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At All Costs  By  cover art

At All Costs

By: Sam Moses
Narrated by: Michael Prichard
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Editorial reviews

Exploding torpedoes, diving German bombers, and ships' holds full of aviation fuel waiting to explode couldn't offer better suspense and action to lovers of thrillers. Informative flashbacks and detailed descriptions of characters will keep listeners glued to every word when the action wanes. Michael Prichard's ability with dry wit matches the author's style. You can sense his smile as he describes the fiery British General Montgomery. Prichard uses a repertoire of voices for the characters, adding a wonderful richness to the story he tells. Although his foreign accents sound a little corny, they add to the entertainment and help listeners keep track of which side of WWII the speaker belongs to. Anyone who thinks history is a dry subject hasn't heard this audiobook.

Publisher's summary

In this astonishing, untold account of heroism and history, two American Merchant Mariners board a burning and sinking ship in the Mediterranean change the course of World War II.

In 1942, the small Mediterranean island of Malta was the most heavily bombed place on earth. Its submarine and air attacks on Axis supply convoys were all that kept Rommel from marching across North Africa to take the oil in Iran and Iraq for Hitler. But Malta was out of fuel, down to its final days. Operation Pedestal was Malta's last hope, a giant convoy with more that 50 warships escorting 13 freighters and one life-or-death tanker, the SS Ohio, carrying 103,000 barrels of oil from Texas. It was bombed, torpedoed, and abandoned.

Two American Merchant Mariners, Frederick Larsen and Francis Dales, whose own freighters had sunk in towering flames along with eight others, boarded the Ohio. They repaired the guns and fought the Axis dive-bombers for two days as the sinking tanker was towed by destroyers. Malta was saved, Rommel was turned back, and the Allies started to turn the tide of war.

At All Costs is a gripping story reported in grand historic fashion. It is a tale of unimaginable personal courage and indomitable determination.

©2006 Sam Moses (P)2006 Tantor Media, Inc.
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic reviews

"A historical footnote provides a riveting tale of true American grit during World War II." (Kirkus)

What listeners say about At All Costs

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Malta annd WWII

From the description I thought it was a story of two American heroes and it seemed to start out that way but it was actually a story of how important Malta was during WWII. I have read a lot of WWII history but for some reason I never noticed the importance of Malta. Now I notice many references to Malta as I read other histories. The book intermingled common seamen and large historical figures and events. It also impressed on how the people of Malta withstood more bombs than fell on London during the same period of time. This was really an eye opener for me and very enjoyable.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic novel

This tale of WWII heroism is riveting. A must read for all lovers of war history.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

OUTSTANDING WW2 BOOK

Incredible story! Great narration. Kept us on the edge of our seats even well knowing the outcome.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

A spellbinding story

If you are a fan of WWII books this one provides insight into a liitle known but crucial part of the history of one of the key events that made D-Day possible. An inspring story of the relentless bravery of men at war.

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5 people found this helpful

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forever a favorite

I love stories like this throughout history and this is well told and well narrated!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating

While I'm sure the Maltese and a good many of the British public are aware of this great event, Americans, even history buffs like me know little or nothing of it.

The storyline is woven together very well. It is difficult to piece together a comprehensive report when each of the sources has their own perception of events. Our author did a great job of putting it together and sharing some opposing information without betting bogged down into too much detail. I also appreciate the factual accounts of events. Too many authors fabricate "atmosphere" that they could not know. There was plenty of action and pathos in the real thing.

The narrator played it just right.

I highly recommend to history buffs, visitors to Malta, and anyone who wants a glimpse of the real world in 1942.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Thee guys went through hell!

Unbelievable story. This book really makes you appreciate what the Greatest Generation went through.

I never knew life was so difficult in the merchant marine.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Unreal story, couldn’t stop

This is an amazing true story of the heroism it took to stop the Axis from having unfettered access to oil by controlling the Suez Canal. That would have happened had Malta fallen.

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