Customer Reviews

Return of Gunner Asch

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The Revolt of Gunner Asch takes place a short time prior to World War II and puts its focus on the life of an everyday German soldier dealing with the intricacies and oxymorons of life in the Wehrmacht. Young Gunner Asch maintains his balance as he sees the changing political climate of his country, and the frustrations brought about by the Army life by use of quick wit, and a truly sardonic sense of humor. When there is a problem in the battery with a young recruit being first crushed and then molded into an Army automaton by the system, Gunner Asch declares his revolt against the system itself. His main weapon will be to follow the regulations precisely as they are written, and not as they are applied. The result is total chaos for the entire battery. Asch, who was considered a good if not ideal soldier quickly becomes the pain in everyone's backside and makes life very interesting for all involved. Adding to the enjoyment is Asch entering in a romantic endeavor. The supporting characters are truly memorable.

The book is a very entertaining read, that is marked by Asch's own quick humor, irony, and social conciousness. On one level it looks at the way that all military systems try to dehumanize young men (and women) to make them soldiers who respond by conditioning and training. The characters are very believeable, well developped and appropriately likeable or despicable. Any veteran of military service will easily be able to place certain people of their own experience into this novel.

I often found myself laughing out loud while readin this book, shaking my head in frustration, and thoroughly enjoying myself. I heartily reccomend this book.

J.D.