D-Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of WW II by Stephen E. Ambrose
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Summary
Stephen E. Ambrose draws from hundreds of interviews with US Army veterans and the brave Allied soldiers who fought alongside them to create this exceptional account of the day that shaped the twentieth century. D-Day is above all the epic story of men at the most demanding moment of their existence, when the horrors, complexities and triumphs of life are laid bare and courage and heroism come to the fore.
This audiobook is basically just a biased portrayal, full of American patriotism. There are definitely more comprehensive books available that provide a more complete perspective on the entire story.
The storyline is solid, but it tends to have a strong bias. Basically, it highlights the incredible achievements of the USA and the challenges they faced, while portraying the English in a negative light (although there's a slight change of perspective towards the end, acknowledging their decent performance). The French and Canadians are portrayed as acceptable, but the focus is mainly on the USA. Additionally, the narrator didn't make much effort to pronounce English names accurately; for example, "Warwickshire" was mispronounced as "war-rick-shIre." It's a rare instance where the film adaptation surpasses the quality of the book.
This was the first Normandy book I couldn't complete. It focused heavily on tactics but lacked depth in terms of strategy. The author repeatedly praised the American democratic industrial ingenuity and attributed the German failure to their fascist regime. There was little discussion about how the German army had weakened and become a mere shadow of its former self, especially after suffering significant losses on the eastern front. While it was okay initially, after hearing the same points and content for 21 hours, it started to feel incredibly tedious. I eventually gave up listening to the final 7 hours or so.
If you're after a comprehensive overview of D-Day, then look no further. This audiobook covers the US invasion as well as the involvement of the British and Canadians. Personally, this served as a good introduction to the topic of D-Day and provided valuable insights. However, it falls short in terms of delving into the personal anecdotes and stories of the heroes involved. If you're seeking a narrative or a gripping fictional account, this audiobook may not meet your expectations.
If you're into World War II, then chances are you'll absolutely dig this book. I've checked out another one by this author and let me tell you, they've got some serious writing chops and historical knowledge. Plus, the narrator totally nails it too. I can't recommend this book enough for anyone wanting to dive deeper into the realm of World War II.
This audiobook provides an incredible retelling of the momentous event known as D-Day: June 6, 1944. It offers a captivating account of the "Longest Day" that should not be forgotten. It serves as a reminder of the bravery and skill displayed by the men who confronted and triumphed over a situation that is unlikely to be witnessed by many again.
Trying to put myself in the shoes of these soldiers is mind-boggling. These were mostly young, inexperienced individuals, either foolishly brave or bravely foolish, and I cannot help but have endless respect for each and every one of them.
In my opinion, this audiobook was quite overwhelming. After listening for about nine hours, I decided to take a break because I felt that a majority of the content I had heard so far offered little in terms of novelty, usefulness, or fascination. Perhaps my extensive knowledge of history played a role in my perception.
Although Ambrose is a highly respected historian and the book is filled with factual information, there is a certain element missing that would elevate it to a five-star rating. However, setting aside minor nitpicks, this book is an impressive accomplishment that should be read by everyone. The sheer magnitude and risk associated with the offensive mission on D-Day is mind-boggling, pushing the boundaries of both imagination and nerves. Reading about the countless men and tanks plunging into deep water, facing certain death by drowning, is truly heart-wrenching. The immense suffering and unimaginable courage displayed by these individuals during that time is beyond comprehension in our modern era. Overall, this captivating read sheds new light on our world and challenges us to rethink the things we often take for granted.
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