AudibleInk - The Steel Wave: A Novel of World War II

List Price: $28.00 Our Price: $18.48 Your Save: $ 9.52 ( 34% ) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
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Binding: Hardcover Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54 EAN: 9780345461421 ISBN: 0345461428 Label: Ballantine Books Manufacturer: Ballantine Books Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 528 Publication Date: 2008-05-13 Publisher: Ballantine Books Release Date: 2008-05-13 Studio: Ballantine Books
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Editorial Reviews: Jeff Shaara, America’s premier author of military historical fiction, brings us the centerpiece of his epic trilogy of the Second World War. General Dwight Eisenhower once again commands a diverse army that must find its single purpose in the destruction of Hitler’s European fortress. His primary subordinates, Omar Bradley and Bernard Montgomery, must prove that this unique blend of Allied armies can successfully confront the might of Adolf Hitler’s forces, who have already conquered Western Europe. On the coast of France, German commander Erwin Rommel fortifies and prepares for the coming invasion, acutely aware that he must bring all his skills to bear on a fight his side must win. But Rommel’s greatest challenge is to strike the Allies on his front, while struggling behind the lines with the growing insanity of Adolf Hitler, who thwarts the strategies Rommel knows will succeed. Meanwhile, Sergeant Jesse Adams, a no-nonsense veteran of the 82nd Airborne, parachutes with his men behind German lines into a chaotic and desperate struggle. And as the invasion force surges toward the beaches of Normandy, Private Tom Thorne of the 29th Infantry Division faces the horrifying prospects of fighting his way ashore on a stretch of coast more heavily defended than the Allied commanders anticipate–Omaha Beach. From G.I. to general, this story carries the reader through the war’s most crucial juncture, the invasion that altered the flow of the war, and, ultimately, changed history.
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: Another incredible book by Jeff Shaara Comment: When you read books by Jeff Shaara you feel you are there in the moment and action. This trilogy of WWII efforts in Europe should replace the history text books and be required reading for all students. I learn more about America's history from reading Jeff Shaara's books than from reading any non-fiction accounts. In this book he does an especially great job of bringing the reader into the minds of both Eisenhower and Rommell. Customer Rating: Summary: Steel wave Comment: The book contains numerous mistakes in the introduction where it should be historically accurate. The characters' interpretations and their reflections are sometimes doubtful and exaggerated. The description of the actual combat seems to be very realistic and impressive Customer Rating: Summary: A Good Read Comment: Mr. Shaara has done it once again. He has written an historical novel that is well worth reading. Although much of what he wrote has been written and re-written it still holds an hypnotic spell over those who read of the exploits that took place on D-day. Not being a reviewer as such, I can only say that I marveled over the conditions and circumstances which men of D-day faced and have to thank them once again for their heroism and selflessness. Mr. Shaara has certainly reminded us once again of what we owe those men. I axiously await his continuance. Customer Rating: Summary: Great Read! Comment: Historically accurate. He makes the history come alive. Great book for those who study WWII or those who want to learn more in a novel like fashion! Customer Rating: Summary: Shallow & superficial Comment: This was a library loan; no way was I going to purchase this book, based upon previous works of this author I have read. I hold no personal animus against the author, but it amazes me how many positive reviews are generated for these mediocre efforts. I consider myself very knowledgable about WWII, and I guess the first book I read about D-Day was Cornelius Ryan's classic "The Longest Day," when was originally published. What I would like to know is what Shaara was trying to accomplish with this book? The title would lead one to believe it would cover the amphibious assault upon Normandy, yet it was given cursory coverage at best. Instead, we basically have three main characters; Eisenhower, Rommel, and the ubiqutious Sgt. Jesse Adams, conversing ad nauseum, along with a few battle scenes with Adams. Not a compelling combination, in my opinion. Small details offend, as in Shaara's previous book; Patton showing up late(??), and with a chrome plated helmet (???) at the famous St.Paul's School briefing prior to D-Day, flak mispelled numerous times as flack, workers stripped to the waist in January on the Channel coast, etc. I believe the book to be a mismash of themes that do not come together in a coherrent manner, and the book does not generate a real passion or interest in the main characters, especially the fictional ones. A well written work of fiction on this subject remains to be written, except perhaps for "Disaster at D-Day", by Peter Tsouras. More Reviews