The Sleepwalkers

“The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914” is the best non-fiction book I have read in the last few years. (I could have easily said best book if it wasn’t for Sleepy Marcel, Dreamy Julio, Loudmouth Mo, and Jackal Philipp.) My generation of kids in Turkey were all taught the same old cliche in school: Germany and Italy were late to the party, and they wanted their share of colonies; so they started bullying around like rabid, hungry wolves and started a huge war. I mean, come on Turkish schoolbook writer, let alone Germany being late for anything being an oxymoron of epic proportions, no self-respected Italian would make a fuss about being late to anything. On the contrary, they would just swagger around despising the ones who were early. Anyway, this marvellous book, meticulously researched, adeptly written and lovingly elaborated for the laymen like me, was not only an eye-opener, but also a masterly specimen of storytelling. If you think history is boring, read this book. If you think French are innocent victims in this affair, well read this book and get a hold of yourself please…