In this incredibly detailed and complex work of historical nonfiction, Prit Buttar dives into the siege of Leningrad during World War II in immense and occasionally intense detail. Featuring maps, acronyms, and lots of relevant images, the book balances the information-dense text with images that demonstrate the various stages and plans of the siege. Closely documenting troop movements and the progression of the siege over several years, Buttar has clearly done the research into this pivotal battle in World War II. Fans of military history and World War II are sure to love this well-researched and complex play-by-play of the battle, but more casual readers might find the military terminology, the dense text, and the detailed maps and visuals a bit overwhelming. Beyond the occasionally overwhelming nature of the text, the prose is engaging and really well organized, moving readers through the various locations and stages of the siege with narrative ease; it is a fascinating insight into this pivotal moment in the Eastern European front of World War II. Complex, fascinating, well-written, and well-researched, Buttar’s exploration of the siege of Leningrad is a must-read for serious history buffs and those interested in World War II and military history more broadly.

(The book will be published on September 10, 2024.)

HERO CITY: LENINGRAD 1943-44 by Prit Buttar is a continuation of the book TO BESIEGE A CITY: LENINGRAD 1941-42 by the same author. However, it can be read as a standalone if the reader is a little bit familiar with the events on the Eastern front.

HERO CITY describes decision-making processes and subsequent battles in the sector, controlled by the German Army Group North. The rapid advance of the German forces in 1941 resulted in the almost complete encirclement of the city (in Russian, the encirclement is called Blokada; people who lived through Blokada are called Blokadniki). With no supplies of coal/wood, food, or ammunition, with only frozen 'Road of Life' on Lake Ladoga, an incalculable quantity of Leningraders died in the cold winter of 1941-42. 1942 brought some relief, but it was not until Operation Iskra, a counteroffensive by Soviet forces in January 1943, that lifted the burden. Only a year later, after casualties ran up to hundreds of thousands, Army Group North retreated completely from the area.

The author intertwines descriptions of day-to-day battles in 1943-44 with the analysis of causes: why this or that side lost or won. Based on years of research (and apparently, on sources in different languages), HERO CITY offers the perspective that deepens our understanding of Hitler's and Stalin's motivations revolving around Leningrad. For example, it may come as a surprise for readers that Hitler had never planned to conquer the city, as he foresaw the difficulties of taking care of millions of urban dwellers. From the beginning, Hitler planned to starve citizens to their deaths. In his turn, right after the war, Stalin, who disdained Leningrad for its individuality and independence of thought, downplayed the sufferings of Leningraders, instead praising the all-mighty Communist Party and its infallible leader.

One of the most interesting parts of the book (for me) was Prit Buttar's inspection of the Red Army's constant flaws that the modern Russian Army inherited. Neglect of logistic problems, poor training and reconnaissance techniques, and unwillingness to commit to urban, street-to-street fighting; all could explain the longevity of the present war in Ukraine.

Full of information and insights, HERO CITY is a diverse and open-minded view of the Eastern Front's northern sector during 1943-44.

I received an advance review copy from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.