★Hero City: Leningrad 1943–44. Prit Buttar. Osprey. Sept. 2024. 464p. ISBN 9781472856616. $40. HIST

Retired general practitioner and Eastern Front expert Buttar (To Besiege a City: Leningrad 1941–42) turns his focus to the latter part of the Siege of Leningrad. With a deep analysis of Hitler, Stalin, and their generals, this vivid volume enables readers to gain a deeper understanding of one of the longest and dangerous battles in World War II and its aftermath. His expertly written book indicates that for Hitler, this invasion into the Soviet Union, much like Napoleon’s foray into Russia in 1812, proved to be a major disaster and turning point of the war. Millions of the Russian military and civilians starved and died. There’s a dramatis personae at the beginning of the book that will help readers unfamiliar with the details of the 900-day siege. There are also maps sprinkled throughout the book that also assist readers with envisioning the scenes and keeping all the details straight. VERDICT Buttar makes brilliant use of primary sources and provides readers with a rich understanding of the unique nature of Leningrad, its military, and its people during a perilous time.