Sunday’s Children: Europeans, War and Peace
Essential and highly relevant reading about the prospect of war, peace in Europe and lessons from the past, as told by one of the continent’s leading correspondents
Following the devastation of World War II, there was a universal belief that Europe – and the wider world – would never endure bloodshed again. How have eighty years of peace affected us and this once belligerent continent? And what happens when peace can no longer be taken for granted? In Sunday’s Children, correspondent Caroline de Gruyter researches what Europe has forgotten and is at present rapidly relearning now that the illusion of permanent peace has been shattered.
Martijn Prins
m.prins@singeluitgeverijen.nl
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the spectre of war has returned to the continent. This has been a wake-up call for Europeans, who now face a reality they thought impossible: the threat of a global war after eighty years of peace. Old ideas of war and violence have been upended, governments have begun to rearm, and all European countries have ramped up their defence budgets. And crucially, Europe now realizes more than ever how important the Union – unity – truly is.
Caroline de Gruyter’s intensely sharp observations show how eight decades of peace have shaped our European societies, and which patterns and assumptions have become entrenched in a continent that pledged ‘never again’ and truly believed it.
Press reviews of her previous book It Won’t Get Any Better
The captivating Caroline de Gruyter takes us on a fascinating journey through Europe, uncovering the forgotten stories that are crucial for understanding today’s world. This is how you write history!
Geert Mak
By knowing and understanding the past, we can guard against mistakes. That, too, is a reason to read It Won’t Get Any Better.
NRC
One of the most acute observers of the highs and lows of the European Union.
Le Monde
Caroline de Gruyter writes with great passion and clarity.
De Correspondent
