Unless You Have Been There Book

Icing on the Band of Brothers collection of books, December 16, 2009

Upon finishing this book, I have read the entire lot of books written by or about the individual members of Easy Company (including Ambrose's "Band of Brothers"). Looking back, I am glad I read this book last because it essentially ties the individual memoirs and the television series together by detailing the lesser-known members of the unit. More importantly, it is the only book available that provides insight to the life of Capt. Herbert Sobel ... arguably, one of the more important members of Easy Company's legendary history.

Fortunately, there is still enough interest in the "Band of Brothers" to allow the men of Easy Company who weren't highlighted in the television series to tell their stories. "We Who Are Alive and Remain" introduces the reader to approximately 20 men of E Company 506 ... in their own words. The book is organized chronologically from the men's pre-war lives to present day with each chapter representing a pivotal moment in the unit's history. There is no superfluous text to connect the stories, just straight-forward, raw commentary from the men themselves. Some provide elaborate details of events while others need only a few words to express their experience. Their stories provide both supportive and alternative views to many of the events featured in the television series. We are also introduced to a wide-range of new personal experiences and opinions that provide a clearer picture of Easy Company.

But, what really separates this book from others is that it acknowledges Capt. Herbert Sobel as a member of the company and finally sheds positive light on the man savaged by the HBO series. An entire chapter, written by Sobel's son, is dedicated to detailing this enigmatic man's life before, during and after the war.

If "Band of Brothers" opened the door to the world of Easy Company, then "We Who Are Alive and Remain" can be viewed as a poignant closing of that door. It is a sad fact that this amazing generation of people is leaving us at such a rapid rate. I am grateful for any opportunity that allow these men and women to tell their stories ... we need to enjoy it while it lasts.