Ivan's War

This powerful narrative explores the experiences of ordinary Russian soldiers during World War II, revealing the harsh realities of the eastern front. Out of thirty million who fought, eight million perished, facing relentless German assaults. These soldiers of the Red Army, often seen as a disorganized mass, ultimately triumphed over Europe's most formidable fighting force by 1945. Despite the passage of sixty years since their victory, the lives and perspectives of these soldiers remain largely unknown. While we understand how they died, little is known about how they lived, their worldview, or their motivations for fighting. Utilizing newly accessible military and secret police archives, interviews with veterans, and personal letters and diaries, the author provides a comprehensive history of the Soviet Army's rank and file. The narrative follows soldiers from the initial shock of the German invasion to the harrowing battle of Stalingrad, where survival was often fleeting. Through their eyes, we witness the complex emotions surrounding their arrival in Berlin and their hopeful yet disillusioning return home. This gripping history uncovers the blend of courage, patriotism, anger, and fear that enabled these underfed, poorly led troops to overcome the Nazi army, restoring the stories of the countless individuals who sacrificed everything for victory.