Soldaten: On Fighting, Killing, and Dying

I grew up in a town close to Camp Forrest where German POWs were held in the continental United States during the war. Although this book deals with German POWs held in The United Kingdom, this book was of particular interest to me. I was shocked at how prevalent the ideas about people in territories invaded by nazi troops were. It seemed to be more or less accepted that regardless of any written rules of conduct (which seem nebulous at times), that committing rape and murder were perfectly acceptable practices. Any small act was accepted as a pretext for the most appalling crimes against humanity. The "thousand year reich" will certainly be remembered for far more than a thousand years for these acts. I pray that we do better.

Perhaps, this subject was revealing and exemplary in letting us hear the voices and thoughts of the men that built and were part of the Third Reich.

Yes, as I see the perspective here as vital not well known, how ordinary and plain these soldiers were, yet the Nazi Regime shaped them into people that could obey the unconscionable.

well enough, though the subject matter is quite dry at times

Reflect on how precious choice is and I thank God I have the freedom to have many choices.

The subject matter is dark and dry in it's presentation but was invaluable in showing what happens when ordinary men are compromised by leaders intent on evil. Good leadership is vital

I listen to a lot of first-person histories of the war. Since I don't speak German, I was hoping that this book would give me some insight into the German war experience.

The author spends a tremendous amount of time on the sociological and psychological reasons behind the soldiers actions, and how easy they were persuaded that what they did was normal, expected, and "just a job".

Dull, dull, dull, dull...

I'm returning this audiobook. I couldn't make it through the first hour.

I was very interested in listening to the soldiers recordings but tended to dose off when the author started analysing their conversations. I'm not saying I did not value the authors input; I would of just preferred to listen to more of what the soldiers had to say. Some of their stories where just incredible. I'm so happy I did not have to live through such an ordeal. It's a worth while listen for anyone interested in WWII from a German soldier's point of view.

A good listen if you are a history wonk maybe not as interesting for those looking for pure entertainment.