This was very well-written, in a romantic style. At times, the author romanticizes war, then vilifies it. Not that he is confused, I think that's how they related to things in that period.It still amazes me, and angers me, as a Belgian, how Germany managed to survive as a nation. To call them brutes or barbarians and murderers is not enough. What they perpetrated on Europe in two world wars is beyond comprehension. After viewing the wanton, unnecessary, almost childish destruction caused by the retreating Germans, the author actually hopes that one German city will be levelled entirely, as punishment, retribution, and as a lesson to future Germans that wars of expansion in Europe are unwanted and will be avenged. This did not happen.Author tours the French and British trenches and rear areas, giving amazing insight into the French military psyche at the time. That part, I enjoyed the most. People who ridicule French military prowess have no idea of what they speak, and are, certainly, no students of history.
books reviews