In the Maelstrom

Main Themes and Topics

In the Maelstrom by Myroslav Shkandrij delves deeply into the complex and multifaceted history of the Fourteenth Waffen-SS "Galicia" Division, focusing on the experiences of the estimated 25,000 Ukrainians who served in this military unit. The book addresses a variety of themes, including wartime enlistment motivations, accusations of criminality, and the contentious debates that have persisted for decades. By examining archival research, interrogation records, interviews, memoirs, and testimonies, Shkandrij offers a comprehensive study of both the wartime experience and the postwar fate of this controversial division.

The book is structured to compare the subjective reminiscences of veterans, often starting from their drafting as teenagers, against wartime records and recent narratives. This approach provides a nuanced perspective on their experiences and the broader historical implications. Additionally, the book explores the postwar internment of these individuals in Italian and British camps and delves into the processes of various commissions of enquiry into war crimes during the 1980s. The discussions extend to modern debates about monuments, commemoration, and the differing approaches of the veterans, diaspora communities, Western governments, and researchers in interpreting this historical episode. Given the geopolitical climate following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian experience of this division holds contemporary resonance.

Writing Style and Tone

Shkandrij's writing style in In the Maelstrom is scholarly and meticulous, aimed at providing an exhaustive and balanced account of a contentious and often politically charged subject. The tone is primarily analytical and objective, as the author carefully navigates through the various narratives and perspectives surrounding the division. Engaging with a wide range of sources, Shkandrij presents both a historical and a literary analysis, which enriches the reader's understanding of the division's legacy and the complex identity dynamics at play.

Brief Summary (no spoilers)

In the Maelstrom offers the first comprehensive study of the Fourteenth Waffen-SS "Galicia" Division from a historical and postwar perspective. By employing a wealth of archival material and firsthand accounts, the book examines the motivations behind enlistment, the wartime experiences, and the division's legacy in the postwar era. It also tackles the inquiries into alleged war crimes and the ongoing discussions about memory and commemoration. Shkandrij's analysis provides valuable insights into an often-overlooked aspect of Ukrainian history, making the book a significant contribution to the discourse on World War II and its enduring impact.