Ivan's War: The Red Army at War 1939-45

by Catherine Merridale
Ivan's War: The Red Army at War 1939-45 cover
Good Books rating 4.45
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 11482
  • Added: 2026-03-09
  • Updated: 2026-03-11
  • ISBN: 9780571265909
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2011-03-17
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 2

Ivan's War delves into the personal experiences of Russian soldiers during World War II, revealing their dreams, fears, and struggles through newly discovered archives of letters and diaries. This book humanizes the often-overlooked individuals who fought on the Eastern Front, showcasing their resilience and the complex emotions that drove them to victory against the Nazi army. Beyond the battlefield, Catherine Merridale explores the harsh realities these soldiers faced after the war, including Stalin's ingratitude and the exploitation of their stories in modern Russia. This comprehensive narrative not only provides a vivid account of the war but also offers a poignant reflection on the treatment of veterans and the enduring legacy of their sacrifices.

Reviews
BooksPlea · 2026-03-11
comprehensive 4.50

The book provides a detailed and moving account of the Red Army's experiences, set against a masterful narrative of the war in Russia. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding Russia's history.

The reviewer highlights the book's detailed and moving account of the Red Army's experiences, which are set against a masterful narrative of the war in Russia. The book is praised for its comprehensive research and the way it brings the soldiers' stories to life. The reviewer finds it to be an essential read for anyone interested in understanding Russia's history, offering a deeper insight into the Eastern Front and its impact on the soldiers and the nation.

Quick quotes

    The experience of the soldiers is set against a masterly narrative of the war in Russia.

    Merridale also shows how the veterans were treated with chilling detail.

    It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding Russia's history.

Amazon · 2026-03-11
informative 4.40

The book provides a comprehensive look at the Eastern Front, highlighting stories that are often overshadowed by Western narratives. It's a powerful and eye-opening account of the Red Army's experiences.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II, especially the Eastern Front. The reviewer emphasizes the scale and impact of the war in Russia, which is often overlooked in Western histories. The personal stories of soldiers bring a human element to the broader narrative, making it both informative and deeply moving. The reviewer appreciates the detailed research and the way it sheds light on the often-forgotten heroism and suffering of the Red Army.

Quick quotes

    There is an amazing story here, on a scale that dwarfs anything that happened in the Western chapter of the Second World War.

    The personal stories of soldiers bring a human element to the broader narrative.

    It's a powerful and eye-opening account of the Red Army's experiences.

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