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)

Atrociously written

I usually enjoy books about World War Two, and having read biographies of Eisenhower and Patton, was looking forward to listening to this. But Jordan's writing displays all the worst characteristics of an amateur attempting to apply cliched rules about colorful writing. Which means that a grin has to be sheepish, eyes to twinkle, etc. I finally gave up at minute 26, shortly after hearing Eisenhower described as "instinctively likable." Whose instinct? Eisenhower's? Other peoples'? Think about it a minute and you'll realize that this is an example of a writer grabbing a readily available adjective without considering its meaning. Jordan tells us that "The Army wanted Eisenhower to stay in the States and train men." The Army did, eh? Was this before or after the Army wanted a BLT for lunch? Coming after books by Max Hastings and Andrew Roberts--who actually know how to write vivid and correct prose--this book seemed like Wonder Bread after crusty and flavorful sourdough. Yuck.

The best tri-hero book in years!!

This is the BEST, and only (for my knowledge), book to speak in great detail about three of this country's most important figures of WWII. If you're a fan of WWII, and/or a fan of any of these great men, this book is an absolute must. The narrator is superb, which is a rarity. The author did his homework on these people, gathering comments from many sources. I highly recommend.

Awesome

If one of your heroes are Patton, Eisenhower or Bradley, you will love this book. The behind the scenes info revealed in this book really gives you an idea of the stress Eisenhower was under, his strained but affectionate relationship with Patton and his deep respect for Bradley. Time is fairly well split between all 3 men, but Ike & Patton do get a little more attention than Bradley, primarily beacause they knew each other longer and better. In fact, in the 1920's they could be considered best friends. I can't imagine the hours, probably measured in years, that the author put into this book. I learned a lot and was greatly impressed. Please note that it is not a complete history of the war, but a look at each mans daily life with insight as to what drove their decisions. Highly recommended to the WWII buff....but might bore the casual listener.

A well researched document with no revelations.

There is nothing much new revealed in any of this exhausting book. Everyone know Patton was a prima donna, this confirms it. Likewise Bradley is not very interesting; he's a damn good soldier. The only 'news' is how intertwined the 3 soldier's lives were before the war.
If there is anything new; it is that Ike was human and was overwhelmed, on occasion, by the magnitude of his responsibility as Supreme Allied Commander. This would be a much more readable effort if reduced by about 2/3.

good, but

Every chapter, and really the whole book, is one story. George writing to his diary that ike and Omar are cowards and can't lead, Ike telling someone how frustrating george is, but that he is a great general and worth keeping, and Omar loving Ike and being frustrated with patton. Its good reading, lots of stuff from original documents (diaries, transcripts) that definitely brings the reader into the minds of these leaders, and gives you an appreciation for the thoughts of the leaders of the war, but its not like things changed all that much over the period covered.

Bad history but interesting perspective

If you can get past the repetitive and gossipy first few chapters the story takes off with Overlord. Historical facts tend to drift apart but the multiple hagiographic slant is at least entertaining enough to keep listening while wishing there was a better and less melodramatic coverage of these three courageous personalities.

Great

This audiobook was so good I hated for it to end. It summed up three great American's strengths, fears, weaknesses, and their greatest victory. I recommend this to anyone interested in the War in Europe, or leadership.

Wonderful History

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

WWII Generals - Up close and personal

A terrific book detailing the early personal relationship between Ike and Patton, the later personal relationship between Bradley and Ike, Bradley and Patton, the African campaign, and the European theater's operations. Drawn from scores of diary entries, personal conversations, the book gives a personal description the pre-war lives of each, of the time in North Africa, of the Sicilian campaign, of the Normandy invasion without Patton, of Bradley's Cobra push using Patton, and of crossing of the Rhine with unbelievable infighting among the allied generals, including especially Monty. What a complex love-hate-love-despise-admire-denigrate-on again-off again-on again relationship among these three (and other minor characters in this book, e.g. Montgomery, Smith, Hodges, Churchill, Roosevelt, et al.). Personal spats, tirades against one another, two against one, then a different two against the other one. The book gets a little tedious with the hammering on Patton's ego, and may make a few points a couple times too many, but what an insight into the personal relationships and into the personal experience of each of these generals in theater.

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…

A must read for youth

One of the reviews says there's nothing new, nothing revealing in this book. I don't think that's the point. It's about the interaction between the three of these leaders and how this shapes conversations, interactions, and ultimately rationales for decisions and dynamics with other leaders in the European Theater of WWII. Their personal traits, competencies and flaws (which we're all familiar with) are placed in context of big events during the war, And the author does that in a magnificent way. We know Eisenhower, we certainly know about Patton, but there are not a whole lotta books about "Brad" and I enjoyed getting to know him better.

For me, this was one of the best books I've listened to about military dynamics in de second WW and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe the chapter(s) about operation Market Garden was a bit too short in comparison with the Africa Campaign or the Ardennes but that's about all the criticism I could think of.

The narrator too, was perfect for me as a European being non-native in English. Engaging, easy to listen to and entertaining (for as far as war can be entertaining).