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The Diary of a U-boat Commander
The Diary of a U-boat Commander
With an Introduction and Explanatory Notes by Etienne
The M.S. of this amazing diary of a German U-Boat Commander has fallen into our hands under somewhat unusual and mysterious circumstances, the name of the writer being withheld for reasons which will be readily apparent to all who read his astounding experiences. It is, however, a story so thrilling and sensational that we have no hesitation in offering it as it stands to the public, kept so long in ignorance by the necessary evil of a rigid censorship. A particularly human and intriguing touch is given to the book by the Author's very frank account of his mad infatuation for a beautiful girl of his own country who was inextricably involved in his incredible exploits and adventures on the high seas.
Book Excerpt
he illumination consisted of candles set in bottles and some electric hand lamps. The centre of the cellar was occupied by two portable operating tables, rarely untenanted during the three hours I spent in this hell.
The atmosphere--for there was no ventilation--stank of sweat, blood, and chloroform.
By a powerful effort I countered my natural tendency to vomit, and looked around me. The sides of the cellar were lined with figures on stretchers. Some lay still and silent, others writhed and groaned. At intervals, one of the attendants would call the doctor's attention to one of the still forms. A hasty examination ensued, and the stretcher and its contents were removed. A few minutes later the stretcher-- empty--returned. The surgeon explained to me that there was no room for corpses in the cellar; business, he genially remarked, was too brisk at the present crucial stage of the great battle.
The first feelings of revulsion having been mastered, I determined to make the most of my opportu
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Readers reviews
4.1
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Not a diary, but entertaining nonetheless. A love story with some U-Boat action thrown in to keep the pages turning. And it works.
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This is a great book. I thought it was all real.
10/06/2012
An interesting read that skillfully appeared like an authentic non fictional account until the final chapters. The author obviously had some experience in the subject matter. An enjoyable enough read.
02/16/2012
Not all the way through yet but quite enjoying this book. Intersting study of a personality too.
04/01/2010
Like 'parky' above I thought this was an historical account until the last chapters. Beautifully written by someone who knows about the sea and U boats. I could not put it down and enjoyed every word.
02/10/2009
Couldn't stop reading this but I thought it was historical not a work of fiction till the last chapters. It reads like a real account of a Uboat commander. I enjoyed it alot.
05/31/2008
This book is the story of a German navy officer during World War I. Though presented as being taken from a real diary, one gets the impression that this is a fictional story. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating book with interesting details of WWI, and U-boat operations in particular, mixed with a small romance.
09/28/2007