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The Phoney Victory
- The World War II Illusion
- Narrated by: Peter Hitchens
- Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
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The Phoney Victory
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Summary
Was World War II really the 'Good War'? In the years since the declaration of peace in 1945, many myths have sprung up around the conflict in the victorious nations. In this audiobook, Peter Hitchens deconstructs the many fables which have become associated with the narrative of the 'Good War'.
Whilst not criticising or doubting the need for war against Nazi Germany at some stage, Hitchens does query whether September 1939 was the right moment or the independence of Poland the right issue. He points out that in the summer of 1939 Britain and France were wholly unprepared for a major European war and that this quickly became apparent in the conflict that ensued. He also rejects the retroactive claim that Britain went to war in 1939 to save the Jewish population of Europe. On the contrary, the beginning and intensification of war made it easier for Germany to begin the policy of mass murder in secret as well as closing most escape routes.
In a provocative but deeply researched book, Hitchens questions the most common assumptions surrounding World War II, turning on its head the myth of Britain's role in a 'Good War'.
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What listeners say about The Phoney Victory
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Oliver D.
- 05-04-21
Interesting But Flawed.
Thought provoking if slightly off target in places. A refreshingly honest look at the so called 'special relationship'.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Mr. M. Mazourov
- 14-07-20
this opinion needs to be heard...
...even if you do not agree. one thing I do not get: does "phoney war" imply that the war could have been avoided all together?
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- David
- 07-02-24
Excellent work
Very compelling and well researched historical analysis, important reading for all. Very much recommend this book.
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- Rebecca H
- 26-08-20
A Somber and Harsh Retelling of History
Peter makes another great effort to dispel modern Mythology by tackling the World War II myths that still exist today. He goes to great lengths to show just how murky the water really is with this conflict, and how atrocities were enacted by both sides during the War.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 18-11-19
A melancholy masterpiece
Hitchens at his absolute best, I cannot recommend this book highly enough to any patriotic Brit.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Stuart Abram
- 21-04-20
The best of Hitchens
An excellent account of the worst days of British decline. First class. Unlike the other Hitchens.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Nicholas
- 28-11-23
Should be common knowledge.
Hitchens beautifully captures many of the common myths that we in the west still cling to in this gloomy and confused post war era. Even if you disagree on some points such as who bears responsibility for the fall of Singapore… 👀 All the details he includes bring real thought and insight to a conflict that was undoubtably a disaster for Britain. Highly recommend.
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- Adrian J. Smith
- 29-12-22
Familiar Facts, Different Narrative
Peter Hitchens examines what I have long suspected to be true, but perception was obscured by prevailing narratives.
As an undergraduate I was always mystified that Britain went to war for Poland only to give it to the Soviets 5 years later. In fact, Britain never actually went to war for Poland, and war could have been avoided.
Peter Hitchens's book certainly is not one for those who wish to avoid painful truths or to cling to romanticized myths. Hitchens examines painful truths that are well known, but rarely publicised, such as the senseless bombing of German civilians, or the even lesser known ethnic cleansing of Germans in European territories after the War.
Hitchens book uses painful truths and presents a very different Narrative. No doubt difficult for many to accept, but a truly compelling read.
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- John Collins
- 24-02-24
Hitchens makes the case
There was nothing in this audiobook that I did not already know. There is no controversy here, just the facts placed in the right order. I had already worked out that Britain came last in World War II. But it was Peter Hitchens who wrote the book and made the case.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Laurence S Danvers
- 20-04-19
The empire's distorted view of itself laid bare
So interesting. Now I understand the American special relationship. Who could imagine this mighty nation defaulting on a loan to The US and being bankrupt?
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8 people found this helpful