Military History
In this in-depth and well written history of Operation Barbarossa (the invasion of the Soviet Union by Germany in 1941) we are taken not just through the key events and military movements that occurred at the front but also through the background leading up to Barbarossa and the political decision making behind the scenes. It would be so easy to make…
…a book dry to read when so many meetings, political discussions and trips play such a crucial role but Dimbleby presents these with the serious manner in which they deserve which allows them to be read with interest and genuine concern.
A key element always appreciated in history books is the inclusion of the regular people that are sometimes crowbarred into the background in favour of making way for the more important big-name decision-making figures. Dimbleby scores well here with first hand accounts from foot soldiers on both the German and Soviet sides as well as civilian accounts. Such inclusion enables one to connect more with the events involved and, considering the scale and the ferocity, leads to particularly involved reading.
With details on resource production, decision making, and challenges facing generals and officers on all sides it proves to be a very deeply researched book. My only minor gripe are the occasional spelling mistakes (I caught a few but it wasn’t too severe – this may be corrected in later editions). It leans a little more towards the politics and overall decision making than the fighting but this is simply focussing a little more on a different aspect of the same operation.
Well written and steers clear of being dry (the arch-foe of many a history book). A good and intriguing read for those with an interest in the second world war.
Score: 4 / 5
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