Until the Eyes Shut: Memories of a machine gunner on the Eastern Front, 1943-45

Written by Andreas Hartinger

Narrated by Tim H. Dixon

The veteran tells his grandson about his World War II experiences, without pathos, but with gripping, brutal honesty.

Synopsis

The rulers’ mistakes are paid for with the blood of the people. This is shown in history both recent and ancient, time and time again. It was no different for an Austrian mountain farmer’s son who was thrown into the carnage of the Eastern Front. He was in the prime of his youth, and the German Reich was already close to losing the war.

In ripe old age, he remembers those dark hours that have haunted him throughout his life. Manning his machine gun in merciless struggles with a superior enemy, or fighting for survival in brutal close combat, reduced to basest instincts. He also remembers the rock-solid comradeship with his mountain troop, the unexpected gestures of humanity, and an insane destructiveness at a time when the world was out of joint.

This ruthless, honest, and touching real-life account of a simple frontline soldier serves as a reminder to stand up for peace at all times, and to despise war. Until the eyes shut …

About the author

Andreas Hartinger had a profound interest in contemporary history from a young age. During his professional assignments in various crises around the world, he has seen with his own eyes how war takes humanity hostage. He and his grandfather Hans Kahr wrote down the elder’s war memories together. It was painstaking work and it involved innumerable unsettling conversations. What started off as a family project has become an international bestseller.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andreas Hartinger
• Release date: Sep 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781664910652

Reviews for Until the Eyes Shut

[Samuel Murray · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best war memoirs I’ve had the pleasure of reading. By the end. You will humanize every Wehrmacht soldier that went to war in the east. Good book!

[Noski Justin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is my second favorite war memoir after storm of steel. Its written honestly, without ego, and no political agenda that I can detect. Also read very well in this audiobook without undo tones.

[psarijadi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another Amazing book about firsthand experience of German machine gunner in eastern front. Must read if you like first hand account story.

[Andrew Mark · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great German combat narrative! The first combat experience for the author was army group south’s fight for the nikopold bridgehead

[steve farmer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The most emotive German soldier's story on the Eastern front that I've listened to so far.

[Robert Prowse · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very touching account of hardships on the eastern front . I came away thinking how important it is not to judge and treat everyone with love

[Bill Blazek · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Best war veteran memoir I’ve ever read. TY Mr. Andreas Hartinger