My other first thought was that I had read a book named "The Forgotten Soldier" about the Eastern front several decades ago, but that was a novel and not a memoir, as the book by Sajer appears to be. So I am no help on that one.
Correct.
My other first thought was that I had read a book named "The Forgotten Soldier" about the Eastern front several decades ago, but that was a novel and not a memoir, as the book by Sajer appears to be. So I am no help on that one.
The book's authenticity is hotly contested but I believe plausible explanations exist for every argument I've read against the book.
As those who have read the book know, Sajer's account becomes especially intense starting with Operation Citadel. With Operation Citadel set to commence on these threads, it would be interesting to hear any opinions about the book from thread followers.
Because the first section of the book dealing with boot camp and his service in a supply unit contrasts so sharply with his experience in a combat unit, I would not be surprised if the first part was Sajer's own account while the second part was the experience of someone else who Sajer was ghostwriting for.
That a portion of the book may have been ghostwritten whose cuff-title may have been worn on the left sleeve does not in my opinion take away from the account.