I HATED this book. It took me decades to read, and if it didn't, then it certainly felt like it did. Sample excerpt: "The offensive was launched at 4.08am with 50 Junkers somethings, 48 Fiat Swordfish Specials, 82 so-many-millimetre anti aircraft thingies, 109 knackered rifles, 3000 hastily fashioned bayonets, and a partridge in a pear tree (soon to be dead, blown to smithereens). Oh, and Guernica got a bit roughed up in the process." I might be paraphrasing, and if you're a battle and weaponry enthusiast, then this is hardcore porn, so fill your boots. But I resent any book that takes a month of my life and rewards me with a coma. Three stars because it's clearly well (TO WITHIN AN INCH OF ITS AND MY LIFE) researched, and because it not being the right book for me doesn't necessarily mean it's crap.