In the hauntingly evocative novel "We Germans" by Alexander Starritt, a deeply personal narrative unfolds through the lens of a letter, penned by a former German soldier to his grandson. This letter, a testament to the horrors of war and a quest for redemption, invites readers into the grim realities of the Eastern Front during the Second World War. Meissner, once a hopeful university student destined for a career in science, finds his life irrevocably altered by the draft, leading him into the heart of the conflict against the Red Army. As the years wear on, an older Meissner grapples with the weight of his past, confronting the guilt and moral complexities of his involvement in the war, seeking to explain both to himself and his grandson the choices that defined his life. Alexander Starritt masterfully navigates the blurred lines between right and wrong, courage and fear, in a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is gripping. "We Germans" is not merely a story of survival against the odds but a profound exploration of the human capacity for atonement and the inescapable shadows of guilt that follow acts of war. Through the intimate medium of a letter, Starritt challenges readers to face the uncomfortable truths of history, the complexity of human nature, and the possibility of redemption. This novel stands as a powerful reminder of the personal battles that continue long after the guns have fallen silent, offering a unique perspective on a well-trodden period of history and compelling us to consider our own responses to the moral dilemmas of our times.