Excellent

Stephen E Ambrose is a figure of some envy within the community of WW2 historians. He somehow cracked the market open and his Band of Brothers became that golden HBO TV hit. I've heard some try to undermine him by discrediting his academic prowess. I have to say that doesn't disconcert me at all. He is a fine writer, his work is accessible and his perspective on human experience in combat is insightful and empathetic.

I like how Ambrose looks at soldiers as people first and foremost. The solidiers and individuals, with characteristics and as much as he can he will tease out the humanity within the uniform.

This is a great book. It gives you enough to understand the nasty side of war, without detracting one iota from the heroism. The futility is there too - this account doesn't embellish armed conflict, but it doesn't saturate the reader with morality tales either.

There is a genuine critical perspective - and Ambrose is not partisan - he respects both the axis and the allies as soldiers quite equally and pulls no punches in pointing out the strengths and weakeness on both sides.

His criticism of both Montgomery and Patton is welcome and refreshing. He is in neither tent and can see that even in WW2, the media image outstripped the abilities of both men.

Some of the tales will make you shake your head. From the small intimate stories that happened between one of two soldiers in a skirmish or a patrol, to the stories of entire battles that have since been apparently forgotten or sanitised for the sake of post-war recollection.

And by the way Ambrose doesn't mind digging out the controversy and giving you some insight in those situations either.

A genuinely excellent insight.

I also rate the narration very highly - which is incredibly important for me.

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3 people found this helpful

Great book. Awful narrator.

A great book detailing the ongoing battle through the ETO mostly through American eyes. Nonetheless, the personal accounts, interspersed with factual detail is good, and easy to listen to. However, the narrator has an extremely limited knowledge of foreign placenames. His incorrect pronunciation actually angered me!!

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The personal stories adds to the history in a way nothing else can.

I want to read it again. Supper good! Growing up in the '50's, in our neighborhood, there were military of all branches of both sides. Including several of the Danish underground. I heard about bombing London, following artillery barrages..This brings my memories of the men I spoke with AND respected from both sides. Mostly Americans and British and Germans. Army, Airforce and Navy.

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An eye opener

I've gone through a few books lately about war, I love it when someone knows what they're talkin' about, I'd recommend this book to anyone with an interest in war and warrior's narratives.

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Loved it!!!!

What a fantastic book, just what I wanted to listen too. Stephen has drawn experiences from all ranks. I would recommend this book. It is read very well too.

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Good idea

Bored after chapter 1. Not a very good book at all. Promises much but delivers nothing new or of interest.

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