Fall 2004 Review

The book Soldier X, is an interesting book. It's style is written more to be read by a younger audience, but deals with adult subjects like murder and the carnage of war. Therefore, I think this book is best meant for junior high student. This novel tells the story of Erik Brandt, a half Russian, half German teenager living in Germany during the Nazi regime. He spends his 16th birthday on a cattle car having just been drafted into the army and being sent to the front lines of the Eastern Front. He takes part in a battle against the Russians and is severely wounded. He escapes by changing identities with a young Russian named Alexsander which he can pull off since he can speak and looks Russian. He is sent to a Russian hospital where he falls in love with a young woman named Tamara. When the Germans attack the hospital, Tamara and Erik must find a way to survive even though their countries are enemies. In the end, they are ambushed by an American company but both survive, but Erik loses an arm and is badly hurt. He recovers however and the two marry and move to America.

The book is based on a true story and it can is absolutely believable. A situation like the one young Erik faces is by no means a unusual occurrence in wartime. The book would be very entertaining to a person who likes history and is in their early teens, but its lack of symbolism or meaning could be lost on a high school or college student. The novel is a memoir of a Nazi soldier and it should be read as a view into the world that is being a soldier on the other side. I think the reader finds himself definitely rooting for Tamara and Erik to make it out alive and live happily ever after. In the end, Soldier X, is a very enjoyable book and should be recommended to all those who enjoy history or anyone who wants an exciting, action packed novel.