Until the Eyes Shut

Memories of a Machine Gunner on the Eastern Front, 1943-45

By: Andreas Hartinger

Narrated by: Tim H. Dixon

The veteran tells his grandson about his World War II experiences, without pathos but with gripping, brutal honesty.

The rulers’ mistakes are paid for with the blood of the people. This is shown in history both recent and ancient, time and time again. It was no different for an Austrian mountain farmer’s son who was thrown into the carnage of the Eastern Front. He was in the prime of his youth, and the German Reich was already close to losing the war.

In ripe-old age, he remembers those dark hours that have haunted him throughout his life. Manning his machine gun in merciless struggles with a superior enemy or fighting for survival in brutal close combat, reduced to basest instincts. He also remembers the rock-solid comradeship with his mountain troop, the unexpected gestures of humanity, and an insane destructiveness at a time when the world was out of joint.

This ruthless, honest, and touching real-life account of a simple frontline soldier serves as a reminder to stand up for peace at all times, and to despise war. Until the eyes shut...

About the author

Andreas Hartinger had a profound interest in contemporary history from a young age. During his professional assignments in various crises around the world, he has seen with his own eyes how war takes humanity hostage. He and his grandfather Hans Kahr wrote down the elder’s war memories together. It was painstaking work, and it involved innumerable unsettling conversations. What started off as a family project is now available to a broad audience.

©2019 Andreas Hartinger (P)2020 Andreas Hartinger

Short & Insightful

This book, ALMOST, seems like a complete re telling of 'Blood Red Snow', however - given the scope of that piece of history it's not impossible to say this soldier had an almost exact experience. It's very insightful as to what warfare looked like through the eyes of a grunt during WWII.

a good read

pretty good book, good reader, overall pleasant to listen to. I would definitely recommend

This account was well told

I liked the honesty of the description of war. Obviously from someone who has survived it.

Wonderful

Absolutely wonderful it’s hard to put into words. I would be interested in hearing more about his experiences in Siberia after the war.

Engaging

Well written and well read story. This recollection helps me understand the tragedy of WW2–from the opposing side.