The Forgotten Soldier
Apr 2013 · Hachette UK
4.7star
57 reviewsreport
Ebook
560
Pages
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About this ebook
An international bestseller, this is a German soldier's first-hand account of life on Russian front during the second half of the Second World War.
When Guy Sajer joins the infantry full of ideals in the summer of 1942, the German army is enjoying unparalleled success in Russia. However, he quickly finds that for the foot soldier the glory of military success hides a much harsher reality of hunger, fatigue and constant deprivation. Posted to the crack Grosse Deutschland division, with its sadistic instructors who shoot down those who fail to make the grade, he enters a violent and remorseless world where all youthful hope is gradually ground down, and all that matters is the brute will to survive. As the biting cold of the Russian winter sets in, and the tide begins to turn against the Germans, life becomes an endless round of pounding artillery attacks and vicious combat against a relentless and merciless Red Army. A book of stunning force, this is an unforgettable reminder of the horrors of war.
When Guy Sajer joins the infantry full of ideals in the summer of 1942, the German army is enjoying unparalleled success in Russia. However, he quickly finds that for the foot soldier the glory of military success hides a much harsher reality of hunger, fatigue and constant deprivation. Posted to the crack Grosse Deutschland division, with its sadistic instructors who shoot down those who fail to make the grade, he enters a violent and remorseless world where all youthful hope is gradually ground down, and all that matters is the brute will to survive. As the biting cold of the Russian winter sets in, and the tide begins to turn against the Germans, life becomes an endless round of pounding artillery attacks and vicious combat against a relentless and merciless Red Army. A book of stunning force, this is an unforgettable reminder of the horrors of war.
Ratings and reviews
4.7
57 reviews
dhome0 dhm60
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June 9, 2024
Sayer was the son of an German Alsatian citizen and, after Germany's re-incorporation of Elsass into the Reich in 1936, was liable to conscription into the Wehrmacht as a German national. His mother was French Alsatian. I rate the Sajer's French version (Le soldat obliee) which deals with his pride at being regarded as a German; above Erich Maria Remarque's Im Westin nicht neues as an action of the "glory of war". A book anyone rah-rahing a war against Russia. In Russia. In winter should read.
Claudio Jopia Vilches
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January 19, 2023
If you liked Robert Leckie's writing style in his memoire 'Helmet for My Pillow' you will enjoy this book. But be advised that this is a harrowing book to read and there is no real happy ending. Just survivors' remorse.
Mark Bizley
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November 26, 2017
I have read much of this terrible time in human history, this book brings the terrible pain of war much much more realistic, no hero's, just victims on both sides, led so frequently by donkeys, but with exceptions of extreme compassion and humanity.
1 person found this review helpful
About the author
Sajer was a French citizen living in Alsace, who served as a foreign conscript in the German Army during World War II, fighting the Russians on the Eastern front in the Grossdeutschland Division.
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