Storm of Steel by Ernst Junger is a memoir recounting the experiences of a German soldier fighting on the Western Front during World War I. The narrative is unadulterated by politics and anti-war sentiment, focusing solely on the day-to-day life of a soldier in the trenches. The book provides a vivid and graphic portrayal of the brutality of war, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the personal reflections of the author on his role in the conflict.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by a sparse, detached style that conveys the brutal realities of warfare through vivid and unembellished descriptions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on the author's direct experiences as a soldier during World War I, capturing the essence of trench warfare without political commentary.

Setting:

The setting is the brutal and chaotic landscape of the Western Front during World War I, focusing on the lived experience of soldiers in the trenches.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady, combining reflective moments with intense battle scenes, though some sections may feel repetitive due to the nature of trench warfare.

The train stopped at Bazancourt, a small town in Champagne, and we got out. Full of awe and incredulity, we listened to the slow grinding pulse of the front, a rhythm we were to become mightily famili...

Genres:

memoir

historical nonfiction

war literature

Topics:

trench warfare

military life

psychological impact of war

soldier's perspective

camaraderie and brotherhood

death and injury in war

survival against all odds

coming of age

Notes:

Ernst Junger's memoir, Storm of Steel, offers a unique German perspective on World War I, contrasting with more common British accounts.

Junger joined the German army at just 19 and remained in the front lines throughout the war, showcasing his experiences from 1914 to 1918.

Unlike many war memoirs, Junger's account lacks heavy emotional reflection, instead presenting a detached viewpoint on the brutal realities of combat.

He sustained 14 wounds during his service and earned Germany's highest military award, the Pour le Mérite, becoming the youngest recipient.

Junger previously joined the French Foreign Legion at age 18 because of his desire to experience warfare before World War I.

His writing style in Storm of Steel is matter-of-fact, avoiding glorification while describing the horrors and minutiae of trench warfare.

The book does not discuss Junger's life before or after the war, focusing solely on his wartime experiences.

Junger's narrative reflects a sense of camaraderie among soldiers, often highlighting their bravery and shared suffering, while also showing a bizarre fascination with war.

Throughout the memoir, Junger emphasizes the tedium and brutality of trench life, illustrating the psychological toll of prolonged combat.

The book has undergone multiple editions and translations; each reworking reflects Junger's evolving perspective on war.

Interestingly, Junger was a lifelong critic of democracy despite his complicated relationship with the Nazis, who admired his earlier works.

He described intense combat experiences, sometimes expressing a 'berserk' rage that accompanied the thrill of battle, while also recognizing the futility of many fights.

Junger later became an accomplished writer and entomologist, living until the age of 102, contributing significantly to literature beyond military memoirs.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic depictions of violence, injury, and death, as well as themes related to the trauma of war.

From The Publisher:

A worldwide bestseller published shortly after the end of World War I, Storm of Steel is a memoir of astonishing power, savagery, and ashen lyricism. It illuminates not only the horrors but also the fascination of total war, as seen through the eyes of an ordinary German soldier.

Young, tough, patriotic, but also disturbingly self-aware, Ernst Jünger exulted in the Great War, which he saw not just as a great national conflict but also-more importantly-as a unique personal struggle. Leading raiding parties, defending trenches against murderous British incursions, simply enduring as shells tore his comrades apart, Jünger keeps testing himself, braced for the death that will mark his failure. His account is ripe for rediscovery upon the centennial of the Battle of the Somme-a major set piece in Storm of Steel-and a bracing read for fans of Redeployment and American Sniper.

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About the Author:

Ernst Jünger (1895-1998) was born in Heidelberg. He ran away from school and volunteered to join the German army. Fighting throughout the war, he recorded his experiences in several books, most famously in In Stahlgewittern (Storm of Steel).

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