1944

FDR and the Year That Changed History

By: Jay Winik

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

The year 1944, which determined the outcome of World War II and put intense pressure on the ailing yet determined President Roosevelt, is brought to vivid life in “gripping” (The New York Times Book Review) detail in this New York Times bestseller.

1944 was a year that could have stymied the Allies and cemented Hitler’s waning power. Instead, it saved those democracies—but with a fateful cost. Now, in a “complex history rendered with great color and sympathy” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), Jay Winik captures the epic images and extraordinary history “with cinematic force” (Time).

1944 witnessed a series of titanic events: FDR at the pinnacle of his wartime leadership as well as his reelection, the unprecedented D-Day invasion, the liberation of Paris, and the tumultuous conferences that finally shaped the coming peace. But millions of lives were at stake as President Roosevelt learned about Hitler’s Final Solution. Just as the Allies were landing in Normandy, the Nazis were accelerating the killing of millions of European Jews. Winik shows how escalating pressures fell on an infirm Roosevelt, who faced a momentous decision. Was winning the war the best way to rescue the Jews? Or would it get in the way of defeating Hitler? In a year when even the most audacious undertakings were within the world’s reach, one challenge—saving Europe’s Jews—seemed to remain beyond Roosevelt’s grasp.

“This dramatic account highlights what too often has been glossed over—that as nobly as the Greatest Generation fought under FDR’s command, America could well have done more to thwart Nazi aggression” (The Boston Globe). Destined to take its place as one of the great works of World War II, 1944 is the first book to retell these events with moral clarity and a moving appreciation of the extraordinary actions of many extraordinary leaders.

Incomplete

More about what was happening in China, the Pacific and SE Asia would help provide background for Roosevelt's decisions.

A good but tearful read

Make no doubt but this story is one of the holocaust. Throughout the book their are parts of WW11 history that focus on FDR’s handling of the holocaust mainly citing missed opportunities. He is pretty harsh on Roosevelt in my opinion. Narration was superb.

I learned and I cried

Great listen. gave a clear sense of many perspectives. it also gave a clear caution to not repeat history with our present state and reinforce the clear need and reinforce the clear need for the first in 2nd amendment of the US Constitution

Excellent book!

Highly recommend for anyone interested in this topic. The book reads like a story. It keeps you pushing for more. You will enjoy this and the reader does a fab job.

Conscious Raising

For a 1946 Boomer Baby who often reflects on WW II & it's impact on our world today, Mr. Winik has given me greater depth to my thinking.