The Reality of War

Book excerpt: The long and sombre chronicle of the Franco-Prussian war is an episode that deserves further attention. English-speaking readers have very little sense of what the war was like for its participants. Based on his own experiences, Patry vividly describes the bloodshed and appalling atrocities committed during the army advance to retake the Paris commune. He is also deeply critical of the shortcomings and follies of the high command. An elegant translation of a compelling text, written by a man of obvious charm and honesty, and equally obvious faults, this book is a joy to read. It ranks as one of the best examples of war memoirs written in any language.