The Last 100 Days: The Tumultuous and Controversial Story of the Final Days of World War II in Europe
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Summary
A dramatic countdown of the final months of World War II in Europe, The Last 100 Days brings to life the waning power and the ultimate submission of the Third Reich. To reconstruct the tumultuous hundred days between Yalta and the fall of Berlin, John Toland traveled more than 100,000 miles in twenty-one countries and interviewed more than six hundred people—from Hitler’s personal chauffeur to Generals von Manteuffel, Wenck, and Heinrici; from underground leaders to diplomats; from top Allied field commanders to brave young GIs. Toland adeptly wove together these interviews using research from thousands of primary sources.
The Last 100 Days: The Tumultuous and Controversial Story of the Final Days of World War II in Europe is a captivating read for individuals with a moderate understanding of WW2 history. Prior knowledge of key events such as the rise of the Nazis, the inner circle of Hitler, pre-war diplomacy, and the progress of the European front until late 1944 is recommended. The book effectively immerses you in the experiences of notable figures like Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin, Hitler, and the Nazi leadership, as well as the military leaders who advanced through Germany. It also delves into secret negotiations, the assassination of Mussolini, and more. My only disappointment stems from the fact that I can never relive the excitement of reading this book for the first time.
The Last 100 Days: The Tumultuous and Controversial Story of the Final Days of World War II in Europe is an incredibly well-researched and thoroughly documented audiobook. However, it is worth noting that some of the information provided during the interviews and events discussed has since been proven to be inaccurate. Despite this, the book is overall excellent, although it does suffer from one glaring flaw - the narration is simply atrocious. The listening experience feels disjointed, as if it was stitched together like a patchwork quilt. It seems that the original narrator had to make corrections or additions, resulting in inconsistencies in sound level and quality. Despite this major distraction, I would still consider listening to it again.
This audiobook was published in 1966, way before revisionist history gained popularity. It's fascinating to learn about how the allies paved the way for the Soviets to dominate most of eastern Europe. Personally, I found it intriguing how the western powers essentially handed Poland over to the Soviets, despite promising full democratic elections at Yalta. Both the Germans and the allies made numerous mistakes, which sparks curiosity about the possibilities of alternate outcomes. It also sheds light on the origins of the United Nations and highlights its shortcomings as another failed bureaucracy.
Toland is a talented writer when it comes to history, delivering a thoroughly researched account of the last weeks of the Third Reich. However, the narration falls short, lacking energy and making it difficult to enjoy.
This brilliant work truly brings the characters, whom many are already familiar with, to life by providing specific details about their interactions and conventions.
Typically, we tend to gloss over the final days of World War II in Europe. We sum it up as "Germany surrendered and the war was over." However, Toland has delved deep into a multitude of sources to unveil a trove of captivating tales showcasing heroism, horror, grace, and brutality. Germany didn't simply crumble; it was defeated after a grueling battle that persisted until the ultimate surrender. Hitler held onto the belief that if he could hold out long enough, the United States and Britain would have a falling out with Stalin and enlist the Germans as allies. The book may be lengthy and occasionally dense, but it is certainly worth the time invested.
This book was absolutely riveting and eye-opening. The various interviews from both military and civilian perspectives provide a comprehensive account of a world exhausted by war and apprehensive about the peace that would follow.
I was already aware that the top Nazis were completely deluded about the outcome of the war until the very end, but hearing it directly from those who were present adds a heartbreaking dimension to the entire ordeal.
The loss of countless lives in the final 100 days due to the misguided belief that the Western allies would call upon Germany to help fight against the Soviets is truly tragic. The division of Europe at Yalta and the subsequent betrayal of Poland and Czechoslovakia at the end only adds to the sorrow of it all.
This audiobook is jam-packed with a wealth of historical insights, covering a wide range of perspectives. The author embarked on an extensive journey, covering over 100,000 miles and conducting hundreds of interviews.
Extraordinarily detailed but a Slow delivery. Fascinating behind the scenes info on historic events and discussions between Churchill, Stalin, Roosevelt, and Truman.
This is a fine and quite comprehensive account - with some fascinating insight into events that unfolded from accounts of frontline personnel . The narration is terminally average ( the same narrator as the Nuremberg trials audiobook ) - which somewhat detracts from what is otherwise par excellence .
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