How do I have to change this XML string so that XDocument.Parse reads it in?

It's because the data contains the unicode or utf8 BOM marks at the start of the stream.

You can resolve your problem by using a StreamReader to convert the data in the MemoryStream to a string instead.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.