Interesting. But all in all, one of the less interesting books I've read lately. Mostly because I didn't feel like it added much new to similar items previously read. The author is a "senior editor" at Newsweek (International), which I didn't take to be a great sign.Anyway, it made for a quick read at the gym.
He recounts the stories of Stalin ignoring Hitler's fairly obvious preparations for repudiating the shaky treaty between Germany and Russia; then panicking as the German army rolls through Russia; then Hitler compounding his belated start by hesitating and dividing his troops, rather than smashing straight through to Moscow. Also the stories of Hitler not sending winter clothes for his troops (limited rail capacity was prioritized in favor of ammunition and food stocks). Stalin did stick around in Moscow rather than evacuating, which no doubt helped save the day.
Also interesting to hear again the stories of the Soviet "blocking" units, and the harsh treatment for any Russian soldier that was captured. Wow.
One new concept for me: I hadn't thought about how it came about that Polish soldiers fought at Monte Cassino - what with Poland having disappeared from the map following the deal between Russia and Germany in 1939. Turns out that Stalin gave permission for Poles to join the fighting in the west by escaping through eastern Europe. Stalin didn't want these folks anywhere near the Eastern front (of course).
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