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The Liberator: One World War II Soldier's 500-Day Odyssey from the Beaches of Sicily to the Gates of Dachau by Alex Kershaw - 4 stars - My Review

Biography of an American soldier, Felix Sparks, focusing on his experiences in WWII in Italy, France, and Germany. Sparks was one of those that survived, almost miraculously, through many battles on the front lines. He was centrally involved in the liberation of Dachau. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a general. Kershaw depicts Sparks as a soldier of integrity who is willing to go to bat for his men when he feels they are being unnecessarily sacrificed.

The narrative covers Sparks’ life before and after the war, but the bulk of it is about his war-time experiences. The author relied on interviews with Sparks and even found a German officer who witnessed Sparks’ heroism in rescuing wounded men on the battlefield.

The story is gripping. It vividly depicts the horrors of war as well as the courageous efforts of individual soldiers. Some of the overall strategy is included, but it is more a story of fighting on the front lines. The reader can tell that Kershaw greatly respects Sparks, but he also confronts the controversies faced during Sparks’ career.

I never tire of reading about WWII. It was a time of great struggle, sacrifice, courage, death, and even hope. I read this book in honor of Veteran’s Day.