The Second World War: Alone

the rest of the story

A personal account, told with feeling and verve, of the details of the fall of France, the Battle of Britan and the Battle of the Atlantic. The devil is in the details as is the delight when you read Churchill. As good as 1776.

You are there with Churchill as he asks the French generals in his poor French, "Where is your strategic reserve?", which the French might have used to counter the initial German end run around the Maginot Line. Duh, they had none(!)

you are by his side as he and his war cabinet plans to repel the invasion, which he increasingly feels will never take place. You are there as he and his cabinet make decisions about Greece, North Africa, and the French Navy, and deal with the various outcomes of those decisions.

A tour de force from an author who still deserves to be best selling. The spirit of the man comes through, which along with the spirit of Great Britain and America, will, one hopes, never die. Uh, a good read.

39 of 40 people found this review helpful

No Idea how much the Brits did

This is a real eye opener for me, an American, brought up on the idea that the US won the war against Germany. Here, in the great man's words, we certainly learn that Great Britain was the great bulwark against the Nazi's. To hear Christian Rodsda's narration feels like the new clips of Churchill's speaking voice.. i wonder if he did any speech pattern study before embarking on these four "World War Two" books.

I've come to appreciate Churchill's foresight before the war, his study and thought of what might be coming and his preparation. What a wonderful confidence, not overburdening, but certainly not shy. Here is probably the most key individual in the entire war from the Western perspective telling the story shortly after the events. It's a must read/listen for any student of recent history.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Should be compulsory

Every student should have to listen to this - and they'd enjoy it. Churchill writes wonderfully but I think he dictated so this is perfect for an audio book. His turn of phrase is just brilliant. He gives respect where he could have condemned and his analysis is just excellent.

I normally don't like narration that is imitating the author. But Christian Rodska is just right for this role and he doesn't overdo the imitation but does it just enough "Winston" to work. His timing is wonderful.

There is a lot to learn from this, more than half a century after it was written.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Fabulous piece of history

I found this book to be fascinating. To hear the accounts of one of history's greatest wars from the mouth of the most influential leader of the Allied forces was incredible. It was amazing to hear first-hand acounts of some of the war's greatest decision-making meetings. The narrator sounded like Churchill himself. The book moved quickly and did not bog down in details.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Riveting

I selected the first volume of this series on a whim a few months ago. It was very good and interesting enough to prompt me to download the second in the series. This volume was simply stunning. The narrator could not be more perfect. He seems to become Churchill. In retrospect, the first volume suffers (understandably) from the requirement of recounting a wider timeline which gives a certain distance from the subject. This volume reads like a novel that unfolds step by step as Great Britain stands alone for roughly a year against the Axis in WWII. Highly, highly recommended.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Finding hidden depths

Not having read any of Churchill's works before I found this excellent. The narration is very life like which helps you to hear, as if from the man himself. Also the inside views on strategic events during the war is eye opening. Surely this was a man living out his destiny. Although a keen WWII amatuer historian I found the depth of background information and political insight very very helpful in expanding my understanding of the events that aren't often discussed today.
An excellent listen

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

History from a man who was there

I wasn't sure about this one

I thought it would be the self aggrandising thoughts of an Edwardian gentleman read by an impersonator.

In truth this fascinating throughout. Here we have the views, as seen through the prism of time, of the Man who led the free world, at least for some of his story. Some of it - the invasion of Greece- reads to me a little as if it is a little self exculpatory, but the rest, let's say most of it, is just great.

thank you for a wonderful listen. Sad to say I would never have had "the time" to sit down with this book

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Fantastic

If you could sum up The Second World War: Alone in three words, what would they be?

Inspiring story of courage amidst overwhelming odds against success.

What did you like best about this story?

The courage of the British Commonwealth (including my country Canada) to fight for freedom ,on their own ,when the rest of Europe had succumbed to Nazi domination.

What does Christian Rodska bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Great voice - speaks with passion and articulation. It felt as if Churchill himself were speaking.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I couldn't find the time for that but would have been intense.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A Fascinating Story

Besides the fascinating story of what the British endured for a year, left virtually alone to combat the Nazis at the near-height of their power, is the added treasure of hearing the very words Churchill set to paper to chronicle what his country did in "their finest hour". It's easy to imagine sitting in Churchill's study, in some great leather chairs, cigar smoke in the air, and more than a hint of whiskey aroma. You ARE sitting there with the man, and he is generously telling you the story, in great detail, of a time when the world was not sure that could last. As Nelson, his cat, pads the floor, you become absorbed with one of the most crucial fights in all history

History I can feel

OK, Churchill is my favorite leader of the 20th Century so I may be biased but to really understand how close the world was to being dominated by pure evil you need to read his books. And it is a lesson for today and all time we must not forget. All through history evil has tried to dominate and has from time to time in certain portions of the world. We must be ever vigilant to see it when it first appears and deal with it then. Had the Allies reacted to Hitler early in the 1930's, how many millions of people would not have died? He spelled out his plan in 1925. Churchill knew it. He spoke often and hard but others were deaf to the truth. History not only tells us what happened but gives us clues we should look for to prevent it happening again.