POCO proxies are just that - proxies. A new proxy class must be created for every one and added to the context. Although you have essentially said 'dont track them in the context' Id think it would be a bit faster, but I think you are creating an additional 1.1M objects that are proxies.
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.