Sven Hassel was much more than a war novelist. He experienced combat, and was eventually assigned to a penal battalion in the German forces. His fictional crew of Tiny, Porta, Sven, Heidi and the Old man are all present here, and the narrative is based on the author's experiences, and those of his fellow soldiers of the day. Where the author differs from other war novelists is via his very graphic description of the tragedy and horrors of war. In fact, these war tales based (on fact and/or fiction together) may be a bit much for the average reader. And I'd categorize the author as being an antiwar writer, in no way glorifying war. For some readers that may be off-putting. But you will find a narrative and realism (even if fiction) in all of Sven Hassel's novels that you will not read anywhere else, hence this rating (five stars).

Sven Hassel books are not well known in the USA but they are very popular in Europe because they give you a good understanding of the German ordinary soldier in WWII. Most of the movies/books paint a very despicable picture of a German soldier. Sven Hassel was a soldier in the German army and all his books are very real. The truth is that most of the German soldier enlisted because it was the only way a poor person will get food, housing and clothing during the economical distress of 1930's Germany. Most of the German soldier were terrified of the German secret police and the consequences of raising their voices against Hitler. A great book if you are interested in some realistic history novels.

Great book.

One of a series of 14 books that Sven Hassel wrote to describe his experiences as a soldier in the German army during WWII.

Being in a penal regiment, they were given the hardest tasks, usually being the first in with the attack and last out when a retreat (sorry, strategic withdrawal) was necessary. Due to them being regarded as expendable, they lived hard and fought hard, this being reflected throughout the books, with graphic detail of their fights both against the enemy in the form of foreign armies, as well as skirmishes with their own people when they were on leave.

This series of books are overall a good read, and are refreshingly different than the majority, which were written by people on the winning sides. They also show, in vivid detail, how the war on the Eastern Front (which was where they were most of the time) was simply a fight for survival.

This book is a natural follow-on from 'Assignment Gestapo', which isn't always the case in these series. As the title suggests, it focuses on the fighting in Italy and in particular around the monastery at Cassino.

The book begins with the Allied landings (at Anzio?) and the general withdrawal of German troops northward. The unit have to undertake a couple of 'black bag' operations; removing artefacts from the monastery in the guise of SS troops and then going behind Allied lines to capture a Staff Officer. The rest of the book covers the battles had around Monte Cassino and describes the carnage very well. There are some poignant moments too, Padre Emmanuel holding mass in the crypt in the midst of an air raid, being an example. Considering the devastation wraught, it makes you wonder how anybody survived.

To summarise, a realistic war story that is told well from a different viewpoint than most.

Published in the UK by Corgi books in 1969, reissued in 1989.

David Lucas (davidlu@sco.com).

love sven hassel

I read my first Hassel book when I was about 10. It was The Beast Regiment (Monte Cassino) and I loved it. Not only was I into all things War, but his writing style (or that of his translator) was completely entertaining to a word geek like me. Fact or fiction...who cares? It's a great read, and that's all I want.

Question: Does anyone know if these new releases are re-translated by different folks, or if they're the same as the 1960s versions? I am not sure whether to buy Monte Cassino or if my copy of the Beast Regiment is the same.

ive enjoyed sven hassels books for over 20 years a fantastic author who knows how to tell a story so well you just cant stop reading

I have read 4 of sven's books, well, basically they are good, but something bothers me tho. In monte casino, I think, major braun was stated as using his 'night vision binoculars', I thought these gadgets only available only recently, well, at least after WW2.

Très bien

Given as a gift, greatly accepted

Brill

ok

A good read