William T. Vollmann's 'Europe Central' is an epic exploration of authoritarian rule during the 20th century, primarily focusing on Germany and the USSR. This National Book Award winner intertwines the lives of fictional and historical figures to reflect on the moral choices made under oppressive regimes. We follow a kaleidoscope of narratives, including a young German who infiltrates the SS, two generals entwined with the enemy, and Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich living under Stalin's shadow. Vollmann's ambitious novel is both a profound study of ideological warfare and a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.