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Sharks and Little Fish: A Novel of German Submarine Warfare Paperback – January 1, 2003

3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 27 ratings

This raw, brawling novel, first published in 1957, is a fiercely realistic account of naval combat during World War II--in particular, the hell that was Nazi submarine warfare. "A German counterpart to The Caine Mutiny" (Frederic Morton), SHARKS AND LITTLE FISH is based on the author's own experiences as a young submariner. "It is as uncompromising, vivid, and unfalsified an account of war-time naval life as has appeared." (Times Literary Supplement)
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Editorial Reviews

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"Few will deny its power or the anguish which has gone into its writing."--New York Herald Tribune
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From the Back Cover

An acclaimed bestseller when first published in the 1950s, this raw and brawling autobiographical novel is a fiercely honest account of a seventeen-year-old seaman's violent experiences aboard a Nazi submarine during World War II.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lyons Pr; First Edition (January 1, 2003)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1585748099
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1585748099
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.15 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.25 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 27 ratings

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Wolfgang Ott
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Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
27 global ratings

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Customers find the book in good condition considering its age. They describe it as a remarkable classic and an excellent read. However, some customers have issues with the writing quality and feel it cannot be read.

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3 customers mention "Age"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's condition good considering its age. They describe it as a classic and an excellent read.

"...Excellent read" Read more

"A remarkable classic. Delighted to finally own my own copy." Read more

"...in 20 years so naturally the condition is old but very good considering its age" Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"0 positive3 negative

Customers find the writing quality poor and the book difficult to read.

"...I am not righteous but this book could not even be read. Perhaps it lost something in its translation...." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2016
    A unique insight to life aboard a British naval vessel and a German submarine engaged in a cat and mouse game during WWII. Excellent read
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2014
    I read this in a condensed version when I was a kid. Finally got the entire book. A "must" for anyone who enjoyed Das Boot or books about WWII submarine warfare. I will not do a review of the book. You can get that on the internet almost anywhere. The book is raw and gritty and pulls few punches. Booknack through Amazon gave me a great deal. The copy I received must have been an overstock because it was pristine. The book came within the appropriate time and was packaged well. The price, even with shipping, was far less than I had seen elsewhere. I highly recommend the book, the seller and, of course, kudos to Amazon.. . .
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2019
    Could not get through it. Vulgar and smutty book with virtually no submarine action and I LOVE submarine books. I am not righteous but this book could not even be read. Perhaps it lost something in its translation. A book that has nothing but conversations and virtually no descriptive narration. The author seemed to dwell on gruesome areas concerning bodily functions and damages. Fortunately, I bought it used so little loss, but it was a total waste of money. Should have treated myself to lunch.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2017
    A remarkable classic. Delighted to finally own my own copy.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2020
    This book has not been published in 20 years so naturally the condition is old but very good considering its age
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2021
    Arrived quickly. Excellent condition.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2013
    I first read this book as a deck seaman on my way to the Philippines sailing on an LHA. Forget about "Das Boot", this is the real deal. In this book the U-Boats Commander has to make an endorsement to the War Correspondent who is about to depart after a war patrol. His use of the word "while" in the endorsement will have you rolling on the floor laughing! If you have struggled through Lothar Buchiems book "Das Boot" you will know what I mean. Otts description of Navy life is spot on and unforgettable. If you think the Germans were all stodgy Prussians then be ready for a shock. The personalities and experiences they encounter are gripping and unforgettable.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2014
    Hubby and I are reading this together (as we do all our books), but having difficulty understanding what's happening. The author is very good with his descriptions of men dying and their blood and guts, but with regard to events, not so much. For instance, suddenly we're walking on land when hubby and I thought we were at sea! In one event, the author describes what happened after it was all over with, rather than have the event evolve naturally, explaining it as it occurred. Poor writing.

    On a positive note, there are some very funny anecdotes about these young boys -- not men yet, certainly -- and their youthful "energy" shall we say. That's why I give it the two stars. We have read just about everything there is on the U-boats; this one goes to the very bottom of the pile.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • christina s
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 24, 2015
    great book
  • Amazon Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars was better. I should qualify this as I saw the ...
    Reviewed in Canada on October 11, 2015
    This is one book where the film, in my estimation any way, was better. I should qualify this as I saw the movie about 50 years ago and had actually been looking for a copy. Instead I found the book, but am still looking for the film. Somebody liked the book to the "Caine Mutiny" but I would strongly disagree. That story played among Officers, while "Sharks" deals with lower ranks and that might account for some of the fisticuffs depicted. Just the same, as I said, I preferred the movie.