I can see why recommend this book as an example of human cruelty, but I think you should be aware of the author’s past when you recommend his work.

Jürgen Thorwald was a real former Nazi propagandist.

The German version of Defeat in the East was written only 10 years after another of his books has been published with a foreword of Hermann Göring in it. It is interesting as a contemporary document and Thorwald changed his public attitude after the defeat of the Reich - but it is by no means a reliable account of the war.

A modern work like Timothy Snyder‘s Bloodlands shows human cruelty in the same impactful way while being far more accurate. Again, my intention is not to put any agenda in your mouth but to give some (in my opinion very important) context regarding your recommendation.

Thank you, I did not know that. There are other books that cover more or less the same topic. Such as:

The Wild Frontier, by William Osborn

Gruesome Harvest, by Ralph Keeling

Andersonville, by Makinlay Kantor

I did not get very far reading them. I don't want those images in my mind. I'll look into the book you suggested.