An interesting book, but it seems as if the author is constantly defending the soviets. While discussions are made on the incredible toll the russian people took the author seems to try to convince the reader that soviet cunning won the war. Most books I've read indicate the overwhelming numbers and sheer human flood tide was the deciding factor. The author does make some good arguments and provides some new insight, but in the end contradicts himself. While stating the russians did not win because of huge material and personnel imbalances he later adds the soviets enjoyed from a two-to-one to ten-to-one advantage. At times the book crawls and I actually put it down and read a different book. All in all not a bad book, but not one of my favorites.