The Crusaders: An Epic Novel of World War II

The Crusaders, first published in 1948, is a sweeping novel that looks at the Second World War through the eyes of a number of soldiers of all ranks — American, Russian, and German — and civilians caught up in the fighting and eventual German defeat and occupation. Battles from the Allies and German viewpoints are vividly described, as well as more personal stories of romance and the daily struggle to survive. The Crusaders explores the dark side of the war too, the black-marketeers, the Nazi concentration camps and death marches, the excessive violence. All in all, a compelling, realistic look at the war and its aftermath as the Allies battle then occupy a defeated, decimated land and people. Author Stefan Heym (1913-2001) was born in Germany but lived in America from 1935-1952, and served in the U.S. Army during the war. Heym wrote a number of books, written in both German and English.