This book investigates the complex and often tragic experiences of Jews in Eastern Poland and the Soviet Union during the tumultuous years of 1939-1946. Drawing on extensive archival research and survivor testimonies, Antony Polonsky examines the impact of Soviet and Nazi occupations, the Holocaust, and the subsequent geopolitical shifts on Jewish communities. The work aims to provide a comprehensive account of survival, collaboration, resistance, and the profound societal changes that reshaped Jewish life in the region.

This scholarly work is recognized for its meticulous research and comprehensive scope, offering a detailed examination of a critical period in Jewish history. Scholars in the field of Eastern European and Jewish studies typically regard Polonsky's contributions as significant for their depth and reliance on primary sources. The book is considered an important resource for understanding the multifaceted experiences of Jews caught between warring powers and ideological systems during the mid-20th century.