The Eastern Front: Memoirs of a Waffen SS Volunteer, 1941-1945

I really wish Amazon (and I don’t know how they’d do this) would make clear that this is a book published by the Institute for Historical Review - a notorious publisher of works of neo-Nazism and Holocaust denial. I bought this book not realising who the publisher was, and despite the book being quite an interesting read, I was horrified to learn who I had effectively given money to. 2 stars maximum, and with the associations of this book that is an extremely generous 2 stars!

If it wasn’t for the corroborating facts of his life it would be difficult to believe that the author, Leon Degrelle, actually experienced the remarkable events that make up this memoir.This book is, at times, impossible to put down and is a must read for anyone who has an interest in WW2 or a desire to understand the intimate human perspective on an inhumane world war.The authors love of nature and romanticized outlook make this an easy and incredibly enjoyable read.

A true account of a warrior poet... Degrelle is a good writer in himself...But this is a book a look on the inside and the terrible privations suffered by the soldiers on the eastern front and what were incredible levels of heroism and self sacrifice.

Lucidly written, well-paced and surprisingly human. If not of his particular political persuasion, can jar a bit at times, as age obviously did very little to mellow his national socialist fervour.Could have benefitted from the inclusion of a few local maps, as the section in the Caucasus especially can start to read as if taking place on another planet - author does allow himself to wax lyrical at times. As a geeky type, would have like to have read a little bit more about the hardware involved rather than just "our guns" "some German tanks" etc.Overall, though a really good read and a very interesting insight into a very peculiar character.

Great book