In their Shallow Graves

I discovered the love of reading books at fairly late age. I was 18 years old and was a second year student in Otago University. Someone of you might laugh at that, but hey, better late than never.

The book I picked up belonged to my housemate - it was called something like 'tick tock' or something by Stephen King. Since then, I love reading books.

After I graduated & made my way home back to KL, Malaysia, I discovered my dad's collection of books. I picked up a book called 'In their Shallow Graves' by Benno Zieser. I tell you, the book was great! In fact I am rereading it right now! The book is about a group of friends in the German Army spearheading the attack to Moscow / Stalingrad. Love the gruesome details described by the author.

Nope, don't get me wrong, I'm not a Nazi supporter and neither are the characters in the book. After reading the book, I understand that through our own eyes we see our enemies as ENEMIES not human beings. We fail to understand that the 'enemies' are someone's father, brother,cousin or a dear friend to someone.

I grew up watching old TV series like COMBAT - anyone remember that? Kirby the machine gun guy is the only guy I can remember a side from the sergeant. Anyway Americans are always the good guys and the Germans are the bad guys. After reading that book - well, it changed my view. No one is the good guy nor the bad one. But both are the losing one.

I love reading about WWII, I've got a couple of dozens of it - courtesy of my dad's collection. I'll write more about it.