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World War Two: Behind Closed Doors

Stalin, the Nazis and the West

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World War Two: Behind Closed Doors

By: Laurence Rees
Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

When do you think the Second World War ended?

If the end of the war was supposed to have brought 'freedom' to countries that suffered under Nazi occupation, then for millions it did not really end until the fall of Communism. In the summer of 1945 many of the countries in Eastern Europe simply swapped the rule of one tyrant, Adolf Hitler, for that of another: Joseph Stalin. Why this happened has remained one of the most troubling questions of the entire conflict, and is at the heart of Laurence Rees' dramatic book.

In World War II: Behind Closed Doors, Rees provides an intimate 'behind the scenes' history of the West's dealings with Joseph Stalin - an account which uses material only available since the opening of archives in the East as well as new testimony from witnesses from the period. An enthralling mix of high politics and the often heart-rending personal experiences of those on the ground, it will make you rethink what you believe about World War II.

©2020 Laurence Rees (P)2020 Penguin Audio Military World War Stalin Imperialism Russia Socialism Holocaust Royalty Interwar Period Soviet Union

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Critic reviews

'There are many surprises here... The relationship between Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill makes an ugly story, and Rees tells is extraordinarily well' (Max Hastings)
All stars
Most relevant
The western allies were so naive. Stalin was so cruel & vindictive & blatantly untrustworthy.

Stalin the dictator

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Brilliant reader who was word perfect. Inclination and pause masterful in describing some of the most important historical events of the 20th Century.

Outstanding study of evil.

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Well worth listening to, this allows you to gain a far better understanding of both WW11 and the Europe that came out of it.

Educational

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The facts are thoroughly gone into. I am reminded of the very pro USSR, as it was then, opinions of my Parents. Hungary didn't shift them, Prague (1968) did. Dad had very little time for the USA, but he had fought through Italy in 1944 and had a justifiably dim view of the deals struck with the Mafia. They were both firmly of the opinion that WW2 was a war that had to be fought. This book doesn't make me think differently. Though Uncle Joe doesn't come out well. A matter of bitter regret that Stalin ever existed. The narration is excellent.

Overwhelmingly Depressing

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Firstly, the narration was excellent. No caricature accents here. US publishers please take note. Secondly, it draws upon real evidence all too briefly available from Russian archives and now being removed or rewritten by Stalin’s fanboy Putin.

Superb insight into Stalin’s war

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