The Second World War: Alone

By: Sir Winston Churchill

Narrated by: Christian Rodska

Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

"After the first forty days we were alone," writes Churchill. This edition is part two of Churchill's own abridgement of his original six-volume history of the Second World War.

Please note: This book was originally published in six volumes:

1. The Gathering Storm
2. Their Finest Hour
3. The Grand Alliance
4. The Hinge of Fate
5. Closing the Ring
6. Triumph and Tragedy

Churchill then condensed these into four volumes, which have since been released as one, rather hefty, publication. This is an unabridged recording of Churchill's condensed volume, broken up into four parts, as follows:

1. Milestone to Disaster
2. Alone
3. The Grand Alliance
4. Triumph and Tragedy

©2008 The Estate of Winston Churchill (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Succinct it most definitely isn't, but then if your legendary bulldog-breed leadership had won the war you'd probably take your time about it. It was originally published in six volumes (now you see why Norman Stone is the lick), but Churchill himself abridged it to four, each lasting around 10 hours. I meant to get Volume 1, but never mind - I'm riveted by events between March 1940 and July 1941, especially Hitler's detailed plans to invade Britain by laying a narrow corridor of mines under the Channel. Though without Christian Rodska's wonderful voice - dare one say it's better than Churchill's - I might just have dozed off during the statistical bits."( The Guardian)

Great Book

narrator is great. couldn't stop listening to the book. great job by the narrator for bringing the book to life.

It's classic Churchill

What did you love best about The Second World War: Alone?

Churchill seems to be candid and honest about his war years.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Second World War: Alone?

Churchill's discussion about the aftermath of the abandoning of France. This was not a decision taken lightly. It's easy to see that these events bothered Churchill even years after the war....perhaps more than at the time. This was not the punchline to a joke and we can only be thankful that our country is across the Atlantic Ocean. We waited until the last moment before helping and of course Pearl Harbor before engaging the enemy.

Which character – as performed by Christian Rodska – was your favorite?

Listening to Rodska seems to be listening to Churchill. The same voice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

There is a lot of activity in this book. I will certainly re-listen to it perhaps a number of times

Any additional comments?

I will be buying all of the volumns in this history.

Excellent

No wonder he received the Nobel prize for these books. Absolutely emerging and totally enjoyable and above all informative. Highly recommended.

Fabulous piece of history

I found this book to be fascinating. To hear the accounts of one of history's greatest wars from the mouth of the most influential leader of the Allied forces was incredible. It was amazing to hear first-hand acounts of some of the war's greatest decision-making meetings. The narrator sounded like Churchill himself. The book moved quickly and did not bog down in details.

History from a man who was there

I wasn't sure about this one

I thought it would be the self aggrandising thoughts of an Edwardian gentleman read by an impersonator.

In truth this fascinating throughout. Here we have the views, as seen through the prism of time, of the Man who led the free world, at least for some of his story. Some of it - the invasion of Greece- reads to me a little as if it is a little self exculpatory, but the rest, let's say most of it, is just great.

thank you for a wonderful listen. Sad to say I would never have had "the time" to sit down with this book

Tiring read, but good content

Please be aware that I pretty much read this book straight through. So, I'm a bit tired of listening to Churchill. I really couldn't stopped listening because it's from first hand from Churchill and the way he wrote this series is pure genus because there is a lot of details, but not so much that you will get overwhelm. I'm looking forward at completing the series. .

A Triumphant Look into a Terrible Time

The second volume in Winston Churchill’s history of World War II focuses on the time period after France had fallen to the German invasion until the entrance of the United States into the conflict. It was a hard time for the British people. Their nation was the only free European country actively opposing Hitler’s scheme of domination. For this, Germany turned its full strength upon the island and brought Britain to its darkest hour. This volume is a testimony to the unconquerable spirit the British had in the face of a merciless enemy.

In a few short years, Germany had gone from a struggling bankrupt nation into a war machine that controlled nearly half of all Europe. After all the missteps that the European leaders took – which Churchill relates in Milestones to Disaster – the British army finds themselves in Occupied France facing complete destruction. Alone begins with the account of the unbelievable escape accomplished at Dunkirk – the largest marine transportation event in the history of the world at that point. Thousands of ships, many civilian, saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of men.

After this miraculous feat of logistics and sheer will, Britain is isolated on their little island home. They know that Hitler will come to destroy his final opposition. Churchill, in amazing detail and frankness, reveals how England steeled themselves for the onslaught. Massive defense measures of every town went into action. Every port was mined and patrolled. Every able bodied citizen was assigned a war duty task such as fire watch, food supply, child care. The Royal Air Force was called upon to keep constant vigil in the air while the Royal Navy swept the seas and harbors. At no time has there been a country more single-minded in its effort for defense. The delightful shores of Albion became a bulwark.

Through this and the Battle of Britain to come, Churchill rallied the people with his speeches. Never for a minute was surrender considered an option. Optimism and perseverance was always the tone. The strength of this history is the resolve of the people of Britain to overcome. Hardships came in droves, but they survived. A fictional account would only ring hollow. This true story gives the reader iron in his spirit to face the evil of their own time.

In the end, we know they came through. With dreadful losses, England lasted until the world could rally. Their determination probably saved the future of freedom. You should read of the debt we owe to this brave people whose lives shone in what was “their finest hour.”

Audible listeners: Christian Rodska is excellent! His tone throughout what could have been a boring history is full of life and pathos.

7.5 stars out of 10

Great audiobook

This author has written some really awesome history books. It's a shame he's not better known!

Differences

I've read the book and can tell you. it's a lot easier to listen to than to read .

walking in his footsteps

the narration and unique writing style make you feel like a fly on the wall as you listen to Churchill plot the downfall of hitler.