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A review by aehsan
The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe, 1944-1945 by Rick Atkinson
5.0
This is an exceptionally well written book and a fine cap to the Trilogy. It captures the experience of the American Army through the last phase of the European Theater and though you don't need to have read any of the prior books to follow whats happening, its much richer if you do as then you'd truly understand how the US Army matured and changed.
From the amateurs who stormed North Africa to the hardened professionals that closed out Western Europe - this was a transformation achieved in only 3 years. That's a tremendous story right there and Rick Atkinson does a great job in showing us this over the course of the 3 books. In this, the last and arguably best one, we see how the US Army evolves even further not only in War-making but also managing its sometimes difficult relationships with the Allies. On a different level, its a great study of not only a different approach to the way of making war but of how an organization can adapt and thrive. WW2 was not only a combat challenge but also one of logistics, human resources, poltics, economics and leadership. The fact that this book can provide a grasp on all of these aspects while never losing focus on the War itself is what sets it apart. While this can sound daunting to read its amazing how well all of it comes together into a 'story'.
What I mean by this is that not only is there the 'quotes, numbers and facts' that are de riguer for a history book but all of it is weaved into literally a narrative of the War. This means there is a sense of drama and propulsion to events, not easy to do when you are talking about strategic set pieces vs. individual tactical experiences, populated by great Characters. You don't just read about Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley,Montgomery, etc. as history but get a feel of them as people trying their best to meet the demands of their time but with personal failings and blindspots. Just this ability to make history human would make this book excellent and on par with anything by Beevor (Though grander in scope - remember its a trilogy). However the quality of prose here, on par with most literature is what makes this really one of a kind.
From the amateurs who stormed North Africa to the hardened professionals that closed out Western Europe - this was a transformation achieved in only 3 years. That's a tremendous story right there and Rick Atkinson does a great job in showing us this over the course of the 3 books. In this, the last and arguably best one, we see how the US Army evolves even further not only in War-making but also managing its sometimes difficult relationships with the Allies. On a different level, its a great study of not only a different approach to the way of making war but of how an organization can adapt and thrive. WW2 was not only a combat challenge but also one of logistics, human resources, poltics, economics and leadership. The fact that this book can provide a grasp on all of these aspects while never losing focus on the War itself is what sets it apart. While this can sound daunting to read its amazing how well all of it comes together into a 'story'.
What I mean by this is that not only is there the 'quotes, numbers and facts' that are de riguer for a history book but all of it is weaved into literally a narrative of the War. This means there is a sense of drama and propulsion to events, not easy to do when you are talking about strategic set pieces vs. individual tactical experiences, populated by great Characters. You don't just read about Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley,Montgomery, etc. as history but get a feel of them as people trying their best to meet the demands of their time but with personal failings and blindspots. Just this ability to make history human would make this book excellent and on par with anything by Beevor (Though grander in scope - remember its a trilogy). However the quality of prose here, on par with most literature is what makes this really one of a kind.