Stalingrad

This book is very well written - it is storytelling at its best - and therfore for the general reader - but also an amateur historian like me found it a great pleausure to read. Beevors Berlin book is recommendable as well, and I am looking forward to read his book on Leningrad.

Stunning - jaw dropping stuff ! (1/1 people found this helpful)

Getting down to business, everbody should read this book.....

Rarely have I come across a book that sucks you in so quickly. It starts brilliantly and delivers on its promise right to the end. For years I'd heard great reports about this masterpiece and had seen it on many bookshelves. Expections were enormous, but they were wildly surpassed.

The writer paces the book perfectly, layering and building up the story with skill. You journey with the troops, experience their daily hopes and fears. German optimism sinks into despair before spiraling downward into total panic. The Russians endure epic defeat before flipping their enemy over, regroup and drive towards victory. Its all told with amazing clarity and passion. The book shocks the senses, you can't read this book with sense of detachment.

Beevor skillfully changes perspective, sweeping from grand battles to individual stories of horror and hope. The writers sense of humanity shines through, giving the work a welcome human touch. He manages to walk the line and resists the urge to take sides, so the book resonates with honesty.

Its a thrilling ride which leaves you breathless. I finished it much too quickly, the best complement I could pay any book. Suffering withdrawal symptoms, I've already ordered Beevor's book on the Spanish Civil War.

An outstanding book (5/5 people found this helpful)

Beevor has succeeded in weaving a compelling, thoroughly researched piece of work documenting one of the darkest periods in modern history. The enormity of catastrophe that befalls first the Soviet citizen and Red Army following Germany's invasion, right through to the encirclement and starvation of the German Sixth Army, are described in a riveting (and sobering) detail. The earlier chapters of the book deal with the events that lead to the battle of Stalingrad, although obviously in much less detail than the battle itself (or else the book would span volumes). Where the book really shines, is it's readability - Beevor has the rare qualities of being both an expert historian and a storyteller at the height of his powers. He skilfully interweaves political events, battles, enormous acts of cruelty, military incompetence and personal suffering with staggering acts of heroism and self sacrifice. One of the best books I have ever read - and one that highlights why worlds should be moved to prevent war.

Staggering (3/3 people found this helpful)

I have read and re-read this book because of its brilliance. It is chilling but very very accessible. The humanity and inhumanity is so well written that it appears almost to be a work of fiction. You do not need to be an avid war historian to enjoy this book as I found most of the interesting parts to be on the day to day life in the kessel and the slow ebbing away of all hope that the 6th army would be saved. The letters home are particularly sad, many were found in a mail sack of a plane that was shot down by the Russians.

This book should be used in schools to highlight the desperation and reality of war.

Compelling and Easy Read (0/0 people found this helpful)

One of the best war books I have ever read. Incredibly accurate, detailed and full of emotion and flair. This is by no means a slog to read, reads like a very interesting novel, flows perfectly. You will be shocked at how quickly you are able to read it. A must buy for any loves of history or people who just have an interest in war books.

Antony Beevor

Reader Reviews:

Excellent book :o) (0/0 people found this helpful)

Stunning - jaw dropping stuff ! (1/1 people found this helpful)

An outstanding book (5/5 people found this helpful)

Staggering (3/3 people found this helpful)

Compelling and Easy Read (0/0 people found this helpful)

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