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The Forgotten Soldier

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The Forgotten Soldier

By: Guy Sajer
Narrated by: Roger Davis
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About this listen

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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Guy Sajer (P)2019 Orion Publishing Group Military Military & War World War II War Russia Solider Red Army
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I could not put this down (or stop listening as was the case). An incredible journey of survival. The description of feelings and emotional impact is so important for me in a war memoir and this book was rich in detailing how the horrors of the war effected Sajer.
The voice artist made the story even more engaging with his pace and ramping of energy in action sections.

Amazing Journey!

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The story of those it happens to. One of the pawns in the game tells us of his nightmarish journey of risk of death at every turn as he and his compatriots retreated from "Ivan." Distressing outflow of hell-on-earth storytelling.

Astounding, Gut Wrenching and Honest.

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gritty detailed account of his time with the Wehrmacht. a lot of detail about the time, the chaos and also the personal relationships he formed.

forgotten soldier

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Without doubt the most amazing soldiers story of the many in my collection. Truly epic in every sense. This is one story you need to hear.

The most amazing story

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I came across this book by accident having just finished Antony Beevor’s “Berlin”. Whilst the latter happens
more at 30,000 ft this book takes you down to ground level and gives you a real insight into what it must have been like on the ground as a young 18 year old volunteer. It’s a story of hardship and camaraderie in equal measure. Well worth the 22 hours listening time!

A gripping story told well

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An excellent and gripping first person account of the life of a German Soldier on the Eastern Front of WW2.

Riveting!

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One of the most powerful and moving memoirs I have ever listened too, the last scene where upon his return to France his own mother walks past him in the street without recognising him really emphasised what the Ostfront must have done to a man.

Powerful.

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Well written account from a German perspective of the horrors of war experienced by a young man caught up in a an avalanche of steel, blood and guts. A brillant portrail.

Excellent

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Read it as a kid in the 70s. Was in awe. Always wanted to re-read it but never had the time.
Audible allowed this. Stunning story with good narration.

Incredible story, good narration

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Best and worst cannot be told, 2nd best or worst are only misunderstood!.... UNTIL! you discover this piece of work, not a book, it is akin to scripture of a kind. Not religious but with the ability to put you, the reader in his shoes, in these horrendous withdrawals, the desolation of the eastern front and its scale! his love affair amidst it all. The scale of fighting in areas was colossal to readers of historical warfare, ww1 trench bombardments, D-DAY, nothing encapsulates this fight till the death of the Fatherland, that race to give up but only to the US forces at any cost. the sadness and futility. You cannot read this by halves. I read the book yet felt a need to review it here. If you thought you knew hard challenging warfare biographical, think again. This book should as the Author advises, be read cold, hungry, uncomfortable and if possible, in an anxious frame of mind. Otherwise you shall not come close to understanding this man's plight. I read this in a very hard anxious and chaotic mindset, physically very sick and hungry and not an instant of relaxed normal body at ease feeling. It provided welcome entertainment I re read again in a happy mind set, food aplenty and recreating myself while reading by reclining in a hammock on a beautiful island. both shocking reads. only a few other books come close. "Carnivore" ...memoirs of a cavalry scout"
is a very hardcore read from the commander of a Bradley fighting vehicle. armed with coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a 25mm top gun. automatic with H.E. and sabot depleted uranium rounds. the craziness and the carnage that 25mm gun wrought are. beyond your wildest estimations. a very entertaining book. try it, if you like warfare reads!

The most horrible, and exultant cannot be told!

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