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iggy63's review against another edition
5.0
Well, I finally finished this trilogy, which took the author 14 years to write, and me slightly less to read. It is monumental in scale and detail, and so thoroughly researched that it's easy to see why it took 14 years. This book, like book 1, dragged a bit during the descriptions of the battles, which get a little bogged down. I got the sense that the author struggled in writing these passages too. But the accounts of non-combat events absolutely shine, and more than make up for the occasional slog through the trenches. Aktkinson's description of the meetings at Malta and Yalta, for example are fantastic, as is his characterizations of the commanding officers.
There are shelves, even rooms full of books on WWII. If you must limit yourself to one piece of work on the war in Western Europe, this trilogy might be the one. The drawback would be that it is essentially told from the Allies point of view. This is, as the title suggests, a "Liberation" trilogy, not a "War" trilogy. But the exhaustive research, superb organization, and mostly fluid writing is remarkable.
There are shelves, even rooms full of books on WWII. If you must limit yourself to one piece of work on the war in Western Europe, this trilogy might be the one. The drawback would be that it is essentially told from the Allies point of view. This is, as the title suggests, a "Liberation" trilogy, not a "War" trilogy. But the exhaustive research, superb organization, and mostly fluid writing is remarkable.
mwinslow58's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely first rate. Like many other trilogies, the last book is the best and this one is superb.
Few writers can bring the enormity of these events to life, but Atkinson tells the big-picture story, while interweaving stories of individuals all across the command structure.
If your historical interests lean toward WWII, this trilogy is a must-read.
Few writers can bring the enormity of these events to life, but Atkinson tells the big-picture story, while interweaving stories of individuals all across the command structure.
If your historical interests lean toward WWII, this trilogy is a must-read.
authortedcross's review against another edition
5.0
A terrific end to the trilogy. I read the various histories of WWII throughout my childhood and enjoyed them very much, though there was always an element of propaganda about them (they essentially dismissed the entire eastern front). While this trilogy purposely focuses on the western front, it no longer dismisses the importance of the Soviet contribution to the destruction of Hitler's Reich. splendidly written to give both a great high level perspective while also adding a myriad of human-level perspectives, this series should be read by anyone wishing to learn about WWII.
berman647's review against another edition
A powerful end to a fantastic series
World war ii is a well trodden literary landscape. Yet few authors are able to capture it's soul so we'll. It's a grand narrative spread over 3 books, but it's littered with small references which makes the book that much more powerful.
It drives home the insanity and humanity that's dominant in any war as well as the humanity that could be found even in the heart of evil.
World war ii is a well trodden literary landscape. Yet few authors are able to capture it's soul so we'll. It's a grand narrative spread over 3 books, but it's littered with small references which makes the book that much more powerful.
It drives home the insanity and humanity that's dominant in any war as well as the humanity that could be found even in the heart of evil.
markramsey1984's review against another edition
5.0
A great conclusion for Atkinson's Liberation Trilogy. This volume provides an engaging look at the concluding Western European Campaigns from Normandy to the fall of Berlin. I would highly recommend it.
turningthepage_88's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. I have no words. A masterful ending to a tremendous trilogy. I could not recommend this more to anyone who wants to learn more about WWII.
dimaradona's review against another edition
5.0
This is a review for the trilogy. Probably the most digestible writing on the American contribution to the European theater in world war two. Top notch writing with background behind the decision making and motivation of leaders as well as a focus on the individual soldier. Strongly suggested for anyone with any interest in WW2. Would love a Pacific theater and/or Eastern front book/series from the author!
shawn27's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent end to an excellent trilogy. For those who love history, and those who love great writing I cannot recommend this book, and the entire World War 2 trilogy by Rick Atkinson, enough.
murfmonkey's review against another edition
5.0
This is the third volume in Mr. Atkinson’s excellent three volume work on the U.S. army in Europe (and Africa)in WWII. Like the other two books it excels in vivid description, a nose for detail, and fascinating characters and incidents that Mr. Atkinson seems to be able to dig up at will.
I thoroughly enjoyed every one of these books.
I thoroughly enjoyed every one of these books.