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Guy Sajer - The Forgotten Soldier - a book review

9/18/2013

8 Comments

 
PictureThe Forgotten Soldier - Guy Sajer
I have just finished “The Forgotten Soldier” written by Guy Sajer. The book is an account of the author’s experiences fighting in the German army on the Russian front from 1942-1945.

The autobiography is Sajer’s efforts at conveying the sheer horror of war and its psychological impact upon him.  The account is not a factual, historical account of the Wehrmacht’s Russian campaign but rather a recording of the emotional and physical destruction wrought upon him by constant fear, constant danger, continual loss of life, hunger, sickness, appalling winter weather and the complete loss of hope.

Sajer conveys his journey from an innocent 17 year old to a burnt out, emotionally scarred, wreck at 20 - whose mother didn’t even recognise him when he got home. Sajer’s bitterness is apparent throughout and the book is not easy or comfortable reading - in fact much of it is frankly depressing, but it is poignant and fascinating nonetheless.

The author makes no attempt to portray himself as a brave, heroic character or even to suggest his suffering was any different to his colleagues (in fact his belief in his pals was greater than his belief in himself).

Sajer’s survival is an incredible story of triumph over adversity, but it is not a celebration.  If you ever bemoan your lot, this account will make you realise just how lucky you are.

His honesty made me wonder how on earth I’d cope with even a fraction of his challenges. It also made me extremely grateful that I have never had to have the same experiences. 

More than twenty years ago now, I used to have a girlfriend whose grandfather fought in the British Navy in WW2. He was a bit like Grandad, or Uncle Albert form “Only Fools and Horses” in the sense that almost every tale he had to tell was based around an experience in the war.

I always listened, took an interest and asked questions, but at the back of my mind was the observation that his life in the years since the war must have lacked something – he’d got married, had kids, they in turn provided grandchildren, he worked until he retired and yet his life still revolved around 5/6 years of his 70-80 year life span. Being honest, I used to feel a little sad for him because by contrast, I was always looking forward to the next experience rather than reflecting on old ones.

Reading “The Forgotten Soldier” though helped me understand how soldiers, sailors, airmen could become so affected. After such terrible wartime experiences, day-to-day, normal life must have seemed vacuous, mundane, lethargic and pointless. Sajer undoubtedly wrote about his experiences to help him recover, Sue’s grandad was happy to talk.       

Having finished the book, I’d like to know how Sajer has lived his life since the end of the Second World War. I understand that he is still alive and that puts him in his late eighties; it is quite fitting that he should live for so long after facing so much hardship – during the war he thought every day would be his last and yet 68 years later he’s still alive.

Finally, this is a word-of-mouth book – my dad was lent it by a friend, he then passed it to me, I am now recommending it to you. Next time you think about reading an autobiography, don’t pick up some trashy outpouring from some starlet or short-term celebrity, read “The Forgotten Soldier” instead – it’s deep and meaningful and well worth the investment of your time.

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8 Comments
angus
8/25/2018 07:20:10 am

I'm so surprised that I'm the first to comment. I'm so grateful for that Guy Sajer made the effort to record his thoughts and experiences exactly the way he did. Its interesting to hear things from a simple soldiers point of view; I fully appreciate his explanations regarding the historical details. His experiences put my own life into sharp perspective and make me thankful for the relatively peaceful world we live in.

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Grant hermes
4/26/2020 03:53:57 am

I have read the book several times the first time being 30 years ago and I have just finished reading it again recently .I love the book and will read it again no doubt.No other war matches the eastern front during the second world war for it savagery and hatred by the participants.

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Adrian link
4/28/2020 06:10:25 am

Hi Grant,
Thanks for reading the post and then taking the time to get in touch. I have read the book again since writing this article and have also lent my copy to others too.
Best regards, Adrian

Adrian Baldwin link
9/17/2018 01:30:12 pm

Hi Angus,

Thanks for visiting, reading the post and commenting too. Sorry it has taken me a while to respond. In the five years since I published the post, I haven't read a more thought provoking account of war time survival.

On that matter though, another recommendation from me is Geoffrey Wellum's "First Light", have a read of that if you haven't already. It's compelling stuff too.

Best regards,

Adrian

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Richard Stephens
9/22/2018 05:31:24 pm

Sir, I just finished “The Forgotten Soldier” approximately one hour ago and am in a most excited mood! I’ve read many autobiographies spanning many wars but must say this, by far, was the most exceptional! I was aware of the high casualties involved in the Eastern Theater of WWII but am now aware of “why” this is true. I have participated in two different branches of the US military but must say my experiences are not even close and I feel very fortunate that this is the case. My next read is “Blood Red Snow” and hope for more “eastern front” insight! Thanks!

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Adrian Baldwin link
10/10/2018 06:21:30 am

Hi Richard,

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I am pleased that you enjoyed the book too. When those with military backgrounds themselves find Sajer's account compelling, it goes to prove how good a body of work it is.

Kind regards,

Adrian

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Norah Dean
7/23/2020 09:08:59 pm

I was born in 1922 and served 4 years in the WAAF which to me was a wonderful experience, giving me much confidence throughout my long life. I read Sajer's book and found it fascinating. In 1940 we all thought the War would be over by Christmas, but it was really only just starting. The Blitz on London was nothing compared to the battle berween Russia and Germany. In a way Sajer's was lucky, he never experienced the evil genocidal carpet bombing of German cities 1943 to 1945, followed by 3 vicious years of brutal Occupation. I served in the Control Commission for those three years and we heard rumours of how harsh it was in the Russian Sector.



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Adrian link
7/25/2020 05:39:35 am

Hi Norah,

Thank you ever so much for taking the time to get in touch and to share your thoughts and memories.

It's an interesting refection that as bad as anything ever seems, one always has scope to be grateful that an experience wasn't even worse.

I have read accounts of the destruction of Dresden in particular, viewed as the worst non-nuclear bombing in history. People suffocated in the streets because the firestorm was consuming all the available oxygen. I wonder if Sajer ever considered himself lucky to be elsewhere whilst that was taking place?

I hope that if I ever get anywhere even close to your age and status, I'll still be reading, writing and thinking clearly. I haven't had the pleasure of engaging with many of your generation in the course of writing for my site, and so I feel honoured that you found me and contributed to the dialogue.

Best regards,

Adrian

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