The Diary of a U-boat Commander
The Diary of a U-Boat Commander (1918) by Stephen King-Hall purports to be the account of an actual German officer during WWI. It is a vivid glimpse into one man's experience from the start of his position on a U-boat (Unterseeboot), fighting during an intense submarine blockade, and his passionate longing for a sweetheart back home in Germany. In the beginning, Herr Shenk is a stereotypically arrogant Prussian nobleman, disrespectful of his inferiors. Eventually comes to a deep understanding the evils of war and the maniacal order he served.
Readers won't like Shenk at first, but read on! The story (true? made up?) gets going during the second half: Herr Commander makes decisions which will impact the lives of crew and country, but will ultimately wrestle with his own soul in the face of conflict. Anyone interested in the Great War, especially its vicious sea-battles, will enjoy this diary of a U-Boat commander who undergoes a monumental change of heart.
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Steven Thomson
February 13, 2013
Personaly I loved the book but the dialog is a little confusing as he is german not english. Also is ETIENNE a frenchman or is he his german breother? Secondly where is he while he writes in his diary known is burgs but is that in france,belgium,germany,luxubourg,holland,or norway?
Martin Porter
June 11, 2012
This book feels like it is written by a sub-mariner. The technical details and feeling of claustrophobia give the impression of authenticity. Ultimately it becomes a touching story of love and self discovery.
Denis O'Donoghue
April 20, 2012
A stark reminder of what life was like in WW1.
Jesper Hjulmand Jørgensen
April 01, 2012
War and romance in a well paced writing style.
Thomas Nerkowski
February 08, 2012
I love the book it is one of the best ones I've reed it has a good start middle and a great ending and I know it's not a real diary but the writer did a good job doing the book but it's still good and the book kind of let's you fell like you were in 1911 in the war it explained the horrors and how the war was
George Hughes
December 23, 2011
George Hughes it was wonderful to read how honoreble and felting the world was in 1911, and how it has changed today.
Forrest Kinsey
December 13, 2011
Enjoyed the book. This is not a true diary but interesting nonetheless.