Adventures in My Youth: A German Soldier on the Eastern Front 1941-45

Written by:
Armin Scheiderbauer
Narrated by:
James A. Gillies

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
66
Narrator
20
Release Date
August 2017
Duration
11 hours 28 minutes
Summary
The author could be described as a 'veteran' in every sense of the word, even though he was only aged twenty-one when the war ended. Armin Scheiderbauer served as an infantry officer with the 252nd Infantry Division, German Army, and saw four years of bitter combat on the Eastern Front, being wounded six times.

This is an outstanding personal memoir, written with great thoughtfulness and honesty. Scheiderbauer joined his unit during the winter of 1941/42, and during the following years saw fierce combat in many of the largest battles on the Eastern Front. His experiences of the 1943-45 period are particularly noteworthy, including his recollections of the massive Soviet offensives of summer 1944 and January 1945. Participating in the bitter battles in East Prussia, he was captured by the Soviets and not released until 1947.

Adventures in my Youth is a unique memoir-the author originally wrote it only for his daughter. It has never been published in any language, until now.
Reviews
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Colin C.

It’s a slightly odd read or listen. And I have satiated myself on very many texts, accounts and memoirs of this period. To begin (and I mean the first 3-4 hours) it’s VERY slow burn to start that was at times irritating. Although I do not doubt the books personal authenticity at all, sections of the story are pure filler including interminably long rambles about the virtues of various German villages and barrack towns as well as dry verbatim recounts of military manuals and classical strategies such as Von Clausewitz. It did lead me to wonder if the author was being paid by the line or page ... However, it slowly warms up and I have to say that by half way though the author starts to gather pace, focus and vigour. Towards the end of the war are the most fascinating observations and the period in which the author was in Russian captivity - for up to 2 years after the war - are very interesting indeed. It grew on me slowly and was interesting ... Worth listening to for sure but not a page turner. There are other frontline German perspective memoirs that are more commanding and compelling reads.

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Alan B.

Fascinating story from the Eastern front, the story that we are not told growing up

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Shaun N.

very interesting and educational. its a pity war is fought by common men with similar ideals on both sides. We can all hope that history doesnt repeat itself.

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Daniel V.

I little dry, and removed on the writing. There are better anecdotal first person stories about WW2. But, this is a part of WW2 that i didn't know about so it was absorbing nevertheless. Excellent situational knowledge about the eastern front from the German perspective. Also fascinating how the Russians treated their German POW's. Worth the listen.

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Anonymous

Wow...what a story! A compelling and gripping account of one man's war experience from the German perspective.This book is read by a narrator whose command of the German language is flawless, making you feel like you are right there watching it all happen during that bitter Russian campaign. Thoroughly enjoyed it & will listen to it more than once

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Anonymous

A little long drawn out and uninteresting in Places.

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Kenneth D.

The struggle that the German soldiers were going through during 1941-1945 was evident, made especially easy through the narrator. A lot of details proved the authenticity of his travails.

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Clapbomb

Narrator was excellent!!! The story very interesting but slow paced. His thoughts on the SS and not hearing much about the concentration camps put things in a new perspective. Good read!!

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