Notes of a Russian Sniper

Having seen the movie Enemy at the Gates, I wanted to read the real Vassili Zaitsev's story and see how it compared. The results didn't surprise me: Enemy at the Gates is hopelessly inaccurate (but still a good movie).

And as for the book? If you are looking for a fast-paced, action-packed war story, you've found it here. Zaitsev is a plain man but he has a good story to tell and he's very direct and honest about what went on and even about his own mistakes and shortcomings. I really got a sense of how hellish Stalingrad must have been during that time, and how incredibly difficult a sniper's job is. I'd never thought about it before. Imagine having to sit for hours or DAYS in some cramped spot (like in a drainage pipe, or under a sheet show more of iron) without being able to move, lest you give away your position, through heat and cold and thirst and sleep deprivation, and once you decide to fire you only get one chance, and then right away you have to leap up and run like heck to another spot and hope the enemy are bad shots. I came away from this book with great respect for Zaitsev and the men like him.

One thing that surprised me about this book is that it's not really very Russian or very Communist. Zaitsev sounds pretty apolitical: he's a loyal enough Communist and a member of the komsomol, but that's only mentioned in passing. If you changed the people's names, you could be talking about soldiers anywhere.

This book is worth your time, if you like war stories. show less

Great book; very well written! Makes the movie "Enemy at the Gate" more understandable (even if the movie did take creative license with the facts).

Notes of a Russian Sniper explains the pervading atmosphere in the Soviet Union at the time, a patriotic soldier's view of war, and shows his development from hunter to master sniper.

Zaitsev writes in a humble, personable, engaging manner. I would highly recommend this book to any student of history.

‘When you return from a hunt,’ he continued, ‘make sure you go home after sunset, so that nobody spies you with your catch. And never get big-headed over your accomplishments, let them speak for themselves. That way you’ll always remember to try harder the next time.’ - Andrew Zaitsev

Do not get bigheaded over your accomplishments. Let them speak for themselves in your appraisal reviews with those around you. Focus on doing better each time giving two percent better attention to each step of the task. Let not Thine own mouth praise thee, but the lips of a stranger. This proverb reminded me also that your accomplishments should be spoken of by other people and not you yourself.

Be humble and quiet and simple in your habits. show more When it is time for you to showcase your talent then it will be that time. Live a simple life dedicated to the pursuits you love and one day appreciation will come for all that you have achieved in your life. Remember the race isn’t given to the swift. It is given to those who take their time and work steadily on accomplishing their dreams and goals through careful goal setting and taking action in making their dreams a reality.

I did everything he asked, exactly as he told me. - Vassili Zaitsev

Do everything you are asked exactly as you are told to avoid friction between yourself and your parents. It is not matter your opinion of them. What matters is the blessings you are giving then by listening to their wisdom and keeping them happy. Especially as they get older in age. Make their lives easier by listening to what they want or require. They know best! Truly! Stop listening to your haters and listen to those who love, value, and appreciate you. Be committed to having a strong bond and relationship with your parents. They are important. Love them through your obedience and one day you will be richly rewarded. show less

Nacido en los Urales y habituado a la caza, Vassili Záitsev era un tirador excepcional, como lo demostró en la batalla de Stalingrado, donde, según sus propias palabras, "maté a 242 alemanes, incluyendo más de diez tiradores enemigos". Este libro es el relato personal de su experiencia en la guerra, sin las manipulaciones con que la falseó el cine en "Enemigo a las puertas". Lo que da un valor excepcional a este relato es el hecho de que nos ofrece el testimonio de alguien que vivió personalmente el salvajismo de la que ha sido considerada como la batalla más sangrienta de la historia: una "guerra de ratas" entre las ruinas, donde la esperanza de vida de un nuevo combatiente no pasaba de las 24 horas, y que acabó cobrándose de show more tres a cuatro millones de bajas. show less

Vasili era un tirador excepcional. Este libro es el relato personal de su experiencia en la guerra: maté a 242 alemanes, incluyendo más de 10 tiradores enemigos. Vivió el salvajismo de la que ha sido considerada como la batalla más sangrienta de la historia: una guerra de ratas entre las ruinas.