Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

In the Line of Fire: A Soldier's Diary WWI 1914-1918

Rate this book
Live from the trenchesAlmost a hundred years have passed since the end of World War I, also known as "The Great War" – the largest and most devastating war the world had known up to that date. It has shifted and shaped human history until today. Millions were killed and hundreds of millions were wounded, orphaned and uprooted, while others were left to live amongst the ruins of a world that will never be the same.

A historical document of unmatched authenticity and strengthTeofil Reiss was an Austro-Hungarian patriot who served as a soldier during WWI. In the trenches, amongst hellish artillery and canon fire, amidst the dying and wounded, Reiss kept a daily diary where he documented his experiences. In a direct and honest manner, Reiss captures and shares the events of the war from a unique perspective, based on his distinct persona as a soldier, a charming ladies' man and a proud Jew. In a practical and openhearted style, his writing weaves the details of the war as he witnessed it into a fascinating human experience and a moving historical testimony.

A rare report from the frontlinesThe original handwritten German diary is presented here in an excellent English translation, together with selected photos and letters from Reiss’ personal archive. The publication also includes an eye-opening epilogue that tells the remarkable story of Reiss's life after the war, during the Nazis’ rise to power, and until his death in 1942. A fascinating and authentic document, you'll read it with bated breath.

Get your copy of In the Line of Fire now!

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2016

73 people want to read

About the author

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
7 (31%)
4 stars
8 (36%)
3 stars
5 (22%)
2 stars
2 (9%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Romuald Dzemo.
154 reviews11 followers
March 7, 2017
In the Line of Fire: A Soldier's Diary WWI 1914-1918 by Teofil Tobias Reiss is an account of the WWI from the perspective of a soldier, a story from someone who witnessed the war experience firsthand, an Austro-Hungarian patriot and a proud Jew. In these pages, readers will learn about the reality of war and its horrors from an unmitigated account of someone writing from the heart of the war.

Note that the writing isnt in the original language in which the diaries were written, but the translation is near perfect and professional done to allow English readers the joy of reliving the war through the eyes of someone who was part of it.

This book is a powerful document of the First World War, a document that will enlighten readers and entertain them, opening their eyes to the reality of what went on in the frontlines of the war. This is one of the beautiful accounts of the WWI that I have read, a memoir that is very informative from the point of view of the war. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Bob.
Author 3 books7 followers
March 23, 2017
This isn't much of a book, but it is interesting anyway. What it is, is the short diary of an Austrian Jewish medic in World War 1. For those of us with no military experience, we tend to think of armies as well regulated groups following a strict chain of command with precise rules to be followed. Nothing could be further from the experience of this soldier. Officers were petty. Bribes common. Rules changed depending on who was in charge. Doctors hid from responsibilities. It read more like MASH or Catch 22 than a real life story, only without a sense of humor. The writing is nothing special, but i found the content fascinating.
Profile Image for Laurie Thomas.
19 reviews
March 13, 2017
it is definitely a diary. some parts were interesting to see what they went through but not very graphic. I did enjoy the photos towards the end. The book is very authentic and raw, and showcases the horrors of daily life in the trenches: being unable to help the sick due to lack of medicine, nearly starving, the horrible illnesses that troubled the soldiers, depression, and so on. It's very authentic as the original letters in his own hand writing are attached. Note that the writing isn't in the original language in which the diaries were written, but the translation is near perfect and professional done to allow English readers the joy of reliving the war through the eyes of someone who was part of it.
This book is a document that will enlighten readers and entertain them, opening their eyes to the reality of what went on in the front lines of the war. This is one of the beautiful accounts of the WWI that I have read, a memoir that is very informative from the point of view of the war.
Profile Image for John.
318 reviews8 followers
February 14, 2017
A diary that was never meant for publication provides a glimpse into the Austrian Army during WWI. Not much of interest, more angst, complaining and pettiness than a description of the war.
Profile Image for Majanka.
Author 70 books405 followers
May 21, 2017
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...

In The Line of Fire is the English translation of an original, handwritten German diary written during World War I, The Great War, by Teofil Tobias Reiss.

Teofil Reiss was an Austro-Hungarian soldier during the war. His diary tells of life in the trenches, admist the dying and the wounded. It’s direct, straightforward, an unique, raw, brutal perspective on the most devastating war that ever wrecked the earth.

The book is very authentic and raw, and showcases the horrors of daily life in the trenches: being unable to help the sick due to lack of medicine, nearly starving, the horrible illnesses that troubled the soldiers, depression, and so on. It’s a honest view on the tragedy and horrors of war, and well worth the read.
Profile Image for Misty.
498 reviews241 followers
March 27, 2017
In the Line of Fire: A Soldiers Diary WWI by Teofil Tobias Reiss is a non-fiction memoir of one soldiers memories and life during World War I. In the Line of Fire: A Soldiers Diary WWI by Teofil Tobias Reiss is a book that would appeal most to an audience of adults who enjoy memoir of World War I. In the Line of Fire: A Soldiers Diary WWI by Teofil Tobias Reiss follows Austro-Hungarian patriot soldier, Teofil Reiss, who served during WWI. It follows his life through the trenches, the deaths all around him, and cannon fire filling his ears. It is written from the unique perspective of a Jew, a self-labeled ladies man, and a soldier.

I personally found In the Line of Fire: A Soldiers Diary WWI by Teofil Tobias Reiss to be saddening as I was faced with the horrors of war as told by a man who lived through it all. In school, my history tended to focus more on WWII and I dont think I fully grasped the horror that was WWI. The stories told by Teofil Tobias Reiss have a level of realism and truth in them that I was unprepared for. The author did an amazing job in holding the reader tight within the pages of this book even during the horror. There was never a time where I just thought about walking away from the book. That said I would recommend this book for adults only as it might be a bit too realistic and graphic for a young adult.
Profile Image for Elizabeth (Stuffed Shelves).
531 reviews32 followers
April 2, 2017
As explained in the introduction, this book is the translated words of Teofil Tobias Reiss diary from 1914-1918. I imagine during that time, ink and paper weren’t always available, nor were conditions proper for writing. The fact that Reiss was able to keep his diary current, even if just to write a few words, is remarkable. Once you start reading the encounters Reiss, you’ll realize his story is remarkable too.

Reiss writes about some of the high ranking military officers who would be corrupt and demand orders be made, even if they were wrong. Reiss was a man who stood up for himself, even if it meant spending time in jail for disobeying orders. I found him to be an amazing survivor who fought countless times not just in battle, but with illness and heartache.

Even after his time in war from 1914-1918 he continued fighting, with a family at home waiting for him. He wrote to his family often when he was away, and those letters are included after the diary. I thought the book was very well put together. Teofil Tobias Reiss was a brave and heartfelt for not only surviving so much, but for keeping such a great recollection of everything as well. I give this book a 5/5.
4 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2017
Immediately upon opening it, I was intrigued by the set up of the book. I loved how I could see the original writing from the author. The flow of the book left me amazed. There were moments while reading that I was completely drawn into the moment as if I was there with him. I honestly could not stop reading. I opened it and did not close it until I was finished. The everyday moments behind the war, behind the people, behind the times left me wanting more. I found myself researching the dates to see what was happening elsewhere at that time. The fact that the author of this diary took such care to document the hardships of the time and even the moments of fun that he and the other soldiers is fantastic. I have already recommended this to several of my friends and colleagues who enjoy historical reads - this is one that SHOULD be read!
176 reviews
April 13, 2017
Line of fire

The layout of the book was not helpful. Every page had to be enlarged. The reports of the battles were brief and the conditions were described as they related to the diary writer's comfort or standards.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews103 followers
April 17, 2017
The life & times of Teofil Reiss during WWI. His family, friends & comrades are included.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written WWI memoir (diary) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great WWI memoir movie, college PP presentation, or better yet a mini TV series or even a documentary (A & E, History channel). It was just OK for me so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.

Thank you for the free Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.