The Cross Of Iron (The Willing Flesh) - Willi Heinrich - Historum

monsieurdl · February 24th, 2012, 08:37 PM

Amazon.com: The Cross of Iron (9780553147872): Willi Heinrich: Books

If you have seen the movie Cross Of Iron with James Coburn, it is not the same, even though it is supposed to be from the book.

This book (originally titled The Willing Flesh), written in 1957, is based on Heinrich's personal experience as a German soldier in the war. What makes this book so great to me is that is does two things- puts you in the middle of the action and you feel as if you are there, and expresses the tension between officers that ends in spectacular fashion. You can find this book for less than a dollar as it is a 50+ year old paperback, but it is worthy of a place in anyone's collection. I highly recommend it!

**irishcrusader95** · February 27th, 2012, 03:35 PM

is the book fiction, i ask since you put the thread in the historical fiction section. i have read two german war memoirs from the eastern front already and eagerly look to get more.

monsieurdl · February 27th, 2012, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishcrusader95

is the book fiction, i ask since you put the thread in the historical fiction section. i have read two german war memoirs from the eastern front already and eagerly look to get more.

It is most definitely historical fiction, set on the Eastern Front. It was based on Heinrich's personal experiences, and it reads as such.

McGrunt · March 4th, 2012, 07:07 AM

The Cross of Iron is an excellent book . Steiner is the consumate NCO , experienced , innovative and tough . The story is about surviving the German army as well as the Russian front .

Bruno · December 10th, 2012, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monsieurdl

Amazon.com: The Cross of Iron (9780553147872): Willi Heinrich: Books

If you have seen the movie Cross Of Iron with James Coburn, it is not the same, even though it is supposed to be from the book.

This book (originally titled The Willing Flesh), written in 1957, is based on Heinrich's personal experience as a German soldier in the war. What makes this book so great to me is that is does two things- puts you in the middle of the action and you feel as if you are there, and expresses the tension between officers that ends in spectacular fashion. You can find this book for less than a dollar as it is a 50+ year old paperback, but it is worthy of a place in anyone's collection. I highly recommend it!

I'm reviving this thread to point you to my review of the Cross of Iron book (if you are interestred, that is):
Mondi Immaginari: Off Topic: Cross of Iron
The link is to my blog where I write (sometimes) about history and (mainly) about Fantasy and Science Fiction. Usually the blog is in my language but I translated this post in english.
Spelling and grammar correction very welcome.

mickey · December 31st, 2012, 09:40 AM

that's a trip. I just watched Cross of Iron for the first time yesterday. Found it rather dull, to be honest. The overall theme of the struggle between the common soldier and the officer corps/aristocracy comes through, but the story does seem to relate better to books, where the thoughts and perspectives of the characters can be more fully developed. I will check out Heinrich.

Bruno · January 7th, 2013, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickey

that's a trip. I just watched Cross of Iron for the first time yesterday. Found it rather dull, to be honest. The overall theme of the struggle between the common soldier and the officer corps/aristocracy comes through, but the story does seem to relate better to books, where the thoughts and perspectives of the characters can be more fully developed. I will check out Heinrich.

But the slow motion violence is only in the movie

Anyway, book and film are different matters entirely