The Lieutenants

Brotherhood of War, Book 1

By: W. E. B. Griffin

Narrated by: Eric G. Dove

Length: 13 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

They were the young ones, the bright ones, the ones with the dreams. From the Nazi-prowled wastes of North Africa to the bloody corridors of Europe, they honorably answered the call. War - it was their duty, their job, their life. They marched off as boys and they came back - those who made it - as soldiers and professionals forged in the heat of battle....

©1986 W.E.B. Griffin (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“An American epic.” (Tom Clancy)

Thought this was only for Dad

I bought all of these books for my father as birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, and father's day gifts. These were my father's books. I am happy that we can now share the same stories. Dove's narrative is supreme. Griffin's story is even better.

Its about time!!!

I love this series. I have been hoping the early ones would finally appear. My problem is now I am waiting for The Captains. The early Corp books would also make great additions. These are stories I happily read/listen to more than once.

Good Book but not for Kids

Any additional comments?

People may think that I am being prude in saying this but can we not curtail the language? This has good history content, good story line, but I would not be able to have my younger daughter listen to this book due to obsessive language. I believe we can have integrity in writing while allowing the story to dictate instead of the shock of words.

Left me feeling unclean

Let start by admitting that I am a naval officer, albeit of a nation other than the US.

For me, the characters of this story displayed an elitism and arrogance that was disturbing. These traits, coupled with racism and a sense of entitlement paint a disturbing picture of the US officer corps in late WWII and the decade afterword. I'm hoping that, as a work of fiction, the author has it wrong, but knowing human nature, he is probably right on the mark.

The story itself is well crafted and held my interest. The characters are interesting, but I don't think there's a single one I would like to personally know. They are too self serving.

For those seeking an action oriented novel, look elsewhere. This book is about the politics and social structure of the officer corps. It is a good read though, and I will continue the series.

just learn to pronounce German words

Would you consider the audio edition of The Lieutenants to be better than the print version?

YES! The one exception is the narrators inability to pronounce German words.
I spent 7 years in Germany and learned the language in self defense. German in-laws!
It hurts my ears to hear "fur-line" when referring to a young lady. YIKES!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Having read the book some 15 plus years ago I had forgotten much of the story. I am real enjoying the "re telling"

Did Eric G. Dove do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

other than the poor German, he is doing an excellent job.

There were good Nazis too

If you could sum up The Lieutenants in three words, what would they be?

An engaging story, with likable characters, and lots of details on WW II and army life. OK, that's more than 3 words.

What did you like best about this story?

It was like a big satisfying meal - lots of detail, lots of content, I wanted to know what would happen next.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Eric G. Dove?

Anybody. Biggest problem was his silly sounding accents. The Germans were indistinguishable from the Russians, and the "hoity-toity" upper class Yanks were embarrassing. Not knowing how to pronounce the formerly Jewish section of Newark called Weequahic is maybe understandable, but calling Port Said "Port Sed" is pretty silly.

Love the entire series

The entire series is well written and historically accurate. Griffin is a master of the military novel. Unfortunately, my enjoyment was marred by the narrator's butchery of German names, places and phrases.

It would have been a full five stars, but for the pronunciation.

Incredible

I initially read this book in 1986, I didn’t know much about the military at that time. Although the novel is fiction it really emerges you into military culture. Granted the life is romanticized it carried me back to when I was a Lieutenant fresh from OCS and the band of my brothers. 34 years later I still love this book and I am going to complete the series one more time

interesting

I really enjoyed the story all the way through the war and into the peace time afterwards

Another Classic

I am a huge fan of WEB Griffin and was particular to The Corps series but this one was quite well done. Can’t wait to start book 2.