Last year for Vignovic Book Club, my son and I read The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman (winner of a Pulitzer Prize). Her book briefly covers the events of July 1914 but is mostly concerned with the first month (August 1914) of battle. Just saying I finished GOA but my son got bogged down and "stuck in the trenches". Both books take a top down look at the beginning months of World War I, and as I said last year--what a mess. I don't want to start ranting about the ineptitude of old white men in government--especially not now as America is ramping up for true chaos--sorry I mean the 2024 presidental election that is looming ever closer this November.

Mr. McMeekin does an admireable job narrating the genesis of World War I and his book draws on troves of archives and new evidence across Europe to show how a single month--and a handful of men (old, white)--changed the course of the twentieth century. (paraphased from blurb on the back cover)

This book won a Pulitzer Prize in 1963. I have read other of her books and I credit "A Distant Mirror" for igniting my love of reading history. For the most part, this book does a fine job painting a picture of the first month of WWI, however...it left me needing more. I do give myself credit for the selfless forced march I took on to slog through to the end of this book. It is mostly compelling reading but it does bog down in parts.

It is a top down look from the perspective of the bumbling, weepy, arrogant idiots --oops my bad-- the fine moustachioed gentleman who were in charge of making goverment, diplomatic, and battlefield decisions.  

Since this book was writtten much more is known and much more has been written. Off to the trenches...

This novel follows a young Viennese medical student to the Eastern front during the winter of WWI in 1914. Even though he has minimal experience (ok basically none) there is already a severe shortage of trained medical personnel. He becomes the single doctor in a freezing, partially destroyed and deserted church that is serving as a field hospital. One nurse and a few orderlies. 

This book is one of the best books that I have read this year- a fantastic depiction of the ravages andthe travesties that was WWI. I will put this on my forever shelf and no doubt read it again. First though I am sharing it with friends. I will definitely read more from this author.