By: William Craig
Narrated by: David Baker
Length: 13 hrs and 26 mins

By many accounts, the Battle of Stalingrad stands as the bloodiest battle in history—a harrowing and profoundly depressing chapter of human conflict. It’s an event I’ve often reflected on but previously avoided studying in depth because of its sheer grimness. At its core, it was a battle of evil against evil: two ruthless dictators locking horns over a city partly because of its name. Stalin refused to lose it, seeing its loss as a blow to his legacy, while Hitler sought to capture it for the very same reason. The true cost, however, was paid in human lives, a staggering and heart-wrenching toll.

The story of Stalingrad is undeniably dark, though it is an integral part of the human experience. Were there moments of light amidst the shadows? Certainly, there are anecdotal glimmers of humanity and resilience. Yet these are overwhelmingly eclipsed by the darkness that loomed over the Volga. I suspect I’ll revisit accounts of this battle in the future, but it’s unlikely I’ll pick up another book where the Battle of Stalingrad is the central focus.

That said, Enemy at the Gates: The Battle for Stalingrad is an exceptional work. I would highly recommend it, with the caveat that the subject matter is emotionally heavy and difficult to endure.