Soldat

Reflections of a German Soldier, 1936-1949

By: Siegfried Knappe, Ted Brusaw

Narrated by: John Wray

Length: 12 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

A German soldier during World War II offers an inside look at the Nazi war machine, using his wartime diaries to describe how a ruthless psychopath motivated an entire generation of ordinary Germans to carry out his monstrous schemes.

©1992 Siegfried Knappe Charles T. Brusaw (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

SOLDAT IS AN EXCELENT STORY

A very gripping story. It gave a vview from the other side of the war. I was actusally soory when the book ended.

An incredible true story

A very amazing story of a one very lucky man’s experiences through the entirety of WWII. This is a must read for anyone remotely interested in how the average German Soldier perceived the war. It’s also a great background piece for how the East / West divide opened up during this period.

Narration was sound, but a little uninspiring. It wasn’t difficult to listen to, but it could have had more inflection at times and been more dynamic.

A warning: an general interest in military issues is an asset, as the average readers eyes may glaze over in parts where units, places, and dates are brought up.

In summary, an very good piece of work.

So believeable, an honest look at a soldier's life

This is one of the top 10 books I've ever read. Not an apology, nor a cover up- just a soldier's memories of actions and his personal world, not an overview of WW 2. And the narration is spot on. Highly recommended.

1 of the best autobiographies of a German soldier

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, and for several reasons. If you are interested in a German soldier's vantage of WWII or if you are just a WWII history buff, this is the book for you.

What other book might you compare Soldat to and why?

The Forgotten Soldier by Guy Sajer

Have you listened to any of John Wray’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but he is a pretty good reader. His reading seemed very rushed at the beginning - it was hard to follow because he barely stopped at the end of sentences or to even take a breath, but he slowed down later. His style is personable and really helped me get immersed in the book and in Knappe's story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but at 12 hours, that wasn't practical.

Any additional comments?

I read this book in college and thought it was great. I got the audiobook to listen going to and from work, and ended up listening to the whole thing in only a few days because it is such a compelling and interesting story.

Outstanding Book

What made the experience of listening to Soldat the most enjoyable?

This was an interesting look at a soldier who made it through the entire war and Russian captivity - and came home.

One of the more interesting accounts of WW2

Told by an honest man of integrity and values, who you quickly gain much respect for. Should be listened to by anyone interested in the current events in the world today. His account of Anti-Fascists (Communist collaborators) in the Soviet prison camps, makes on think hard about what is going on today - and the motivations behind it all ;) Also would recommend this book to anyone interested in combat strategy and tactics.

Authentic, crisp, excellent

Any additional comments?

Knappe's story is so compelling because he is authentic, he shares honestly the pain and emotions of war and its aftermath and goes into the day to day business of being a Wehrmacht artilleryman. His story benefits from a wide variety of experience, from Russia, to occupied Italy to France to the fall of Berlin.

Compelling story, grocery list delivery

The author covers his own life and career, which parallels the rise and fall of the Third Reich. His focus is on his experiences, however; not the political issues or overall situation in Germany unless these things directly touched his life. His history is fascinating and his story gave me an insight I had not previously had about what life was like for "ordinary Germans." I am very glad I completed this book.

Having said that, the depth of the characters and the breadth of the story were not done ANY justice by the narration. It was flat, uninteresting and delivered as if the author was some kind of stereotypical extreme of the Nazi automaton. By the time the book was half completed, I was truly angry with the narration. If the main character was having dinner in Paris the narrator gave it exactly - EXACTLY - the same intonation, emotion and impact as he gave the death of Knappe's brother. I could read a grocery list with more depth and humanity.'

Having soundly criticized the narration, however, I am still glad I listened to this. Flaws of delivery notwithstanding, it was moving, fascinating and gave me an insight I have never had before.

Best, detail oriented, overall explained memoir

One of the best memoirs about this subject so far for me. Knappe covers from 36' to 49' and for me at a good pace. His detail is dramatic, a must read for WW2 enthusiasts and Von Luck's is a close second. 100% amazing.

Robotic Narration

Great story- 6 stars. Narrator was flat as as the sheets from which he read. It's almost as though he deliberately avoided any inflection so as not to lead anyone to believe he had any sympathy for the author and his story. Oh well. Rare to find axis memoirs on audio- recommend.