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Book Reviews of The Steel Wave: A Novel of World War IIBook Review: The WWII Saga Continues Summary: 4 Stars
The Steel Wave: A Novel of World War II
I was fortunate enough to pick up a copy of the Steel Wave the day our library put them on the shelf. I am a Shaara addict, and read every novel he has published. He is a master of the genre, and the WWII trilogy is continuing his hit list. He has skipped part of WWII in Europe, moving from the successful campaign in North Africa to the preparations for the D-Day invatsion of France. He pictures a huge military force under unwealdy command with a number of personalities such as Montgomery, Patton, "Bomber" Harris, and others. His story brings out the "skin of our teeth" nature of the invasion, and the costly screw-ups; which nearly cost the allies their success. Contemporary history books are just now bringing out the thin edge that Operatin Overloard experienced; and Shaara is right there with them with this novel. It is hard to remember somtimes when you read the book that much of this is fiction and not fact, although the historical context is accurate. I wil be waiting anxiously for the final book in the WWII series.
Book Review: Amazing - from beginning to end Summary: 5 Stars
One of the best books I've ever read. With such an accurate portrayal of D-Day and events surrounding it, Jeff Shaara has created a masterpiece. Familiar characters from 'The Rising Tide' return in an intricately woven storyline that takes the reader from the war rooms of Eisenhower to dinner with Hitler and Rommel, from the shores of Normandy to the German countryside. Events follow Eisenhower as he prepares for the coming allied invasion of France and all the problems that he encounters. Rommel is also closely examined, bringing you closer to understanding 'The Desert Fox' than ever before. All the meanwhile the reader is thrust into the battlefield, examining the art of warfare and all the chaos it ensues. I would highly recommend reading the first novel of this series by Shaara, 'The Rising Tide', before attacking 'The Steel Wave'. Although I found 'The Steel Wave' to be superior, the first is not to be missed either.
10/10
Book Review: A great read Summary: 4 Stars
Jeff Shaara continues the story of the European Theater of World War 2 with 'The Steel Wave'. This book focuses on the Operation Overlord and the D-Day invasion.
As with previous books by Shaara, he follows a style that takes historical information and adds in dialogue from the characters. The reader should keep this in mind while reading this book. This book is a novel with historical backing. It is not a history book. With the subject of the book, it is difficult for Shaara to avoid critical reviews. There are a number of books available that may be more accurate.
With the thought that this is a novel, I found this book to be very enjoyable. The characterization of Eisenhower, Patten, Rommel, etc are entertaining. The book moves along very well, switching from character veiwpoints. If you enjoy this book, you should move to other more historical accounts of these events such as 'Band of Brothers' by Ambrose.
Book Review: Shaara Has Done It Again! Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished reading "The Steel Wave" and was not at all disappointed. Shaara's writing flows well, and he thankfully skims over the subjects that Hollywood has already hammered into movie-goers heads (Omaha Beach, for example, is covered briefly since every WWII movie made has made it a point to stress it.) What made "The Rising Tide" great, and in turn makes "The Steel Wave" unforgettable, is Mr. Shaara's portrayal of Erwin Rommel. Rommel is one of my favorite characters of the Second World War, but most disregard him for being a Nazi. He was, however, nothing of the sort. His loyalty was always to Germany, never to its fuhrer. Shaara brilliantly captures Rommel's ruthlessness, patriotism, intelligence, and inner struggles that are often overlooked by historians. This book is a must for WWII fans or for anyone who would like to become better acquainted with the people and events in a way that Hollywood could never compete with.
Book Review: Great account of D-Day Summary: 5 Stars
Jeff Shaara has done it again with an excellent account of the World War II D-Day invasion. If you are a history lover this is the book for you. Jeff has a great way of using historical characters in such a realistic manner you will feel you are right there with them as they make their decisions and execute one of the greatest invasions in modern warfare. These are accounts of real men...Eisenhower, Bradley, Montgomery, Rommel, Patton and those soldiers who actually made the landings and parachute drops on that historic day. I was eleven years old at the time of this event, yet I remember so many things about the war and this book brought back many of those memories to life. Jeff has done his home work well and this second book in his World War II Trilogy will not disappoint you. I can hardly wait for number three!
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