Brothers, Rivals, Victors

Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, and the Partnership That Drove the Allied Conquest in Europe

By: Jonathan W. Jordan

Narrated by: William Hughes

Length: 23 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

The true story of the friendship—and rivalry—among the greatest American generals of World War II

Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower, General George S. Patton, and General Omar N. Bradley engineered the Allied conquest that shattered Hitler’s hold over Europe. But they also shared an intricate web of relationships going back decades. In the cauldron of World War II, they found their prewar friendships complicated by shifting allegiances, jealousy, insecurity, patriotism, and ambition.

Meticulously researched and vividly written, Jonathan W. Jordan’s book recounts the battle for Europe through the eyes of these three legendary generals. For the first time in such detail, the bonds between them are explored, and readers are treated to an insider’s view of life at the summit of raw, violent power. Throughout three years of hard, bloody warfare, Eisenhower, the Alliance’s great diplomat, sought victory in the fighting qualities and tactical genius of his most trusted subordinates, Bradley and Patton. They, in turn, owed their careers to Eisenhower. Yet their friendship would be put to the ultimate test as life-and-death decisions were thrust upon them, and honor and duty conflicted with personal loyalty.

Brothers, Rivals, Victors is drawn from the candid accounts of its main characters and strips away much of the public image of “Ike” (Eisenhower), the “GI’s General” (Bradley), and “Old Blood and Guts” (Patton) to reveal the men behind the legend. Adding richness to this story are the words and observations of a supporting cast of generals, staff officers, secretaries, aides, politicians, and wives, brought together to produce a uniquely intimate account of a relationship that influenced a war. The story of how these three great strategists pulled together to wage the deadliest conflict in history, despite their differences and rivalries, is marvelously told in this eye-opening narrative that is sure to become a classic of military history.

©2011 Jonathan W. Jordan (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A truly compelling narrative…A masterly, exciting study of character and tactics in World War II.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

A very engaging depiction of three great Generals

What did you love best about Brothers, Rivals, Victors?

The way the story is woven

Who was your favorite character and why?

At times I felt in tune with each of them, Ike, Patton, and Bradley

What does William Hughes bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

An articulate and engaging narration.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I enjoyed the novel, intensely.

A Must….

This is a remarkable book, so well written and composed together. I will always treasure this, as it taught me so much. It was always very easy to love General Patton for how he fought. Now I love him even more because of the brilliant way he saw politics. For the dirty games it involves, and the bs the man had to endure. His political views are completely in agreement with how I feel, and how I now see have ruined this once great Country.
I never knew Bradley had hated Patton so badly until I listened to this book. I was happy that his views of him lightened after his work in the ETO. Bradley was indeed a fine man.
Eisenhower remained a great mind for holding the alliance with the US and the UK. Even though he should have canned Monty for Alexander. I believe his German heritage led him to be more harsh with the Germans after defeating them. In this case, thank god above for General George C Marshall. A brilliant book in every way…

Go, Learn things.

I thought I knew Ike, Bradley and Patton. This book goes well beyond surface knowledge. There they are, warts and all.

The Big Picture while getting to the Heart of it

This a real full length feature. Any history person will be better read after this one. I thought I knew a good deal of the ETO. This brings it to life.

Great study of characters and deeds

Although no major learnings for me in regards of the war and the events in the african and european theatre, it is a highly recommendable book which defines the characters of the three generals very clearly and entertainingly as well. It is a matter of personal preference but my respect for Patton - being the most complex character of the three - rose the most. Besides of his extraordinary accomplishments in warfare and leadership it was always a great amusement to hear what he had to say in his very special way of expressing his thoughts - not at least when it came to Montgomery. Patton was likely more accepted and respected by his war enemies than by his brothers in arms. I also liked the narrating - very good voice, reading style and sound set up.

Excellent narrative history of American military command the audio narration was terrific.

The audio is terrific, an excellent narrator. The author provides superb characterization of the three Generals and their experiences during the war. I only wish there had been more in-depth analysis of military developments. But a worthy read for history buffs.

Wonderful History

This work will not only entertain but will absolutlley reshape how many viewed these men & especially their relationship. GREAT WORK!

A nice view of the American effort in war

Presents the war from the Great Man perspective of history. Although there seems to be some bias it is accompanied by an effort to be objective.

Insightful and Enlightening

This is a terrific book. It does a superb job of tracking the efforts and relationships among Eisenhower, Patton and Bradley throughout WW II as well as covering the before and after. It also does a fine job of showing how their personalities, beliefs and positions affected their relationships. It is fair to all three of the major protagaonists. Even when they are at odds with one another, you understand where each of them is coming from. I knew virtually no military history before listening and found some of that a little hard to follow, but that did not impair my enjoyment or abilty to follow what the book is really telling us about these three intriguing military leaders. It is well written and well read.

A great history lesson! I learned a lot.

What made the experience of listening to Brothers, Rivals, Victors the most enjoyable?

It was great to hear about the European front of WW2 from the writing of some of our finest military leaders. You don't know how fragile the egos of these men really were until you hear it from their own writings. We tend to forget that as good a leaders they were, they were still human and human flaws and frailty.

Which scene was your favorite?

The British finally being made to look like the disrespectful, glory hounds that they were. They always wanted to be in the position to receive the glory and tried to minimize the American involvement when if it wasn't for the Americans, Britain would have ceased to exist!