S. Taylor

An Outstanding book on the battle for Normandy.

Revisado: 11-09-24

To start off this review a bit of background on how I discovered this book. I bought an Audible copy of “Sicily ‘43” by James Holland, and found it to be one of the most slanted, poorly written, and biased books on a WWII campaign I’d ever listened to or read. In reading the few 1 star reviews I discovered D’Este’s book “Bitter Victory” on the invasion and conquest of Sicily. That book turned out to be not only excellent, but was an incredibly even handed retelling of the Sicily campaign. I then looked up other books by D’Este and discovered this book, so I bought an Audible edition, then a short time later a second hand copy because the book is now out of print. Plus, when I discover a top notch book I always try to buy a print edition for my permanent library. Electronic and Audible editions are handy, but if you ever lack an electronic device, you no longer have access to any of them. With a hard copy, you have it forever (unless of course, as my son-in-law pointed out, there is a fire).

Now to the review.

Carlo D’Este writes with extensive research behind every word. Beginning with “Part 1: The Great Endeavor” (chs. 1-6] he lays out what led up to, and hindered, the final decision(s) on when and how to make the cross Channel assault onto the Normandy beaches. This part really helps set up the how and why the decisions were made, how the original, and final plans, for Overlord took shape, who was selected for the top commands, and much more.

“Part II: Invasion” (chs. 7-18) covers, in the invasion, but goes into greater detail on the British/Canadian 2nd Army struggle to take Caen. In doing this many myths that have grown up are delved into, most are shattered, but some are confirmed. The information provided is amazing. The struggles of the fighting men, the mistakes made by commanders, both German and Allied, leading to a near stalemate in the eastern portion of the invasion.

Through much of the book the US invasion is discussed in less detail, and generally in relation to what is happening around Caen, and the attempt to capture the city and surrounding territory, which was to lead to and allow the British and Canadians to breakout and head east toward Paris. (This is later done by the US Army, which was much farther west than the British, by Patton’s Third Army. This resulted from the difficulties General Montgomery ran into around Caen. Of course the capture of the city/port of Cherbourg by the US forces was a high priority, with the object of bringing supplies into France through this port, which Montgomery acknowledged as being of great importance.)

It also covers the aspect of Britains beginning to run low on replacements. After several years of warfare, and with a smaller population than the United States, even with Canada providing large numbers of men, it was getting difficult for the UK to get the number of replacements it needed to fill the ranks with the rising number of casualties (killed, wounded & missing) plus those lost as prisoners of war. However, it was discovered shortly before this book was published, that there were in fact over 100,000 replacements in the UK! Yet they struggled with replacements to the end of the war. This was an astounding result of D’Este’s research, but he could not explain why this was not known or taken advantage of by the British Army, being starved for replacements. Montgomery was forced had to disband units that were under strength, to bring other units back to fighting strength. D’Este states that Churchill must have known about these men, but it’s not known why they weren’t used by the British in their world wide desperate need for replacements.

One of the difficulties I found most interesting was the problems and vast differences of opinions between the Army and the various parts of the Allied Expeditionary Air Forces (particularly between the British themselves). Clashing personalities, big egos, arguments over who was to control what; what the Tactical, and especially the Bomber forces, were to do in cooperation with the Allied Armies. It was later worked out to a great extent, but Bomber Command was generally against the use of its strategic bombers (medium & heavies) for anything except for the strategic bombing of Germany. They still strongly believed that bombing alone would make Germany surrender (proven wrong).

“Part III: Breakout.” This is a most interesting part. What it eventually took to bring about the breakout, both the problems and successes. Chapter 25. The Great Encirclement is fascinating, and is followed up in…

“Part IV: Aftermath” which begins with Chapter 26: The Falaise Controversy; which is about the near annihilation of a large portion of what was left of the German army attempting to escape through the Falaise pocket, as the jaws of the Allies, British and US, attempted to capture the retreating Germans. An aside on this topic: In one chapter of the fascinating book “D-DAY THROUGH GERMAN EYES” by HOLGER ECKHERTZ (available in paperback and Audible editions) you’ll get a clear picture of one German soldier’s opinion of what happened to the soldiers who did not make it out, and you will clearly see even more starkly why there is still controversy on this topic. The amount of destruction, and the number of German soldier killed is staggering. Because I’ve loaned the book to my son I cannot give the chapter and page number in this review, for which I apologize.

The “Epilogue” and “Postscript” close the book well. I leave out a discussion of what is covered, preferring to have people listen/read the book through to the end and get a great overview of the whole campaign, its controversies and its legacy, for themselves.

Throughout the book D’Este debunks numerous fallacies, and even “obfuscations” in official histories, concocted to make certain commanders and battles appear to have been more successful, or less catastrophic, than they were. He even covers a number of topics that have been left out of official histories in an attempt to cover up bad decisions, or poor statistics (such as the total number of casualties the British suffered during the Normandy campaign, even though the paperwork was handed over and signed for by the British Army {with the receipt still available}, all of it has gone missing, and could not be found, at least when this book was published {has it been discovered since?}). Also, how the Canadians decided to follow their own way of calculating and planning for replacements because the British formulas were based on North Africa losses (wide open deserts with room for maneuver) and not those when facing top notch German troops in the tight & almost claustrophobic bocage country in northwest France.

This is a fascinating and informative book. If you are able to, search for and obtain a PRINT COPY to read yourself, if for no other reason that it includes MAPS, CHARTS, and incredibly important information included in the FOOTNOTES, plus the APPENDICES (A, B, & C) all of which are not in the Audible edition. I found the FOOTNOTES to be nearly as informative as the main text itself because they broaden out, and add to, the narrative in some astounding ways!

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Pro British military, denegrates US Army

Revisado: 10-13-24

After the US army had captured nearly all of Sicily west of Mount Etna, the author states that the whole event for the US Army was a “TERRIFIC PUBLIC RELATIONS EXERCISE” in which the world could see the US Army’s men and equipment all over Sicily along with General “PATTON STRUTTING AROUND.” You wouldn’t catch him describing Montgomery in these terms, even though much of even the British high command did not care for Gen. Montgomery, his mouth and his antics.

If you can find a copy of Carlo D’Este’s “Bitter Victory: The Battle for Sicily, 1943” at a used bookstore, on eBay, or elsewhere, buy that and read it, which is what I did.

D’Este covers the topic in a more in depth and evenhanded way, warts and all, of both Allies (US & British) strengths, weaknesses and foibles. His research comes in stark contrast to James Holland’s. Holland has a lot of stories from small units, which are interesting and informative, but he does not cover the under lying problems encountered for months when planning was a haphazard mess, to the many reasons why victory was won regardless of the infighting that went on from the very inception of the decision to invade Sicily.

Another problem for me was there are NO MAPS in the PDF that comes with the audio version. How can you follow the authors description of battles, without at least a couple maps? You Can’t! If a book is about the many battles fought, and how those many encounters progressed, naming invasion points, cities, towns, roads, bridges, mountains, etc., PUT SOME MAPS IN THE PDF!!!!

Highly disappointing book! His arrogance along national lines really made the work far less valuable as a reliable account of what actually went on, on Sicily in ‘43. It seems the author’s intent is to make Generals Montgomery & Alexander the hero’s, and the ones who saved the invasion, while the US’s contribution just wasn’t as worthy, but was simply a “TERRIFIC PUBLIC RELATIONS EXERCISE.” Thousands of US troops fought, died, and were taken as prisoners of war (to be in POW camps for the rest of the war), but they just weren't worthy of the accord given to Alexander, Montgomery, and the British men! SAD!

I got so disgusted with the author disparaging the US’s contribution to the invasion and victory, as being second rate and not worthy of the fighting done by the British empire’s fighting men, that if I’d bought the book I’d have thrown it into the recycling bin, or burnt it in the fire place this winter.

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A so-so story, poor imitation of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe mysteries

Revisado: 05-25-24

Though it pains me to say it, this is one the the poorest Nero Wolfe mysteries I’ve read/listened to, to date.

After discovering the Nero Wolfe, and Archie Goodwin mysteries n 1985 after moving to Milford, NH, in the then small city library, I have bought all of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe books and I read them through chronologically from the first one, “Ferdelance” to the last “Death Times Three” (three short stories), every 2 or three years.

The most enjoyable aspect of Rex Stout’s originals is that the atmosphere he created makes the stories eminently re-readable! In the introductions to the books reprinted in the 1990s dozens of excellent mystery writers attest to the durability of the mysteries, & that they are a joy to read over and over again because of Stout’s amazing ability to create characters, unique dialog, and again, atmosphere, that is a very rare gift.

Don’t shy away from all of Goldsborough’s Nero Wolfe stories, it’s just that this one isn’t very good, in my opinion. It drags on just to fill pages with nonsense that just doesn’t need to be included.

Robert Goldsborough’s, though a medal winner for his continuation of the Wolfe series (and a few of his stories are worth reading/listening to) just don’t measure up, especially because he changes some very basic backgrounds. A large example for me is Goldsborough’s changing Fritz, the gourmet cook & household treasure, from a Swiss, French speaker, to a German background. And L. J. Ganser, who narrates the books, makes Fritz German accent sound like a thug.

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An Outstanding book on an Original man of Destiny

Revisado: 09-10-23

What an a character. What persistence. What an intellect, to build such an intricate and well organized fictional network of informers and spy’s, that fooled the Nazi hierarchy to the point that the end of the war seemed inevitable, the defeat of Hitler’s Germany.

If you want a riveting true spell binder, buy this book/audio book, sit back and be amazed!

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Listen to “ Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era” Oxford History of the United States

Revisado: 06-13-23

Though this book quotes to ad nauseam statements saying the Civil War had nothing to do with slavery, it leaves unquoted at least an equal number speech’s, letters, newspaper articles, Congressional debates, and much more, that state it was. It also leaves out the many attempts by slave states, and their advocates, to increase slave territory to the point of dominance & clear control of slavery throughout the United States, plus the decades of threats to secede from the union if slave state demands were not met.

Before Lincoln took office, and early in his administration, he spoke much about his intention of leaving slavery untouched in the slave states, and that slavery was not the reason for war, as did Congress. However, if you read/listen to “Battle Cry of Freedom” you will understand why this was. He/they were initially trying to hold the Union together, plus, early on public opinion had yet to solidify into support for the slavery issue, but was focused on the preservation of the country.

With this being said (the first five chapters in “Battle Cry of Freedom” cover all aspects of the lead up to secession), it was the staunch slave states, and their allies even in the North, who constantly pushed the issue of separation from the Free States (non slave holding states), for decades, issuing threats whenever they perceived even the slightest infringement of slavery in any part of the country, New England, particularly Massachusetts, being the most hated.

The clear threat to secede if a “Black Republican” (those perceived to be for emancipation of slaves, Abraham Lincoln was seen as one) was elected President, was spoken of, written about, and many a speech pontificated upon this point, throughout the presidential campaign preceding Lincoln’s election. This only increased after his election, inauguration & early Presidency, whether or not it is acknowledged by any author, teacher, scholar, military officer, or whomever else, is quoted trying to disprove the evidence.

Read or listen to “Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era” (Oxford History of the United States). It is only one of an award winning multi volume history of the United States! I just wish I could afford the set in print edition to add to my library.

One quote will help to give credence. Because the South, the Confederacy was executing black Union soldiers, rather than treating them as Prisoners of War, the commission set up to decide the North’s response concluded:

“After all ‘the rebellion exists on the question connect with the right or the power of the South to hold the colored race in slavery, and the South will only yield this right under military compulsion.’ Thus ‘the loyal people of the United States [must] prosecute this war with all the energy God has given them.’” p. 749.

This is a quote from “The Life and Times of Frederick Douglas” rev. ed. (1892, Collier Books reprint, 1962) 348-349

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Stephen Fry does an outstanding job of narration!

Revisado: 02-21-23

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book to listen to. Already having another Audible edition, I decided to try out Stephen Fry’s version, and since it came with membership, it was an easy decision. After listening to about half of it, I used one of my monthly selections to buy it so I’d own if I cancel my membership in the future.

Since I never buy two editions of the same book, buying this book was a very rare exception to my rule of only paying once for a book. He is a wonderful actor, & his portrayal of each character in every story lives up to his professionalism & high standards as an actor!

There aren’t enough superlatives to express how much I enjoyed his narration! Normally I wait several years before listening again to any book, to let the memory fade a bit, this was so pleasant to listen to, I may break that rule with this edition.

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Both the writing and narration progress slowly, ending up boring.

Revisado: 09-15-22

After listening to half the book I found the narration to be almost monotone, and the writing to progress very slowly, going over the same ground time and again. This book is more than simple history. It seems to me to have a very slight agenda, hard to pick out, but still there.

For the right person this book may be exceedingly interesting. For me, who has read a lot on the US Civil War, I found it to be rather boring. The narrator adds to this boredom by being so slow and nearly monotone. I am sure he was trying to give gravitas to it, but it just doesn’t work for me.

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Another excellent Nero Wolfe Mystery!

Revisado: 07-17-22

Rex Stout was a rare rare breed. The atmosphere he created in the Nero Wolfe series of books and short stories, make them easy to read over and over.

I have been reading them ever since I discovered them in a small Library in Milford, NH in 1985 as a young father. My kids and I would walk to the Library, each choosing a book, stop by a small grocery store for refreshments, mine, like Nero Wolfe’s would be a beer. Over time I was able get hold of every Nero Wolfe mystery published, in old hardcover and newer paperbacks editions.

Once you are captured by the world Stout created in the brownstone in New York city, you just may become one of the many world wide fans. There are Nero Wolfe groups in NY city and elsewhere, all over the USA.

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A well told, attention holding book

Revisado: 07-14-22

This was a book I nearly skipped over. I am very glad I didn’t. This narrative is well written and kept me interested and listening as often as I could, for as long as I could, until finishing the book.

This review should have been written as soon as I had finished listening, but events kept me focused elsewhere. Thus I cannot give an in-depth review of each chapter, or even of the flow of the story because it’s about eight weeks since I listened to it. However I still wanted to give a rave review because I thoroughly enjoy good writing, and this is a very well written book, as I stated above. Even if you have no interest in the Vietnam, war don’t skip this book. It is an excellent narrative of a warrior in the midst of a savage struggle, with humanity and an eye for detail.

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Rex Stout is consistent; always good writing!

Revisado: 07-10-22

Having been reading, and rereading Stout’s Nero Wolfe mysteries since 1985, I am constantly amazed at the difference an excellent writer can make when it comes to making his books/stories readable over and over again.

Atmosphere is everything. Within the walls of the brownstone in New York City, Nero Wolfe, Archie, Wolfe’s legman, Fritz the cook, and Theodore up in the plant rooms on the roof who cares for the thousands of orchids (to which Wolfe joins him twice a day for 2 hours), is the main setting of the stories. Adding Inspector Cramer, Stg. Stebbins, the client(s), suspects, assorted other characters needed to round out the story, then of course Archie’s wit and guesses as to who-dun-it, and you are entertained and kept guessing to the last page.

Waiting two or more years between, I will begin reading the books and short stories in the order they were written, beginning with “Fer-de-Lance” (1934) and ending with “A Family Affair” (1975), I enjoy catching the feeling of the era each book was written as they progress from the mid 1930s and progress, one or two years between each book or story, up to mid 1970s. Another book of was published in 1985 after the discovery of three short stories that had yet to be enjoyed by the millions of Nero Wolfe fans still around.

If you like mysteries, one’s that are clean, except for an occasional god..mn, you just may get hooked on theses. Online there are numerous places one can find all the books that Stout published along with the dates of copyright. Or inside one of the paperbacks that are still available today. It took a bit of time but I was able to collect all the Nero Wolfe mysteries that I now have on my bookshelves, along with a number in ebook format (to be able to read more easily when traveling) along with all the audio books I’ve been able to find (a great way to lay back and relax and enjoy without having to hold a book or device).

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