A powerful novel reflecting on the futility of war, portraying a young member of the Nazi party who experiences many war atrocities as he finds himself fighting on behalf of the Russians during the Second World War.

Nofel gref yn myfyrio ar oferedd rhyfel wrth bortreadu bywyd aelod ifanc o'r Natsïaid sy'n ei ganfod ei hun yn ymladd ar ran y Rwsia id yn ystod yr Ail Ryfel Byd.

Well plotted and intricately researched, Ratcliffe’s extraordinary tale follows a young man’s plunge into the hellish depths of war and his struggle to cope with the suspicions, heartache and contradictions inherent in the conflict. Building up tension with every deft flick of the page, the naivety of the young protagonist belies what he will face in later life, and forces him to adjust rapidly in his dizzying rise up the ranks. Ratcliffe firmly symbolises his character’s stolen innocence and inhuman suffering as the youngster is used by his superiors, and cast with suspicion at almost every turn.

The author also ensures that no event goes unaccounted for, and a keen memory for names and organisations is necessary, as he guides the reader through the real world of wartime. Indeed, one can almost hear the stamping of the boots and smell the ravages of bomb-strewn Germany. Also, to the credit of this novel, the increasingly complex pieces of this tale slot together in a concise fashion that suggests the author lived, slept and breathed his work during the completion of this book.

Often mind boggling, always compulsive, this is not an easy read. Persevere, however, and unleash a ‘behind the lines’ experience akin to no other I have experienced.

Jack Clothier

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgement should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

Gellir defnyddio’r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.