Normandy ‘44
The epic Sunday Times bestseller
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4.7 • 42 Ratings
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- £5.99
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- £5.99
Publisher Description
'A superb account of the invasion that deserves immense praise. To convey the human drama of Normandy requires great knowledge and sensitivity. Holland has both in spades' The Times
Renowned World War Two historian James Holland presents an entirely new perspective on one of the most important moments in recent history, unflinchingly examining the brutality and violence that characterised the campaign, and totally recalibrating our understanding of this momentous event.
D-Day and the 76 days of bitter fighting in Normandy that followed have come to be seen as a defining episode in the Second World War. Its story has been endlessly retold, and yet it remains a narrative burdened by both myth and assumed knowledge.
In this reexamined history, James Holland challenges what we think we know. Drawing on unseen archives and testimonies from around the world, introducing a cast of eye-witnesses from foot soldiers to bomber crews, sailors, civilians and resistance fighters.
What readers are saying:
***** 'The most thorough description I have read so far. Well balanced with a real intelligent understanding of events that have been misread for years.'
***** 'Another excellent James Holland book. One of the best writers of WW2 historical books.'
***** 'A wonderful, passionate account. Painstakingly researched and fantastically written.'
Customer Reviews
Why The Allies Succeeded in Normandy
If you love James Holland’s other books you will not be disappointed with this one. Lots of primary sources quoted with the added human interest and content. James when he writes does so having, “walked the ground first”. For too many years I have read books critical of the British army, troops and leaders and weapons and lauding the German army and Luftwaffe paratroopers in every respect leaving the question how the hell did the Allies win the war? There are books suggesting Allied ground forces owed too much to Soviet efforts conveniently ignoring the integrated combined efforts and success of the Allies land, air and sea forces on multiple fronts while considerable efforts were made to minimise Allied deaths. The all volunteer Canadians are of course integral to the Normandy invasion and the gallant Poles not forgotten. Read James Holland and learn why and how the Allies won the war and why the Axis powers lost. The Axis were outsmarted and outfought. Unfortunately and tragically this victory came a terrific cost to the people of Normandy which the book acknowledges.
Adds new insight to a well known battle
I found this a well paced, heart felt and informative read on a battle that has been picked over by so many. It gives a nuanced perspective of the Allied armies that I haven’t seen before and I feel better balances the realities of the situation and clears up some of the post war impressions of the commanders. Many thanks to James Holland