A Canadian is drafted into the Soviet Red Army in 1941, just in time to be thrown against Nazi Germany’s invasion in Operation Barbarossa. Caught in the vise of the Nazi and Communist forces, Maurice Bury concentrates on keeping his men alive as they retreat across Ukraine from the German juggernaut. Now the question is: will they escape from the hell of the POW camp before they starve to death.

One word characterized the Red Army in 1941: retreat. By September, they were down to half-rations. The regiments had to steal water from the farms they were supposed to be defending. Soldiers’ boots fell apart after hundreds of kilometres of retreating across thick mud that threatened to swallow men whole. Divisions ran out of ammunition every day, and the army could not replace damaged uniforms.

While the officers had sturdy leather boots, the enlisted men’s boots were leather only on the lower section. The uppers were felt, which shredded quickly. By fall, the boots fell apart, and Maurice saw men wrap their feet in newspapers.

Newspapers filled with propaganda about how we’re beating the Germans back. Wrapping feet is all they’re good for.

79% of Amazon reviewers give it 5*

“Written with a smooth prose that moves the story along you won’t be bored with unnecessary verbiage. You’ll also feel compassion for the narrator for having been caught up in a war his country of birth wasn’t fighting.”
—Dana Griffin, Amazon reviewer

“Mr. Bury’s book is a story you will love to read over and over.”
—Tony Poulsen, Amazon reviewer

“So well written that it will make you suffer and cry with Maurice, and also laugh with him and celebrate when the story requires it.”
—Cinta Garcia de la Rosa, Amazon reviewer and author

Read a sample.

Book 2 in the Eastern Front trilogy: Under the Nazi Heel

Book 3 in the Eastern Front trilogy: Walking Out of War