It is autumn, 1941, and a German U-boat commander and his crew set out on yet another hazardous patrol in the Battle of the Atlantic. Over the coming weeks they must brave the stormy waters of the Atlantic in their mission to seek out and destroy British supply ships. But the tide is beginning to turn against the Germans in the war for the North Atlantic. Of the 40,000 men who served on German submarines, 30,000 never returned. Das Boot is a psychological drama merciless in its intensity, and a classic novel of World War II.
But there really ought to be a film of all this: closeups of pure shit. Horizon bald as a baby’s bottom, a couple of clouds – and that’s it. Then they could film the inside of the boat: moldy bread, filthy necks, rotten lemons, torn shirts, sweaty blankets, and, as a grand finale, all of us looking utterly pissed-off.
“Das Boot” (The Boat) is a novel by Lothar-Günther Buchheim, first published in 1973, that tells the story of a German U-boat crew during World War II. The book is a semi-autobiographical account, based on the author’s own experiences as a war correspondent on a German U-boat in 1941. This gripping and realistic portrayal of war has become a classic of modern literature, and for good reason.
The novel follows the crew of U-47, a German U-boat, as they embark on a perilous mission to attack Allied shipping in the North Atlantic. The story is told through the eyes of a young war correspondent, who is embedded with the crew to document their experiences. As the U-boat navigates the treacherous waters, the crew faces numerous challenges, including enemy ships, treacherous sea conditions, and the psychological strain of living in a cramped and claustrophobic environment.
One of the strengths of “Das Boot” is its ability to convey the intense and often terrifying experience of war. Buchheim’s vivid descriptions of the U-boat’s operations, from the thrill of launching a torpedo attack to the horror of being depth-charged by an enemy destroyer, are both gripping and insightful. The author’s use of technical detail and nautical terminology adds to the novel’s sense of authenticity, making the reader feel like they are part of the crew.
The characters in “Das Boot” are well-developed and complex, with each member of the crew bringing their own unique personality and motivations to the story. The captain, in particular, is a fascinating figure, whose leadership and tactical decisions are both brilliant and flawed. The relationships between the crew members are also well-portrayed, with a sense of camaraderie and shared experience that is both poignant and powerful.
What sets “Das Boot” apart from other war novels is its nuanced and thoughtful portrayal of the German perspective. Buchheim’s characters are not one-dimensional villains, but rather complex and multidimensional human beings, with their own fears, doubts, and motivations. The novel raises important questions about the nature of war, the morality of killing, and the psychological toll of combat on those who fight it.
Overall, “Das Boot” is a masterpiece of war literature, a gripping and thought-provoking novel that is both a thrilling page-turner and a deeply insightful exploration of the human experience. If you’re interested in history, war, or just great storytelling, “Das Boot” is a must-read.
Recommendation: “Das Boot” is a must-read for fans of war literature, history, and adventure fiction. It’s also a great choice for anyone interested in exploring the German perspective on World War II. If you enjoy authors like Herman Wouk, Tom Clancy, or Ernest Hemingway, you’ll likely enjoy “Das Boot”.