Could easily have been 5 stars....

Vast in scope, relentless in detail, as much an experience as a book. A brutal first-hand account of a footsoldier in one of Germany's defeated WWII armies.

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that some of its impact comes from its length. But I couldn't stop reading it, very more-ish, and a wonderful mix of history and messy in-person reality.

For anyone interested in WWII.