The novel Soldier X is about the 16-year-old protagonist Erik Brandt. He must leave his home and family behind to fight for his country Germany in WWII. Erik who was sent to a camp to train for war, barely got any training as the German army needed new recruits. Afterwards, Erik is getting transported to his base and is hit by enemy fire where he must get out and run the last miles to his base. After spending days at the base he must go to war. During his first battle, young Erik and the army are no match for the enemy and are almost wiped out and are told to retreat. As this happens Erik was down from a blast and can see enemy soldiers searching and killing any German soldier on the ground. But, Erik’s fast thinking saves him as he quickly, while nobody was looking changed uniform. When found by the enemy he is tended to because they think he is one of them. Erik then passes out and awakes only to find himself in an enemy hospital where get’s help. From here Erik tries his best to figure out a way not to be discovered by an enemy but, at the same time find a way to make it back home safely.
Character Sketch
Erik Bandt
The protagonist of the novel “Soldier X” is Eric Bandt. The author describes Erik as being a teenager with blonde hair and blue eyes. Like the other soldiers Erik was brought to war and feels scared and home sick (page 3). Erik said "I was caught in the middle of a lie, pretending to be unable to remember things I wish I could forget” (page 95) showing that he feels guilt from telling lies. Erik changes his German uniform to a Russian uniform and speaks in Russian after he is abandoned in enemy grounds (page 76). This shows how intelligent and a fast thinker Erik is. A Russian soldier said "The boy did not remember his name - until now" (page 94). Showing that the Russian’s believe that he does not remember who he is.
Tamara Imanov
Another main character in the novel is Tamara Imanov. The author describes Tamara as young and an unskilled nurse who had long, brown hair that reached almost her waist, dark, mysterious eyes and a gentle smile (page 98). Tamara said "It just so happens that I am in love with a German" (page 210). Showing that Tamara is willing to over look the enemy for love. Erik said "Tamara Imanov. That is her full name" (page 110). This shows that Erik also has feelings for Tamara. While looking for a way on the train a German soldier asking for doctors, excepted Erik and Tamara’s help because Tamara had medical training (page 196). This shows that Tamara was helpful in Erik’s escape out of the war.
Jakob
The character Jakob is described as confident, clumsy, and sympathetic throughout the novel. The author describes Jakob as freckled-face, talkative, and a bright young man. An example of Jakob’s confidence is when he wasn’t afraid to stand up to higher ranked officers. An example of this is when he said "Then you count to three, pull out the red button, then give it a toss!" (page 53). When asked how to throw a grenade. This shows that he is not afraid of the officers and has knowledge about things in war.
