing one's dog on paper, with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions * Covers all aspects of drawing dogs in different media, including charcoal, graphite pencil, watercolor pencils and oil pastels * Illustrated with an inspiring collection of dog drawings that will appeal to artists and animal lovers

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Guide to drawing dogs!!!.......2004-01-06

I have spent lots of money on "learn to draw" books that detailed simple sketches, practice drawings and lack of detail. I was looking for a book that focused on key features, expressions, detailed aspects such as fur, coats, faces and color. I am happy to say I found my book!
Although this book may not be for the beginner, for those who have some knowledge and experience of drawing and pencil shading it is a wonderful guide to drawing our beloved K-9s!
I highly recommend this book, it has gone beyond the expectations I had for it.

Average customer rating:

Dogs and how to draw them
Amy Hogeboom
Manufacturer: Vanguard Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006AQDCS

Average customer rating:

Dogs: How to Draw Them
Melvyn Petterson
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: B000UKQBIK

Average customer rating:

Dogs: How To Draw Them
Frank Childers
Manufacturer: Library Associates
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

DOGS - How to Draw Them
Melvyn Petterson
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JV9YXO

Average customer rating:

Dogs and How to Draw Them
Melvyn Petterson
Manufacturer: Collins & Brown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1855859327

Book Description

The dog population in the Bahamas consists mainly of mongrels, called "Potcakes," a term unique to the greater Bahamas archipelago. Potcakes provides the first systematic study of dog ownership in a Caribbean society by investigating the Bahamian perceptions of "pet" and "responsible pet ownership" in the context of both dog overpopulation concerns and how "image" dogs like Rottweilers and Pit Bulls have interacted with and altered the Potcake population.

Book Description

The 7th century was a time of turmoil in the Near East. The demise of the long-dominant Assyrian empire led to struggles among the remaining powers. The small nation of Judah experienced conflict and confusion as it tried to survive the rapidly changing situation. Habakkuk examines the prophecy of Habakkuk to determine the role which this prophet played in the complex struggles of the period. Habakkuk begins with form- and text-critical examinations of the prophecy attributed to Habakkuk. These studies provide a clearer understanding of the text and enable the placement of this work within its historical context. A review of the international and internal political situation indicates that the prophecy relates to a specific period within late 7th-century Judah and that its author supported particular persons and policies within this setting. This recognition allows an examination of the roles which Habakkuk and other prophets played within Judahite society.

Book Description

A biography of the dedicated player from Mexico who was the aggressive-hitting third-baseman for the Colorado Rockies, now with Tampa Bay.

El triunfo de 'Vinny' Castilla. (Vinicio Castilla, beibolista mexicano)(TT: The triumph of 'Vinny' Castilla) (TA: Vinicio Castilla, Mexican baseball player): An article from: Contenido

Average customer rating:

El triunfo de 'Vinny' Castilla. (Vinicio Castilla, beibolista mexicano)(TT: The triumph of 'Vinny' Castilla) (TA: Vinicio Castilla, Mexican baseball player): An article from: Contenido

Manufacturer: Editorial Contenido, S.A. de C.V.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B00097OU3C
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Contenido, published by Editorial Contenido, S.A. de C.V. on September 1, 1997. The length of the article is 809 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: El triunfo de 'Vinny' Castilla. (Vinicio Castilla, beibolista mexicano)(TT: The triumph of 'Vinny' Castilla) (TA: Vinicio Castilla, Mexican baseball player)
Publication: Contenido (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 1997
Publisher: Editorial Contenido, S.A. de C.V.
Issue: n411 Page: p85(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Vinny Castilla, creciendo a la sombra. (el beisbolista mexicano se ha vuelto uno de los estrellas de los Rockies de Colorado)(TT: The growing shadow of ... Colorado Rockies): An article from: Semana

Average customer rating:

Vinny Castilla, creciendo a la sombra. (el beisbolista mexicano se ha vuelto uno de los estrellas de los Rockies de Colorado)(TT: The growing shadow of ... Colorado Rockies): An article from: Semana
Tay Polo Miranda
Manufacturer: Spanish Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B00097N8JO
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Semana, published by Spanish Publications, Inc. on May 1, 1997. The length of the article is 485 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Vinny Castilla, creciendo a la sombra. (el beisbolista mexicano se ha vuelto uno de los estrellas de los Rockies de Colorado)(TT: The growing shadow of Vinny Castilla) (TA: Mexican baseball player has become a star for the Colorado Rockies)
Author: Tay Polo Miranda
Publication: Semana (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 1997
Publisher: Spanish Publications, Inc.
Volume: v4 Issue: n219 Page: p21(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Vinny o el secreto de exponerse en vida.(Vinicio Castilla, jugador de bésibol)(TT: Vinny or the secret of being exposed in life.)(TA: Vinicio Castilla, ... An article from: Proceso

Average customer rating:

Vinny o el secreto de exponerse en vida.(Vinicio Castilla, jugador de bésibol)(TT: Vinny or the secret of being exposed in life.)(TA: Vinicio Castilla, ... An article from: Proceso
Mauricio Mejía
Manufacturer: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008JA472
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on December 24, 2000. The length of the article is 3194 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Vinny o el secreto de exponerse en vida.(Vinicio Castilla, jugador de bésibol)(TT: Vinny or the secret of being exposed in life.)(TA: Vinicio Castilla, baseball player)(Entrevista)
Author: Mauricio Mejía
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 24, 2000
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Page: 76

Article Type: Entrevista

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books