The Savage Storm
The Brutal Battle for Italy 1943
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The Savage Storm
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Narrated by:
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Al Murray
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By:
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James Holland
About this listen
Brought to you by Penguin.
This is World War 2 in microcosm told through the brutal story of the most pivotal campaign the Allies were to fight by one of the UK's most acclaimed and bestselling historians
From the bestselling author of Brothers in Arms comes the story of the most pivotal Allies campaign of World War II.
With the invasion of France the following year taking shape, and hot on the heels of victory in Sicily, the Allies crossed into Southern Italy in September 1943. They expected to drive the Axis forces north and be in Rome by Christmas. And although Italy surrendered, the German forces resisted fiercely and the swift hoped-for victory descended into one of the most brutal battles of the war.
Even though shipping and materiel were already being safeguarded for the D-Day landings, there were still huge expectations on the progress of the invading armies, but those shortages were to slow the advance with tragic consequences. As the weather closed in, the critical months leading up to Monte Cassino would inflict a heavy price for every bloody, hard fought mile the Allied troops covered.
Chronicling those dark, dramatic months in unflinching and insightful detail, The Savage Storm is unlike any campaign history yet written. James Holland has always recounted the Second World War at ground level, but this version telling brings the story vividly to life like never before. Weaving together a wealth of letters, diaries, and other incredible documents, Holland traces the battles as they were fought - across plains, over mountains, through shattered villages and cities, in intense heat and, towards the end, frigid cold and relentless rain - putting readers at the heart of the action to create an entirely fresh and revealing telling of this most pivotal phase of the war.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2023 Griffon Merlin Ltd (P)2023 Penguin AudioCritic Reviews
'Impeccably researched and superbly written' Observer
'Holland has something new to say.... Filled with insight and detail' Neil Oliver
'James Holland is the best of the new generation of WW2 historians' Sebastian Faulks
What listeners say about The Savage Storm
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Gill78
- 26-05-2024
a great book
a great account from James from what seems a lot of research. a great listen
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 17-01-2024
The immersive nature the author creates
James has a nack as an author of creating that almost dreamstate and helping the words of very real people come to life in such a way as is usually only felt in fiction. As he stated at the end, these characters, very real and gone long ago, seem to come back to life in a way that has one caring for their outcome, and his writing compliments their own words portrays it all to the audience brilliantly. From the Sherwood Rangers push on d-day to the 5th army across the boot of italy, i feel like i knew these people and cared for them. And as a descendent of one of original "Rats of Tobruk" with a keen interest in the 2nd world war, it is always nice to listen to tales written as they were, thoughtfully and respectfully yet realistically. Bravo.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- A Descendant of Scotsmen
- 28-11-2023
James Holland delivers again ✅
Spike Milligan’s humours accounts of his part in WW2 took a serious turn when he became a combat stress casualty of the Italian campaign- reading Savage Storm sheds lights on the intense difficulties the armies - and populace faced. Excellent read.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Bilbobaggins
- 02-01-2024
Human tragedy delivered in James Holland’s inimitable style
James Holland has an engaging writing style that delves deep into the human story of WW2. Whilst he also analyses strategy and the political picture, the material is not a dull account of these. His style is balanced and the individuals involved are at the very heart of the narrative. It’s impossible to not understand the strategic why’s and the how’s, but what’s important is the impact on humanity and James Holland gets it.
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