Members with This Book
Most Helpful Reviews
see all reviews
Liked It “Another wonderful effort from Anthony Beevor. I love this book but find it very sad at the same time. It is not a feel good book which is only right considering the topic. |
Newest Reviews
see all reviews-
“Another wonderful effort from Anthony Beevor. I love this book but find it very sad at the same time. It is not a feel good book which is only right considering the topic.
Chris W wrote this review Sunday, November 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
In order to truly appreciate this book and view it objectively you should read Anthony Beevor's equally excellent 'Stalingrad' first.
The terrible atrosities committed by Russian soldiers in Berlin in 1945 was as a direct result of the terrible atrosities committed by the Germans in Stalingrad years before. The Russians entered Berlin with only one thing in mind; revenge. The revenge they took was hard to describe; Murder, pillage and rape to name just a few.
I won't mince words, there is alot of rape in this book. The Russians raped any women they could find and didn't care a damn if they were German military personnel or just ordinary civilians. Old women, young girls, mothers it didn't matter to the Russians. There was one horrible story of a young German girl who was raped numerous times by Russian soldiers who were literally queuing up waiting their turn. At one stage in the book a young Russian officer tried to stop the raping and looting and was shot dead by his own men.
I would never try to defend the Russians behaviour but in order to understand the reasons why they did it the reader should finish Stalingrad then at least have the facts at hand to make their own judgement.
When Berlin finally fell to the combined Allied forces it didn't signal the end of the war but did signal the liberation of Europe from Nazi evil which was obviously a good thing, its just a shame the victory was soiled by the terrible human rights abuses carried out by the Russians but that is the nature of war
”
“During World War II, some of the most savage fighting took place between the Germans and the Russians on the Eastern Front. Not only was it a war of ideology between National Socialism and Communism, it was often a war of annihilation as well. This book is a fascinating read about the last days of the Third Reich, with lots of focus on the German and Soviet high commands, as well as the trials and tribulations of the German civilians caught up in the maelstrom of war. If you're looking for a book which details all the units and armies in the fighting, this isn't the book for you. Beevor's main focus seems to be on the experiences of those who were there as civilians, members of the various High Commands, and ordinary soldiers. Descriptions of the savage fighting make up part of the book, but aren't the primary focus. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in the end of war in Europe in World War II. A truly fascinating read.”
Marc T wrote this review Monday, September 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“ A very gripping account about the last days of the Third Reich. I like this book better than Stalingrad, though Stalingrad was more informative. I have yet to finish the book. For a military account, 'Stalingrad' is a more engrossing read, which was also written by Antony Beevor. The recorded conversations, and other details are also good.”
Aditya M wrote this review Friday, July 31 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“very good”
John C wrote this review Wednesday, April 22 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Detailed and powerful portrait of a place you really didn't want to be.”
PBP wrote this review Sunday, April 19 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Horrifying - a must”
Øystein wrote this review Wednesday, March 25 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
