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A review by liberrydude
Storm of Steel by Ernst Jünger
3.0
I’d not heard of this memoir. I found it hard going at times and a chore to finish. However, it’s still worth the read as Jünger has some great observations about life and fighting that resonate. Orders are orders but not always. He quickly distinguished himself by his daring and leadership. As one who thought he was going to die at least several times his writing is pure and authentic.
I was pretty much in awe of his sangfroid on steroids- sunbathing while being shelled. His descriptions of maddening shelling are matter of fact. Four years in trenches. Enlisted to officer. Wounded eleven times. More lives than a cat. Lucky. How can you not be a bullet magnet through four years on the front lines in the trenches? Maybe it should be called Balls of Steel.
He was one of only eleven infantryman to be awarded the Pour le Mérite. He lost his Iron Cross while assaulting a position and under fire he and his batman calmly searched for it.
One of the surprising takeaways was his description of life in occupied France. It was from his perspective a very friendly occupation. He would be quartered in a French family’s home and enjoy their company. Of course I’m sure the French had a very different take.
To improve the reading experience there need to be footnotes from a professional military historian explaining Jünger’s company grade experience in terms of the big strategic picture. Maps need to be included. An appendix with a chronology of units and battles as well as a list of medals and decorations earned by Jünger would be beneficial too.
It’s sad that everyone knows about the fictional “All Quiet on the Western Front” but few know of this factual memoir. Everyone talks about PTSD these days and considering the carnage Jünger witnessed one wouldn’t be surprised if he had turned inward. But he lived to the age of 102 and had a fascinating and stimulating life.
I was pretty much in awe of his sangfroid on steroids- sunbathing while being shelled. His descriptions of maddening shelling are matter of fact. Four years in trenches. Enlisted to officer. Wounded eleven times. More lives than a cat. Lucky. How can you not be a bullet magnet through four years on the front lines in the trenches? Maybe it should be called Balls of Steel.
He was one of only eleven infantryman to be awarded the Pour le Mérite. He lost his Iron Cross while assaulting a position and under fire he and his batman calmly searched for it.
One of the surprising takeaways was his description of life in occupied France. It was from his perspective a very friendly occupation. He would be quartered in a French family’s home and enjoy their company. Of course I’m sure the French had a very different take.
To improve the reading experience there need to be footnotes from a professional military historian explaining Jünger’s company grade experience in terms of the big strategic picture. Maps need to be included. An appendix with a chronology of units and battles as well as a list of medals and decorations earned by Jünger would be beneficial too.
It’s sad that everyone knows about the fictional “All Quiet on the Western Front” but few know of this factual memoir. Everyone talks about PTSD these days and considering the carnage Jünger witnessed one wouldn’t be surprised if he had turned inward. But he lived to the age of 102 and had a fascinating and stimulating life.