The Miracle of Dunkirk

By: Walter Lord

Narrated by: Jeff Cummings

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

The full inside story of one of the golden moments of World War II.

On May 24, 1940, Hitler's armies were on the brink of a shattering military victory. Only 10 miles away, 400,000 Allied troops were pinned against the coast of Dunkirk. But just 11 days later, 338,000 men had been successfully evacuated to England. How did it happen? Walter Lord's remarkable account of how "the miracle of Dunkirk" came about is based on hundreds of interviews with survivors of all nations who fought among the sand dunes of northern France.

©1982 Walter Lord (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Walter Lord is a master of historical narration, compelling his reader to feel as if he were present...as a participant in the events described." ( The Wall Street Journal)

What a story !

I wish I would have had a map of France in front of me when I listened to the first couple of chapters. but in spite of that failing, I loved the book !

outstanding!

great story and well read. really offers insight into the people, culture, and decision making of the time.

Sold On The Miracle Of Dunkirk

The only reasons I purchased this book were because of the movie about Dunkirk that premieres next month and the book's highest average rating. I wasn't sure what to expect due to the topic. The narrator was lively and "personable" as if relaying a story he new rather than reading and the book itself was exceptionally well written. The book itself was history told through macro and micro perspectives which demonstrated how an incredibly botched withdrawal operation did indeed turn out to be a miracle.

some interesting facts

l have enjoyed listening to this book, it helped highlight some of the terrible things that happened during the evacuation process. showing the issues that had to be resolved, and the lack of control between the British and French.

a compact and excellent book

great story telling! I could not stop listening to this book, exceptionally well written and narrated

Relentless, Tense and inspiring.

All the chapters are 'nail biting'ly powerful. The final chapter got me goosebumps.

Of course, I started this only after watching Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk.

World War 2

Fascinating, hope we never have another world War. So many saved but so many lost too.

Fascinating information

It was always hard to stop listening. So many interesting stories very fascinating! The performer was awesome.

effective Short history

overall to really good short history of the miracle at Dunkirk, pretty good pace and Flow. Goes into a great deal of depth especially with the main characters of the operation. would have liked for them to spend a bit more time on the effects of the evacuation. I would have also like to learn more of how the Nazis absolutely ignored it. rather than knocking out the BEF. WELL WRITTEN INSPIRING!

Book is better than the movie!!

What made the experience of listening to The Miracle of Dunkirk the most enjoyable?

I thought the way the events were detailed was well done. I had seen the preview for the movie and it looked compelling, which is what led me to seek out this book. The book was so fascinating and read as a novel. I was hugely disappointed in the movie because it didn't convey the enormity of this undertaking and left out so much of the humanity involved. This book did not disappoint!

What other book might you compare The Miracle of Dunkirk to and why?

I don't think I've read another book like this.

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

I found his voice entertaining to listen to and I wouldn't be able to read the book while accomplishing other things. I listen to audible books because I fall asleep while reading and I don't have time to just sit down and read.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were so many interesting characters in the book, so no one moment particularly moved me.

Any additional comments?

The Miracle of Dunkirk does justice to the monumental task of the rescue of almost 400,000 men. It is well written and the narrator kept me engrossed. I would HIGHLY recommend this book.