A Higher Call
The Incredible True Story of Heroism and Chivalry During World War Two
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A Higher Call
Buy Now for £15.99
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Narrated by:
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Robertson Dean
About this listen
Four days before Christmas 1943, a badly damaged American bomber struggled to fly over wartime Germany. At its controls was a 21-year-old pilot. Suddenly, a German Messerschmitt fighter pulled up on his tail. Worse, the German pilot was an ace, a man able to destroy the American bomber in the squeeze of a trigger. What happened next would later be called 'the most incredible encounter between enemies in World War II.'
This is the true story of the two pilots whose lives collided in the skies that day: 2nd Lieutenant Charlie Brown, a farm boy from West Virginia, and 2nd Lieutenant Franz Stigler, a former airline pilot from Bavaria who sought to avoid fighting in World War II.
What happened between them was later classified 'top secret.' It was an act that Franz could never mention or else face a firing squad. It was an encounter that would haunt both Charlie and Franz for forty years...
©2013 Adam Makos (P)2014 Audible, Inc.Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes I would! A compelling story, well written and well read. Really draws you into the lives, fears, and hopes of the principal protagonists. It also gives a good overview of the politics and military situation that shaped the lives of those we read about.Who was your favorite character and why?
Without a doubt, the Luftwaffe fighter ace Franz Stigler. The book really pivots around him.Which scene did you most enjoy?
It has to be the moment where Stigler holds off shooting down the crippled B17 flown by Lt. Charlie Brown. In doing so, he has a personal shift in conscience: sacrificing his hitherto coveted Iron Cross but, by his own later admission, gaining something much more valuable...Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Yes. Many. Many. But particularly the one described above.Any additional comments?
My only concern is just how much of the book is actually true. Such is the immediacy of the writing, it reads like a novel. The authors state that the text is based on more than eight years of interviews with the principal participants, but I wonder how much detail can be recalled so many decades after the events. So many WW2 books have come under suspicion recently, particularly those that, like "A Higher Call", have been published after the deaths of those involved, meaning that there's nobody around to either corroborate or refute the facts. There's no denying it's a fantastic read, but if were an author trying to make lots of money - and I understand the film rights have already been sold - I'd try to make it as entertaining as possible, too.Still, I loved this book, and I hope my doubts are unfounded. Go read it!
An Iconoclastic Take on WW2 Aerial Warfare!
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holding back tears of joy, sadness, laughter and
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Well narrated and held my attention throughout quite a lengthy detailed account.
Fascinating true story
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Great story
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If you could sum up A Higher Call in three words, what would they be?
exciting interesting honestWhat was one of the most memorable moments of A Higher Call?
Can't say, might spoil it for othersWhat about Robertson Dean’s performance did you like?
Great spoken voice, easy to listen toWas there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Near the end, can't spoil it for others thoughAny additional comments?
Probably my favourite military history book and one that makes me feel very differently about those we call the enemy.A must for all aviation fans
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