Between Giants

The Battle for the Baltics in World War II

By: Prit Buttar

Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart

During World War II, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia found themselves trapped between the giants of the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. Over the course of the war, these states were repeatedly occupied by different forces, and local government organizations and individuals were forced to choose between supporting the occupying forces or forming partisan units to resist their occupation. Devastated during the German invasion, these states then became the site of some of the most vicious fighting during the Soviet counterattack and push towards Berlin. Many would be caught up in the bitter fighting in the region and, in particular, in the huge battles for the Courland Bridgehead during Operation Bagration, when hundreds of thousands of soldiers would fight and die in the last year of the war. By the end of the war, death and deportation had cost the Baltic States over 20 percent of their total population and Soviet occupation was to see the iron curtain descend on the region for four decades. Using numerous firsthand accounts and detailed archival research, Prit Buttar weaves a magisterial account of the bitter fighting on the Eastern Front and the three small states whose fates were determined by the fortunes and misfortunes of war.

©2013 Prit Buttar (P)2019 Tantor

Detailed Analysis of the Baltics around WW2

I appreciated the level of the depth and analysis into the state of each Baltic country prior to, during, and after WW2.

interesting but perhaps lacking in a clear focus

interesting book with lots of great history and very well researched. however it isn't clear if it's more about the baltics or the military history and ends up jumping between the two without always making clear connections.

Brilliant account of Forgotten Baltics

Prit Buttar is truly a master of military history. His knowledge of the Eastern front and ability to convey it in great detail to readers never fails to amaze. The study of the Baltic nations during WWII is one of tragedy, horror, and incredible fascination. These tiny countries, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania truly are, and were, trapped between giants. This is one book that solely focuses on them, as the great majority skim them or skip over it completely. And these giants fought bitterly over them, using them for their own devices. In WWII, it was the Germans who occupied them, before they were re-annexed by the Soviet Union after the war. Hundreds of thousands, and potentially much higher, numbers of Jews and other persons were killed by Baltic state nationals working with their overlords in complete compliance. But ultimately this is a tale of countries that had never been independent of their neighbors, but were always subjected to rule by them. And they tried to crush them.

James Cameron Stewart's performance is impeccable. He's a master. BRAVO.

A hidden history revealed

If one wants to learn about a relatively obscure area of the Second World War, the war in the Baltic states, this a revealing treatise.

Very interesting

This a book that makes you think and understand that both sides leaders were both horrible men. Hopefully we remember all the lesson from these wars and never repeat history

Great listgen

Explains alot. Those with an interest in eastern Europe need to hear this to get a firm understanding of how that situation came to be.

Surprisingly interesting for such a niche subject

Leave it to Prit Buttar to make a niche subject - even by the standards of World War 2 nerds - so compelling. The little Balkan countries were so quickly steamrolled by their giant neighbours that they barely ever warrant a mention in most accounts of the Eastern Front.

But, of course, there are a million stories to tell even in such a small theater, and Buttar tells a fair number of them in this book, all with his usual thoroughness and panache.

While this is still very much a military history, Buttar does delve into the mass killings of Jews and minorities. This is the first time I've ever seen him touch on these subjects, but given that they are such a core part of the Balkan story he really had no choice.

Definitely worth a listen, especially for completionists who want to cover some new ground.

An interesting read on the Baltic early history

A well written and detailed passage of a mostly overlooked region in World War 2

Very good research behind

Firstly what is very clear that the author (Prit Buttar) has done thorough research. Especially about warfare and developments during WWII. Although I do know historic events of Baltic States there was lot of new information to learn.
Another point to stress is how balanced and neutral the book is, taking into consideration tragic WWII events, but without leniency towards Russian or Western "understanding" of the events.
I think the book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn and understand actual historic background of Baltic States.