When the Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day

Much has been written about the D-Day landing of 6 June 1944, but this book is still added value. Instead of 500 pages of dry historical discussion, it takes a very different approach. In fact it reads much like a novel, but with many more characters that Tolstoy would ever had imagined, over 700 here. Apart from some explanatory remarks for context, it consists of brief first-person remarks relevant to the events at the particular time. They may be Prime Minister Winston Churchill, General Eisenhower, or Marshall Erwin Rommel, or they might be various other participants, such as ordinary soldiers, sailors, or airmen. The result is that the reader feels deeply involved. The statements are ordered to give a narrative of the atmosphere and the difficulties that were part of the operation.The first part of the book deals with the run-up to D-Day, with the massive inflow of troops into England. In it, there are views of life among the soldiers as well as among the ordinary citizens. There is also a chapter dealing with the difference of attitude of US people and British people towards African American soldiers. The British were very accepting, but the US were not.Once the invasion begins, the events become intense and unfold rapidly; it is hard to stop reading. Again, the personal stories really pull the reader in, and there are some very remarkable instances of great bravery. There are also some touching moments of pure humanity, putting aside the antagonism of the moment.

The author takes a very informative look at who and how did all the nearly years worth of planning for the invasion come about. Then follows with a beach by beach review of how the plans worked or did not. With individuals who were executing the plans giving their views. Extraordinary individual deeds, luck, skill, and sometimes horrible results, combined for the invasion to succeed. Many various sources, oral, written, from old records, to letters home. Some survived without injuries, all were terrified, and sleepless. What worked well and what did not, all explained.

I gave this to my husband for Father’s Day after seeing the author on PBS. He read it cover to cover and truly enjoyed it.

Bought this for our disabled son who loves anything to do with the military. Our family is full of veterans from all branches. And also a prisoner of war.

While a somewhat stilted approach, once you get into the pacing and flow of the narrative it starts to make sense. The highly personal comments (and supporting history bits) fill out the story in a way no traditional history book can. While some D-Day stories are first hand and poignant they still only represent a slice of the story. I appreciate that this book added a hundred new voices to the living history of that event in 1944.

Very interesting views

I especially appreciated all of the personal recollections that were interspersed with the authors comments on the historical concept. This book is so much more than a simple historical documentary on D-Day. It is even much more a testimony to the men and women who participated in it.

I'm taking this book in by total immerson. When I saw the number of sources used and QUOTED I thought ,how will that ever be a concise read?? Then I read: I told my brother..when I was seven, looking up during the blitz at the German bombers in the sky..."Look...from the clouds...here come our boys..the Spitfires!" ...The book has amazing sourcing..I read constantly and have read things I've never heard starting on page 3. The author has created a D day book other will try to rise up to ...WELL DONE SIR!!!!