Customer Reviews

Afghan Tales: Stories from Russia's Vietnam

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4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The dust, sweat, danger, and fatigue of soldiering in the Afghan plains and mountains comes through vividly, as does something of the social dynamics of Soviet infantry units.

Strong sense of the least glamorous aspects of combat and military life.

A few of the stories within the pages of this book might be of interest if you're looking for examples of combat in the hills and villages of Afghanistan, but keep in mind that they will be very few. This is a small book and most of the stories have to do with the soldiers themselves; thus, if you have an interest in a soldier's imagination, thoughts, dreams, and what he thinks about during the war, their conversations with each other, rather than the raids/battles they might become engaged in, you'll find something of interest within the pages of this book. Otherwise, I'd say give this one a pass. This won't be a book I keep around nor is it something one can readily cite as a source.

... Most of it was barely tolerable. To get through it was quite a chore. Read this and you'll be amazed when you think the people written about in this book were representing a major super power. I can't even imagine the fact we were once fearful of these people. It seems the only people Russia used in their little war, were found in some bowery or skid row. After reading the book I am still left seeking the answer to a few questions. Like..Did any Russian units actually go on patrols? set an ambush? Does anyone have any of those experiences to share? I have read about a dozen books written by former Russian soldiers and it strikes me that none of them have any combat experiences worth sharing. You will hear plenty about guys hanging out at the camp beating each other up, or drinking. They will even excite you with babble about the dangers of traveling from one place to the other. (which may explain why they never left the capms) Those that did leave the camps, never seem to have gotten out of their BMPS's. Maybe I'll stumble across that one real good book detailing some real combat experienced by The soldiers who fought in Afghanistan. But this one just plain stunk.