It’s a slightly odd read or listen. And I have satiated myself on very many texts, accounts and memoirs of this period. To begin (and I mean the first 3-4 hours) it’s VERY slow burn to start that was at times irritating. Although I do not doubt the books personal authenticity at all, sections of the story are pure filler including interminably long rambles about the virtues of various German villages and barrack towns as well as dry verbatim recounts of military manuals and classical strategies such as Von Clausewitz. It did lead me to wonder if the author was being paid by the line or page ... However, it slowly warms up and I have to say that by half way though the author starts to gather pace, focus and vigour. Towards the end of the war are the most fascinating observations and the period in which the author was in Russian captivity - for up to 2 years after the war - are very interesting indeed. It grew on me slowly and was interesting ... Worth listening to for sure but not a page turner. There are other frontline German perspective memoirs that are more commanding and compelling reads.

Fascinating story from the Eastern front, the story that we are not told growing up

very interesting and educational. its a pity war is fought by common men with similar ideals on both sides. We can all hope that history doesnt repeat itself.

I little dry, and removed on the writing. There are better anecdotal first person stories about WW2. But, this is a part of WW2 that i didn't know about so it was absorbing nevertheless. Excellent situational knowledge about the eastern front from the German perspective. Also fascinating how the Russians treated their German POW's. Worth the listen.

There is no need for the narrator to raise the voice and speak faster when action is happening. It is unnecessary and annoying.

To me it was an engaging account of this officer's experience from the German perspective. No matter if you were an allied soldier or enemy the day to day account of war is very similar for all. It is definitely worth listening to if you are interested in the history of warfare in the modern era.

Wow...what a story! A compelling and gripping account of one man's war experience from the German perspective.This book is read by a narrator whose command of the German language is flawless, making you feel like you are right there watching it all happen during that bitter Russian campaign. Thoroughly enjoyed it & will listen to it more than once

A little long drawn out and uninteresting in Places.

The struggle that the German soldiers were going through during 1941-1945 was evident, made especially easy through the narrator. A lot of details proved the authenticity of his travails.

Narrator was excellent!!! The story very interesting but slow paced. His thoughts on the SS and not hearing much about the concentration camps put things in a new perspective. Good read!!