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anovelobsession's review against another edition
3.0
The plot centered on a small group of soldiers in Italy during WWII. They are told to go up a mountain on a reconaissance mission. It's snowing and brutally cold and they argue about whether or not to report an earlier shooting in which one of them kills a German soldier and a civilian. I thought the writing was excellent. It was almost difficult at times to continue as these soldiers go through so much - they struggle with the weather, with a sniper and their own internal struggles about what is morally right, especially in war. It's almost like you can't imagine them going back home and living ordinary lives after this experience.
james7634's review
3.75
Just a very sad and depressing account of soldiers during World War III trying to make sense of a pointless task to get to the top of a mountain in a snowstorm
martymohito's review against another edition
3.0
I hate to be the only negative review, even though I will rate it 3 stars, but I found the repitition very tiresome. The petty arguments between Asch and Joyner really annoyed me, but maybe that is a technique of the writer to make Joyner an unlikeable character. And the rain! My god, how many times did we get descriptions of the rain. As for that mountain....I got the impression that it was a bit of a hill that the 3 soldiers were sent up to have a look over the top and report back. A couple of hours journey I assumed , but it seemed to take them forever. I just couldn't imagine the main party waiting at the bottom of the mountain for the other 3, they were gone so long. [return][return]Still, even for its faults it is an enjoyable read. I particularly like the short chapters which make it difficult to put down. You say to yourself that I'll just read one more chapter and before you know it you have read five. Speed readers will finish this in one sitting.[return][return]The characters are very strong. Three quite different types and the old man adds some nice spice to the proceedings, especially when Marson begins to distrust him. [return][return]The writer really does describe very well day to day living in war.[return][return]What is the cover about? The one with the man (boy?) carrying the jerry cans up the hill
stitchandwitch's review against another edition
5.0
This book had me so wrapped up that I went 45mph in a 35 and got pulled over yesterday and today I cried as I pulled into the grocery store parking lot. 4 and a half hour audio book that wrenches at your soul and repairs your heart. Beautiful, breathtaking. I picked this up completely on impulse at the library because I was looking for a historical fiction, and I got a book I will read again and again.
danceinrain's review against another edition
5.0
I read this gripping story in a couple of hours. It takes place in Italy in 1944. It's been raining for many days when 3 American soldiers are sent on a reconnaissance mission up a mountain with a seventy year old Italian man who wears rope-soled shoes. When they begin their climb they think it's only a hill. However, they soon realize it's a huge mountain. It's cold, icy and then snowy. As the Italian man guides them up the mountain, they begin to wonder where his loyalties lie. Is he an Italian Fascist leading them into a trap or just an old man doing what they want him to do to survive?
Bausch's writing is amazing. The book is so short, but I think it's one of the most intense stories I've ever read. I felt the soldiers' fear, their confusion, their pain and their humanity. I don't think I'll ever forget this story.
Bausch's writing is amazing. The book is so short, but I think it's one of the most intense stories I've ever read. I felt the soldiers' fear, their confusion, their pain and their humanity. I don't think I'll ever forget this story.
buddhafish's review against another edition
4.0
My 10th book of 2020!
This was damn good, really strong, atmospheric writing, clean and sharp. Three soldiers go up a mountain on a patrol in Italy, with an old Italian man as a guide, though one of the soldiers doesn't trust him. There's a lot of snow and rain and cold and the constant fear of being in a sniper's crosshairs. There's a bit of discussion on religion, PTSD and war itself.
Profound and moving but gives the impression of being so simple. The sign of talent, I think.
This was damn good, really strong, atmospheric writing, clean and sharp. Three soldiers go up a mountain on a patrol in Italy, with an old Italian man as a guide, though one of the soldiers doesn't trust him. There's a lot of snow and rain and cold and the constant fear of being in a sniper's crosshairs. There's a bit of discussion on religion, PTSD and war itself.
Profound and moving but gives the impression of being so simple. The sign of talent, I think.
jeanetterenee's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! I read this entire book in one sitting with just a couple of pee breaks and a banana snack! Sometimes the books with the fewest words are the most profound.