A Bridge Too Far cover art

A Bridge Too Far

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A Bridge Too Far

By: Cornelius Ryan
Narrated by: Clive Chafer
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About this listen

The classic account of one of the most dramatic battles of World War II.

A Bridge Too Far is Cornelius Ryan’s masterly chronicle of the Battle of Arnhem, which marshaled the greatest armada of troop-carrying aircraft ever assembled and cost the Allies nearly twice as many casualties as D-day.

In this compelling work of history, Ryan narrates the Allied effort to end the war in Europe in 1944 by dropping the combined airborne forces of the American and British armies behind German lines to capture the crucial bridge across the Rhine at Arnhem.

Focusing on a vast cast of characters - from Dutch civilians to British and American strategists to common soldiers and commanders - Ryan brings to life one of the most daring and ill-fated operations of the war. A Bridge Too Far superbly recreates the terror, suspense, heroism, and tragedy of this epic operation, which ended in bitter defeat for the Allies.

About the author: Cornelius Ryan (1920–1974), born in Dublin, Ireland, became one of the preeminent war correspondents of his time, flying fourteen bombing missions with the US Eighth and Ninth Air Forces. He is the author of numerous books, including several classics of military history, which have appeared throughout the world in nineteen languages. He was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government in 1973.

©1974 Cornelius Ryan (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Air Forces Americas Armed Forces Europe Military World War Western Europe

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Critic reviews

“I know of no other work of literature of World War II as moving, as awesome, and as accurate in its portrayal of human courage.” (General James M. Gavin)
“Ryan masters a spare, strong style to deliver a battle that has much of the majesty and beauty of classic tragedy. ( Kirkus Reviews)
All stars
Most relevant
A good book on one the greatest episodes of WW2. Had to knock a star off for the monotonous narration which grated on me a bit. Every sentence read with the same intonation distracted from the writing.

Classic WW2

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the story is well known. the narration is spoken too fast and is tone less. The narrator has no apparent sense of drama or storytelling

Narration is subtle but overall good. Great story

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I so nearly sent this book back because of the monotone narration, there would be more expressiveness if SIRI had read it to be honest! But, it is a true testament to the masterful writing and captivating story that I persevered. Very glad I did, it truly is a fantastic book. Upon finishing this I immediately looked for Ryans’ other titles, only to find the same narrator😞. Decision time I guess.

Masterful.

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Any additional comments?

Why do Audible not vet their narrators before they put their books up for sale. The monotonous and boring narration completly spoilt the book for me. I wasted my money in purchasing this book.

Appalling Narration

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What did you like most about A Bridge Too Far?

Easy to follow, with a unique insight into a story that even now we find fascinating.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Bridge Too Far?

1st Airborne’s plight in Arnhem - magnificent.

What does Clive Chafer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

easy to listen to and captures the moments perfectly

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The soldiers that were left behind. The effective end of the 1st Airborne who so desperate to see action before the war ended had a terrible ordeal.

Any additional comments?

Proud to be British!!

A tale of true Heroism

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