The War

An Intimate History: 1941-1945

By: Geoffrey C. Ward, Ken Burns

Narrated by: Ken Burns, Tom Hanks, Josh Lucas, Rebecca Holtz

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Here is the audio companion to the magnificent seven-part PBS series.

The individuals featured in this audiobook are not historians or scholars. They are ordinary men and women who experienced - and helped to win - the most devastating war in history, in which between 50 and 60 million lives were lost.

Focusing on the citizens of four towns - Luverne, Minnesota; Sacramento, California; Waterbury, Connecticut; and Mobile, Alabama - The War follows more than 40 people from 1941 to 1945. Woven largely from their memories, the compelling, unflinching narrative unfolds month by bloody month, with the outcome always in doubt. The iconic events are here, but we also move among prisoners of war, defense workers, and schoolchildren, and families who struggled simply to stay together.

An intimate, profoundly affecting chronicle of the war that shaped our world, The War captures the American experience of World War II through the words and deeds, thoughts and feelings of those who made history on the battlefields and on the home front.

©2007 American Lives Film Project LLC (P)2007 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Amazing about war

There seems to be too many facts to remember. The personal side of WW II resonates a lot better than the facts and figures usually presented. ...though the facts and figures are astounding and makes the gulf war facts and figures look like a drop in the bucket. After the audiobook, I want to watch the series.

Stunning

The soldier bears the burden of carrying out the orders. Their stories tell of the grim reality of the day to day war which is far different than the highlights in the history books. The staggering casualties which are statistics to us now were our brothers and sons. Decisions were made by all sides knowing that they were throwing lives at strategic objectives. Interesting to hear from the soldiers’ point of view.

A great book

If you want to save yourself the 20+ hours in front of the TV watching to PBS series by the same name, but still get the same horrific feelings of the detailed accounts of the second world war, this is the audible pick for you.
My thoughts about WWII and many of my outlooks on today's military have changed since this book. It should be mandatory in any US history class.

Brilliant and respectful

This book is brilliantly written and performed. Ken Burns’ narration is somber and respectful considering the nature of the subject.

Amazing Listen

What made the experience of listening to The War the most enjoyable?

The stories brought to light in this book are amazing. It really puts you in place of the heroes that battled in Germany and the pacific.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The War?

Not to give anything away, but hearing the fate of the soldiers whose letters home they read unfiltered is something I won't forget anytime soon.

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

As they read certain letters or journal entries, other voice actors come in, including Tom Hanks. This really gave personality to the story and made it very enjoyable.

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

Yes, but had to spread it out over several days.

Well worth the listen.

I liked this book, the documentary even the audio book. It brought out some personal emotions inside of me. Having me near to tears. Who would I recommend this book for? To those who would more then be interested in looking up the history of world war 2. I myself being one of those people.

Great Story But Reading Could Have Been Better...

I really liked the story, but the reading of it could have been better. I know it's hard finding a good audiobook reader, but Ken Burns can be a little monotonous at times. I think this would have been better as an audio dramas with sound effects also.

A must listen!

Without reservations, I recommend this book to all the citizens of this great nation. I sincerely believe that after completing this book you will have a new respect for the sacrifices our soldiers and their families made during the World War II.

Complete view of WWII

Most books on WWII are of Europe or the Pacific this didn't go deep into any one unit or issue. "The War" looks at most every aspect of life, from the opening days through the final surrender. This book did not neglect life on the homefront or the African campaigns and it even looks at the idea of PTSD suffered by the greatest generation. If you had to pick one book for someone learning about WWII for the first time I would say this would be an excellent choice.

I'm in awe of that generation

the 1st hand information from those that directly served or where involved overseas truly make you aware of all that was sacrificed and all that should be held sacred because of their sacrifice.