Just couldn't f finish this one. I managed to page 160 or so before the weight of tall stories and things that just didn't add up got the better of meJust couldn't f finish this one. I managed to page 160 or so before the weight of tall stories and things that just didn't add up got the better of me and I just had to stop. Things might have been better if there'd been a bit of due diligence or commentary on the part of the author, or if there'd been some contextualization or inclusion of Echo Company in the book. ...more
If I'd wanted a to watch Saving Private Ryan, I'd be watching the TV right now...
OK, the good...
there were some nuggets of gold in there, especially oIf I'd wanted a to watch Saving Private Ryan, I'd be watching the TV right now...
OK, the good...
there were some nuggets of gold in there, especially once the fight gets off the beach. It's all pretty well written, and engaging enough but....
the not so good
I think the decision to focus on just the one division doesn't do the story any favours. If you can get past the eye-rolling introduction (go 'Murica!!!) you might stand a chance but you'll be hit with a series of identical stories for most of the rest of the book.
Additionally, these stories are it - there's precious little commentary, so although you're kept fully informed of the First's shingle shifting, there's no context of anything happening elsewhere, giving the impression that the Big Red One did all the work. The book constantly tells you exactly which type of weapon felled a man (I very much doubt it, given the life or death struggle to get off the sand that was going on) and some odd suppositions, like this one:
With fire support from a machine gun, and possibly the destroyer USS Doyle, Mansfield’s squad went forward into the trees and captured some fifteen prisoners.
You might not be able to tell what calibre was coming in, but I'm sure you'd be aware if you had naval gunfire in support. Although Doyle wasn't on divisional strength, so....
There are also a number of curious omissions or grey areas - a lot of suppositions and perhaps, which is perhaps understandable given the confusion of the day, but it does jar with the absolute certainty of the author in believing every veteran's story (although the contradictions that spring up are interesting in themselves).
Overall, it's good on the events of the day, but light on background any and non-existent on the wider context, either of Omaha beach, or the landings in general. For me it's further confirmation that D-Day has to be looked at as a day rather than separate beachheads. ...more