About this book
Antony Beevor's account of the Battle of Stalingrad follows the German invasion of the Soviet Union, the advance of the Sixth Army toward the Volga in 1942 and the savage fighting inside the city that followed. It ends with the Soviet counteroffensive that encircled the German forces and forced their surrender early in 1943.
Beevor draws on archives from both sides, along with letters, diaries and interviews, to show the battle from many levels at once. Readers see the strategic gambles made by Hitler and Stalin, the decisions of commanders on the ground, and the hunger, cold and fear endured by soldiers and the civilians trapped in the ruins.
The book stands out for its unflinching honesty about suffering on both sides and for its clear explanation of why Stalingrad mattered so much to the outcome of the war. It is grim reading at times, handled with seriousness and restraint. For the wider context, pair it with The Second World War.
Who it’s for
Suited to readers interested in military history and the Eastern Front; vivid and readable, though some scenes of combat and hardship are harrowing.
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