Private Eddie Dr Slovik Summary

“I saw a lot of dead soldiers. I saw a lot of soldiers die. Many of them were my men and some of them I wouldn’t have recognised by sight let alone by name; the hellish turnover of replacement rifles. The image which remained is of a fair-haired, blue-eyed boy, responding openly, the chaplain with a hand raised, the MP with the hood, their breath made visible by the icy morning.”

WWII and fifty Americans were scheduled for execution for desertion from the war. However, only one sentence was carried out, Private Eddie D. Slovik of the 109th Infantry Regiment. Knight has uniquely chosen to tell the execution in the form of a Greek tragedy. Written in short story form with different narrators allowing us to feel the feelings of those around
the Private. I really enjoyed this unusual, refreshing way of laying out the storyline. Others could find it confusing nevertheless, I found it to be the perfect style for this tragic tale, giving us a twist to a remarkable story. Learning the outcome in the beginning captivated me and intrigued by many aspects throughout keeping me engaged. Outstandingly written and well executed “Enough” is one story not to be missed.