The third book in Cornelius Ryan’s World War
Two reportage trilogy (following on from the better known ‘The Longest Day’
telling the story of the D-day landings and ‘A Bridge Too Far’ which covered
the ill-fated attempt to take Arnhem) takes for its subject the final days of
the war in Europe, leading to the fall of Berlin.
As in the previous volumes, events unfold
through the lives and experience of the survivors – named British, American,
Russian and German soldiers, politicians and diplomats, and also the (mainly
German) civilians caught in the crossfire. Ryan weaves their testimony,
acquired through numerous interviews, with military and governmental records of
the time to produce a coherent and compelling narrative.
The result is a riveting read. Although the
outcome of the battle is history, how it unfolded, how the key strategic and
political decisions were arrived at, and the effects of these on individuals,
be they combatants or civilians, ensures interest is maintained to the bitter end.
Light is shed for example on why the Western
Allies left Berlin to the Russians, what the fate was of ordinary Berliners
once the defences were breached, and on Hitler’s mind set and actions during
those last days in the bunker.
Troop manoeuvres and combat are covered, but
the main thrust is not military tactics but the impact on individual men and
women. Like any cross section, these individuals include heroes and cowards,
saints and villains, as well as those who just kept their head down or took
their own lives in despair.
A good book in its own right and a fitting
final volume to the trilogy.
No comments:
Post a Comment