Author David Mitchelhill-Green published the book Hitler's War in Africa 1941-1942: The Road to Cairo in 2021. He has published nearly a dozen books, mostly about the history of WWII.

I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this book as ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of mild violence. The book tells the story of the German Army in North Africa.

The book begins with the 1941 arrival in North Africa of a small force of mechanized German troops. Hitler has sent them to support the Italians in North Africa. German forces initially enjoyed a great deal of success. Under the direction of General Erwin Rommel, they were able to reverse much of the Italian losses.

Rommel went far beyond his orders taking the German Army up to the very brink of capturing Egypt. The struggle for Tobruk occupied both the Germans and the British. The book covers the efforts of both sides in some detail. The British undertook many operations to displace the Germans and relieve Tobruk. These resulted in one failure after another.

With Montgomery at the head of the British 8th Army, they began to push the Germans to the West. In November of 1942 US and other Allied forces landed in Morocco and Algeria. They began a push to the East. The Allies were able to finally squeeze the Germans from North Africa by late spring of 1943.

I enjoyed the 6.5 hours I spent reading this 279-page WWII history. The author includes many facts and the names of those involved in the North African campaign. He was able to include many brief first-hand quotes or observations. The book is academic but is very readable. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.

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An enjoyable and interesting read, it moved at a good pace and avoided the oft encountered trap of too many maps and diagrams
The diary entries and recollections of veterans, provided stimulating insights, which enriched the historical recounting of these pivotal battles

I read "Hitler's War in Africa 1941-1942" by David Mitchelhill-Green.

Green's book reminded me what good writing is.

In addition to writing for the military historian (who wants a blow-by-blow account), the author will attract the layperson or WWII buff.

The book grips you with strong storylines, tension, characters, and excitement.

It was educational while being fascinating.
It quotes often from the military leaders and even regular soldiers to get a sense of North Africa during WWII.

A balanced account of the hard desert.

I didn't know that disease often killed more soldiers than bullets in North Africa.

If you wonder how Rommel earned his nickname "the Desert Fox", this is the book for you. M-G follows every battle, the lead-up and the follow-up after the battle. Auchinleck "Auk" comes off as a well meaning, well prepared leaders, but is terrible at picking subordinate officers and replacing them even though he admits their ineptitude. All that was missing from this mess was Douglas Haig telling the British to press on no matter the casualties.

Montgomery got to replace Auk just after the first Battle of El-Alamein, had left Rommel with heavy casualties in both troops and armor. Auk had already set up most of the defensive positions and was just awaiting replacements when he himself was replaced. Monty then did a Monty and waited an inordinate amount of time before attacking the weakened Afrika Korpe.

M-G details each battle with who fought who, the outcome of each encounter and what was done wrong and what was done right. His only caveats were to make clear when either side had been damaged by waiting for replacements or supplies or losses form non-combat problems.

Well done and would have been 5 stars if the maps were less cluttered and easier to read.

A well written recounting of the desert war between the British forces and the Axis allies between 1942-42. The first hand accounts and descriptions of the battles and political intrigue were highly informative. The battle scenes were gripping and held your attention. A must read for the history enthusiast.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

It was very interesting to have access to perspectives from both sides of this conflict. The insights into Rommel’s strategy were clearly founded in string research and the writing style will appeal to readers beyond history buffs.