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  • Until the Eyes Shut

  • Memories of a Machine Gunner on the Eastern Front, 1943-45
  • By: Andreas Hartinger
  • Narrated by: Tim H. Dixon
  • Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (18 ratings)

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Until the Eyes Shut cover art

Until the Eyes Shut

By: Andreas Hartinger
Narrated by: Tim H. Dixon
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Publisher's Summary

The veteran tells his grandson about his World War II experiences, without pathos but with gripping, brutal honesty.

The rulers’ mistakes are paid for with the blood of the people. This is shown in history both recent and ancient, time and time again. It was no different for an Austrian mountain farmer’s son who was thrown into the carnage of the Eastern Front. He was in the prime of his youth, and the German Reich was already close to losing the war.

In ripe-old age, he remembers those dark hours that have haunted him throughout his life. Manning his machine gun in merciless struggles with a superior enemy or fighting for survival in brutal close combat, reduced to basest instincts. He also remembers the rock-solid comradeship with his mountain troop, the unexpected gestures of humanity, and an insane destructiveness at a time when the world was out of joint.

This ruthless, honest, and touching real-life account of a simple frontline soldier serves as a reminder to stand up for peace at all times, and to despise war. Until the eyes shut...

About the author

Andreas Hartinger had a profound interest in contemporary history from a young age. During his professional assignments in various crises around the world, he has seen with his own eyes how war takes humanity hostage. He and his grandfather Hans Kahr wrote down the elder’s war memories together. It was painstaking work, and it involved innumerable unsettling conversations. What started off as a family project is now available to a broad audience.

©2019 Andreas Hartinger (P)2020 Andreas Hartinger

What listeners say about Until the Eyes Shut

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Great book

A good read, great account of a man’s time in combat, well read and entertaining all the way through

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Awesome read

Really enjoyed this book very fascinating story of a young mans struggle during the Second World War

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Incredible 'personal' veterans account.

Never read or listened to a personal account that compares to this --- and I have read many veterans' accounts from both sides of the 'Greatest Conflict The World Has Ever Witnessed'. Perhaps 'Sacrifice on The Steppe' re the Italian Alpini retreat from Stalingrad compares ----------- but that is a collection of accounts NOT a personal account.
Written by his son, or grandson, cannot remember which, after talking to the combatant 'round the kitchen table' years after the events.

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So very sad

Mr. Dixon did a wonderful job reading a very sad story. Surviving war is just so much luck. Excellent book.

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