Soldier X

Don L. Wulffson
55 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
YA
Published in 2003

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Book Brief

Don L. Wulffson

Soldier X

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

227

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Action & Adventure

Education
Period
World War II

Holocaust
Setting

Eastern Europe • 1940s

Theme
Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Perseverance

Guilt
Topic
Military & War

Education

World History
First Publication Year

2003

Publisher

Puffin Books

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-17 years

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Super Short Summary

Soldier X by Don L. Wulffson follows a teenager named Erik, a German soldier in World War II. The narrative explores his experiences on the Eastern Front, highlighting the brutality of war, survival, and identity challenges. Erik navigates life-changing decisions amid intense conflict and personal transformation.

Gritty

Suspenseful

Emotional

Challenging

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

3,908 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Soldier X by Don L. Wulffson is often lauded for its gripping portrayal of war, drawing readers into the emotional and psychological challenges faced by a young soldier. The narrative is praised for its intense realism and historical insight, though some critics mention a preference for more character depth. Overall, it offers a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Soldier X?

A reader who enjoys Soldier X by Don L. Wulffson likely appreciates historical fiction focused on World War II, particularly with a humanizing, personal narrative. Fans of novels like The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne or The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will find similar themes of identity, survival, and the moral complexities of war.

4.2

3,908 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

The protagonist and narrator, X, also known as Erik Brandt, navigates the complexities and challenges of life during World War II, where he must adapt to survive various circumstances.

Tamara is X’s love interest who provides emotional support and care despite the hardships of war, showcasing resilience and kindness as a nurse.

A cheerful and supportive character, Hals serves as a close friend to X in the novel's early part and symbolizes the risks associated with human connection during wartime.

Nikolai is a fatherly figure who helps X recover from his war injuries and embodies the themes of loss and perseverance amidst personal tragedies.

Jakob is a fellow soldier whose transformation from innocence to the harsh realities of war highlights the loss of personal identity caused by the conflict.

As a mentor to X, Dobelmann is a veteran soldier whose caring nature and disfigurement represent the enduring impact of war on individuals.

Book Details
Pages

227

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Action & Adventure

Education
Period
World War II

Holocaust
Setting

Eastern Europe • 1940s

Theme
Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Perseverance

Guilt
Topic
Military & War

Education

World History
First Publication Year

2003

Publisher

Puffin Books

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-17 years

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