My First Battle: A Sergeant's Story

"My First Battle: A Sergeant's Story" by Adam Mickiewicz is a gripping recount of a youthful artillery sergeant's initiation into the brutalities and heroisms of war during a significant Polish conflict. Initially fueled by youthful enthusiasm and patriotic fervor, the story follows the sergeant as he confronts the harsh truths of combat in his first battle. The narrative vividly captures his shifting emotions, from terror to exhilaration, and highlights the intense camaraderie forged among soldiers facing shared dangers. Central to the sergeant’s experience is his relationship with his cannon, which he views as both an instrument of war and an emblem of his ambitions. The book vividly paints the soldier’s experiences and feelings surrounding his first battle, creating a powerful story of transformation that underscores the intertwined facets of war.