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Seven Roads to Hell: A Screaming Eagle at Bastogne
: I'm an avid history reader, but have read little about WWII. After reading Citizen Soldier, I found this book in the library and loved it. Great insight to the Battle for Bastogne, which was a significant part of the Battle of the Bulge. Burgett's grim descriptions of battle are as good as any book concerning a soldier's tenuous life on the front. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
I read this book after a recent visit to Bastogne, Malmedy, St. Vith & other areas which are central to the Bulge story. The author's account of the defense of Bastogne, against battle tested German troops with at least a 9 to 1 advantage over the Americans, is riveting in all respects. His story is told from the perspective of the average GI, not a latter day historian. As such, it puts the reader in the foxholes with them as wave after wave of Nazi troops & tanks attempt to capture Bastogne. This book should be read by all who are interested in the history of WWII.
This is one of the BEST 1st person accounts of the European theater of WW2 i've ever read. Don provides such detail that the reader is easily drawn in and absorbed in the moment. (How did he remember it all?). Most interesting are his thoughts about personal encounters with the enemy after his various skirmishes. I can almost feel the cold as i read about the GIs' lack of warm clothing, sleep, and food. It's a wonder anyone came out of that alive. Can't recommend this book highly enough.
Donald Burgett's memoir is one of the few memoirs of the Bulge as seen from the "Sharp end." Here, what became a legend is brought vividly to life. Burgett's Bastogne is a violent place, where men die quickly and violently. His account of the German assault on Noville is particularly harrowing. Burgett confesses to the reader his own amazement at having survived the maelstrom. There is no sugar coating or glossing over the details here. The soldiers' language is recreated faithfully and honestly (in short, plenty of profanity), and so are the bonds that the men develop in such atrocious circumstances. Be warned: "Seven Roads" isn't a pleasant read. It's graphic and Burgett holds nothing back in telling his story. After reading this, the reader might wish to rent or buy the movie, "Battleground," which also takes place in Bastogne. Burgett's words and "Battleground's" visuals will give as complete a picture of the siege as possible for one not having been there.
The experiences recorded by the author in his book are gripping and seem almost beyond human understanding. I am priviledged to be an honorary member of a D-day club which includes several former paratroopers who were at Bastogne. Their accounts of the battle confirm the accuracy of the author's descriptions. Readers of this book will find it heartbreaking to read of the magnitude of this carnage. It should be read by all so that the horror and insanity of war is grasped and avoided at any cost in the future. Well done Trooper Burgett!
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