The Forgotten Soldier
The Forgotten Soldier is an autobiographical account, by German World War 2 veteran Guy Sajer, the focus of the book is on the Eastern front of World War 2. Sajer was born in Alsace to a German mother and a French father. Sajer's book has garnered much controversy over the years as to the accuracy of the events depicted with proponents heavily arguing both sides.[1]
Development
It is reported that Sajer first published the book in 1976 in French under the name Le soldat oublié de Guy Sajer, which in English translates to The Forgotten Soldier by Guy Sajer.[2][3]
Themes
The Forgotten Soldier deals with the effects of war on people as well as racial attitudes as apparent by the actions of Sajer's comrades and his treatment throughout the book in regards to his half German half French heritage. Themes of nationalism are also present and seen when Sajer shows pride upon hearing of the French fighting alongside the Germany army, he also shows anger and depression when he hears of the French fighting against the Germans.
Fear is a common theme in Sajer's writing, the way the soldiers often react to battle with quotes such as "I'm tired of shitting myself", or the emotional reactions to events such as the fall of Stalingrad among Sajer's comrades.[4]
Adaptations
A film adaption was announced in 2008, director Paul Verhoeven and writer Michael Beckner are currently attached to the project.[5] In July of 2009 it was rumored that the project was canceled due to financiers pulling out as a result of the change in the economic climate.[6]
Controversy
Sajer's work has been the center of much controversy over the legitimacy of the events depicted in his work. Questions have been based by historians and German war veterans alike with proponents for both sides of the controversy. [7]
Legacy
The Forgotten Soldier is recommended by the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College for World War 2 related literature.[8]
References
- ↑ The Forgotten Soldier: Fact or Fiction. Retrieved 2009-10-03.
- ↑ Le soldat oublié. Retrieved 2009-10-04.
- ↑ Google Translation. Retrieved 2009-10-04.
- ↑ The Forgotten Soldier. Retrieved 2009-10-05.
- ↑ Verhoeven attached to direct The Forgotten Soldier - screendaily.com. Mike Goodridge, 21 July 2008. Retrieved 2009-10-03.
- ↑ The Forgotten Soldier Movie Update - Felgrau. Doug Nash, 13 July 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-24.
- ↑ The Forgotten Soldier: Fact or Fiction. Retrieved 2009-10-03.
- ↑ Historical Bibliography No. 8: Military Classics