The Forgotten Soldier

By: Guy Sajer

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 21 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

When Guy Sajer joins the infantry full of ideals in the summer of 1942, the German army is enjoying unparalleled success in Russia. However, he quickly finds that for the foot soldier the glory of military success hides a much harsher reality of hunger, fatigue, and constant deprivation. Posted to the elite Grosse Deutschland division, with its sadistic instructors who shoot down those who fail to make the grade, he enters a violent and remorseless world where all youthful hope is gradually ground down, and all that matters is the brute will to survive. As the biting cold of the Russian winter sets in and the tide begins to turn against the Germans, life becomes an endless round of pounding artillery attacks and vicious combat against a relentless and merciless Red Army.

Sajer's perspective as a German foot soldier makes The Forgotten Soldier a unique war memoir, the book that the Christian Science Monitor said "may well be the book about World War II which has been so long awaited". A work of stunning force, this is an unforgettable reminder of the horrors of war.

©1967 Editions Robert Laffont; translation copyright 1971 by Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc. (P)2017 Tantor

Great book ! Great narrator !

Excellent overall! Good to hear other side and from
a infantryman viewpoint . You won't be disappointed .

DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

I have never read anything written by a German soldier.
I’ve never even entertained the idea of wanting to know their version.
This book was truly an eye opener.
It is beautifully written and many more adjectives...
I finished listening to it and started from the beginning right away.
The narrator does the book full justice.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Their life sucked but they had it coming

They had a helluva rough go of it but considering what they inflicted on the Russians, they had it coming and then some.

I was captivated.

I've read many books about war. Yet, this one really made me feel what I can only imagine are the real horrors of war. It broke my heart at times, and felt as if that young man could have been me. A classic; which I highly recommend. The narrator did a wonderful job.

Good Story

This was well narrated and a great story. An excellent reminder that while wars are necessary evils, those fighting on the side of the evil-doers are often pawns in a larger selfish folly.

get this

one of the best personal accounts of fighting on the eastern front. hard to put down.

Incredible story

I’ve never been much of a reader but I was sucked into this book several years ago.
For the last several years I’ve searched for it on audio. I was thrilled when i finally found it on audible. I just finished it and will definitely listen to it again. Maybe with a map to trace where he went.
The emotions you feel while listening can’t be described. I would give it 10 stars if that was possible. #tagsgiving #sweepstakes #easternfront #WWII #germansoldier

Unusual perspective

A little overly poetic and hard to believe the author had such detailed recall. That said, a compelling story from a perspective that views the Wehrmacht more favorably than Red Army and ignores the German war crimes etc.

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this is a stunning book that narrates the World War II forgotten, or unknown to the West. it illustrates a whole new perspective to the tragedy of World War II that most Americans have no idea of. the narration is superb and the story was addictive. An excellent investment all around.

The story of a lifetime

This Soldier when though more Hell in 3 years that most people would in 10 lifetimes. The brotherhood he forms with his peers that go though this Hell with him will make you treasure your fiends. Your biggest inconveniences will mean nothing to you when you listen to this story. You will be cold, hungry, scared, sad, and have all the emotions that war brings. At times I felt like I was with Sajer on this crazy endeavor. I can’t recommend this book enough!