Four Soldiers

A first person narrative with short sharp chapters that are sparsely written in almost childlike delivery. The reason for this becomes very clear in the last few pages of the book. Unfortunately I was not that type of reader who recognised this subtly and with that I was not completely enamoured with this read. I do get why others are and maybe a 2nd read would be useful.

A story of Four Soldiers, obvious by the title, that enjoy each other's company in the simple joys of friendship. All four are very different and the narrator is very kind to each and every one of his three comrades in the simplistic way he tells of that friendship in times of deep stress during the Russian Civil War in 1919. This is a human condition tale and aimed at trying to make sense of being safe from harm when that is all that some have.
Recommended as a short and fast read for anyone that prefers fiction on the human condition.